Simple

Lately I've been rereading The Shelters of Stone by Jean Auel. Grant first made the criticism about The Mammoth Hunters, but it still holds true: the Cro-Magnon people in the books seem like suburban yuppies with a strange predilection for living in caves. They (and Roxie's comment yesterday) do make me think about some of the luxuries I take for granted. In keeping with the holiday I plan to devote extra time to them this week.

So today I am thankful for:

• Clean running water. Have you ever considered how heavy water is? A short hike with a water bottle is enough to convince me that hauling my own would be way too much work.
  
• Water heaters. I've lived without hot showers for a week or two. You'll never get me to vacation anywhere that doesn't have them.
  
• And, of course, the modern flush toilet. Thomas Crapper (yes, really), we owe you.