Thanksgiving Memories

 

 

Hello Friends, 

Thanksgiving was a delicious meal with all the love of family around. It also came with Wisconsin weather, making Thanksgiving travel a story all its own. 

We are blessed that we all were able to make Thanksgiving and once again enjoy family time.

 

 

Taking delight in the little things during our Thanksgiving weekend.

 ♥ a lovely table setting created with love

♥ using tablecloths from past years stitched with love

  

 

♥ enjoying recipes passed down though the years

 ♥ my mom's stuffing

 ♥ homemade cranberry sauce

♥ and pumpkin pie with my mom's homemade crust

 

Happy Thanksgiving and it is the Hodgepodge

 

Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

We will be traveling to visit family this Thanksgiving. I have not seen my sister since last Thanksgiving, it will be a blessing to catch up in person.

 

And now it is time for the Hodgepodge. 

Joyce asks the questions.

We answer the questions.

Click here to join the fun! 

 1. Do you feel like you have a 'full plate' at the moment? In what way? 

 

I am feeling good about my commitments I have for the month of December. 

 

2. How did you learn to cook? If you have children did you teach or encourage them to cook? Do you like to follow a recipe or is your cooking style more 'let's wing it'.    

 

 I learned from my mom. Yes, both of our son's enjoyed learning how to cook. Our son Atticus enjoys baking. I do follow a recipe.

 

 3. Last time you bit off more than you could chew? Elaborate. 

 

This usually happens to me while gardening. I will start a project that I think will only take me about an hour. Instead half of the day has gone by and I am still in the thick of it.

 

  4. When did you last say 'the more the merrier' and mean it? 

 

When our son's have others with them for a visit and they did not tell us ahead of time. I am so happy to spend time with them and meet their friends and co workers. 

 

 5. Write an acrostic using the word T-H-A-N-K-S.  

 

Time with family.

Heading back to the family farm.

Apple pie with ice cream.

Nonstop belly laughing at the Thanksgiving table.

  Kitchen clean up, everyone chips in.

Sharing memories from the past.

 

 6. Insert your own random thought here.  

Happy Thanksgiving 

 

Over the river and through the wood,

    To grandfather's house we go;

         The horse knows the way

         To carry the sleigh

    Through the white and drifted snow.

Over the river and through the wood--

    Oh, how the wind does blow!

         It stings the toes

         And bites the nose,

    As over the ground we go.

Over the river and through the wood,

    To have first-rate play.

         Hear the bells ring,

         "Ting-a-ling-ding!"

    Hurrah for Thanksgiving Day!

Over the river and through the wood,

    And straight through the barn-yard gate.

         We seem to go

         Extremely slow--

    It is so hard to wait!

Over the river and through the wood--

    Now grandmother's cap I spy!

         Hurrah for the fun!

         Is the pudding done?

    Hurrah for the pumpkin-pie!

Lydia Maria Child

Happy Thanksgiving Hodgepodge

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving Friends,

We celebrated Thanksgiving with our boys this past Saturday, November 23rd. We also decorated our Christmas tree. 

The boys stayed the weekend.

We enjoyed good food

Played Scrabble, I lost.

Decorated our Christmas tree and did a lot of catching up.

Here we are, it is Wednesday already, and it is time for the Hodgepodge.

Joyce asks the questions.

We answer the questions.

 Click here to join the fun!

Home for the Holidays

1. Talking turkey...are you cooking the turkey this year? We did enjoy turkey this early Thanksgiving. Does ham belong on a Thanksgiving day menu? We usually have ham for Christmas dinner. When it comes to gravy do you pour it over your whole plate, skip it altogether, or land somewhere in between? My husband made our gravy, I did put some on my dressing. It was good. I usually skip gravy altogether. Cranberries-homemade or jelled right out of the can? We like jelled right out of a can.  I also have a homemade cranberry dish I make.  Do you look forward more to the main course, the savory sides, or the desserts? I look forward to the savory sides. 

 I know there are at least a couple of bloggers who participate here who live outside the US and won't be celebrating Thanksgiving. If that's you feel free to adapt this question to your December (or any) holiday meal.

2. Holiday movies...tell us your favorite and what it is about the film that makes you love it. Is it the film itself or a memory it stirs? 

1954 White Christmas - Bing Crosby - Danny Kaye - Rosemary Clooney - Vera Ellen

I love the music, the dancing, the acting. I love Gen. Waverly, the love for America, the love the men show to Gen. Waverly.  White Christmas is a family favorite. We all know the songs and several of our favorite lines from the movie too.

