Showing posts with label Thanksgiving. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thanksgiving. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

November Catchup

I am backing up a bit since my writing time has been limited this month so please be patient.  The first weekend of the month was my baby sister's birthday.  I know that some of you will find a great deal of humor in that sentence as a normal 60 year old woman doesn't usually refer to her younger sister as her "baby sister", but I do, I did, and I will.  I am not normal.  Sis and I were escorted to the "Fox" by her oldest son and a friend after a delightful dinner at Brio's where we were treated to an outstanding meal, great service, lots of fun and laughter. 

The "Fox' is unique, beautiful, awe inspiring and down right fun!  It takes to back to an era of glamour and richness no longer found among the great building of Atlanta.  The Fox just IS!  We were treated to a wonderful romantic comedy "Mama Mia!" which we thoroughly enjoyed.  The cast gave a great performance and the music was outstanding.  

The middle of the month was the quarterly Harmon family get together.  We met at Southern Pit Barbecue and since our group was so large they had to split us up - they don't do reservations - so all of us didn't get to visit but I so enjoyed the time spent with those of us that were able to sit together.  Next time we will make sure we get a space that can handle all us youngun's.  I met cousins I had not as yet met and enjoyed the visit with cousins I hadn't seen in a while.  Can't wait until February when hopefully more will join the group.  Would love to see the Louisiana cousin and the Minnesota cousin. 
 
Hubby and I are lucky enough to host Thanksgiving for the families.  It is such a treat for us to have everyone together at our home and enjoy all the great food they bring to share.  Dad even had a good visit with everyone for a while before getting tired and heading home.  Didn't get all of us in one picture this year, but we did manage to get a pic of everyone during the day.  Lot's of good food and many laughs throughout the day! 

The Dahlonega kids come in for Thanksgiving usually spend a few extra days with me.  It is a pleasant week for everyone.  My oldest grandchildren are growing so fast that I am afraid they will soon not fit on my lap. 

During the afternoon and early evening everyone got their game plans finalized and were soon off to early Black Friday shopping at 9:00 pm.  The deals were astounding and they all were ready to spend to save.  The different groups kept us apprised of their progress and I think everyone got pretty much everything they aimed for, mainly electronics and bicycles.  Then spent hours standing in line before getting home in the early dawn hours. 

I have spent the last few days recovering from a wonderfully full week and weekend and getting ready to head into the Christmas season.  This week I felt the first twinges that I always feel when Christmas nears.  Time to get the decorations out and get started. 

I hope all my reader friends enjoyed the day of Thanksgiving as much as I did.  Until next time . . .

Happy reading!
Belle

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Another Stroll Down Memory Lane

Well, Thanksgiving is well behind us now and preparation is ongoing for the celebration of Christ's birth.  Some days it just makes me tired and some days I approach it all with a joyful and peaceful heart.  I believe rest is the key.  The temperatures are just now getting uncomfortable and the days are definitely shorter.  Many days I just want to sleep - remaining under the warm covers and not venturing out.  But that doesn't have anything to do with the season but with the changes my old body no longer adjust too so quickly or well.

I had such a surprise on Friday when a friend showed up.  This isn't an ordinary, run of the mill friend.  This was the one person I felt attached to, completely trusted and thoroughly enjoyed her company during my school years.  She was in my wedding in September of 1969 and after that day I never saw her again until Friday.  I can't imagine a more memorable day.  I have always believed that you could tell a true friend in the reuniting.  They were no dead spots - we were laughing as she exited her vehicle and we chattered like we had never been apart.  Easy, comfortable, trying desperately to catch up on all the years and yet knowing we both have been down paths we won't share yet.  I say yet because there is so much surface stuff to gather and share.  It pleased me greatly that my friend found her soul mate early on and has had a happy life. I can't wait to get together again and learn more about her children and family.



I learned that I wasn't the only person that was lost in a world of confusion and insecurity when school let out for the last time.  I didn't realize that I would lose touch so quickly with those so dear to me and that we would all move on in such a hurried manner.  In my older years, I have found that I have plenty of time to locate and reunite with those that I have missed so much. 

