Thanksgiving in the Northwoods

Pat and I took a walk around our block Thanksgiving day. Trying to stave off the turkey induced comatose feelings. It was a beautiful mild November day. Many of our neighbors had Christmas decorations up already.

In fact one of our neighbors was on his golf cart heading down to the entrance of the subdivision to hang a wreath on the sign that welcomes people to our neighborhood.

We have generally waited until about December 13th (Nathan's birthday) to decorate for Christmas. We will be horribly behind if we continue that tradition. Our next door neighbors have had their two Christmas trees up for a few weeks now.

Pat and I looked at artificial trees a few weeks ago and just couldn't bring ourselves to buy one. Nothing against artificials, but we have never had one in our 35 years of marriage.

While Pat was fishing yesterday, I went up into the attic and dragged down some Christmas decorations. The nativity set is in place and the mantel is decorated. Round one.

I'll show you pictures another day. For now, here are some pictures texted to me via Daniel's cell phone of the kids at our former Northwoods home. da boys

our beautiful daughter-in-love Kristi and the cutest grandson in the world

Joshua - wondering what Uncle Daniel is doing

extra blessings

I hope you all had a very wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends. We enjoyed our time with Mom and Dad and my brother Roger and nephews Derek and Ethan. Dad prayed a beautiful prayer before we ate. Mom and I both wiped tears from our eyes.

I cooked the turkey the day before, then simmered the carcass in water and used the resulting broth to keep the meat I had carved moist. Having all the turkey stuff done a day ahead of time made Thanksgiving Day kitchen work much easier. I think I will do this from now on.

Daniel texted me a few pictures from the kids' Thanksgiving up in the Northwoods. I'm having technical difficulties, but hopefully will be able to resolve them and post the pictures tomorrow.

The day before Thanksgiving our doorbell rang. I was expecting Dad to stop by, so was very surprised to see my neighbor Doris standing there with a foil covered plate. She is also in my Bible study and is our youth pastor's mother (so she knows what it is like to raise crazy people).

She handed me a homemade chocolate meringue pie on this platter:
The poem on the plate reads:

Friends and Family Plate

This plate shall have no owner

For its journey never ends.

It travels in the circle

Of our family and our friends.

It carries love from home to home

For everyone to share,

The food that's placed upon it

Is filled with love and care.

So please enjoy what's on this plate,

Then fill it up again,

And pass along the love it holds,

To family and your friends.

Isn't that nice? This plate has been passed around our church family since September 2007. A little notebook records where it has been and when.

There are 'rules' to follow:

Don't keep the plate for more than a week before passing it along.

If you pass it to someone who cannot keep it going (someone in poor health or financial difficulties), pick it back up from them and keep it going.

Try not to give it to someone who has already had it.

Try to reach outside of your normal circle of friends.

Like the idea? You can purchase a plate like this here.

Course, you don't need a fancy plate to accomplish the same thing. But I think this is a very nice idea. Don't you?

Thanksgiving part 8

"We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." I Thess. 1:2-3

I am thankful for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. For His finished work on the cross for me. For His life giving Word.

For my wonderful family. For the many friends God has blessed me with. For the precious freedoms we have in this country. For health. For joy.

For all these things and so much more, I give thanks.

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." I Thess. 5:16-18.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving tomorrow everyone! I'm grateful for each one of you. And Happy Birthday to Suzi!

Thanksgiving part 7

thankful for the time I had over the past few days to get a few projects finished

Oswald Chambers:

"In the apostle Paul there was a strong steady coherence underneath, consequently he could let his external life change as it liked and it did not distress him because he was rooted and grounded in God."

What a wonderful way to live. A great foundation, rooted and grounded in God, so that when the winds of change come your way (and they will come) you will not be distressed.

Prayer and the reading of God's Word roots us and grounds us in Him. I wouldn't want to live any other way.

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I stepped out for my walk earlier this morning and returned home almost immediately. Yesterday's rain has frozen and our street was quite icy here and there. Because of the dark I wasn't too sure of what was icy and what wasn't and didn't want to find out the hard way. If you know what I mean. [edited to add: Several area schools delayed their opening this morning due to black ice. Now I don't feel so wimpy.]

