It is The Season for Thanksgiving~

Happy Thanksgiving Greetings to those celebrating in the United States,

and to all people of all countries, for we are to be grateful for all that we have every day, in all things and in all ways.

For my family, my friends, my faith, my home and all things that make up my life, I am forever grateful.  

  It is the season of Thanksgiving. If only the wind could speak, or that we could see it, yet such a mighty force, we cannot, only do we see what it has caused. We each have things that we hold onto and need to release, or it just becomes a heavier burden to carry. The year is quickly coming to an end and why wait for New Years resolutions, when each of us is here right now...Life beckons us to love those near to our heart, even when they are hurting us, as well as to always remain in a forgiving state, whereby, we have no regrets.
I struggle with the last statement often, for there are times when we just are overwhelmed with the issues of others placed upon us.

So thankful for life, it's journey, sunrise and sunset, Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, the beauty of creation that surrounds us, for the sweetness in the fragrance of this life we all sometimes take for granted. 

~Happy Thanksgiving week~  

For this post, I have used the three most hunted creatures during this season.

The photographs were taken just before all canopy of leaves fell to the ground.   

We are not hunters, and we have mixed feelings about hunting.  

The White-tailed Deer, Gray, as well as Red-Fox Squirrels are hunted in nearby woodlands, and of course this time of year for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, Wild Turkeys.

All images were taken on our property, other than the Red-Fox Squirrel, and the Wild Turkeys, which were just around the block from us.

Above and below is one of my favorite deer, one that I fondly call Buckey.  

He has been around a couple of years now and yet has been missing in action for the most part this past month.  

Not only is it hunting season, but rutting season too.  

I am so hoping that at the end of the season, he is still here among us.

What is your favorite holiday dishes?

Mine is homemade sage dressing, roasted Brussels sprouts,  fresh cranberry sauce and homemade mashed potatoes with gravy.

Enjoy your holiday with your loved ones~

Remember to double click on the first image, to view a larger slideshow presentation after you have read the narratives~

I will be linking up with Judith for:

www.lavendercottagegardening.com

Mosaic Monday

&

Stewart for:

   http://paying-ready-attention-gallery.blogspot.com.au/

Wild Bird Wednesday

 

This Gray Squirrel is enjoying the fruit of a Hedge-apple~

Red-Fox and Gray Squirrels~

Thank you for stopping by.  Our beloved dogs Silveit, 2 1/2 and Meaka soon to turn 8~

Much To Be Grateful For~

For those of us who celebrate Thanksgiving Day
I want to wish you each a...  

Very Beautiful and Blessed day and week~


I am linking up with Mary for:

"Mosaic Monday"

at:http://dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com
 

In our home the Christmas tree has been decorated and Christmas gifts are beginning to be hidden out of sight, for when our grandchildren arrive Wednesday. 

 

Unless something changes between now and Thursday morning, our first grand-daughter Maci shall be born 2 weeks early and arrive on Thanksgiving Day.

I told our daughter Brittany how fun...they had named the baby months ago, but if she is born Thursday...many shall celebrate her birth...be it Thanksgiving, or the annual Macy Thanksgiving Day Parade~

 

All 3 daughters and the family will be in our home to celebrate for the first time in several years.  
I have found, that as many of you have, that once they get married, the family dynamics change.  
This is my husby's favorite holiday, ever since he served our country in Viet Nam, and he is really looking forward to gathering in our home once again.  
Back in the years prior, we always celebrated Thanksgiving in our home with as many as 18 to 24 guests.  
I do not do it fancy, but I do it with love and joy...as much as possible...for it can get pretty hectic.
What would be your favorite dish of the season...be it Thanksgiving Day celebration, or Christmas?  

Would it be traditional, or something else...

Even when the entire family could not gather, I would prepare the same traditional meal, making everything from scratch.

~Our Menu~
 

Roasted Turkey

with Herbs Provence 

Store bought...as we do not hunt.

Fresh Cranberry & Orange  Sauce

Yam, Pineapple and Marshmallow Casserole

I sprinkle toasted pecans over mine.

 

Whipped Potatoes

With no lumps thank you;') 

Hint...I use a ricer.

&

Gravy

Waldorf Salad 

An apple salad with raisins, celery, and walnuts, and a sweetened mayonnaise sauce.

 

Sage Stuffing

Corn Pudding

Green Bean Casserole

I use Cream of Chicken Soup, 

but my daughter Ashleigh is preparing it this year, 

using Cream of Mushroom Soup;')

 

Yeast Rolls

 Pumpkin Pie

Mixed Berry, Apple and Pear Pie 

Sugar Cookies 

 &

Assorted beverages ~

This year, as I have become more worn down...ha, getting older does shake a few things up;'). 

We are sticking with the traditional meal, but I have not roasted my pumpkin, for it is still resting out on our deck.

I also purchased Parker House Rolls from the freezer section at the market.

It will be a wonderful gathering, and I cannot say enough, how much family means to me!

We pray for our children, we receive them, we love them, the best that we can, cherish them beyond all measure.  

We do it right, we make mistakes, we love, love, love a million zillion times around the world and back and more.

My health this past 15 months has changed how I might like to have shared more time with each of them,
making even sweeter the memories,
and yet they are forever in my heart,
and I am so proud of each of them and I am so thankful for:

Bill, my husband of 43 years.
 

 

 

 

Hillary, her husband Andrew, & their 3 year old twins, Cullen and Kerrick. 

 

 

 

Brittany, her husband Dale, and 9 year old Thomas, 4 year old Braden, 

and Maci on the way.
 

&

Our youngest daughter Ashleigh~

 

 

I am thankful for our home, where we have lived for 31 years, and we affectionately call Tingsgrove.

For our extended family, and friends, marvelous neighbors and my home away from home family at church, as well as our pet faves...Meaka is going to turn 5 in a couple of weeks, Spencer Ivy the black cat is 15  1/2 and Survhee Pipka is 1  1/2.

 

I am thankful for His beautiful Blessings, 

each and every day, 

and I try to find joy in this journey we call life~

It is yet another blessing for me, to be doing life together with each of you. 

In many ways, it feels like I can just walk across the room, 

share a cup of coffee, or tea, and converse, 

as though, 

we had known each other for all of our lives~

Whether you celebrate Thanksgiving Day, or not, we can all be thankful, for every day~

Have a wonderful week.  

Mine is about to become even more busy, but happy busy.  

We will be caring for our new Grand-pup-cub Lexi, while Brittany is in the hospital.  
 

   

Meaka pup-cub and me wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving~