1. Tradition…how tightly do you cling to tradition when it comes to holiday gatherings and celebrations? For instance do you always do the cooking, never eat at home, always go to grandma’s, never miss the parade, always watch football, never change the menu, always eat at 2 PM, etc.? Have you ever celebrated Christmas or Thanksgiving away from hearth, home, and family? How did that feel?
I really am a traditionalist. I love to cook and I love certain things, like Chestnut Stuffing. As a child we always went to my home. I mean, the family would meet up and my Mom did the cooking. She was a pro. I have been out to restaurants a couple of times, but didn’t really like that. It lacked the personal touch. I’ve also been over seas in places that did not celebrate Thanksgiving and I felt a real loss. I think one of the strangest Thanksgivings was when we took a cruise. Oh they had most of the things you would associate with Thanksgiving, but somehow it lost something in translation.
2. Help…is it easy for you to ask for help or are you a do-it-yourselfer? How is that a good/bad thing?
It’s terribly hard for me to ask for help. It has been all my life. Even during times when I really needed help. This year with the surgery and Staph infection, I finally learned how to ask for help. It’s still hard, but I have learned that at times you need to ask and then be grateful in return.
3. Abundance…what is there an abundance of in your kitchen?
Right now? Eggs and butter. That’s because tomorrow is baking and cooking day. I’m making pumpkin and mince pies and apple crisp. I’m also making Chestnut Dressing, and of course there will be roasted butternut squash, mashed potatoes and of course the gravy!
4. Name…the smallest thing you’re thankful for? the biggest?
The smallest things are often the biggest things and the biggest things the smallest. I am thankful for the health and wonder of my daughter and grandchildren. I am also thankful for Jack’s return to health and I am ever so thankful that I beat the Staph infection, so I am here to enjoy life with these people. I know I didn’t actually answer the question, but I think you all understand.
5. Key…What do you think is the key to living a more grateful life?
Take nothing and no one for granted. To look for the positive things in life and to be present in the here and now.
6. State your own random thought here.
I am so pleased that this year I am well enough to be back in the kitchen cooking away. I have printed up all my recipes, and have each item planned out as to preparation and cook time. Tomorrow I will also put the leaves in the table and start the process of setting that up. Oh, the excitement is building!
Have a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving Everyone!