Before I put away all of the Thanksgiving decor and begin our Christmas decorations, I wanted to share one more post about our Thanksgiving day...
I posted most of these pictures on Facebook last night, so if you've already seen them just bear with me...or you can move on if you wish...
But I had a few comments about the unusual "Turkey Cranberry Dish" shown above and below:
A few years ago, when we still lived in Salt Springs and had LOTS of room to host many guests for Thanksgiving and the holidays in general, one of our frequent guests was our neighbor John T., who lived alone behind our house. I've told this story before HERE, and also mentioned this kind neighbor and his little "gifts" HERE. But in case you missed the story before, let me share it once again. Our neighbor and friend John loved to give little gifts. His mother at that time was in a nursing home and he was in the process of cleaning out her home to sell it. He often would leave me little "presents" on the fence post between our houses, but other times he would just bring things over that he wanted me to have...little knicknacks and figurines. But this lovely glass Turkey Dish he especially wanted me to have and use for cranberry sauce on Thanksgiving, because that was his mother's tradition. He always remembered it being on their Thanksgiving table that way. And so we did do that then, and John was a guest at our table. He was very pleased and so was I to have it. Well, since we've moved about 30 miles away from there, and because our house is not quite as conducive to having larger groups for special holiday dinners, we've kind of had to limit our guest list to family.
I was feeling bad about not inviting John yesterday, so I called him to wish him a Happy Thanksgiving and to let him know that we would be using his mother's turkey cranberry dish again in memory of her, as she had passed away this past year. He was very pleased to know that. He is not in good health now himself, and I don't think he could have come up here by himself even if we had invited him, but I still felt sad that I hadn't thought about inviting him sooner. But, again, my family had kind of laid down the law to me about doing too much and as it turned out, it was for the best for me to just have our smaller family gathering.
So now you know the story of the Turkey Cranberry Dish. I will continue to cherish it and honor our neighbor John T.'s mother's memory (even though I never knew her) whenever we serve cranberry sauce!
Now on to the rest of our Thanksgiving day memories:
We were watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade while cooking and waiting for the kids to arrive. I just happened to notice this big balloon that said "Believe" on it, so had to capture a picture before it went on by. "Believe" is my "One Word" for 2021, and so that is why it was so significant. I like that my little plaque on the wall above the TV also happened to be in the picture...
A dear friend made this for me...How appropriate that the "Believe" balloon was captured with this...it shows in Whom I believe...Jesus...
Of course the Believe balloon was part of the Santa and his sleigh display in the parade...which of course was meant to tell us to believe in Santa...and well, of course I believe in Santa too! Doesn't everybody? I mean, if you don't believe, you'll just get underwear and socks for Christmas!
I do believe in the joy and love and blessings of Christmas, because of Jesus...not because of Santa...but I still enjoy Santa too. Just don't let him take the place of the real meaning of Christmas...
More about that later as we begin the season of Advent this Sunday. But for now, let's finish up Thanksgiving!
I think my plate was full to overflowing...
And my heart was full to overflowing too, with the wonderful blessings of family near by:
Hubby and me
Our sweet daughter in love Rose and our son Benton
Our cute son Scott
And of course we mustn't leave out our sweet grandpuppies Sugar and Spice.
Hubby is smiling because he'd been up to some mischief:
He thinks he's doing something funny when he takes candid pictures of me eating or sleeping or doing other things that should not be published here. I said I would allow this one, but no more!
The Little Pilgrims came to join us and offer their thanks for so many blessings...
And let us not forget our other little friends, Lily Grace and her friends at the "Kid's Table":
Even they are "thankful"...
And these youngsters below exemplify what this day was really all about...Giving Thanks to the Lord, for He is good...His Love endures forever...
and also counting our blessings and naming them one by one...which we did around the table...there was a lot to say. God has been very gracious to us this past year, and we are extremely grateful.
And thus ends another wonderful Thanksgiving day. God put the icing on the cake, or should I say the whipped cream on the pumpkin pie...by showing us this wonderful sunset in His skies...
"Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father
There is no shadow of turning with Thee
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be
Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning, new mercies I see
All I have needed, Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me
Summer and winter and springtime and harvest
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love
Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning, new mercies I see
All I have needed, Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside
Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning, new mercies I see
All I have needed, Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness
Lord, unto me"
Amen.