I'll head over to Mom and Dad's when it is a little lighter out. For now, I'll just chat with you and share a few praises and prayers.

Mom goes to the Dr. today. Her physical therapist has told her that her recovery has been 'perfect'. We are so thankful. She is now walking pretty well with the cane.

My nephew's grandad's surgery went well. Don't have too many details other than that. Thank you for praying for Bill.

Lora, frequent commenter here and wonderful Northwoods friend and birthday buddy, reported in yesterday's comments that her husband Mark fell and cracked a few ribs. Please pray for Mark and Lora as he heals and for provision for their needs (he is a builder and fishing guide - hard to do either one of those when you have broken ribs). Also, their oldest son Ramsey leaves Sunday as he prepares to be deployed to Afghanistan in a few months. I'm sure they would all appreciate your prayers for Rams.

Our car? Apparently there is nothing wrong with it. We are glad.

We are praying for loved ones who will be traveling this week.

So many things to pray about, so many things for which we are thankful. It is not hard to 'pray without ceasing' - to be 'rooted and grounded in God'.

I'm so thankful that God wants a relationship with me and allows me to communicate with Him.

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How 'bout you? What are you thankful for? Let's hear it!

Thanksgiving part 6

this is yet another neighbor - definitely not a spokesman for the stock market

thankfully he lives behind the barbed wire fence across the road

while I was taking his picture he was warily watching me out of the corner of his eye

We planned a very nice day out for our anniversary. We would attend the church where Jon had interviewed for a position this past summer (we really like this church but it is a 40 minute drive from our home. Oh, and Jon ended up taking a new position in Ames, IA that is really better suited to his gifts). Then on to Knoxville for a special lunch out and some shopping.

We were both looking forward to the day. But on my way home from the grocery store Saturday afternoon, the check engine light went on in our one and only car. Ever since we sold our Jeep, our van has been acting up (naturally). In fact we have $1000 in repairs since Sept. 3. So being rather cautious sorts where driving mechanically unreliable cars is concerned, we decided to postpone our special plans until next weekend.

We have always been pretty low key when it comes to celebrations. I don't like Pat to spend much money on me and he feels the same. I mean he doesn't want me to spend a lot of money on him. It was fine to stay home. We ate a leisurely breakfast and then listened to our church service on the local radio station. By this time, the day had warmed up nicely (50 degrees) and we went outside and got some yardwork done. We quietly cheered on Brett as he ( and the rest of the Jets) handed the Titans their first defeat of the season.

A walk around the block, a quick visit to Mom and Dad's and then a very short ride for a quick bite to eat. The check engine light remained on all the way to the restaurant, but was OFF ALL THE WAY HOME. Hmmm.

What am I thankful for? Contentment. A God Who Provides all our needs. We don't need fancy vacations, fancy gifts, fancy clothes. We are very simple folk. A good church service, a home cooked meal (for breakfast and lunch anyway), some time outside. Time with loved ones. We don't even need a fancy car (although we wouldn't mind having one with less than 130,000 miles, one that doesn't nickel and dime us - to the tune a few hundred dollars here, a few hundred dollars there).

When that check engine light went on, my first response was, "NO! Not now!" (Like there is every really a good time for that...). But I could hear the Holy Spirit telling me to check my own engine. I did and adjusted my attitude. To one of thanksgiving.

We realized we could have a very nice day without going anywhere at all. And have a nice day we did.

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How 'bout you? What are you thankful for? Your words this past week have been such a blessing to me! Thank you for sharing!

Thanksgiving part 5

last zinnia of the season

Since I don't post on Sundays, I will use today's post to commemorate an event that actually takes place tomorrow.

"How 'bout another 35 years?" I asked as Pat and I discussed our upcoming anniversary.

He seemed a little non-commital. I'm assuming that is only because he will be 97 and I will be 89 in 35 years.

If the next 35 years go as fast as the past 35 years have, we're gonna be old in no time.

