Complaining is easy. Stepping back and appreciating how good things really are – that takes a little more effort. But it’s so worth it. Here’s a bunch of Amherst stuff I’m giving thanks for this year:

The bell at St. Brigid’s. Especially at noon time.

The police checking to make sure downtown shop doors are locked at night. So quaint!

Those breathtaking views to the east, particularly from South Pleasant, North East and South East Streets.

The great benches all over downtown.

Amherst Brewing Company. Ahh, that Smoked Porter...

Bill. I like seeing him around town doing his thing, and I like knowing a lot of people are looking out for him.

The sunwheel. Science, history, art and more, all rolled into one.

The GIS stuff on the Town’s web site. Totally fascinating.

Clark House. Perfect location, beautifully maintained, great people. I want to put my name on the waiting list now.

Our bounty of excellent coffee options.

The APC in the lobby of the University Drive Post Office. Available 24-hours. How cool is that? (If you don't know what it is, then you obviously don't mail enough stuff.)

The waterfall at Puffer's Pond.

That little alley next to Antonio’s, and how people wait at the end for you to go through – no one ever tries to pass in the opposite direction.

The letters and commentaries in the Bulletin. Our neighbors share their thoughts generously and eloquently.

Finding myself in complete agreement with someone whose views I typically oppose. You just never know.

West Cemetery. I love seeing the stones of people and families for whom so many local streets are named.

The hulking C-5s passing overhead, going to or from Westover.

That the cinema building was renovated instead of knocked down.

The view from the UMass library.

Our public art. We have murals and mosaics, grand and small, all over the place. And is anything more charming than the poet silhouettes on Main Street?

The bowl of water Footwear Den puts out for dogs every day.

The emus and llamas and other creatures Old McDonald never dreamed of, gracing local farms.

The gorgeous building that is our Town Hall.

Seeing the distinctive profile of Mount Norwottuck.

The tunnel that goes under Massachusetts Avenue and into Southwest on the UMass campus. It almost makes me want to take up skateboarding. Almost.

All the museums that I still haven’t been to yet – but I will!

Bueno Y Sano. Every week. Sometimes twice.

The great diversity of personalities that define this town.

For all these reasons and more, I am thankful to live in Amherst.

-- Stephanie O’Keeffe