First Day of Buck (or Doe)

The not so lucky buck and doe. Real men wear blood on their shirt.

This is a northwest PA holiday. The kids have no school. One fella that was scheduled to work today had to tell his boss he'd be late. How late? Well that depends. But most likely he could get there by late afternoon, right about dark thirty.

I was way too tired to get up with Tom at 4:30a.m. (owing to still being awake, tossing and turning at 2a.m. -- both of us.) But I'll tell you what, by 6:00 breakfast smelled wonderful -- bacon and eggs, pancakes, cheesy potatoes, and coffee. The coffee aroma nearly put me over the side of the bed and on my feet. But no, I resisted. I enjoyed warmed overs at 8:00, quick made some soup and sloppy joe, and went to work for a couple of hours. (On Mondays I update the church website -- and I hate to let that go, since I don't work on Tuesday. So you see, I actually write two blogs a week. I'd like to post on this one more often, something I only occasionally accomplish. I knew you'd want to know all that.)

I got home in time to put lunch on the table for the grateful deer-slayers (2 of them) and the guys who came up empty handed (5 of them). Eat, drink, tell stories, call neighbors, friends, family, then back out to push the loop. That means most of the hunters go get in their places and a couple of them walk around the field called the flats, all the way to the creek and then loop back. Out of today's push one more from our hunting party got a buck. That makes 3, and it appears the hunters are done for the day. What?... it's not even dark yet. So the lucky bucks get to live another day.

Giving Thanks with Grateful Hearts

Beautiful borrowed beads and a scrumptious pumpkin pie

I got to watch my little girls on Thanksgiving eve. As they were leaving Audrey offered to let me borrow something from her. (Mommy is teaching her not to ask to take things home. She's very bright. and although she probably can't articulate it, she's figured out that perhaps if she offers something, the favor will be reciprocated. Of course it will -- if mommy and daddy allow :-) So she offers her pretty pink princess beads. Well, how could I resist that? I told her I would love to wear them on Thanksgiving Day. And I did.

Adam, Alicia, Gary, Nadine -- a small, but lovely gathering

Cleo the cat's thanksgiving dinner was pretty much same old same old. But she didn't seem to mind a bit.  After dinner the girls sat around the table chatting, the guys caught some football, then we all watched a chick flick. It was a good day and we do have much for which to be thankful.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY!

The pies are in the oven and the turkey is waiting his turn. This is the first time in a few years that we've done our Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday. Usually we feast together on Saturday to accommodate busy schedules and other obligations. Not so this year. Last year on Thanksgiving day we took turkey and all the trimmings and shared the day with our friend "Aunt" Ronnie. This year she's celebrating in heaven...

I'm catching a few minutes of the Macy Day Parade -- here they come led by the Master of Ceremonies and the parade producer. There's Snoopy right behind the big yellow Macy's stars, followed by Lucy and Charlie Brown. ...And I have to interrupt this blog to say that I just had a Happy Thanksgiving phone call from Dad. My parents' tradition of having Aunt Lou and Uncle Harry over is reversed this year and they are traveling to the west coast of Florida for turkey dinner at Lou and Harry's place instead. ...Before that call the cast from Sesame Street sang a song about music touching everyone's heart... and it touched my heart. Sweet memories. Those Sesame Street people are like old friends, who have grown quite a bit older over the 20-30 years since my kids were Sesame Street age. Only Big Bird hasn't aged -- he's still spry, has a child-like voice and his color hasn't faded a bit. Oh this really is too much fun, high school bands and university bands, and singers...all sorts of entertainment.

I think I'll wrap up this blog. I really must go. There are things to do, getting ready for company to come. Meanwhile, the pies are out of the oven and the stuffed turkey is in.

Pictures from one year ago...

A gorgeous woman and great friend, a beautifully set table... a fond memory.

And now... to get busy making this year's memory! Have a wonderful holiday.

Day of Worship, Day of Rest

The early morning frost is melting away. Chris Matthews is on TV (without Chris this morning), and mmmm, I'm enjoying my first cup of coffee. This is part of our Sunday morning routine here, and it's almost heavenly. I'm dressed and ready for church. Better grab some breakfast and get ready to head out the door. Don't want to be late. I so enjoy our Sunday morning small group that meets before worship time. After church we have a baby shower for one of my friend's daughters. Then tonight a group of us will sing hymns for residents at the local care facility. Sunday is a day of worshiping  in more than one way, giving God honor and praise, blessing people, and being blessed. It's a wonderful break from routine, a day for God and people, a day of unconventional rest. I love Sundays.

Let Everything That Has Breath Praise the Lord

15 days since my last post. Will I post again? Probably, but not just now. William Wordsworth said, "Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart." First I have to breathe again. It'll happen, always does. Then I'll write, and blog, and praise God. "Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord!" Psalm 150:6. All I have to do is find my breath.