Okay, now it's time to start the big changeover from the Thanksgiving decor of the Pilgrims, Turkeys, and pumpkins, and bring out the Santas, Snowmen and Angels...but I'm taking my time and not rushing it. Just stay tuned for progress as it happens!
God bless you all and thank you for being my friends! You are definitely on my list of blessings!!
That's a wonderful story of how you came to have the beautiful cranberry dish. Never has been a more attractive turkey. How kind of you to call John with Thanksgiving greetings. The vignette of your Thanksgiving treasures is charming.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Vee. Yes, our neighbor John is a very unique and special man, and we sort of adopted him when we lived next door, but now it is a bit out of the way for him to come here and plus he is on oxygen now, which makes things more difficult for him. But he is a very sweet person and God had us there as neighbors for each other for a season for a reason. He has also since moved to a different home, but in the same town. I'm glad you enjoyed this story/pictures. I hope your Thanksgiving day was really wonderful.
DeleteOh my goodness! Your feast looks amazing. And I'm so happy Sugar and Spice were invited to the party. The story of your cranberry dish has touched me so! I do believe, John T's mother would be so happy knowing it's a part of your tradition. Though my own mother's been gone since 2004, I still enjoy using her 'good' glassware on our holiday table. 'Just wish I'd made a point of capturing an image. Next time!
ReplyDeletePS -Hope you're making it a point to self-care and rest today!
Thank you Myra! I love having things to use that meant something to someone else...that's just a part of the holiday traditions...using things that are traditional! And yes, next time be sure to take a picture of your mother's lovely good glassware. Of course, you could still take a picture of it... Oh, and yes, I am taking it easy today. The changeover from Thanksgiving to Christmas will start tomorrow, maybe... Have a blessed day and weekend my friend. I hope your hubby is feeling better.
DeleteI really, really like the wooden cross on a heart shaped board with the music. Might have to try and replicate that meself. *wink*
ReplyDeleteLovely post as always sweet Pamela.
Y'all take care of yourselves and try to rest.
Blessings In Christ. xx
Thank you, Sparky! I believe the plaque was either decoupaged or modge podge on there, whatever it's called. I love it. It came from a dear friend and her hubby. He cut out the JESUS and the heart...she did the rest. He has now since then gone on to meet Jesus face to face, so that makes it even more special. Thank you for visiting...and I am taking it easy today. Tomorrow I will start over with making the switch between holidays...
DeleteI love the story of the cranberry dish. I know what your husband means by limiting it to family. Fortunately, my sister-in-law does several dishes. Lindsay made a casserole too. I only actually cooked two casseroles. Jeff took care of the turkey. If I had to it all it probably would not get done. I do love having the family together though. Nothing warms a Mama’s heart like watching her kids have a good time.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sandy. So good to hear from you. Yes, normally when we have others join us for Thanksgiving they always bring food too. This year with just us and our kids, Rose and Benton did the turkey, the green beans, and an apple pie. I did the stuffing, sweet potato casserole, jello, and pumpkin pies. Scott brought the rolls and also helped me with the sweet potato casserole, plus he washed the dishes. They all pitched in and helped and it was wonderful. Yes, you are right..."nothing warms a Mama's heart like watching her kids have a good time." You are so right. Blessings...
DeleteSounds and looks like you had a wonderful time together. I love the story of the special Cranberry sauce dish.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ruth. We did enjoy our time. It wasn't so rushed and busy as when we have large crowds, so we kind of just relaxed and did things easy. And regarding the cranberry sauce dish, now people must realize why I just cannot let go of things so easily. They all have a story to tell. Have a blessed and wonderful weekend.
DeleteI sure enjoyed your post and all the pictures, Pam! I have started putting out Christmas decorations and putting away Thanksgiving. I will be gone all day tomorrow (Saturday) but will try to finish up after church on Sunday. Love & hugs!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Terri. I hope you are having a good time wherever you are today! I have been working on putting away Thanksgiving and bringing out Christmas a little at a time. Taking a break now to write to you and others! We will probably not put the tree up until later this week. I can only do a little at a time but it will get done in time. Take care and have a wonderful weekend.
