Thanksgiving

[kayre]

I've just finished making two pumpkin pies and an enormous sweet potato casserole to take to various family gatherings. I bake the pies myself so I can make them lactose free, and the sweet potatoes because I like them better than anyone else. The rest of my extended family will be revelling in oyster dressing and rice pudding, neither of which I like-- but they will thank me, as they do every year. My grandparents made those two dishes every year, and refused to share the recipes (at first because "we'll make them, don't worry" and later because "Are you implying we're going to die soon?). Eventually, when I moved 250 miles away, my brothers and sister persuaded me to beg for the recipes, claiming I was afraid we might not get home because of bad weather up here in the wild north.... and hoping the grandparents would forget that I can't stand either dish! It worked, so they are eternally grateful, and I continue to be disgusted twice a year.

We leave tomorrow, and spend tomorrow night in a hotel with hot tub (our luxury to compensate for the long drive). Friday gathering with my extended family, Saturday with hubby's, home Sunday night.

I hardly know where to begin to tell what I'm thankful for-- hubby, kidlet, extended families (despite various stresses and strains), the many other wonderful people in my life, cats, chocolate, the gorgeous place where I live, music, health, my Peace Partners kids.. the daily delights of life, even when it's not even close to perfect. I wish you all a wonderful weekend celebrating the good things in your lives.