I’m Thankful

In the middle of the night I heard a strange noise–rain! We’ve had a terrible drought in Georgia. Every day we hear how low the water level at Lake Lanier has dropped. But rain was forecast yesterday, and in the middle of the night it finally came. Not for long. Not enough. But rain–blessed rain. So I’m thankful. This morning I turned on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Watching it while getting all the food ready for the big dinner was always a tradition in our family. My mom would be taking the pies out of the oven–and watching the Kilgore Rangerettes from Texas prance down Broadway. And she’d INSIST–“I can do that.” Picture an arthritic grandma demonstrating her high kicks–wearing her polyester pants and flip-flops.
And every year, no matter where we were, my sister would call, and announce “turn on the television. You won’t believe the hideous outfits the majorettes from Wisconsin (or wherever) are wearing. So I turned on the parade this morning–and sure enough, some poor unfortunate drill team girls from some band were dressed in GRAY one-piece jumpsuit things with white and puce green slashes–which made them look like prancing elephants. And I thought about Susie–and how she’d have been on the phone like a shot, to make sure I hadn’t missed them. So I’m thankful for all the years of parades. And pies. I’m thankful that my new kitchen is bright and easy to work in. I’m thankful for the old mister–who is my partner in everything. Last night we went to neighbors for their annual oyster and shrimp feast, and he made his amazing crabcakes. I made the remoulade sauce. This morning, he made the brine for our turkey–while I read him the recipe from Martha Stewart’s website. We’ll cook our turkey tomorrow, because we’re going to neighbors for dinner–and I still need my own turkey for leftovers. I’m in charge of mashed potatoes. They’re all peeled and ready to cook. When they’re done, I’ll pop them in my crockpot to take over to our friend’s house. That way I won’t take up valuable oven space over there. The scalloped corn casserole is mixed up and ready to bake. Last night I made a new recipe–cranberry salsa, which will be served with blue corn chips. I’ve talked to Katie twice this morning. In addition to going to finishing up school at Arizona State, she’s working for the athletic association, and they have a huge football game today against USC, which will be on ESPN. So Andy flew out to Phoenix, they had their dinner last night, and they’ll all go to the big game, which Katie has to work, and they’ll tailgate. I’m thankful that our children love each other, and love to spend time together. I’m thankful Katie found a wonderful husband like Mark, whose family has totally embraced her. I’m thankful for Wyatt, who is lounging on the kitchen floor, hoping that somebody will drop something edible on the floor. I’m thankful to be back home again in Avondale, with neighbors who pop in the back door to ask to borrow poultry seasoning, and I’m thankful for dear friends who have become our own extended family.. I’m thankful for good health. I’m thankful that the Lord gave me a talent for writing, and that I get to do this thing I love–writing. And I’m thankful for my readers–all of them everywhere, who allow me to make a living doing what I love. So. Thank you dear readers. In fact, as we say in the South–Bless your heart!