As sad as I am that our youngest son Daniel won’t be with us this year for Thanksgiving, his first for not being with us for at least part of the day, I’m happy that he and Jess are having a fun trip to Ireland with Jess’ family. I’m grateful that if we can’t have Daniel and Jess, at least we have Pablo with us for his first Thanksgiving in our family. I suspect that if he could talk, he’d express his gratitude to Daniel and Jess for adopting him. 😀

Joseph and Julie arrived at our house yesterday morning, and once again our home is filled with the energy of youth. As children grow up and leave the nest, holidays become all the sweeter with their return visits home. I had no idea that having adult children would be so fun, but it is truly amazing.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, I juggled my time between clients with cooking and preparing foods for this afternoon’s dinner. The table is set and only the bird needs some TLC before I pop him into the oven until he reaches that golden tan that I can only dream of these days. 😉

 

Our Cruiser friends will start gathering at our house at 7:30 AM for a quick walk to the start of the local turkey trot that we’ve been running for years. After the race, we’ll return to our home for our annual brunch while celebrating another year of friendship.

Later in the afternoon when the turkey is done, we will feast on the usuals – cranberries, sweet potato casserole, dressing, tossed salad, bread, and my world famous smoked gouda and bacon mac ‘n cheese – a recipe that I found online. At our table, even the turkey takes a back seat to this magical mac ‘n cheese. I’m grateful that my friend Janet volunteers to bring an antipasto platter and homemade pies each year.

I have always loved Thanksgiving and yet as busy as I become trying to make everything perfect, I try to remember that Thanksgiving is a time to…

  • Reflect and be grateful
  • Gather with family
  • Enjoy fall’s bounty
  • Relax before the pressure of the upcoming holiday season hits

 

I am indeed ever grateful for my many blessings.

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

  • Questions:
  • What are you grateful for this Thanksgiving?
  • How are you celebrating Thanksgiving, and what are your favorite Thanksgiving memories?
  • Did you run in a turkey trot this morning or last weekend?