| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| melody |
Posted - Nov 21 2011 : 05:09:06 AM
We were stationed in Bangor, Maine and I remember my father inviting another "airman" over for our big Thanksgiving Day dinner. On holidays my mother always set a beautiful table with her finest linen and crystal from Germany. We had candles lit and put on our best Sunday clothes. It was the very first time that I could remember actually sharing our dinner with someone other than our immediate family. It left a very big impression on a such a little girl.
What are your fondest Thanksgiving memories?
Melody
Farmgirl #525 |
| 22 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Tea Lady |
Posted - Nov 23 2011 : 4:05:32 PM
Jamie - good point! She's already started - and usually, that's the hardest part.
Melody - good for you. Sounds like an interesting project.
Lorraine
(aka Tea Lady)
Farmgirl #1819
www.birdsandteas.com |
| J.F. Brown |
Posted - Nov 23 2011 : 10:32:42 AM
Hey,Jonni... you HAVE started. Just write some more! You do write, already, and so well! |
| melody |
Posted - Nov 23 2011 : 07:28:25 AM
Jonni,
SEE....it's not just me who admires your writing! Do it...write them down!
I am an oral historian and have collected and documented many, many, oral histories with a generous amount coming from this very forum for a book I am writing based on Farmgirl's across the country and beyond the "pond." By writing down your stories about "poppa" and your family they will continue to be remembered and will be dearly treasured!
Take care dear friend.
Melody |
| FebruaryViolet |
Posted - Nov 23 2011 : 05:52:17 AM
Wow, girls. That's so very kind and my cheeks are red this morning. I'm glad that you enjoyed my memory, because I've truly enjoyed reading everyone else's memories, too.
Well, Melody, since you're the third person in less than 6 months to tell me that I need to start writing, I think I just might--your opinion is a highly valued one, as is your friendship across these miles. If anything, Violet will have a better idea of her "poppa" since my dad passed so many years ago.
"Hey, I've got nothing to do today but smile..."
The Only Living Boy in New York, Paul Simon |
| forgetmenot |
Posted - Nov 22 2011 : 8:59:09 PM
and ditto again, Jonni!
Dawn, you made me smile..I know what you mean..My son was born on New Year's Eve. It was years before he realized the parade was not just for him! My nephew was a New Year's baby. FIL was New Year's Day, and my birthday was the same as my mom's. Sometimes she forgot mine. Ha! Welcome, by the way!
"Courage is not the absence of fear, but the belief that something is more important than fear." Ambrose Red Moon |
| Emily Anna |
Posted - Nov 22 2011 : 8:53:08 PM
Oh my goodness, Jonni! I agree with the girls.....you have a gift for writing! I enjoyed your story thoroughly!
Emily |
| heritagehunter |
Posted - Nov 22 2011 : 7:39:06 PM
We use to have big family get togethers. I'm the youngest grandchild and my sisters and cousins are several years older than me. They all had each other to hang around with and I was left out. My Grammie always made the pies, and would make a little one just for me. It always made me feel special and not so left out.
She died over eight years ago and Thanksgiving has never been the same for me. It is just my son and I now. We don't have the usual traditional meal.
|
| windswept |
Posted - Nov 22 2011 : 6:02:45 PM
I love Thanksgiving....especially because it was all for me!! At least I use to think so. I was born on Thanksgiving!! In my younger years my extended family would always get together, it was great lots of cousins to play with and always a birthday cake and presents!! It wasn't until I was in grade school learning history that I learned the it wasn't for me after all. It was a let down......but I got over it. HAPPY THANKSGIVING everyone!!
liven the life I love! |
| Tea Lady |
Posted - Nov 22 2011 : 4:37:22 PM
Jonni - Ditto what Melody said. You definitely have a knack for telling a good story.
I really enjoyed the stories too. Happy Thanksgiving everyone...
Lorraine
(aka Tea Lady)
Farmgirl #1819
www.birdsandteas.com |
| melody |
Posted - Nov 22 2011 : 2:42:54 PM
Jonni,
I just have to comment about your post. It is incredible how much your writing reminds me of Harper Lee! You have the greatest stories and I always look to see if you have posted on the forum. My advice little girl....take pen in hand and write those stories down. Thanks for sharing one of your Thanksgiving memories with us.
And ladies who have responded what wonderful women you all are. Family is priority number one with each and everyone of you. It is very humbling reading your stories and makes me very proud to be a part of MaryJanes Farmgirls!
Melody
Farmgirl #525 |
| FebruaryViolet |
Posted - Nov 22 2011 : 10:45:15 AM
My Thanksgiving memories are strange ones, I suppose--compared to other families who all gathered together, extended families and home cooked meals at a homeplace. It was just my father, my mother and I. Daddy was finally home for a while, done travelling the 10 months out of the year he went to various racetracks across the country, and it seemed so special.
We got all dressed up (I still remember the vintage beaver fur coat my mom wore, and her Cinnabar cologne) and then we would go to Walt's Hitching Post, a fine dining establishment owned by my father's friend, Mr. Melton, a fellow horseman. The Hitching post was known for its' barbecue and steaks, not so much for traditional Thanksgiving fare--it was even odd, in those days, for a restaurant to be open. Since my father didn't eat poultry of any kind (he'd killed so many chickens and turkeys in his lifetime, he couldn't stomach the sight of one on his plate.), and since he wasn't close to family, his or my mom's, we ate out.
