Over the River and Through the Wood

We journeyed to the "old homeplace" for Thanksgiving. The "old homeplace" is the house my brother in law, husband of my much, much older sister, grew up in. It's a typical southern clapboard house with porches all around, and doors upon doors leading to other rooms. It's comfy, cozy and filled with memories. A perfect place to gather to give thanks.

So we journeyed. Rick, Patrick and I, drove through southern Alabama on little back roads and highways. Through little towns long forgotten by most people, but inhabited by families whose ancestors founded them years ago. It was a journey where you see old gas stations, mom & pop cafes and little general stores where communities gathered. They've all been long closed up, consumed by the Wal marts and Winn Dixies of our generation.
Back into the woods we went, to the 40 acre farm that was once hundreds of acres before it was divided amongst relatives, who now live on their own homeplaces within the old homeplace land. It's a peaceful, relaxing place. A home that's a perfect place to gather and give thanks.
Susie cooked a most delicious meal, enough food for seven armies and a few stragglers too. I didn't do much, I just went behind her, picking up every utensil and bowl she'd put down, washing it before she even realized it was gone. It drove her nuts a few times, but it kept me entertained. It's hard to sit back and let some one else do it all, after doing it all these years. When it was all said and done everyone was stuffed, and happy.
Because it was an old, old house, we had to make do. It wasn't the warmest day and the coldness seeped in through the clapboard walls. But the warmth of our love and the fun we were having saved the day. It made us bundle up and layer on a bit more and of course, it made for nice snuggling at night. Poor Patrick, good thing he brought his big blanket.
Kevin and Erica were missed. They stayed in Tallahassee and Erica's family came up to see their new place. I'm sure they had fun too. Kevin said it just didn't seem right not being with us for Thanksgiving. But I'm sure he had fun too.
The Packers won their game against Detroit. There really shouldn't have been any doubt about that happening, but they are my team, so I know how sometimes they blow games everyone knows they should win.
So now we're back home. In our little house, surrounded by our own trees, where life is good, we have much and need little. We are blessed much more than we deserve.