Come ye thankful people come.

Originally, we thought Doug's family was coming here for Thanksgiving. That was way back when I started to work on the kitchen. Have you noticed I haven't mentioned the work on the kitchen recently? That is because we heard that Doug's family was not coming here for Thanksgiving. Then, I invited my family and they said yes. Too late to get the kitchen done. Oh well.

I stayed up way too late last night finishing cleaning the house. Then up at 7 a.m. this morning. Doug's sons (& Erin) came by for breakfast, then we scurried about getting ready for the second shift. Then my parents and my brother arrived. Then my son. I made this little pilgrim boy & girl many years ago in ceramics class.

So long ago that they are signed, "cl."

table in entry-way hall

Tom, Bradley, Doug, Mother, Dad
le table

This explains that feeling in my stomach...ham, roll, turkey, another roll, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry salad, corn, creamed spinach and sausage dressing.

(not pictured: several glasses of tea, cherry cobbler and pecan pie)

Bradley being contemplative

Chelsea - waiting while we eat

o.k., now you can get into Dad's lap

oh, that feels good!

The fam has since left, I had an hour nap. We ate, we all tried to clean up the kitchen (as I write, it is still a bit messy). We looked at photos, showed everyone Chelsea's latest tricks, I helped my brother upload a facebook profile photo. We also sat before the fire for a bit. There is nothing like a wood fire to warm your bones! My sister was with her daughter's family so she called to say hello.

What am I thankful for this Thanksgiving, '09?

health

Money enough to pay the bills a bit left over for extras and vacation. (notice I didn't say wealth)

job with benefits and health insurance

family (missing you today, Laura!), the fact that my brother is doing a lot better and that I still have my parents, both of my children are successful

friends - old and new

roof over our heads

food in our bellies (a lot of food, today!)

a car that is paid for and still running

animals that adore me, no matter what

my duggles

political and religious freedom

What are you thankful for?