October Daily 9: Thanksgiving Sunday

 

Thanksgiving Sunday. In Canada the holiday falls on the second Monday of October, but our tradition is to have turkey dinner on Sunday, leaving Monday for relaxation. 

I was up early to put the turkey in the oven and puttered around setting the table and making things look pretty. I wandered out into the garden in bare feet to see what I could find, and ended up with dahlias, grapes, and marigolds to play with. It's still so very warm, although the morning dew was chilly on my feet. 

After morning church everyone converged here, and there was lots of chatting, playing, and helping out until dinner was served around 12:45. By then little Cora was napping upstairs, so she's missing from these quick snapshots taken around the table. 

When I was a child and visiting grandparents for special occasions, there was always one end of the table where we cousins sat, supervised by one of the aunties, I'm sure. There was likely a lot of silliness and fun back then just as there was today where the cousins sat together. 

Ashley brought brussels sprouts, picked fresh from her garden this morning, and how fresh they tasted. Katie brought a beautiful and delicious apple pie cake.

Cristal provided a family favourite - two Chocolate Pecan pies. How delicious everything was. We rolled away from the table. For a big meal such as this, we usually stop at the main course, clean up the kitchen, load the dishes, and wash up what's left (thanks Gerry and Cristal!), before making coffee and tea, and serving dessert in the living room. A little time to digest suits us all well. 

Before sitting down to dinner I had each grandchild choose a mini pumpkin and we went outdoors for a very quick photo shoot. What fun they are! How I love them! 

G. K. Chesterton once said, "I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that happiness is gratitude doubled by wonder." 

I sit here now in the quiet and watch the pink sunset steal across the sky. A white contrail catches the light as it moves westward. Two pine trees stand silhouetted against the horizon. The air coming in through the open doors and windows is cooling dramatically. This moment, this day. I am filled with thanksgiving to God for the people in my life.