The quintessential Thanksgiving weekend
HodgePodge by Charlie Hodge
I suppose, quintessentially, the past few days composed the perfect Thanksgiving weekend. Every key scoring box was ticked in measuring what it takes to fulfill ‘thankful’. I am so blessed.
Now as I sit back at the twilight of the holidays I can only smile and feel fully stuffed and thankful for how the entire experience unfolded. Even any challenges or irritations were easily dealt with Tez and I spent several hours Thursday and Friday– doing our favourite thing – working and chatting in the garden. This time of year, however, is our favourite – when all the spring and summer work results in the fall harvest. It’s the key part of why we call it ‘thanksgiving’, being thankful for our food crops. Among the goodies we brought in Friday were potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, garlic and various herbs all consumed during Thanksgiving dinner.
I’d just finished stuffing the turkey with dressing and sliding the bird in the oven Saturday when our guests of honour arrived. Tez and I were thrilled with son Art and grandson Maximus arriving from Vancouver. Nothing kicks a holiday celebration into full speed than a happy go lucky seven-year-old whirlwind bursting through the back door screaming with joy to hug “Grama Teresa” and “Grampa Charlie”. A non-stop kick off to the chuckles and laughter.
Like your Thanksgiving our meal was marvelous. While only four of us ate the bounty before us we devoured with joy the plethora of food offered. Tez actually made homemade cranberry sauce, and dinner was topped off with a choice of apple pie and or pumpkin. We all woke up with full stomachs on Sunday morning but nothing that small turkey sandwiches could not find room for at lunch.
Another of the reasons to be thankful (biggest on my list) was the celebration of Tez’s 65th birthday on October 13. It must be a pain to share your birthday with special days like Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years etc, but at least this year the timing worked out. I am thankful to have my Tez in my world to celebrate her special day. Readers are familiar with my thanks for Tez’s love and kindness, but I truly mean it when I say I would not be here today without her physical and medical assistance with things I cannot, or struggle, to do. She truly meant the part about “sickness and in health”.
Certainly Max was excited with Tez’s birthday as that meant a dinner out at Tez’s favourite place – Kelly O’Bryan’s, where almost everyone met Maxwell. Decadence and more food to be thankful for along with a wonderful dining atmosphere and staff.
At home that night as I tried to fade off to sleep I ran though my head the many other reasons I have to be thankful aside from Art, Max and Tez.
I am so blessed with my home and beloved pets who really are family, providing dedicated companionship and comfort. I am thankful for neighbour Phil who is a huge help and kind man.
Without question I am only here today because of the grace of God, some amazing doctors and incredible friends. Earlier this month I had to battle back from a nasty bout of pneumonia and must tell you it was not a fun time. Withouht the current wisdom and work of Dr. Rolf and Robin, and two recently retired medical wizards Todd Gale and Dr. McCauley who’ve watched over me with great skill and compassion I would be dead. I owe them my life.
I am blessed and thankful with the love and friendship of folks such as Curtis Tulman, Les Thompson, Barry Mathers, Don Burnett, Banjo Joe, Johny Carter and so many friends who have made my life a joy and kept me ticking – including my brothers at St. George’s Masonic Lodge.
Last, but certainly not least, I am thankful for my other unique role in life as a serving City Councillor. While I rarely mention that role here, this seems appropriate. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve my community in a democratic and relatively safe environment while trying to make our community a safe, fun and healthy place for people to live.
I am thankful to those who voted me to this responsibility. Further I am thankful to my fellow Council cohorts for their willingness to work together including a Mayor who in general does his best to lead.
What are you thankful for?
