Getting ready for the Holidays

Thanksgiving is two days away.  How does the holiday season creep up on us so quickly?

But I'm ready for it.  The turkey is in the fridge. I went shopping and bought all the fixin's:  potatos, gravy, peas, rolls.... and I have some of my very own summer squash in the freezer from my garden.  Cranberry sauce, pickles...   Mom will bake the pies.  We are ready.  Bring it on!

But I realized this morning that I may not be as ready as I thought. Because until this morning, I haven't stopped to really think about what I am thankful for, and after all, isn't that what it is all about?

I am thankful that Daryl and I  have jobs in this crazy economy. 

I am thankful that my children are happy and are building their own lives and families.

I am thankful that my mother continues to have good health in her later years.

I am thankful we have a home that is comfortable and warm in the winter.

I am thankful that my husband and I are friends as well as lovers.

I am thankful that I am able to have a hobby that I can create fun and wonderful things.

I am thankful that we have friendly neighbors.


Hugs ~~

Happy Thanksgiving ~~

Today I am cooking the traditional turkey dinner, as I have done for the past 28 years. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy..... the works.

The only difference this year is that only my mother and husband will be here to eat it! And after so many years with a hectic holiday, I think I may enjoy the slower paced, quiet dinner.

I am truly thankful that my children have grown up to be productive, self sufficient and caring people. And I am quite proud of them all! And each one so different from the other, it is a wonder they were all raised in the same home. But I can see that each one have grown into wonderful, caring adults and it warms my heart.

I will miss them this holiday, but will be thinking of them all day long.

And just to add some humor in the midst of all seriousness... my wonderful, single, living alone, 22 year old son called several times yesterday.

First Call: " I don't have a roasting pan.. how can I cook a turkey?" - Oh, your cooking a turkey?? (I almost died) "Yeah, we get a free one at work". Very nice, just go get an inexpensive aluminum pan.

Second Call: "How do you cook a turkey?" I went through the steps... cleaning it, taking out the bags of 'stuff', preparing it, etc. "That's too much work! What if I just......?"

About 2 hours later:

Third Call: "How do you defrost a frozen turkey quickly?" Ha! you don't have it defrosted? "No, I just went out and got it..... "

I will check in during the day with him today to see how it all turned out, but I am sure that he will find a way to make it work.


And here are some pictures taken from my dining room window for your pleasure. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!