 

3. A favorite way to give back and help others? 

 Samaritan's Purse

We participate with Operation Christmas Child

and 

Operation Heal Our Patriots.

4. Name a place or setting you encountered this month that made you feel grateful. 

 The dentist. We just had an appointment last Wednesday. I am so grateful for my hygienist, Krista, we have become friends. She has been my hygienist for close to 9 years. She has watched our boys graduate, go into the military, college, deployments and more. We talk as if we are old friends. 

I gifted her a potted plant. I am grateful for her and my dentist as well, they make me feel comfortable and I do not mind my dental appointments.

 

 

5. Knowing what you know today, if you could redo yesterday what would you do differently? 

I am typing this on Tuesday afternoon to be posted on Wednesday morning. I had a great Monday, November 25th... so I do not think anything.

 

 

6. Spill your own random thought here. 

Spilling out a few more photos from our feast last Saturday.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

 

Knock Knock Says December and it is the Hodgepodge!

 

It is beginning to look like winter... and it is time for the Hodgepodge.

Joyce asks the questions.

We answer the questions.

Click here to join the fun! 

 1. Does anybody really know what day it is? Last week we skipped the Hodgepodge and I just assumed this week would find us in December, but nope. Still November. Do you wear a watch? Use a paper calendar or strictly electronic? What's your favorite hour of the day? Why?

 The autumn season blew by us. And here we are getting ready for Christmas, winter and dare I say 2024! 

I do not wear a watch. I use a paper calendar. 

7 AM is my favorite hour of the day. I am usually heading out to feed and care for our chickens. Morning is a beautiful time for me.

 2. Tell us something about how you celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday. 

We enjoyed time with family. We traveled to my parents farm. Our boys met us at the farm, along with my sister and her husband. We played a few wild games of UNO. Our family loves to play games. 

 3. What's a sound you hate to hear? 

Sirens... I just hate hearing them. After two police officers were murdered here in our village in April.. and the sirens went on for hours and hours during this awful day. I just hate hearing sirens now. My mind says... what now!!  Then I pray, Dear God, and pray a prayer for safety for those keeping watch.

4. Where do you not mind waiting?   

Where do you not mind waiting... well that depends on if I am waiting with some of my favorite people. Recently my son had a doctor's appointment, we waited together and that was extra time I had to visit with him. 

5. I really wish____________________________________.  

My favorite items would not be discontinued. I have a pair of shoes I love, sadly they have discontinued making them. 

 6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Pumpkin Seed Cinnamon Brittle

We made pumpkin seed brittle giving a twist to the usual peanut brittle. 

Do you make homemade brittle? 

 

Happy Thanksgiving Hodgepodge

 

Happy Thanksgiving Hodgepodge Friends

It is Wednesday and that means it is time for the Hodgepodge.

Joyce asks the questions.

We answer the questions.

Here we go!

Oh and click here to join the fun!

 1. This week's Hodgepodge lands on National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day. Is yours in need of a cleaning? Nope, already done. Will you get that done today? How often do you tackle this particular chore?  We usually clean out our fridge every other day or so. 

 2. November 15th is also National Philanthropy Day...tell us about a charity (local or otherwise) you like to support when you're able.  

We have a few different charities we like to support. For this weeks hodgepodge I will mention the USO. The USO has always been there to help our military son when in need. Missed flights due to hurricanes.. the USO was at the ready to help out. Delayed flights due to hurricanes.. the USO was at the ready to help out. It is great to know that yes the USO is helping our military when family cannot. 

 3.What in nature inspires you and why? 

 I love everything about nature. The sky, clouds, wind, trees, plants, animals, birds... it all inspires me. During the summer months I am outside most of the days. If I am not in my garden, I will be kayaking, walking or simply soaking in the sun.

 4. What's something you own that makes you feel cozy? 

My flannel PJ's.  

 5. Who did you thank today? Who thanked you? 

I thanked my husband. 

My son's girlfriend Catie thanked me. 

 6. Insert your own random thought here. 

There's A Great Big Turkey Out On Grandma's Farm

To the tune of Polly Wally Doodle 

There's a great big turkey out on Grandma's farm,  And he thinks he's very gay.

He spreads his tail into a great big fan and struts around all day. You can hear him gobble at the girls and boys, For he thinks he's singing when he makes that noise... But he'll sing a different song a different way Upon Thanksgiving Day!

Thankful Living is Thanks Giving.

 

Thankful Living is Thanks Giving.

I was recently reminded of the following..

