Christmas decorations

It's a big weekend for celebrating! Yesterday was Thanksgiving and we have much for which we are grateful.  We enjoyed the day very much.  First, the Turkey Trot, then helping Paula prepare a sumptuous feast.  It was fun to watch Erika chopping the vegetables, so interested in learning her mother's cooking skills.  I got off easy, my job was to make the mashed potatoes.  Paula cooked the gourmet brined turkey, made homemade cranberry sauce, made gourmet stuffing with bacon, crumbled chestnuts and dried prunes and made Brussel sprouts so delicious I had two helpings of them.  Paul made a loaf of homemade bread and prepared the orange glazed carrots.  Paula made a pumpkin and an apple pie the night before.  We shared the meal with family friends and eleven of us gathered around the tables in the living room.  Afterward  enjoying the natural mellowing from the ample delicious food, we sat in the afterglow and enjoyed good conversations while the children played happily together.

Today, the season shifted as the turkey came off the front door.  Paula pulled out all the stops and has not only decorated her house with wreaths and lights and a Rudolf reindeer, a snowy penguin and colorfully wrapped packages the light up, but she also decorated our house with colored lights hanging from the eves and a sparkling angel and snowman.  I love Paula's joyful energy and enthusiasm that is carrying all of us along into the joy of Advent.  

Though the problems of the world are still there, looking at the sparkling lights, I remember our many blessings: family, good health, peace, and abundance and as little Tim said last night after the grace was said, "don't forget art and music!"  And I might add, don't forget the joy!!  This season, the sparkling lights will remind me to be grateful.

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