As I made my first cup of morning coffee today I considered all that I have to be thankful for. A Thanksgiving day ritual for so many.
I put a couple of pieces of wood on the coals from last nights fire to take the chill out of the kitchen. Thought of all of the time and work put into getting that wood in. Thank you.
I pulled a beautiful, local, 20 pound bird from the refrigerator to bring it up to temperature and considered that it was walking this earth until just a few days ago. Thank you.
I turned on the water and washed my hands in its wonderful warmth. Such a convenience taken for granted. Thank you.
I will walk out to the garden and pull up the very last vegetable there this morning. My rutabagas. Tiny seeds placed in the earth 5 months ago turned into amazing purple and yellow orbs by earth and water, amazing when you think about it. Thank you.
Potatoes that were dug two months ago will be peeled and cooked. Carrots that were pulled and pickled will be chilled will be served. Thank you.
The big table, made by the hands of a favorite friend will be moved into the middle of the room and set. Thank you.
Guests will arrive bearing food they have put time into. The conversations and reminiscing will begin along with the laughter that always ensues. Thank you.
Thanksgiving is about the food, family and friends for me. It’s one of those warm, fuzzy holidays and always has been. This year looked like it would only be three of us eating a 20 pound turkey but evolved last week into a party of 10. One of my favorite things to do it to cook for others. It’s a gift of the heart and hands.
I am a fortunate person. I live most of my time in an extraordinary place and know it. I have a loving family and the most amazing husband who works harder than anyone I know to make all of this happen. The newest member of our tribe was born two weeks ago and he will grow up surrounded by the love of so many. The shift in generations has occurred and I can take up my mantle as grandma to help him know how blessed he is and how blessed we all are to have what we have.
Fort Pelham Farm 
So well said, Jo and congrats on your new status as Grandmother!
Enjoyed your blog and well spoken and so true. You really are in a special part of the country that I remember growing up when a child and most of my relatives still live in that part of the country. Being a grandparent myself, I as well try to share with my grandkids things that they probably will never experience in today’s times. We were so blessed to grow up in the generation that we did! Thankful for all that the Lord has provided me.
What a wonderful Thanksgiving. Grandkids are the best, and the hardest part is giving them back, unlike the words of others who say that is the best part. I miss mine like crazy when I return home or when they go.
And we have the privilege of reading your wonderful words. Thank you.