Lesson 673: Grateful

 

Happy Thanksgiving, Readers.

We are grateful for many things this holiday.

When the google search box looks like this on Thanksgiving,

we all had to adjust our expectations this year.

There are always many gifts of abundance to recognize.

Be extra generous this season if you can.

Those living in the Lamp Post bubble

were healthy as of last week,

so we began trying to figure out a way we could

eat together,

while still following the recommended guidelines.

Not an easy task,

but I clipped some Indian dreamcatcher feathers 

in my hair,

said a little prayer,

and started planning.

I reached in the cupboard for a coffee cup

after I sighed a heavy sigh

and exhaled along with it a

Lord, help me.

This is the cup I grabbed.

The weather was going to be a big factor.

Would we have sun?

Rain?

Snow?

Looking back in my 3 year diary,

which I'm about to complete in a couple of weeks,

we have had all three within the past three years.

Thanksgiving Day 2020 in Erie, PA

was 52 degrees with a light drizzle.

Doable!

So Miles Standish and Momma

journeyed from afar to attend a gathering

of thanks and giving.

Decorating the pole barn for Thanksgiving dinner

was sort of like transforming the school gym for the Prom.

A strategic little cluster of decorations

intended to draw the eye away from the drill press.

Some lit candles covered up the smell

of motor oil, paint, and metallic tools.

The anvil,

one of the few surviving relics from the barn fire,

made a great display table 

for the simple reminder.

We figured out a way to seat everyone six feet apart.

Erik got a special set on Grandpa's four wheeler.

Sam sat solo

with plenty of room for two beggars from the pound.

Eloise issued a Masks Mandatory mandate.

Rules are just like for school,

you can remove them for eating and drinking.

Everyone had a happy Thanksgiving Day,

and honestly,

I think I enjoyed this year the most out of those most recent.

Natalie is thrilled with all of the Mickey Mouse

and Snoopy merch.

Every store seems to be carrying some

sort of clothing items with the 

feel good characters.

They tie for second in her happy heart,

with bacon always holding that #1 spot

in Natalie's List of Favorites.

The Christmas tree went up a few days earlier than normal.

We added an outdoor tree to the front porch this year.

When you drive by for a holiday honk,

give it a glance.

Yes, we are holding on lights along the bottom

for a day or two 

to see how the Penny and Hazel 

handle the tree.

We are hoping the tree doesn't fall over.

Natalie still hangs all of the ornaments in one spot,

and I just can't bring myself to adjust them.

It is a visual celebration of the quirk

that makes this family work.

Ellen and her Cricut have been clutch.

When I need a break from the holiday set up,

we've been playing this version of dominoes.

It is my new favorite game!

It is with a grateful heart,

I leave you this weekend.

Blessings to all of you this Thanksgiving.

Eloise