So tomorrow is our 35th wedding anniversary. Now would be a good time for you to say, "You must have been a child bride!"(I was.) "He must have robbed the cradle!" (He did.) Because thinking about being 89 has me feeling a little old and creaky. I said creaky, not cranky.

Anyway. 35 years. Doesn't that seem like a very long time? It is. Time enough to build up a wonderful wealth of memories. A treasure trove of great friends. Blessings beyond counting. And three of the greatest sons anyone could hope for. Plus a sweet daughter-in-law and an oh so darling grandson.

It has been interesting to look back and see how God has blessed over the years and how He has used our different gifts and approaches to life to keep us balanced. Pat has been my greatest encourager and because of his love and support I have been able to do things I never thought possible (like raise 3 sons, homeschool for 18 years; direct a choir, etc.).

He also keeps me anchored when I would be tempted to let my emotions get the best of me. Our local newspaper has a weekly feature from the animal shelter highlighting an adoptable pet. I would probably adopt them all. And it would be pretty crowded around here. (Of course I am secretly hoping that my anniversary present might be a doggie -or maybe I should get Pat a doggie for our anniversary).

I am thankful for these past 35 years of marriage. And looking forward to the next 35. One day at a time. Love you, Patrick!

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I have so enjoyed reading your thanksgiving ideas. Please, keep them coming!

Thanksgiving part 4

oak leaf hydrangea

While walking and contemplating this morning's topic, I was struck with a wonderful thought. God has been so good that I have a hard time deciding which of my many blessing I will write about today!

In the interests of time and brevity, I will only choose one: Technology. I know that probably surprises you. Since I'm a wannabe Amish person and hang my wash out and stuff like that.

Now technology definitely has its pitfalls and dangers. And we should all avoid those. But I am thankful for the good parts.

I'm thankful that with a few quick movements of my fingers, I can send text messages to sibs, kids and friends. I'm thankful for all of the medical innovations that have come together at this time to give Mom a new knee (she has now graduated from walker to cane and hasn't taken a pain pill for days!).

On the internet I can find encouragement through emails and blogs and of course all of your wonderful comments! I can stay in close contact with friends from decades ago even though it has been years since we have seen each other.

And since we can't be close to the kids right now, especially that darling grandson, Irejoice in the fact that I can open up Jon's facebook page and see a video of Joshua's beginning attempts to crawl.

We live in an amazing world at an amazing time. I'm so thankful that I can keep in touch with all of you through this medium. Whether I have known you all my life or have never met you, your comments on this blog encourage me. Hope I can return the favor.

Your turn. What about you? What are you thankful for today? Please feel free to comment even though you have done so already. God inhabits the praises of His people. Let's make His presence felt here at this corner of the web!

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Prayer request - my nephew Richard's Granddad is having surgery today. His name is Bill. Please keep Bill and his wife Carol in your prayers. Many thanks.

Thanksgiving part 3

The above picture of our three sons was taken Thanksgiving 2007. Little did we know at that time, that would be our last Thanksgiving in that house.

But wait! In God's wonderful serendipitous way, it was not our family's last Thanksgiving in that house.

Back in April, we sold our home of 30 years to a college buddy of Pat's. He plans to retire there eventually (and in today's economy, eventually may be a little further down the road). In the meantime, he rents out the house by the week for vacationers (mostly friends and acquaintances and friends of friends).

Well, Nathan, Jon, Daniel, Kristi and Joshua are spending Thanksgiving in our old home! This pleases me no end. They are gathering from Iowa, Minnesota and Illinois to have a Wisconsin Thanksgiving. Though the old folks won't be there, the young folks will have a great time and I am giving STRICT INSTRUCTIONS to the boys to HELP KRISTI WITH THE COOKING AND CLEANING.

So, today I am so thankful that our children will be together for Thanksgiving. That they like each other enough to make these plans and to be really excited about them (we are not 'guilting' them into this at all). And that they will be in very familiar surroundings.

