Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Hodgepodging an Early Thanksgiving


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



Join Joyce and the Gang
for


She writes the questions;
we write the answers.
Plug them into your own blog post
and join in!


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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Judy

29 comments:

Arlene G said...

So wonderful to have the whole family together. We plan an early Thanksgiving on the Saturday before Thanksgiving then we will go to Grimmwood to celebrate the DAY with my family.

Preppy Empty Nester said...

Good morning, Judy. I heard on the news the other day that a large percentage of people celebrate Thanksgiving early. Looks like it was a good time had by all. I hope that you have time to rest this week.

Rebecca Jo said...

That bonfire!!!!!!! WOW!!!! I bet that was so fun to sit around & chat & enjoy one another!
Mary's lullaby... I get teary eyed at that one every time I hear it.
Those kitties... so cute!!!!
What a great family gang.... I bet there were lots of memories made!

Empty Nester said...

I cringed at the door frame climber photos. Because I know Baby M will be doing that soon. Not at my house, though. She'll have to break her neck at her parents' house. LOL I just love your big, happy family! That's a whole lot of love there that can be felt through the photos. :)

MadSnapper said...

the bonfire is my favorite hodgepodge today, and I love the door climbing grandson and all the photos of your wonderful family and that buffet. yum yum.... I am in a rut, that is the only one that fits, but I LOVE MY RUT... we live our lives in a rut we love., others would not love it.

Linda said...

What a pleasant time I spent here with you this morning! The HodgePodge allows me to get to know you a little bit better.
That’s wonderful to have an early Thanksgiving with all of your family. You really did a great job with the photos documenting the day. Beautiful family and personalities shone through every one. The bonfire was magnificent!

Joyce said...

How fun to have a houseful! Have you ever posted the map and mug wall on your blog. I need a closer look : ) Now off to look up some Rutter music for my house too!

Marcia said...

What a wonderful gathering for Thanksgiving! We will head to my youngest sister's home this year and are youngest daughter, son in law and granddaughter will join us there. All local to DC area - no long travels for anyone.

NanaDiana said...

I always love your answers, Judy, and realize how alike we are in so many ways. I love that you have an early Thanksgiving...and....I looked twice...WHERE is the turkey? lol...please tell me you didn't do a tofu turkey!

We always do Thanksgiving the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving...and then the married kids can go to their own parents for the actual day.

Loved all the pictures of your kids and family. No snow here yet but they say we have some coming tonight. xo Diana

Aritha said...

I love to read this! It's a blessing to have your family around you.What a great photos. Ans SNOW!!! The first (autumn) snow photos I saw on a blog

Carla from The River said...

Hi Judy,
48 years. A true blessing.

As always enjoyed the photos.
xx oo
Carla

Debby Ray said...

My mouth is watering...I love all of the traditional Thanksgiving food...and what a great looking family! I love the idea of snow on Thanksgiving too. Love the Psalm you shared...those words are so comforting. No hodgepodging for me this week due to the teacup exchange...two posts in one day? I think not. Blessings to you, Judy!

podso said...

There seems to be a love of doorway climbing among your grands! Looks like a cozy wonderful time and that's about our Thanksgiving menu except switch the lemon for an apple pie. Oh yes and no ham, we save that for Christmas. Amazing snow as you celebrated. I guess it's no big deal in Wisconsin. Here we'd talk about it for years to come.

Hootin Anni said...

Hello Judy...been a long time since I have been here. Hope you're doing well. I really smiled at the hugging kitty.

Chatty Crone said...

Oh how I just LOVE your photos! Love them and all the families. In a rut, in a jam, in the groove, out of sync, off balance, out of touch...which saying best fits some area of your life currently (or recently)? I am in all of them except the in the groove - I feel totally all the others. Hey I am just starting the book you suggested I buy - I bought it but had other books to finish first. So here I go! sandie

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

Judy your Thanksgiving celebration looks perfect! I like the photo of your loved ones around the island. That's what Thanksgiving is all about. Such sweet photos of the grands. ♥

Unknown said...

I've never heard that song before - or that choir. It's beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing that.

ellen b. said...

What a grand bunch you had for early Thanksgiving. I used to climb the walls in our hallway when I was little like that grand of yours. I enjoyed reading your hodgepodge. We're both in the Psalms for our quotes today. Hope your week is going well!

