Many thanks to our hostess, Joyce, for giving us this pre-Thanksgiving Hodgepodge! Take a break from the baking and basting to join in HERE!!
1. Tradition...how tightly do you cling to tradition when it comes to holiday gatherings and celebrations? For instance, do you always do the cooking, never eat at home, always go to grandma's, never miss the parade, always watch football, never change the menu, always eat at 2 PM, etc.? Have you ever celebrated Christmas or Thanksgiving away from hearth, home, and family? How did that feel?
We do not cling to tradition, past having a turkey...a BIG turkey so there will be leftovers. The menu stays about the same with a few veggie variations. The time depends on when those joining us can be here. Yes, we have celebrated both holidays away from home. For a few years, we would go to a local golf club for their Thanksgiving buffet, which is amazing and delicious, but we like staying home and having family and friends join us instead.
2. Help...is it easy for you to ask for help or are you a do-it-yourselfer? How is that a good/bad thing?
In my kitchen, I prefer to do it myself but I will easily ask for help when needed. I don't think it is good or bad. I'm not obsessive about it.
3. Abundance...what is there an abundance of in your kitchen?
Right now I have an abundance of sugar and flour for holiday baking.
4. Name...the smallest thing you're thankful for? the biggest?
One of the smallest things I'm thankful for is my electric roaster. It holds a big turnkey and roasts it in about four hours. That leaves my oven free for casseroles and rolls. I am thankful for my roaster!
The biggest thing I am thankful for...you can't get much bigger than your home. I am SO thankful for our home here in Mas Verde. Blessed!! (Of course, there are many, many things I am thankful for.)
5. Key...What do you think is the key to living a more grateful life?
Faith in God is the key to everything in my life, including how grateful I am for my life, my family, my friends.....
6. State your own random thought here.
This time of year causes me to reflect on memories of those we have lost from our earthly lives. Those big family Thanksgiving gatherings full of aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents. Loud and very fun gatherings. December is bitter-sweet because we lost Mom and Dad both in December. Dad on December 12th (1989) and Mom on December 30th (1995). We also lost Joe's mom on December 27th (1999). But...my heart is filled with love and sweet memories. The circle of life.
That random thought is just a little depressing, I guess. It is not meant to be because I am not depressed about it or obsessed with it. It's just always on my mind this time of year.
The kids and grandpups will be here later today and I'll be baking, baking, baking!! So excited to have six at our table. Double that would be fine too, but blessed with six place settings!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours (in case I miss you on the day). Peace & hugs!!