Sunday, November 27, 2011

Holidays

There are several things that are good about being a blogger, and one of them is being in control of the first photos that are posted. Holidays are a great time to select photos of unsuspecting family members, and this year was no exception.  Unfortunately, this Thanksgiving was not quite what had been anticipated. 

First, there were two "senior citizens" that were supposed to be in attendance.  The first one made it through Thanksgiving Eve, but on Turkey Day called and requested transport to the local hospital.  That did not start the celebration in a positive manner.  

After a few hours in the local establishment, she enjoyed a trip to the "big city" where she was kept over night and given one heart stint the next day.

As for the rest of the clan, it was business as usual - LOTS OF FOOD!  Enough food, in fact, for two full meals (two days in a row) with a gathering of 15 or 20 (more or less - I didn't keep count) each time.  There were still left overs and turkey sandwiches to be had at will.

More interesting is the change (or lack there of) in the group that gathered.  Certainly, there was one less "senior" and the other ate and left (crowds are no longer her thing - and besides by the second evening she was no longer certain what month or holiday it was).  But we ate, drank, visited, and even played cards. 

Then BLACK FRIDAY arrived.  The shoppers headed north, some went to the hospital to check on the patient, the non-shoppers stayed local and picked up a few "deals" and one brave soul (the "non-uncle") became the best adult ever to spend the day with three youngsters.  When they returned Friday night about 9 PM one sleepy little girl was in the "non-uncle's" arms and semi-asleep.  It had been a great day all around.

The one thing the "crowd" didn't do much of was reminisce   Thanksgivings past and other memories were not mentioned. Therefore, this blogger felt compelled to post a couple "memories" for those who attended this year's festivities.  Can you spot the difference?

Holidays are to be cherished - in this modern era they account for the one or two times a year we gather with our families.  It is a sad commentary on our current living arrangements when we are scattered and too busy to stop and spend time.  After all, life is really a fleeting time span and the older we get the faster it seems to pass (I remember the "old folks" when I was young saying stuff like this and now it seems to be true). 

There is another holiday just around the corner.  Another gathering time to be celebrated.  In this person's opinion, the gatherings are the only positive aspect of shortened daylight, end of the year crunches, and the "buying" season. 

"Rejoice with your family in the beautiful land of life!" ~Albert Einstein

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