This year we were missing our regular partners in fall festivities - the Schaapshers. We are so lucky to have friends that regularly make the 14 hour trip to see us as the leaves change across this country. It was not in the cards this year and their absence was felt but hopefully our love for them was felt from provinces away.
Because we have finally finished our deck and the renovations are (mostly) done and because the back deck seemed to lend itself so splendidly to a giant dining table we were hoping for an outside feast and the weather didn't disappoint. Despite the snowy temperatures for our friends back in Alberta we made it to our projected high of 12 degrees and with a rented patio heater and a roaring fire (and knitted layers) we were all able to enjoy Thanksgiving under the prairie sky.
There was of course WAY too much delicious food and drink. I went overboard on stuffing because it's my favourite and I only make it once a year. Jen's dad made my favourite cabbage rolls. Andrea brought delicious vegetarian goodness. The turkey literally fell off the bone which was a good thing since usually Paul carves it. I, in fact, became keenly aware of all the things that Paul silently does to help me on Thanksgiving day. I had to do an awful lot more chopping this year.
The kids were a great help this year too. Emily cut intricate fall decorations for the front windows and they made 15 tea light lanterns to put along the banister of the back deck. They were excited to see their loved ones too.
Keith, of course, did all the thankless jobs. He dutifully put up the lights to make the backyard an autumn evening wonderland. He got all the supplies and cleaned all the bathrooms. He doesn't begrudge me my ridiculous over-the-topness.
Our house started embracing it's visitors around 4pm. There is nothing better than people coming to the door that generally want to come and spend the evening with you - no agenda and no expectations. I love that everyone rolled up their sleeves and helped put the last minute touches on everything. Lighting the lights, making sure there were enough chairs, cutlery, the "always last-minute" gravy.
There was tonnes of belly laughter, honest conversation and hugs between friends new and old. Older kids playing with younger ones and "cousin friends" literally sweating with excitement and video game enthusiasm. We enjoyed the pink sunset as day turned to night and the lights started to twinkle and the fire warmed our bodies and friendship warmed our hearts.
I spent Thanksgiving with people I love in my favourite place and for that I am truly thankful.
"Hear blessings dropping their blossoms around you" - Rumi