People who know who they are, who possess a clear sense of their mission, and who understand God's plan and purpose for their lives, are people who experience genuine fulfillment. That does not mean they do not face extreme obstacles. Rather, it means they have learned to face those challenges in ways that transform obstacles into opportunities. Rather than stumbling over them, they press on through them.

 

Happy Thanksgiving

 

Happy Thanksgiving my dear friends. As we continue to be brave and face each day together. I want you all to know how Thankful I am for you.

There are days when the heaviness of this year starts to get to be much. I want to thank you for lifting my spirits. This land of blogging is a positive outlet for me and it brings me so much joy. At the very same time you all bring me smiles, inspiration and so much more.

Thank You 

♥ 

Carla

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.

Albert Camus

 

There's a Great Big Turkey Out on Grandma's Farm

To the tune of Polly Wally Doodle

 There's a great big turkey out on Grandma's farm, 

And he thinks he's very gay.

He spreads his tail into a great big fan and struts around all day.

You can hear him gobble at the girls and boys,

For he thinks he's singing when he makes that noise --

But he'll sing his song a different way

Upon Thanksgiving Day!

Memories of 2018 Thanksgiving

 Thanksgiving of 2018 found our family just getting home from attending Basic Training Graduation for our son Sam at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.

 After graduation we were able to spend three fantastic days in Augusta, Georgia, before Sam had to report for duty at Fort Gordon, Georgia.

 As we planned our trip back to Wisconsin we took our time and visited the Tallulah Gorge, located in the Northeast Mountains of Georgia.

Yikes.. I still need to do a post about our stops on our way back home.

Our last Cracker Barrel that we stopped at was in Northern Kentucky. Stopping at Cracker Barrel is a big deal for us when traveling, because we do not have any near to us in the Northland of Wisconsin.

Our waitress shared that they were baking pies for Thanksgiving. My husband looked at me with puppy dog eyes. We just can't celebrate Thanksgiving with out pecan pie. No worries about the turkey, mashed potato or squash. He needs pie.

 We did just that. We bought a pie and celebrated Thanksgiving safe and sound back home in Wisconsin. Our Sam enjoyed Thanksgiving at Fort Gordon, Georgia and was able to call home. He shared that he had a great dinner and what really made the dinner special was who served them.

Some of the high command came to Fort Gordon to thank the men and women for their service and served them Thanksgiving dinner.

 Thanksgiving day will be here soon and we are so excited to host Thanksgiving this year. We have a small family, it is just six of us. I am excited as this is my first hosting Thanksgiving. 

November

"The power of finding beauty in the humblest things makes home happy and life lovely."

Louisa May Alcott

Happy Thanksgiving

 I will be taking a break for the rest of the week to celebrate Thanksgiving and after Thanksgiving.. start decorating for Christmas!

 Enjoy your family and friends.

 ♥

Carla

 

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to all my dear family and friends.

May the spirit of Thanksgiving enter your home and heart,

filling you with many blessings.

 ♥ 

Carla

 

 Let us have faith that right makes might;

and in that faith let us, too the end, dare to do our duty as we understand.

President Lincoln

 

 Be Back Soon!

Off to Basic Training Graduation for Sam.

Thank you all for the prayers and well wishes during the last 10 weeks. 

TBB ASKS ~ November

1. Have you ever kept a Gratitude Journal?

Yes, I did it once for myself. 

&

When the boys were in Middle School we all participated in writing in a Gratitude Journal for one month of the year.

2. Hosting Thanksgiving at your house?

We will be enjoying Thanksgiving just the three of us this year. We will just be arriving home Wednesday before Thanksgiving from our road trip to Fort Jackson / Fort Gordon. 

It will be the first time I have missed Thanksgiving at the farm. It is also the first Thanksgiving with out our oldest son who will graduate from Fort Jackson on November 15th and we will be taking him to report to duty at Fort Gordon on November 19th. 

~ Giddy for Christmas because Sam will be able to come home for a leave from Fort Gordon and we all can go to the farm together to visit my parents. ~

3. Favorite Food from the Thanksgiving Meal?

My mom makes the best stuffing!

4. What one thing in Nature are you most grateful for?

 

 Trees!

5. Pumpkin Pie: Yes or No?

Yes!

6. Traditional Cookbook:

Yes! Betty Crocker 

7. Oven Baked or Deep-Fried Turkey?

 Oven Baked

8. Thanksgiving Leftovers: Yes or No?

Yes!

Turkey sandwich with cranberries and cold stuffing!!

9. What is one household product you are most grateful for?

Bleach

10. Are you most grateful for home cooked meals or restaurant meals?

Home cooked and eaten with the company of  family and friends!

