I've been the official editor of Bowie Patch for almost three months, and in the past several weeks, as I've gotten to know this fair city, I am thankful for so much. To save you a little reading time, I've narrowed the list down to five of the things I appreciate most about Bowie. 

1. Your incredibly helpful and competent city staff. City of Bowie Communications Coordinator Una Cooper has not failed to answer any one of my questions about Bowie (and there have been many), and she even provided me with a map of the city and gave me a tour of city hall and introduced me to all the staff. City Manager David Deutsch has an amazing about of historical knowledge about the way the city of Bowie runs and he even takes my calls. Una, David and countless others make me the envy of my colleagues (or at least they should.)
2. My warm welcome. Bowie has welcomed me with open arms. From the many of you who have trusted Bowie Patch enough to send in news tips and start blogs on the site, to the greetings and words of thanks and encouragement I receive while working in Panera, to the amazing City Council members that reach out and meet with me whenever I ask—you have made me feel right at home.
3. The Free Wi-Fi at T.J. Elliott's. Don't get me wrong, I love working in Panera and Starbucks at the Bowie Town Center, but sometimes it's nice to have a slice of pizza while I work as opposed to soup, salad or a sandwich. And, man, is their pizza good!
4. Your engaged and active City Council. You may not realize this, Bowie, but your City Council really is something else. Council member Isaac Trouth donated his salary to refurbish an elementary school playground, Mayor Pro Tem Diane Polangin drove seniors to the Bowie Library for early voting, nearly the full Council and the mayor were present for the grand opening of the South Bowie Library. These people care about your city and are always willing to talk to me and share information. That makes my job so much easier. And, it's inspiring to boot. 
5. You. Yes, you! I am incredibly grateful for every single one of you, Bowie Patch's dedicated readers, newsletter subscribers, Twitter followers and Facebook friends. I say this all the time, but Bowie is filled with the absolute best people and I get to meet and talk to you guys and learn your stories everyday. I've been lucky enough to meet these two hilarious guys that are working to get their mystery novel published, this inspiring woman with a real passion for children's fitness, this woman who has devoted her retirement to working for the rights of seniors and I got to interview a local author who has since become one of my favorite writers and a Bowie Patch blogger. I got to learn the story of another Bowie Patch blogger and how she started her small business, to say nothing of the many other bloggers who regularly share little pieces of their lives with me and with you. 

So, thank you Bowie, for making my job so awesome. Have a happy holiday.