With me flat on my back and Bill swamped with work, you'd think having 12 house guests for Thanksgiving might be a disaster. But really it was a delight. With lots of air mattresses we crammed everyone into the house. I don't think we've ever had so much of my family under the same roof for so long and I don't think we've ever had so much fun.
On Tuesday a group went to Disneyland.
On Wednesday everyone helped get ready for the big feast and then went to the beach. The weather was perfect 80 and clear. Obviously, I stayed home, so no photos.
On Thursday we did more meal prep and then the beach again. It was wonderful how much everyone pitched in. Mike made pie crusts; Ben, Stefan and Michelle did pie fillings. Erik cooked stuffing; my dad, Mary, and Zoe made the butterflake rolls. Mike cooked the turkey. Bill made gravy. Cheri roasted squash. Stefan prepared the cranberry ice, Mike froze it.
Everyone also helped with the table setting. I was perhaps a bit fussy about setting a pretty table. But a well set table was important to my mom. We used persimmons and persimmon leaves for place cards. I spent Thanksgiving and most of my time downstairs reclined on a brown chaise lounge. While I was hobbling around setting the table. My nephews--Ben and Stefan-- set my chair. In the middle of the chair sat a plate with a persimmon that read, Aunt Ruthie. On one arm rest sat a glass, knife and spoon, on the other a fork and napkin.
We ate just a little after sunset-- a little later than usual but it meant that we could have candles and that Bill could make it to dinner.
All in all it was a very happy thanksgiving. And though maybe I did a bit too much with my bad back. I didn't do any dishes. And that is something to be thankful for.
11 comments:
our cranberry ice turned out to be the bubblegum pink variety. The cranberries came from Wisconson.
we missed you and your family and your nice table settings!
So glad your Thanksgiving was wonderful! Nice use of those extra persimmons, too! Eighty degree weather sounds nice-- it's in the 40s here today.
What a lovely Thanksgiving! I'm praying for your speedy recovery!! Having spent far too much time bedridden, I know how frustrating that can be! I've always felt so grateful to be surrounded by so many loved ones. I've met people who struggle with chronic illnesses and pain, who do so alone, and that would be so much harder!!
I miss your cranberry slush.
I'm secretly happy you are flat on your back. It means more posts.
Isn't Bill faculty? Where were his indentured servants?
We missed you (and your cranberry ice) this holiday. I realized as we were sitting around after dinner that I never got a rematch after you trashed me at Risk last year. We'll have to rectify that some time.
I wanted to clarify. I am sorry you are in pain and I know laying flat on your back is probably unbelievably annoying. But, I'm glad it gives you time to update your blog.
I loved this post. And I love how you write. I miss you Ruth.
it was beautiful and you made everything so pleasant. I love you! m
It looks like a wonderful Thanksgiving. I can't believe how big your kids are! And gorgeous!
That looks so fun. I love your family. Hope you are feeling better soon. PS - I'm asking for Betsy Tacy books for Christmas :D
Hopefully the pain in your back will be a long forgotten memory in future years -- but I believe that the indelible memories made with your Dad, siblings, and all those beautiful kids, will be incredibly meaningful forever and ever.
We're praying for your recovery. Here's to Christmas miracles...
Kisses,
D
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