DeleteYour Thanksgiving meal looks absolutely delicious. I loved reading the story about the turkey cranberry dish. What a sweetheart John was to give you gifts and meaningful ones. I'm guessing he knew you would cherish it. I love that you called him even though you couldn't invite him over. I'm sure it meant a lot to him. The cranberry dish is definitely a keeper.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Penny. Yes, our "neighbor John" is a very special person and we sort of adopted him into our family because he was alone and away from his family. I felt bad when we moved away after he gave this dish to me. My intentions were that he would join us for Thanksgiving each year, but it just hasn't worked out that way. But I am sure he did appreciate knowing we are still using the dish in memory of his mother. I am thankful to have this special blessing...
DeleteWhat a beautiful Thanksgiving feast! And I love the candid shot of you -- those candid pictures turn out to be so treasured! I loved the story of the cranberry turkey and your sweet neighbor who gave it to you. I am sure your phone call to him brightened his holiday immensely! We are so excited about Advent at our parish. Everyone is buzzing around preparing.
ReplyDeleteHa Ha! You and my hubby would get along great. He's always sneaking these little candid shots and he likes to keep them where I can't get at them and destroy them. LOL. They are all "clean pictures", just not always my best pose. LOL. Oh yes, I am ready for Advent too. It is such a special time. I enjoy that better than all the other Christmas activities. It's like setting the stage for the grandest celebration of all. Every part is so meaningful. I love it. Happy Advent time to you and your church family.
DeleteHi Pam, I enjoyed your pictures! I love that heart/cross. The kid's table is so cute! Love that hymn too!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Susan. I hope you and your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Sometimes it's just the little things that make everything else come together so well...
DeleteGreat is thy faithfulness...amen to that.
ReplyDeleteI love the turkey dish and how you honor John's mom with it, and him.
Happy Thanksgiving, a couple days late. 😊
Never too late to wish a happy Thanksgiving...because we should be living in Thanksgiving mode all the time. God is so faithful to us, and we are full of gratitude. Amen.
DeleteSuch handsome men you have, smiles...wishing you a belated Happy Thanksgiving...and I was wondering is that elf on Santa's sleigh wearing a mask? Gee whiz...sigh.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the compliment on my handsome men! They are good looking if I do say so myself. None of them look like me. LOL. And yes, that elf IS wearing a mask...outside...but there were a lot of them in the parade wearing masks. Makes no sense, but then again, has anything in the past two years made any sense??? Anyway, Happy belated Thanksgiving to you, and Happy Advent time. I love this time of the year the best I think.
DeleteYay 😀. So glad you found each other! And also happy you found me as well! Looking forward to getting better acquainted as the days go by. 😍
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful story, Pam, about the cranberry relish dish and how special it has become. So nice that you share with your friend, John, that it was being used for your Thanksgiving get together. The food all looked delicious and it was nice to see you, husband John and the rest of the family. It looks like it was a wonderful celebration of good food and love. Glad that another blogger friend, Linda, stopped by for a visit as we had a great first in person meet-up today here in NH.
ReplyDeleteThank you, "Beatrice". I am so happy that we have become friends so quickly, and we can thank our mutual friend Mildred for bringing us together, even if under such sad circumstances. I am also happy that you have now met another blogger, and that you have introduced her to me as well! I love how our "family" keeps growing! Thank you for your kind words. Hope you have a wonderful day!!
DeleteI am so in love with that turkey dish. Believe was a great word for 2021. I never picked one but I need to do that for 2022. Dinner looks delicious and I enjoyed all of your photos. Take care and God Bless.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Debby. I enjoy picking a word for each year, and I look for it to appear in different ways throughout the year. Believe was a great word, and if anything my belief in the goodness of God has grown deeper and stronger throughout the year. I don't know yet what my new word will be for 2022. Usually God reveals it to me in some way between now and the New Year. I just have to think about it and pray about it first. I hope you have a blessed and wonderful Christmas season.
DeleteLooks like you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I love the story of your turkey 'cranberry dish.'
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cindy. We did have a wonderful day in every way. I trust you and yours did as well. Now, marching on to Christmas!! Have a blessed day.
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