We will be here in Tennessee with Mom and Dad and with Rog and fam. So thankful. And maybe one teeny tiny wistful tear in the corner of our eyes as we contemplate what the kids are up to.

All you Northwoods friends....if you want to see JOSHUA CRAWLING!!!! stop by our old house and give my family a hug for me.

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I am so enjoying all your comments about what you are thankful for! Please comment as often as you'd like. And go back to Tuesday's comments and read what my dad wrote. Brought tears to my eyes. Also, my little brother's comments. He always makes me laugh.
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Also, everybody give a big shout out to Chuck, our favorite brother in the Lord. Happy Birthday, Chuck!

Thanksgiving part 2

Thank you so much to all of your comments yesterday. I have responded to them in the comment section of that post. It is encouraging to me to see what you are thankful for!

Today I'm giving thanks for being able to enjoy the out of doors and God's beautiful creation. For simple pleasures and time to enjoy them.

Yesterday Pat called from our bedroom, "Get the camera! Hurry!" I didn't hesitate.

Here is what we saw in the neighbor's backyard:



Four cows. Escapees from the neighboring pasture. The above picture was taken from our bedroom window. One of the pastures is behind the houses you see. Not content to take pictures from inside, I donned my Crocs and a sweater and headed out, camera in hand.

After looking me over for a while, they decided to mooooove on.

Can you imagine what these cows were thinking when they went on the lam? "C'mon Bossy, the grass is greener over there. Let's go for it!"

I called our neighbor who knows the cow's owner. Though our neighbor, Mike, was not home, he was already aware of the loose cows. He told me he'd been trying to reach the farmer to no avail.

The cows took off from the neighbor's yard and started heading down the road toward the entrance of the subdivision. I called Mom and Dad so they could watch the fun.

We were afraid that they would head for the main road, but just in the nick of time Cowboy Mike arrived. He was in his pickup truck and headed straight for the cows. With great skill he herded the cows back toward the pasture. Really. It was pretty amazing to watch.

Pat went out to help Mike open the gate. The gate to the pasture is at the back of a lot that Mike owns. Turns out this is not the farm that these cows belong to, but at least they were penned in. A few minutes later the farmer arrived and got them to the proper place.

All in all, it gave us about a half hour of entertainment and several smiles throughout the day.

I'm thankful for simple pleasures and for the opportunity to take time to appreciate them.

How about you? What are you thankful for? Any simple pleasures or fun surprises you want to share? Your turn!

Thanksgiving part 1

During these days leading up to Thanksgiving, each post will be dedicated to something for which I am particularly thankful.



I am thankful for music.



We are singing some simply beautiful music for our Christmas program.



I just got home from choir practice a little bit ago. We are now practicing twice a week as we prepare for our December 20th program.



I don't know if I can adequately express this, but here goes:

I feel very 'alive' when I am singing. At the risk of sounding hokey, it is as if this is what I am meant to do. Our 90 minute rehearsal is over way too soon as far as I am concerned. "No, please, can we sing some more?" I feel like asking.



I was thrilled to find out that the local community college is doing selected numbers from Handel's Messiah in a few weeks and has invited singers from the area to participate. I'll be there.



Yesterday I sat down at the piano, plugged in the headphones, turned on the clavinova and played. For at least an hour. Never in my wildest dreams as I child would I have thought you could practice for that long . And enjoy it.



One of the gals in our small singing group was complimenting me on my ability to read music. I see this as a completely God given gift. I can't even explain how a person can just 'hear' a harmony. This lady can't read music. I suppose she sees what I do as unattainable for her. I understand that feeling. I experience it when I see someone who can pick up a paintbrush and capture a scene.



Music soothes. Music stirs. Music reminds. Music restores. Music inspires. Music rejuvenates. Music allows us to worship God. The beautiful blend of melody with words elevates the words beyond their normal capacity.



All throughout Scripture we see verses referring to music, to singing. God designed us to appreciate music, even if we feel we can't create it.



After an evening of music, my heart is full of gratitude. I'm thankful for music.



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Your turn. Please leave a note in the comment section below sometime during the next 10 days. What are you thankful for? Please share.