Thanksgiving… the start of the holiday season. I love the smell of the crispness in the air and the anticipation of visiting with family and friends. Always with the thought in mind of giving thanks for another year. This year is a little more special than last year. Me, my then 6 year old daughter, my mother, and my aunt were all pretty sick. I spent a lot of time in doctor's offices and hospitals. I'm thankful that our health has improved vastly and we have spent minimal time fussing with medical issues.

Our Thanksgiving meals usually consist of turkey and pan cornbread dressing (not stuffing), peas, sweet potato casserole, maybe some creamed corn and some type of cold salad, cranberry sauce, rolls, and sweet tea. My favorite dessert is blueberry cream cheese pie. In years past, my favorites had been put aside for my then husband(s), whose favorites were pecan or pumpkin pie. Not my favorites, and I'd whine a little, but my bratty ways did not get me my blueberry pie. Now that I do not have a significant other tagging along, my favorite pie is back on the menu this year.

In years past, we have shared our thanksgiving celebration with extended family members... aunts and uncles and cousins. It would be a family hopping event that would usually last several days. I absolutely recommend good food and family to celebrate the start of the holiday season.


My 7 year old daughter has not fully grasped the "real" reason for thanksgiving. All she knows is we are giving thanks and having a family feast. She has been celebrating with feasts since last Wednesday when we shared a meal with our church family (which was absolutely delicious). Then she had a feast at school on Thursday. This year on Thanksgiving Day, it will be just my mother, my daughter and I, and we may just hit up Cracker Barrell or Golden Corral. My 23 year old son will be celebrating with his dad's family. On Saturday morning, our "family feast" will begin, with me learning how to make pan cornbread dressing. We will enjoy a smoked turkey from Sonny's and spend quality time with my son.


My thoughts this Thanksgiving continue to pray for those separated by war and tragedy, and I only wish for all a happy, blessed Thanksgiving.