Giving Thanks

I started this post before Thanksgiving, but of course preparation took a front seat to my time on-line.  We were blessed to have my parents arrive on Tuesday evening and my brother's family arrive Wednesday evening prior to Thanksgiving.  On thanksgiving we had our local adopted family members, the Morrison's, join us as well.  The time having everyone visiting with us is always chaotic but I wouldn't want it any other way. 

As I prepared for Thanksgiving this year I reflected on the year with a heart full of Thanks. For God's countless grace and mercy.  For a husband, who loves me no matter how many home and garden projects, not to mention the countless career options, that ebb and flow through my mind.  For family that is always just a phone call or excursion away. For old and new friendships that grow and change like the seasons.  For six beautiful hens that always make my heart feel full and put a smile on my face.  And for a home with a yard that is like a slice of Eden.

As we began our preparations for Thanksgiving dinner I was amazed how much of our dinner would come from either our own backyard, our "U pick" efforts, or our local farmers.  While this is common place for our meals these days, it is such a joy for me to share this way of eating/living with loved ones.  And I am most proud to say, I only opened one can the whole weekend (other than things I had canned myself).  I didn't research a substitute for sweetened condensed milk, so that was my slip this year.

The garden provided garlic scapes, garlic, onions, green beans, potatoes, tomatoes, rosemary, oregano, carrots, blueberries, black raspberries, and pumpkins...oh and of course eggs...to our menu.  Our U-pick efforts added peaches, blueberries, cherries, apples and strawberries.  Our local farmer items included turkey (Oink & Gobble Farm), ham (Duink Farm), honey (Bob Colligan), bread (Welcome Farm), maple sugar (L.W. George Family), rutabaga, parsnip and celery (these last 3 came from the East Aurora Farmers Market).

This bounty of locally grown and lovingly raised foods along with the love of the hands that prepared each and every dish provided me with a whole new appreciation for the day.  This meal is what Thanksgiving is all about - a toast to the harvests from a years worth labor (garlic is planted in October the year before) and to family and friends. 

A garden is a labor of love that loves you back in such a grand gesture.  I am so thankful.