Friday, November 25, 2016

Thanksgiving.....

So it's Thanksgiving once again...and we are happily getting ready for the family to come and join us in this special event. I think one of the most thankful things this year for me, is that my Dad is coming up as well. His health continues to decline and the past few months, he has spent more time in the hospital than at home.. including all of last week. So the fact that he is home, and willing to make the voyage to the farm is almost amazing. That, and the fact that most of the rest of the family will be here, means so much. (especially after the losses we have just had). So, the dining room is all ready to go...


And this year, we even need a "kids" table.. though there will be more adults than kids at the table.. but it's nice to know we need more 

The weather has warmed again, and has left us with just traces of the snow... I going to find it a dreadful winter if this is how the weather goes... this warm then cold, and warm again, isn't good for any of us... animals included and after this business with Duke, I'm going to be jumpy about the other horses.....

I did a bit of changing the house around... moving our deacon's bench to the mud room makes for a nice sitting spot and then I realized I can even show off some of my quilts as well..... Mona seems to approve of this new arrangement

Since we didn't raise birds this past year, we are using up the ones left in the freezer... it still takes two of them to feed everyone invited, but that's ok because as soon as we get them used up, we will have room to raise again. We're pretty certain that we'll do another batch next summer. I like the idea of raising our own birds, and truthfully, you just can't beat home raised animals. I think I have become quite spoiled with really good meat...... 


Everyone arrives... the house is filled with sound and action.. the tables fill up and as I suspected.. the kids table included more than kids.....or perhaps just all the big kids went there...

A prayer is said, and this is a family that truly knows blessings and I have to say... are truly blessed... so much good food prepared by many hands, and so much fun and happy talk to catch up on...


And then, two surprise guests!!!! The story is long to tell, but we have friends who are from Germany (and then New Zealand).. and we have known them for a very long - long time. Manfred and his son are visiting here in the states, and took the time to come to the farm and have Thanksgiving dinner with us. It was so much fun to catch up on all sorts of things, and of course talk about the past all when we all met and the like. My Dad really enjoyed this time with them both.

Manfred moved his family to New Zealand from Germany for work. From here, they are going onto Germany to visit with friends and family before returning home.... a lot of travel, but while we have them here, we are certainly going to enjoy their company.

After dinner, we walked to the barn to see the animals... no sleigh or cart rides this year, but everyone still wanted to see the "barn"... and then back for dessert and more conversation.... Mom and Dad stayed most of the day, which was really wonderful, but Dad did begin to tire and they headed back. 

Naomi and Abi.. bored of adult conversation, had a nice time playing together outside with their little horses..... we missed not having the boys this year.. but with the families getting bigger.. sharing is a must.

And so, the holiday season has officially begun. This year I have a deep appreciation for what we have right now.. because, you really never know what the next week... the next day will bring. So.. a promise to myself is that I am going to enjoy every single moment of this special time of the year. I'm not going to fuss or worry about what didn't or isn't... and have already decided it's my new resolution ... I'm not waiting until the new year to declare it.. because "it' is now....