Terri D said...

What a wonderful spread! And what a wonderful family photo! It's great that you are able to get everyone together for an early Thanksgiving each year. Great idea!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I love seeing your big happy family. Makes me want to 'sneak in' and be adopted! heehee! Hope your week is filled with sunshine and happiness. Hugs!

Creations By Cindy said...

Dear Judy, I just love all the pictures and seeing your family gathered together. Looks like our family. Just blessed my heart. Now for the fun!

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.
Boy, this was a tough one between being in a rut and out of sync for me right now. I guess I would say I've been more in a rut meaning I can't quite shake this "funk" of letting despair fall on me due to the frailty of man kind in this fallen world we live in. The Texas episode and something that recently happened in my own county has just hurt my heart. I am trying to remember that Jesus is on the throne!

2. What is it about somebody else's style of work (coworker/employee/shared volunteer project/household chore) that makes you crazy? Why?
Well, I am laughing at this one because the first thing that came to mind was a coworker that is messy! Can't walk into his office without worrying about falling down over something. Leaves his dirty dishes in our sink (which I do not wash) and it drives me CRAZY! I love him but not his messy ways!

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

Holidays of course. We have big family holidays and I love it. But I guess my most prized tradition is our Family Sunday dinners. Unless we are out of town or something is going on that we cannot help I have Sunday dinner for my children,their spouses and their children. As soon as church is over they head to Mama's! I love it!

4. A favorite song with a girl's name in the title or lyrics? Any reason why this is a particular favorite?
Awe, too many! Billie Jean by Michael Jackson, Maggie Mae by Rod Stewart, Lucy in the Sky by the Beatles, Mary did You know by whoever sings it as I love that song.

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

Psalm 100: Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.
Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

6. Insert your own random thought here.
My youngest grandgirl is spending the night with Nana tonight! I am one happy camper!

This was fun Judy. So glad I could join you today. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

STILLMAGNOLIA said...

I so look forward to your pictures. The ones for this week are amazing. I love Psalm 100. I enjoyed reading your responses this week and several of your comments.

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Your food choices sound yummy to me! I love your traditions too. That is a beautiful bible verse you shared. So happy to hear that you had a nice early Thanksgiving. What a great menu!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Judy, what a beautiful family you have. And I'm glad you gave the count, 25, because I was trying to count. I love that you have your celebration when *you* want it rather than when "Hallmark" or "Madison Avenue" tells you to!

Susie said...

Judy, I can see you have much to be thankful for in your life. A beautiful family. Lots of good food and fun times. Loved seeing the little ones...climbing the door ways..made me think of my brothers. LOL> Blessings to you, xoxo, Susie

Cheryl said...

Awww . . . absolutely love seeing the glimpses of your family's Thanksgiving celebration! Thanksgiving is such a wonderful holiday. Family gathered, one of the best meals of the year, grateful hearts, praise to our Lord. What's not to like? Your pictures warm the heart!

They also make me smile! I never get tired of seeing little boys climb up the doorways. My son did that lots . . . until we widened the doorway between the living room and the kitchen and ruined his fun. (We really didn't widen the doorway to ruin his fun, but to allow more air circulation from the wood stove that was in the kitchen. Not sure if Ryan thought it was a good idea.)

eileeninmd said...

Hello, your early Thanksgiving is a big event. You have a lovely big family. I am sure everyone enjoyed the good food and fun times. Great collection of photos. Happy Friday, enjoy your weekend!

Mrs.T said...

What a wonderful early Thanksgiving you all had! It's a huge blessing for a family to be all together. Don't ever take that for granted (I'm sure you don't!), for not every family is so blessed. The pictures are all fantastic!

And that pork stir-fry looks wonderful! Bet it would be good with chicken or turkey, too.

Marilyn @ MountainTopSpice said...

Such a blessing for all your family to get together! I just loved how all the kids are having so much fun playing together, reading, and climbing the walls even! Just pure fun, and delight, and what a great way to spend that family time together. Glad your snow melted, our snow is in the process of melting, and now its getting a bit muddy and slushy. I'm sure we will get more snow soon to cover it up. I like routines for eating as well, but then I do like some change too. Sandwiches are my very favorite comfort food. Always enjoy your hodgepodge and sharing of your life :)

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