Although it seems too soon, she decided to arrive early this year. And she’s done it with a shout.
Every trip in and out of my neighborhood has been glorious. Each week something new was in bloom.
I meant to stop and take pictures, but I was in too big a hurry to get to an appointment or take care of an errand, so I never got around to stopping. The hedgerow of bridal wreath has gone green–their tiny white flowers long blown away. The tulip trees are a bit bedraggled. (Like me on a bad hair day, they wouldn’t appreciate being photographed.)
Our Thanksgiving celebration was excellent. Although Gary and Bonnie and his boys couldn’t be with us (we have to share), we still had a houseful–nineteen hungry folks.
The Georgia Days
Brad, Terry, Caroline, Maria, Emily, and me
This group drove most of Tuesday to be with us. They spent Wednesday helping me cook, taking care of Brad’s mother’s estate business, and shopping with a break for hamburgers with Gary and Josh at the Buffalo Grill.
Show Time
Maria and her crew helped make Thanksgiving Dinner happen from table preparation to clean up.
You may have heard my sighs of relief.
The North Little Rock Johnsons
Seated: Randi, Erika, Graham, Gayla. Standing, Christy & Jeff, me, Erik, and Terry
This crew joined us midday. They came bearing gifts of bread pudding, compliments of Jeff; a festive white cake; and the essential bags of ice.
Yum! Yum!
The Hillcrest Days
Spencer, Sierra, Bryan, behind me, and Betsy
Brad’s brother, Bryan, and his family swept in with Betsy’s not-your-run-of-the-mill-mashed potatoes, salad, apple cheesecake, and chocolate pie.
Smack! Smack!
The West Little Rock Rodgers
Cathy, Terry, me & Dudley
Cathy and Dudley, arrived with amazing smoked pork tenderloin and a fancy cherry strudel pie.
We repeated our tradition of writing expressions of thanks on leaves to adorn a little Gratitude Tree.
Erika, Randi, & Graham, making Gran happy
Serious Eating
By the time everyone was assembled, the turkey, dressing, gravy, sweet potatoes, green beans, and two pies–apple and pumpkin–were ready. Four pans of Sister Schubert rolls were in the oven. Our kitchen island fairly groaned under the weight of everyone’s culinary masterpieces.
After a blessing, we dined like royalty, laughing and gabbing through another memorable Thanksgiving dinner.
Aftermath
Afterwards, those wonderful girls: Betsy, Gayla, and Maria cleaned up. I helped as much as they would allow, which was very little.
“Go put your feet up,” they said.
I tell you, their mothers trained them well.
Later, we spilled out onto the porch and lawn for photo ops.
When everyone headed home, Maria’s gang hit the stores again. Terry and I threw up our feet and rested.
What a wonderful day!
I wish you could have been here with us.
Wherever you spent the day, I hope you felt as blessed as I did.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Ps. 136:1 ESV
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