Hubby and I have really enjoyed our shopping trips this season.  Never one to enjoy crowds, we have managed to have a little fun this year with our shopping experience.  Both of us are "people watchers" and we have certainly enjoyed the shows put on for us by the other shoppers.  I made my first trip to the Bass Pro Shop in Macon recently.  Of course hubby made his first visit at their grand opening, but I bypassed that trips and the many he has made since then.  Of course, wouldn't you know, all it took was a "I want" from my grandson to get me to trek right down there and get the item.  A beautiful store, it is great for just browsing, but they also had some great bargains over the weekend. 

Then on to the Bass Road Mall and a wonderful visit to Jo Ann's.  I could spend a whole day in this treasure.  A quick visit to Dick's Sporting Goods - prices on the high side - and then to Sticky Fingers for a tasty smoked turkey club sandwich.  Barnes and Nobles was our Waterloo and we spent a couple of hours browsing the books and games.  Found some deals on several books to add to our Stuart Woods' collection.  I am missing only three now so it is close to complete.  I am thinking I need to make a return trip this weekend as I didn't get close to Dillard's or the other shops.  I am so glad the regular football season is past and hubby is not glued to the television on Saturday afternoons.  I have a partner in my shopping experience and a driver to get me where I want to go without me having to fool with the traffic.

Looking forward to all the get togethers with friends and family and already some are overlapping and I know I won't make it to all of them, but you can bet I will hit as many as possible.  Dinner has to be made, so until next time . . .

Happy reading!
Belle

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Time for Reflection

The week before Thanksgiving is always my time of reflection.  There is always so much to be thankful for, but there is also so much that I feel I could have done differently.  Not a time for regret, just a time of adjusting ones thinking so that in the coming year my actions and reactions can be more positive and fulfilling.

With only a month and a half left in this year, there is not much time left to accomplish great things, but today is the first day  - well you know. 

I have made new friends and reconnected with old friends this year - there are two that I have spoken with but not really re-established a relationship with and that is a project that I hope to rectify soon.  It has brought my heart joy and comfort to see these people again; to remember the joys of youth; and to take many strolls down memory lane.  Forty plus years ago we all parted and started on our life journeys.  For twelve years our journeys were focused on each other and then we were declared ready to start our life without instruction.  It is interesting to see what paths each chose to follow and the changes we have all been through.  It is a sad fact that we, as a whole, have not been a healthy group and many have been lost in that 40 years.  Dear ones, know that you were missed at our great reunion.  Thank you Dawn for bringing much sunshine, smiles and joy into many lives this past year.

Every day my faith becomes deeper and I am in awe of the works of God.  God is far from being dead as I am witnessing daily, but the pull of the world on our youth is a frightening thing.  Our youth must be guarded and guided to follow in the steps of our Lord.  Pray for our youth which is our tomorrow.

Hubby and I have had a healthy year without any major calamities.  We experienced the loss of hubby's father this year, but by the grace of God it was not a long, drawn out sickness.  Missed by family and friends, his loss had a sobering effect on his family. 

We also had two marriages in our family this year which is always a celebration.  I am now looking forward to hearing of upcoming births from some of our younger ones.  Nothing brings joy like the birth of a child!  The first of the grandchildren are entering their teen age years and that is always an interesting time.  There are so many changes that a person goes through at this age.  It is a most difficult time and one of great change.  I love to hear the sound of their voices changing.  I know it is frustrating to them and sometimes embarrassing, but it shows they are in transition from childhood to manhood.  We have four boys in our group and five girls and I can't wait until these girls reach their age of maturity and the changes they will go through.  I am so glad they all have stable parents to guide their thoughts and actions.  So much to look forward to!

The families will all gather next week to catch up on "what's happening" and to fill their stomachs with every one's favorite recipes.  I look forward to seeing and visiting with each and everyone.  My wish for you is a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving! 

