Randomly Thankful

I am thankful for Lidna at 2nd Cup of Coffee because she has introduced me, via this meme, to a great body of men and women who are caring and giving. Most of us don't know each other in person, but everyone is very kind and supportive. How cool is that? THANK YOU, LINDA and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

1. Are you sticking to traditional Thanksgiving foods this year, or are you being culinarily adventurous?

The extended family members who join us for the meal are easily rattled, so we'll be traditional on Thursday. But on Friday or Saturday, I give my family a culinarily adventurous treat.

2. Tell me something concrete that you're thankful for. (Something you can literally touch, see, etc., not a concept like "hope.") My home and the people who live in it.

3. You knew the flip side was coming: Share about something intangible that you're thankful for. My Jesus.

4. Share one vivid Thanksgiving memory. It doesn't have to be deep or meaningful, just something that remains etched in your memory.

Forty-four years ago we didn't get to have Thanksgiving turkey with our mama or daddy because we got a much
better celebration. My dad was away with the army, and mama was in the hospital. She had promised that when she returned she would bring us a baby and because I was such a good helper, the baby would be mine
to help with. I had just turned four so I thought this was a reasonable request by her -- I thought I was certainly up to the challenge.

We met my baby brother on November 23, 1965. He was a lot bigger than I thought he'd be, but smaller as well. He wasn't quite ready to wear spurs and a hat and boots and play with me, but I knew there'd be time. Yesterday we celebrated the man he has become through our parents' love, God's grace, and DESPITE his two older sisters. I love you bro, and I'm sorry we didn't let you grow up until we left for college.

5. What is one thing that you know beyond a shadow of a doubt is going to happen this Thanksgiving because it always does, year after year?

One young guest will refuse to eat anything home made. He's 9. It floors my kids when they see him refuse what to them is normal food. But his mom doesn't cook and doesn't enforce the 'just try it' rule...so there you go.

6. Do your pets get any left-overs?
No, but as I do all the prep work chopping she gets to have leaves (parsley, celery, etc.) You should see her after she eats celery leaves. They're like budgie crack.

7. Does your family pray before the big meal? If so, do you join hands while seated, stand, repeat a formal prayer or offer a spontaneous prayer? Who does the praying? We pray, seated, and it's spontaneous. My husband prays. For our extended family that visits, these occasions are the only time they pray.

8. Will you be watching football in the afternoon? If not, what will you be doing? We don't eat until 3. And we don't have TV, so no, we don't watch football. But in the morning, while I finish up in the kitchen, the kids and dad are going for a spin on the lake in the canoe. I REALLY want them out from under my feet so this is a blessing!

9. There are two distinct camps of people on this issue: How do you feel about oysters in the dressing/stuffing?
Nope. Cornbread and Sausage.

10. Do you consider yourself informed about the first Thanksgiving?
I've read a lot about the different view points, so yes, but I don't let it constrain or define our celebration.

11. Which variety of pie will you be enjoying? Pumpkin!

12. Do you feel for the turkey?? (This is a humorous throw back question related to the 12th question in another Random Dozen!) Nah. Domestic turkeys are so dumb!