The Old and the New

Thanksgiving Day 2011. This is my grandson Merrick (1 year old), with his great-grandpa Jim (my father.) Both boys ate pretty good, although Merrick spit a few things out, while grandpa used perfect table manners. Just about 83 years difference between the 2 gentlemen.

We ended up having 24 people over. 3 separate tables. A little crowded, but manageable. Turkey, taters (mashed and sweet), real cornbread dressing with Stove-top for the sissies, green bean casserole, corn, rolls, and cranberries. My contribution was Chex mix, and cut-up fresh pineapple. There were many desserts, all slathered with my sisters real whipped cream. None of that Cool-whip stuff for us.

The holidays (especially Thanksgiving and Christmas) sure bring out some bittersweet feelings. It's always great to be around family, and to hear a lot of laughter. But, it also makes us miss the ones who have passed away. My wife does a super job, but it really makes us appreciate how much work my mom and my late sister did. Everybody pitches in..but..it's never quite the same. Enjoy your family..because..it doesn't last forever.

I myself am thankful for a lot of different things, but we did have a couple of downers today. My wifes mother is in a local hospital with a serious condition, so my wife kind-of ate and ran. And..on a lighter note..on what a I call the 5 F holiday..Faith, Family, Friends, Food, and Football..our Detroit Lions lost to the Packers 27-15. No giant turkey legs for the Lions.

Hope everybody had a great day. I think I'll wait an hour, and fix myself a turkey sammich. I don't know, though.. I'm getting kind of sleepy. Must be the trip-toe-fan kicking in. (BIG YAWN.)