Posted in Holiday Joy, The Joy and Wisdom of Children

Neal’s Post from the Past: “Gratitude Turkey”

Here’s a post from over a decade ago, starring my young grandson (five at the time), Daniel.

I picked up Grandson Daniel (5) from school yesterday, and, hopping into his back seat, he excitedly showed me his just-completed Turkey Basket (well, that’s what he called it anyway). 

As I soon learned, the turkey project was two-fold: first the cute little construction paper turkey itself.  But as you can see in the pictures below, the front housed a nifty envelope (basket?) which held little gratitude or thanksgiving cards. 

For each note, Daniel and his classmates completed the statement “I am thankful for ____ because …” for their family members.

What a joy!  Little ones expressing their thankfulness so sincerely.  Below Daniel explains to me that his plan for Thanksgiving Day consists of waiting till “all the guests” have eaten “some of their turkey” and then “hand out the slips.” 

And he did just that–for all fourteen of the folks at the table.  His mom helped him with some of the spelling, but the sentiments were exclusively his.

Here’s mine:

“I am thankful for Abu (that’s me) because he helps with decorations.”

(Okay, maybe that sounds a bit strange, but the day before, we had decorated for Thanksgiving with some outdoor lights.  And a month earlier we had carved two jack o’ lanterns.)

What Thanksgiving Joy!  We really all do have so very much to put in our Turkey Baskets.

[For more on “Abu” see “My Favorite Word Is Abu!” post.]

Posted in Holiday Joy

Thanksgiving in May

For some reason, we are having a bit of a “cold spell” here in Savannah, which is quite unusual for this late in May.

TIB (Truth in Blogging): Frigid for us is anything under 60 degrees. Right now …

It has also been raining all day.

Sidebar: I’ve kept a gratitude journal for eons now. This morning’s additions …

So, when trying to decide what to have for supper, it hit me …

GRATITUDE-INSPIRED THANKSGIVING SIDES!

Thus, using whatever ingredients I had on hand, I decided on Green Bean Casserole and Sweet Potato Casserole. Two classics, right?

I got to work.

Oh my goodness. The deliciousness of fall in spring.

A Joyful May of Thanksgiving to You!

Posted in Holiday Joy

The Only Time

Grandsons Gabriel (13) and Daniel (16) — far too old to Easter egg hunt!

Ex-wife Donna and the grandchildren

Robert pretty unsuccessfully trying to get everyone ready for the photo above

“Okay, for this pic, surprise us with silly!”

Younger daughter Emily jumping in front of the cam and stealing the show …

And I hope you are having a Joyful Jumping Easter.

Posted in Holiday Joy, Travel

2023 Escape from St. Patrick’s Day #4

My daily snapshot of Robert’s and my 2023 trip to get away from Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day parade and celebrations.

It is a rainy and cool St. Patrick’s Day here in Atlanta on day four of our little trek to get away from Savannah.

So we have enjoyed “indoor.” A workout at the Y and a hot tub soak. A little shopping. And now a lazy afternoon snuggled on the couch.

So resting comfortably, I send this blessing out to you all.

Mibralegare

Good Housekeeping

Gibbs Gardens, Ball Ground GA