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving it is The Hodgepodge

Thanksgiving poppers ~ another past idea for a table setting for Thanksgiving. I made poppers, I will share more down in my answer  # 6 (in the random). I also made pumpkin pretzels. Dip pretzels in orange colored white chocolate and add a green M&M.

 Pretzels

M&M's 

Candy Melt

It is Wednesday and that means it is time for the Hodgepodge.

Joyce asks the questions.

We answer the questions.

Click here to join 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.

 In the groove. We have our holiday plans all finalized for traveling to be with family. Other plans are falling into place for Christmas preparations.

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

My buddy that I do our Meal on Wheels route with. We work two weeks on two weeks off. We will sub for each other if something comes up. Most of the time we try to schedule doctor appointments and vacations during our two weeks off.

My buddy on the the rotation, asks me the night of the next day to sub for him, if he needs. Drives me crazy, because I am a planner. He is not, so these are doctor appointments that he has known about for weeks!! He asks me the night of! Making it very difficult for me to sub for him.

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

Favorite foods, games, movies and stories.

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

This is my sisters favorite, it came to mind when I read the question. I am not sure why it is a favorite. I will have to ask her when I see during the Thanksgiving holiday.

 

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

This is from my friend Anne at My Giant Strawberry

 

a reminder to stop and pay attention to the little beauties and graces that make life magical and to set aside time for gratitude each day

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

 

 

What are Indian Corn Poppers? Well, you use a paper towel roll or toilet paper roll and fill it with treats. I used Kit Kat bars, stickers and added a question. We have a fun game called Family Dinner Table Topics. I had Sam and Atticus look for some fun questions to put into the poppers. Here is an example of some of the fun questions. Which wild animal would you like to tame and keep as a pet?  If you lived during the Gold Rush would you have journeyed West to strike it rich? If you could speak another language which would you choose?

 

Hello November ~ It is the Hodgepodge

2016 Thanksgiving place settings. I used broom corn and acorns. Each acorn had the initial of a Thanksgiving guest.

Joyce asks the questions.

We answer the questions.

Click here to join in!

 1. What does/did Halloween look like at your house this year? Did you decorate? Pick pumpkins? Carve pumpkins? Expect trick or treaters? Wear a costume to a party or event? Make a costume? Feel glad you didn't have to come up with a costume? Cook a Halloween themed treat? Eat all the leftover candy?

Yes, I do Autumn/Halloween decorating.

We carve pumpkins and roast the pumpkin seeds.

We decided to hand out candy this year. We took a few years off after a kid was pushed off our steps by his siblings. He fell off the step and dumped all of his candy. 

As I am answering the Hodgepodge questions our lights are on and we are up to 20 Trick or Treat visitors and no mishaps. 

 
2. What are you waiting for? Elaborate

My son received some news that change his after graduation plans. 

Waiting for him to decided and praying for answers.

 3. Do you wish you were friendlier, braver, more creative, more athletic, or something else? Explain.

With the answer of question number 2 ... patience. I want to fix things, help find the answers quickly ... patience, Carla. 

One day at a time.

 4. When it comes time to paint are you a do-it-yourselfer or do you hire someone? What was the last paint job completed at your house? What room most needs painting now? How do you feel about wallpaper?

When it comes to painting, my husband is the painter. He loves to paint and does a fantastic job. We painted some outside trim on our home.

Our kitchen is in need of a re do.

I love what Kris at Junk Chic Cottage  did with her new living room using wallpaper. Love it!

 5. What is one specific thing you felt gratitude for in the month of October?

Our family enjoyed a week getaway to Madison, Wisconsin. We had great weather, awesome family time and memory making.  

6.  Insert your own random thought here. 

I am starting to create our 2017 Thanksgiving place settings. Do you have place settings at your Thanksgiving table? Any fun ideas?

  

The Thanksgiving Table and Happy Thanksgiving

 Happy Thanksgiving 

Broom corn and acorns are the theme for my Thanksgiving place settings.

I grew the broom corn. I was very happy with the results for outdoor and indoor Autumn decorating. 

The acorns I picked up along hikes in the woods. I found the larger acorns on a hike with some friends over Labor Day weekend. 

 

 A used all styles of acorns to create my place settings.

This is a double acorn. 

I used a glue pen to write the initial of each and used a fine gold glitter.

 I tied bunches of broom corn together with a burgundy thread. 

I think the glitter will add a fun sparkle to the Thanksgiving place settings.

 Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving, I will be taking the rest of the week off from the blog.

Enjoy family and friends.

I am thankful for you all!

 ♥

Carla