Hodgepodging an Early Thanksgiving

Looking NE from our front porch
November 4, 2017
Early Thanksgiving Day



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1.  In a rut, in a jam, in the groove, out of synch, off balance, out of touch...which saying best fits some area of your life currently (or recently)? Explain.

I don't see any of the other choices fitting exactly, so I think that 'in a rut' would be the best answer. And that would be in the area of food. I have the same breakfast and perfect turkey sandwich lunch accompanied by lots of green olives every day. I've often said that if they made a good people dog food, I'd probably be one of the first customers. But really, I know what food I can eat that keeps me feeling best. Mr. C. claims that my breakfast isn't really food at all, but I love my protein bar and coffee every single morning, even when traveling. So there. That's my rut and I'm stickin' to it! Don't feel sorry for Mr. C. He's doing his own thing of b&e for breakfast (and he likes puttering around in the kitchen), isn't usually home at lunchtime, and always gets a good, nutritious dinner (that yes, I make for him (whether he likes it or not. LOL))

 Pork Stirfry

with lots of celery, peppers, onion, peapods,

walnuts or cashews, dried cranberries

and even some pork!

2. What is it about somebody else's style of work (coworker/employee/shared volunteer project/household chore) that makes you crazy? Why?

I don't have that issue, fortunately. Mr. C. and I get along quite well and have most of the kinks worked out - admittedly, it took nearly 48 years! ;-)

3. What's a tradition that always makes you feel at home?

Having the family here for an early Thanksgiving is one, and celebrating Advent is another.

4. A favorite song with a girl's name in the title or lyrics? Any reason why this is a particular favorite?

In that category, this is my favorite.
I love [good] sacred choral music.

Of course there's 'Maria' from West Side Story; a few by the Beatles, among them 'Michelle;' 'Sweet Caroline ' by Neil Diamond, 'Ba-ba-ba-ba Barbara Ann' by the Beach Boys. But I could live without any of them. Not sure I could live without my John Rutter playlist. I enjoyed playing one of my Rutter playlists as a backdrop to our Early Thanksgiving.

5. Share a favorite quote, verse, or saying relating to gratitude or thanksgiving.

Psalm 147 was in my Bible reading this morning, and it just happens to fit this question. So here is an excerpt:

Praise the Lord! How good it is to sing praises to our God; for he is gracious, and a song of praise is fitting.  The Lord builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the outcasts of Israel. He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of stars; he gives to all of them their names. Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure. The Lord lifts up the downtrodden; he casts the wicked to the ground. 

Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; 
make melody to our God on the lyre.

He covers the heavens with clouds, prepares rain for the earth, makes grass grow on the hills. He gives to the animals their food, and to the young ravens when they cry. 

His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the speed of a runner; but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love.

I've shown you this before, but it's one of my favorites.

 Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Yes, it snowed on Saturday, our Early Thanksgiving Day.
That's Wisconsin for ya.

These two escaped to an upstairs bedroom
Tommy & Smokey

Even with two takes, there are a few who didn't make it into the photos.
I think there were 25 of us.

THE (VERY TRADITIONAL) MENU

Turkey and Stuffing
Ham
Green Bean Casserole
Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Dinner Rolls
Butternut Squash
Green Salad
Pumpkin and Lemon Pies
Pickles & Olives
Cranberry Sauce

I love all of these scenes. It makes a mom/grandma happy to have all of the family spending a couple days and nights together, even if the weather wasn't the best.

 The annual bonfire
A night too early for Guy Fawkes
(The snow on Saturday was followed by a melting drizzle.) 

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

 

***

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