A Pretty Chill Thanksgiving...

 We did things a little different this year.

My brother contacted us about a month ago and asked about this year's Thanksgiving plans. We hadn't made plans and we told him as much. Before you could say "Reply" he sent a text asking if we'd like to celebrate the holiday with them.

Of course we would.

Next, we received a follow-up text asking if we wouldn't mind having dinner on Wednesday night instead of the traditional Thursday as millions of others would do so more of us could attend.

Of course we would.

Yesterday, we loaded up the minivan and headed down. The drive was nice and we spent an evening talking and eating incredible food. As things do, we broke up the party and headed home. It was a wonderful experience, something--especially considering last year--I hope to cherish.

This was the first Thanksgiving without our sister. My siblings and I don't get together every year. Had we known it would be the last time she'd be with us, we'd have gathered together for sure.

Because we had our big meal last night, today was weird. No turkey, no big meal that requires days to prepare. We sat around watching Christmas movies (at least, the ones we could get through...). It was pretty chill. I suppose we shouldn't focus on the food, but the family. That's the most important part. Growing up, I saw my siblings every day--sometimes I had to find excuses to take a break from family. Now, you have to put forth effort the see each other. Funny how things change.

No, it was a different holiday for us. I'm thankful for family. It's the most important thing.

Thanksgiving...This Year Giving Thanks We'll Be At My Brothers ;)

 Yup...

That meme pretty much nails it.

Traditionally, in our family, Thanksgiving to me means I work three days, then I can sleep in Thursday and look forward to a day of feasting and football (well, I used to watch NFL games...). This is not how my wife views the week of Thanksgiving--oh no. For her, it's not just one day, it's several days. 

First, there's the planning. This is not a minor detail. You have to figure out what the family's going to eat, pre-meal, meal, and dessert, snacks throughout, and other things that sound yummy. Then, there's the shopping. Because of food allergies, we end up having to go to several stores to get what we need. It takes time, and money. All this prep and shopping takes place long before the actually meal is served.

Then, the week of Thanksgiving arrives. My wife has prepared several Thanksgiving meals over the years. She knows the timing of the event, when things need to take place. She's a pro.

A few weeks ago, my brother called and asked if we'd like to join him at his house for the big day/meal. We said, "Sure." I was glad that we'd get to spend time with the family. As we get older, we see less and less of extended family, mostly because all our families are getting bigger and bigger--it is the way of things. My wife was glad because all that planning, shopping, food preparation, and serving will not take place here, but somewhere else.

Of course, the meal is cherry on top. Getting together with family is the most important thing. It's what makes Thanksgiving the biggest blessing.

Give Thanks...Growing Raspberries

 Does thirteen plants constitute a ranch?

Okay, I know...ranches are more associated with the raising of animals, but yesterday we planted thirteen raspberry plants on the northern side of our lot. According to the American Heritage Dictionary, ranch has three definitions:

ranch

rănch

noun

1. An extensive farm, especially in the western United States, on which large herds of cattle, sheep, or horses are raised.
2. A large farm on which a particular crop or kind of animal is raised.
3. A house in which the owner of an extensive farm lives.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

So, I suppose it may turn into a raspberry ranch one day.

Before we moved in, our builder asked if we wanted a rock retaining wall between our property and our neighbors. I love rock walls so of course, we said, "yes." We believe that this was a win-win for the builder. He didn't have to pay to haul off the boulders. I also suspect every rock came from our lot. After our neighbors put in a beautiful cedar fence, we were left with a shelf, maybe six feel wide running the length of the backyard. It was my wife's idea to plant something there...grapes, or perhaps, raspberries.

Yesterday, my son and his wife called to see if we wanted some raspberry plants. Her father was thinning his stock and we jumped at the idea. A few shovel turns, a few rocks removed, and we had our field. Thanks to some rain during the night, the starts should be on their way to growing strong and providing years and years of plentiful fruit.

I'm thankful we have others looking out for us. They didn't have to call and offer the plants, but they did. It was a nice thing to do. Now, we just need to keep them alive so they can come over and enjoy the bounty.