“You are my sunshine —
—– my only sunshine
You make me happy when skies are grey —
A song that my dad used to sing to us.
I miss that —
I miss him — especially at Thanksgiving.
We usually spend Thanksgiving at my sister’s house — in the Sunshine State.
Surrounded by family and extended family of 50 or more —
—– and an occasional person(s) who has no where to go for a Thanksgiving meal.
If we had Thanksgiving at my home..
—– it would be at this table.
With the 5 of us..
No..the 6 of us..
—– As we cannot forget my “sweetie’s” pine cone turkey she made as a pre-schooler.
The one that is out all year..as it makes me smile..as she was so proud of it..and gave it to me.
So maybe, for our “little immediate family” — Mr. Pine Cone Turkey is a little tradition.
And of course to always “Give Thanks” for our many blessings.
I had napkins monogrammed in a simply stated way..
—– As I want to use these throughout the year..to “Give Thanks” everyday.
At my sister’s home — we would not be sitting at just one table.
—– There would be many patio tables with umbrellas ..
———- all around the pool/patio area..for enough seating for 50 or more.
There would be a simple centerpiece..
No Waterford candlesticks or glasses..
—– Just sturdy paper plates.
As the wonderful food that is served (my sister is a gourmet cook)..
—– Tastes just as good, if not better on “Chinet”
The food is served from large buffet warmers..yes, she has many of them!
—– And after the blessing .. we all cannot wait to enjoy the magnificent food..
———- that has been lovingly prepared by the family.
Thanksgiving was my Dad’s favorite holiday.
He said it was a time for family to give thanks for our many blessings, especially of family.
My dad would always say .. “if I won the Lotto, the first thing I would do ..
—– is to have a table made so all of us could sit together at one table at Thanksgiving..
———- or any dinner for that matter” .. That would be a really BIG table.
A table where there is always laughter .. much about reminiscing of the past ..
—– the many stories of us 5 siblings.
During the time when we are all preparing to place the main course out in the buffet warmers..
—– we are all munching on appetizers..
———-And participating in the traditional “Turkey Shoot”
Yes, we have a turkey shoot — Well we shoot at a large target with a turkey paper plate set in the middle.
My dad was competitive and always wanted to win — I remembered the day my sister beat him.
He was not a happy camper .. but usually it is my brother that wins.
My sister always has trophies made for the winners of the Turkey Shoot..
—– and when my dad passed away, the trophies have my dad’s name on them..
———-the “Memorial Turkey Shoot”
My dad always looked forward to that Turkey Shoot every year.
As I am enjoying my dinner with family and extended family and friends..
—– I get a little “weepy” as I look around and notice the missing family members..
———- that have passed on .. I miss all of them terribly .. but I know they are with us.
My little sister got married a year after my dad passed away..
She decided to get married on Thanksgiving Day.
A day she knew that was so special to my dad.
They got married in my sister’s back yard — among the many tables — of our family and friends.
It was a bittersweet day.
After the “main course”.. we all pitch in to clean up ..
And prepare to bring out the many wonderful desserts..
—– but between dinner and dessert .. we bring out the football.
And the game of rag tag football begins.
Weather permitting..there are also short plane rides..
—– My sister and her hubby live on acreage with a private landing strip.
After football and plane rides — we gather together again.
To eat dessert and lots of laughter.
My mom’s birthday usually falls a couple of days after Thanksgiving…
This year is a very special birthday .. she will be 88 years young (she can runs circles around us)
In the Japanese culture, your 88th birthday is monumental as it means “Double Infinity” 88
So I shall end this post with one of the many things I am thankful for..
—– Memories of Family.
May you all have a blessed Thanksgiving making memories that you will treasure forever.
Today is Day 5 .. the last day of this fabulous series of “Thankful at Home”…
I will be among these wonderful bloggers today .. hop on over to see them!
And if you missed the prior days .. here is the list of Day One through Five..
There is so much inspiration …
I am joining:
Cuisine Kathleen for Let’s Dish
Ivy and Elephants for What’s It Wednesday
Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays
