Thanksgiving 2013

 I was watching the local news last evening- when the Story about the US Embassy serving dinner to the Homeless came on. It was followed by a report on how Americans spend Thanksgiving in the United States today. All of a sudden they showed videos of BLACK FRIDAY, saying it's a day when Americans rush to the stores pushing,shoving,biting and hitting people to grab an item for a few dollars off. Hundreds of people are hurt every year trying to get to a popular item before anyone else. Even if it means the disgusting behavior you may perform to get it! "Its a far cry from what we experienced from the US Embassy here today."
 I have to tell you that I was applaud. Not by the misinterpretation they have of Americans; but by the FACT that the story rang true.
 When I was growing up in the small town of Freedom, Thanksgiving was always a Holiday that I looked forward to. I knew that I would get to spend the whole day eating yummy food and playing with my cousins that I didn't get to see very often. The WHOLE Family would show up at Mimi and Pappy's house, everyone would bring a dish and a dessert and we would all be together; if only for one day the entire year. The excitement in the house was almost overwhelming, all the love and attention it was so warm and comfortable. If only for a day- we were family. We loved each other. "unbreakable" I remember being sad whenever the first family would leave because I knew that we wouldn't be all together in that house until next Thanksgiving. I'm very lucky, because I still have the memories of Holidays past. One of the most difficult things about growing up and moving away was, and is never being able to do that that again. It was always important for me to create wonderful memories for our children, and I truely hope we did! 
 I PRAY that every American will bring those days back to their families, get together if only for ONE day a year, teach your children and grandchildren about giving and being thankful. Let them know that no matter how old they are- they can make a positive impact in someone life. Teach them how important it is to be a FAMILY.     Its  NOT about shopping.
 

                                                          Whats New
Well the weather is getting warmer and the sun seems to be getting brighter. Our calendar is filling up with Thanksgiving and Christmas activities and the BIG news is; our household goods have arrived in country and will be delivered Monday! Its been a year since things were packed up in Switzerland and some things we asked not to be delivered here....so I have no idea whats coming...kind of scary isn't it? I just hope my kitchen things will all arrive. Hopefully soon they will come to put in my kitchen cabinets so I'll have a place to put everything!
Im looking forward to decorating our Christmas Tree, I'm so grateful with all our moves in this world that I have everything our boys made in School. I always pack them very carefully and they have been hanging on our Tree every year, since the day they were made. We have so many other things in storage..I'm thinking by the time I get to see everything again not only will my tears overflow with memories but We should have a lot of antiques in very good condition! 
 I know while many of you are preparing for Snow-over here we are getting ready for Summer. The BBQ Grill will soon be up and running, the Patio table and chairs have been set up on the patio for Rich and I to enjoy our morning coffee and warm evenings. The winds are ever present and with only the birds singing, the quietness of the neighborhood is very calming. 
         I DO wish it would SNOW!!!