Thanksgiving

We have much to be thankful for; most of it taken for granted most of the time. Thanksgiving Day nudges me to acknowledge our many blessings. Some of them, not in any particular order are........

Having a Father in heaven and a Good Shepherd who looks after me and our family.

My wife, family, and pets

A satisfying job and great employer

Nearness to nature

Learning to enjoy what I have, rather than getting what I want.

This year, Todd was able to spend a week with us, away from a pretty hectic job in Nashville. We saved some more complex outdoor lighting efforts for him.

Todd and Suz work on outside Christmas lights.

Our daughter Amy and her family joined us on Wednesday with their 3 grandchildren, 2 dogs Zoey and Holly, and new kitten Marcel. We played Oh Hell (a bridge-like card game)and enjoyed a couple of decent movies at home.

Zoey, Emily, and Todd relax around the fire after a movie.

We attend mass on Thursday morning. I think of my father who passed away earlier this year. It seems odd not to be making the almost daily trips with family to see him around the holidays. Gregg disappears Thanksgiving afternoon to watch the Packers play. They continue their unbeaten streak; he emerges from the TV room in a good mood.

Connor enjoyed splitting wood by hand the hard way and with the mechanical splitter. Emily and Catrina like to hike along the trail and IN the creek. They call it "creeking." Great fun, especially for me to see the excitement in their eyes as they see an animal track, recall a previous creek adventure, or explore a new branch of the creek.


Catrina proudly celebrates slippery climb up side of waterfall ledge.

Several family members set out on Black Friday shopping missions. I managed to dodge participating without seeming to be a grinch.


God's handiwork along the Buckeye Trail. Thank you, Lord.

The visitors left on Saturday. The house suddenly seems empty and quiet...yet it is nice to have the place back to ourselves. Our two dogs, Gabbie and Tess, rest up around the hearth. I run the vacuum; Suz cleans floors and bathrooms. Life is good. In a few weeks we'll do it all again at Christmas.

Thanksgiving Day

Our family gathered as usual in Bittersweet Woods for Thanksgiving weekend. We have so much to be thankful for.

Memories that stand out to me:

Holly, the Wentzell's boxer, tore a toe nail running with the other dogs, within 60 seconds of arriving at our house on Wedesday. It was bleeding; off she went to our vet's clinic for first aid. Pets are such an important part of our lives, but they can be an imposition at times.

Grandchildren Catrina and Emily made Thanksgiving and Christmas cards for my 89 year old Dad. All of us visited him at his assisted living community. The grandkids kept busy writing him messages on the whiteboards - he can't hear much at all. He smiled at all of the attention.

Son Todd laughed out loud at some goofy thing I said. I don't recall what I said but I do remember his joy. At other times, he seemed stressed at some aspects of his work. We did a bible study session and prayed.

Suzanne did a wonderful job of anticipating special things and activities for everyone. She had wonderful food, the pumpkin pie cake that kids love, great turkey dressing, crafts for the kids. The apple pie was too watery for her, but what the heck. The outside Christmas lights, which would not be there but for her insistence, were beautiful.

Grandson Connor wanted to work outside. We grabbed a chainsaw and headed for recently downed trees. On the way, we passed the woodpile. He said, "Can we split some wood?" "Sure," I replied, figuring that any energy-dissipating activity would be healthy for a 13 year old. He proceeded to split an incredible quantity of wood - probaby half a cord in 2-3 hours. He was out there forever, this after spending 2 hours clearing the creek of logs and snags. His enthusiasm was gratifying - I recall numerous times in prior years when he became so frustrated because he lacked the strength to split the wood.

Daughter Amy enjoyed being able to shop with Gregg - on their own - without children and parents.

Son-in-law Gregg had fun splitting wood with Connor. His recollection of humorous songs, movie lines, and family situations is always fun.

Me, I thrive on following a routine. These visits undo the routine, so I struggle to adjust. My victory this time: I did not lose my cool when I spilled gasoline from the chainsaw in the garage, creating an incredible gasoline smell. I calmly (for me) refilled the chainsaw, soaked up the spilled gas, moved the affected mats outside, and left the garage door open. The odor was mostly gone by the time the shoppers arrived home.

Yes, there were the inevitable tense moments when kids, dogs, or adults were "out of sync" for a time. But, there were no flu outbreaks (we have had those in the past), no one went to the hospital, and no travel hassles. Each day we shared our favorite experience for that day at mealtime. That has become a tradition.

Thank you, Lord, for a wonderful time on Thanksgiving weekend in Bittersweet Woods.