A beautiful day was custom ordered for Thanksgiving and I was so excited to be spending it with family. And what a wonderful gathering: Grandmother Ginny, Phyllis, Bill, Josh’s mom and dad, Norma and Phil and his Aunt Janet, Chris’ friend Amy and her boys, Carson and Curtis. A full house. Roy, Leah, Lily and Elijah were celebrating in Blowing Rock, NC with Fred and LaJuana this year. They were surely missed.
The dining room table was set with a nod to nature. Hand painted, golden gourds and pinecones set atop a silver tray formed the centerpiece while small logs retrieved from the farm, cut into varying heights made a perfect perch for flickering candles.
A gorgeous linen tablecloth was laid with Janice’s ivory Lenox china, sparkling crystal and Fostoria glassware, place card holders handcrafted from wooden twigs were accented with a jaunty acorn, each place setting had a salt cellar with tiny silver spoon, and each plate was flanked with the First Love flatware that was Janice’s mothers.
Everyone is busy in the kitchen either cooking or in an advisory capacity. Dad, Terry and Grandmother look on and offer helpful tips.
Jill pipes filling into egg halves for deviled eggs. Mmmm…my favorite. Chris babysits a chocolate sauce for a pie while fresh tea brews on the stove and a pecan pie cools.
Jill perfects her creamy and delicious mac and cheese while Chris prepares a crust for his chocolate pie.
Levi butters ramekins for Chris and then Terry gives Levi a helping hand to remove a hot crust from the oven.
Soaking up the sunshine in the aptly named sunroom.
Levi takes Jasper for a walk and then protects humanity as his alter ego, Batman.
All creatures, big and small are enjoying Thanksgiving.
Happy, happy, joy, joy!
Phyllis and Bill chat in front of the fire. We all gather in the kitchen for the blessing and then to eat.
What a gorgeous spread! We are indeed grateful for this bounty.
Roasted turkey
Sliced ham
Green peas with sliced mushrooms
Creamy macaroni and cheese
Confetti corn topped with bacon
Deviled eggs
Green beans with toasted almonds
Baked mashed potatoes
Gravy
Cornbread dressing
Sweet potato casserole
Cranberry relish
Hot buttery rolls
Brewed sweet tea and refreshing fruit water with lemon and cranberries.
The dessert table ladened with delectables.
Homemade pecan pie
Chocolate bourbon pecan pie
Chess pie
Chocolate pie with meringue
Cherry pie with a gorgeous lattice crust
Special delivery! A Christmas tree arrives to kick off the holiday season.
Terry, Jasper and I spent the night. Dad was up early making homemade biscuits while Terry manned the sausage on the griddle.
Levi and Terry cruise around the Farm on a four-wheeler.
It’s hard work having fun….
