Thanksgiving has always been over the roadway and thru the neighbourhood for me.   Mon and Dad lived here in  town all of their lives.  So, when the kids and I would head for Grandmas house, we would not go too
far.  We would get ready for the Thanksgiving Day by watching the TV and getting to see Santa at Macy's in
New York arrive in hes sleigh in the parade. Then while the kids watched that I would be baking or cooking something to take along with us for the "big spread" as Dad would say.

Hitting the front door of Moms house we could smell all the trimmings being cooked. I would hear " they  are here" ring out and the kids echo it back.  The house smelled so good of the great dinner that would be in about an hour.  Dinner table almost set the last few things that had to be in place before the people and food
could be served.  Moms kitchen was busy place and if you didn't have something to do then you were told to go keep your father busy or gramps.

The turkey was still cooking even tho Mom had been up at 5 to put it in the oven. I can still see the alumin tent over the top of that turkey.  The dog was having fits with all the good smells and getting under foot.  I was to make sure that the dog got out of Moms way. So I would put her upstairs in my old room with the gate up so she could hear us. Poor dog!  I would return to the kitchen and be put right to work.  I had to
get the radishes cleaned and cut. Then put out the pickles and the watermelon rhine and the olives.  The carrots and celery and radishes were put on the cut glass tray that was in the buffet.  Oh and yes we cant forget the cranberry jelly." Here take this out and put it on the table" was one of the main statements that would greet me when I would try and get back into the kitchen.  I would grab a plate for what ever would make and put it on the table or the buffet. The buffet was where coffee and desert was placed.  There was always a lot of goodies to eat at Thanksgiving time.  Pies, cakes and cookies.  Breads and rolls were placed on the table.  One bread that was always on that table was Sally Lund my Moms favorite bread from Williamsberg, Va.

Then when the turkey was nice and brown, taters whipped just right and all was right with Mom there was the grand entrance to the Dinning Room.  Dad at the head of the table, the kids to one side and I to the other. Mom would sit at the end of the table nearest the door to the kitchen so she could get things we might have forgotten.  Dad carved the big turkey and pass things around the table.  When everyone was served he would say the prayer for Thanksgiving.  Then like a kid he would yell " let's eat I am starved, your mother didn't give me breakfast"  and laugh.  But Thanksgiving was one of the main days that Dad was always "on Call"  and of course that darn phone would ring.  Mom would answer it with " they know you just sat down to eat. They can smell it"  Sure enuff it was the hospital and Dad would have to go.

But all in all Thanksgiving would always be time of family and good food and friends.  I am glad for my family and friends. Thankful for everyone and everything I have.  I feel sad for all the families that are apart this year with family over seas that cant sit down and have dinner with them.  I pray that those that are away are safe and that they will get a good meal for this Thanksgiving.  God bless us all.