All-natural turkey, locally grown baked apples, homebrewed pumpkin ale, cloth napkins…just part of what we managed for a Sustainable Thanksgiving. Next year I hope to have homegrown potatoes for our traditional lefse along with homegrown beans and sweet potatoes and pumpkin and whatever else I can come up with! Perhaps next year I’ll have the bash at my house; not that the lighting is any better for photography over here.

“The girls” spent Wednesday cooking what we could in advance, chatting and joking and singing carols with the radio. The Big Day was spent at my mom’s, cooking, eating and playing games. Lots of games. Lots of hilarious, laugh-until-you-can’t-breath, “Just one more game” games. We nearly fell over Justin’s impersonation of “buck naked” and practically cried when my aunt’s exuberant portrayal of “hit the sack” almost cost someone a bloody nose. Good times. Times you just can’t forget. Times for which to be thankful.

There are two things that mark the day for me. The first is my grandma, known as GG. Hearing the words “I’m thankful for you” come from her lips, laying my head on her shoulder and listening to her voice, just like I did when I was Zeb’s age, her soft hand on my cheek. In her presence I could live content forever.

And second is my sweet hubby’s love. His using me as the example to define “angel” in the game. His arms enveloping me, protecting me against the chill from the rain. His understanding of my mixed emotions. The look of affection in his eyes, the small smile and strong hand reaching for mine across the table. It’s the look that says “I am so blessed”.

And so am I, baby. So am I.

I hope you all created beautiful memories and full bellies. I hope you counted your blessings and enjoyed your surroundings. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.