Until next time  . . .
Happy Reading!
Belle

Thursday, November 4, 2010

I thoroughly enjoyed my "Girlfriends in God" devotional this morning.  It sent me to my Bible to read the last chapter.  It reinforces all the promises of God and yes, it tells us everything ends as God has promised. If you get a chance today, visit "Girlfriends In God".

Big yard sale this weekend with goodies from multiple households.  Hope people find the treasures among what we consider our junk.  I am a pack rat and so are some of the participants of our sale, so there is no telling what you will turn up that you can't live without.  I really enjoy "yard sales".  I get to visit with neighbors who are too busy with their own lives to visit and I always meet new friends.  It will be cold this weekend so the coffee will be flowing.

It seems to get further and further between visits of my daughter and her family.  I get needy after a few weeks and sometimes my heart pines to touch my grandchildren.  They still have that great child smell when you hug them and your chin hits the top of their heads.  Their little arms - some getting longer- wrap around your waist and squeeze - it is the best feeling in the world.

I am once again getting in the sewing mood, so I hope to be turning out "something to die for" in the next few weeks.  Hopefully I will get creative between now and then.  Daughter has already gotten her customized Christmas stockings going and has received several orders.  The year has flown by and it is closing on the end of another year.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, I am so excited to see all the family once again.  As time passes we seem to move hither and yon and don't stay in touch as we go about our business.  Nephew is gracing us with some new recipes again this year and I am delighted to test his creations.  There is so much to be thankful for this year.  It has had its ups and downs, but as in the Bible, everything turned out okay.  

Feeding a bunch of bikers a pot of chili for dinner, so I must get to it.  Until next time . . .

Happy Reading!
Belle 

Monday, November 30, 2009

Memorable Thanksgiving

A feast prepared by the talented and loving hands of my family was displayed and then devoured. We ate like we had not eaten all year and then ate some more. My nephew is a Paula Dean fan, so we enjoyed some of her delicious recipes. He told me all the names, but you can forget that, but the fried green tomatoes were a delight. The bread, sausage and cheese casserole was to die for. The pumpkin cheesecake was not only beautiful, but tasty too. Another nephew delighted my taste buds with a pork tenderloin and another with a delicious chocolate peanut butter pie that was not only beautiful, but delicious. The green beans, squash casserole, sweet potatoes, potato salad and macaroni and cheese balanced out the dinner.

The turkeys cooked in apple cider and beer were a real hit as was my daughters dressing as usual. My extra daughter surprised us with her cranberry congealed salad which was delicious. Thanks to my sister in law I had a slice of wonderful coconut pie and pumpkin pie. I am still enjoying the carrot cake my daughter in law brought. The children almost fought over the monkey bread which they finished just before bedtime. The boy cousins had a sleep over at Aunt Nanna Belle's house. It was a real treat for me and I hope for them.

When cousins don't get to see each other often, they have to squeeze every second from every minute they are together. Thank goodness they all get along and are not together long enough to get tired of each other. They had a great time together and built memories for their brain bank.

Mom and Dad arrived and had a great old time. Dad isn't as mobile as he once was, but still manages to get around. We even managed a family picture! It has been a while since everyone was together at one time, so Mom took advantage of it. We have such a great family!

It was a perfect day for the kids to play outside and they took advantage of every minute of daylight, which isn't much this time of year. The older boys took to the woods while our little angels stayed on the porch and did their shopping and tended their dolls. Then they all played a little baseball, but the little one's lack of abilities caused the game to fall short. Give them a few more years and we will have a heck of a ball team. We have 5 girls and 4 boys - just right for a baseball team.

And today, I am thankful for a wonderful Thanksgiving and a loving family.

Happy Reading!

Belle

Monday, November 23, 2009

I Feel Good

Food is cooking. the smells are divine, fire in the fireplace, the house is almost clean and family is on the way! I love Thanksgiving.

Turkey and Dressing
Venison Roast
All the good relishes
Veggies
and my oh my, pies and cakes and all the goodies!

I have so much to be thankful for this year!

Thank you sweet Jesus for all the blessing you have bestowed upon me and mine this past year. We are far from worthy of your many blessing, but we love you, Jesus, and we pray for your guiding hand in all we say and do. Amen.