At Walt's, I was usually the only child in sight and I got loads of attention from everyone. Since it was a place for horsemen, it also seemed like a place that attracted ladies who were "unattached", shopping for a rich man (or 2 or 3) and they were usually hanging out at the bar, dressed in their holiday finest, jewelry twinkling like bulbs on a Christmas tree. I think that's where I started my career of people watching, imagining what their lives might be like, their stories. Lots of laughter, lots of pats on the back and introductions to people I'd never see again, but it always felt festive and happy (looking back, I doubt many of those ladies at the bar were very happy, truly) but I looked forward to it each and every year, this wonderful "kickoff" to the holiday season. Always at the end of the meal (I'd always get ribs, my mother would get Filet Mignon and Daddy would get ribs, too), Daddy would ask for the check and the server would come back, Mr. Melton in tow. He would say, "no, no, Judge--this one's on me--we so enjoyed having you and your lovely wife and daughter spend the holiday with us." And I remember thinking, "wow! he just gave us all that food for free!" and "My dad must be really something!!!" and we bundled up in our coats and went out into the cold, bellies full of good food and hearts full of good cheer.
"Hey, I've got nothing to do today but smile..."
The Only Living Boy in New York, Paul Simon |
| forgetmenot |
Posted - Nov 22 2011 : 10:44:31 AM
This is what I love about you farmgirls! You just turn all your good memories into hugs. This year DH lost both of his parents and his youngest sister and several friends. (The circle of life) And, we have such wonderful memories of all our family members who have passed. Yes, we are thankful and grateful! Oh! 12 turkeys just ran down the lane!
"Courage is not the absence of fear, but the belief that something is more important than fear." Ambrose Red Moon |
| Missus Miranda |
Posted - Nov 22 2011 : 10:35:35 AM
Amen to that Marilyn!
Oddly, one of my fondest memories is also a sad one, in a way. It was my first Thanksgiving without Daddy. He had passed away about 2.5 months before, very suddenly. His heart attack happened on August 25th of that year, and he died 10 days later on September 4th. My sister in law invited us to spend Thanksgiving with her family, and we took her up on it. Her brother in law fried turkey, we played with the various kids (her nephew was about a year and a half old at the time and had a growling contest across the room with his daddy that had EVERYONE in tears laughing) and, though my Daddy wasn't there physically, he was there in spirit.
Normally, we'd have Thanksgiving with Momma's family, but with the older of her two sisters passing away about 2 years ago, it isn't the same. Aunt Shirley's death was prolonged in a way, but tragic. But, at the same time, she learned in her final months, to be so content and grateful for what she did have. I've thought of Aunt Shirley a lot this season.
This year, I am hoping for another wonderful, memorable year. The Old Man and I are going to go up to Round Rock and pick up Momma, and the three of us will spend Thanksgiving with my sister in law's family once again. It gives my brother a chance to get to know Josh better, since we will be getting married some day. It's been such a hard year, but at the same time, I have SO much to be thankful for. I am looking forward to it, if not a bit misty eyed, and hope for blessings for all of my new Sisters, as well! 
"I'm not trying to be mean or cantankerous. I just wish people would do the right thing, and use a little common sense." ~ Farmgirl 3535
Pflugerville, TX
http://www.tawnycow.blogspot.com/ |
| mountain mama |
Posted - Nov 22 2011 : 10:28:17 AM
This time of year its a great time to reflect on what we have instead of what we don't have. Look at how many farmgirls there are and we are all sisters.
I do miss the times when we used to sit and talk instead of watching TV. A family eating and sharing with each other is priceless.
Marilyn
Farmgirl #408
Stress relief: go fishing, play in the dirt. go on a road trip, talk to a farmgirl. |
| acairnsmom |
Posted - Nov 22 2011 : 09:58:37 AM
Judith, that was a lovely story. Isn't it amazing how someone can radically change your life in such a short time? I'm sorry she had such struggles in her short life but can read in your post the love she shared with you.
For me, more and more Thanksgiving has become a time to reflect on the loved ones that we shared our lives with, both 2 legged and 4. It is such a wonderful holiday. A time to acknowlege our blessings with those we love both past and present. It saddens me that it is being swallowed up in Christmas greed. I fear pretty soon we won't have this day of reflection.
Audrey
.jpg) Good boy Hobbs! I love and miss you. |
| melody |
Posted - Nov 22 2011 : 08:14:51 AM
Oh Judith...
Melody |
| forgetmenot |
Posted - Nov 22 2011 : 08:11:56 AM
Today was Thanksgiving Day 20 years ago. Both of our kids' families were celebrating Thanksgiving with in-law families. It was a gorgeous day for Iowa..so, DH and I packed up a picnic (Turkey sandwiches, pumpkin pie) and headed for the bluffs of NE Iowa where some of family settled. We had our picnic on top of a sandstone bluff close to the old homestead. When we returned home there was a message on the answering machine. Our DS and wife in Utah had a baby girl Amandalena Martina Marie. What a blessing! Next day we had another call. Baby had multiple health issues from difficult birth. Long story short..baby and son ended up living with us. Baby Mimi was with us 15 mos., And we buried her on Valentines Day. (She was doing as well as she could, but dies from a massive stroke) She is still a huge part of my life..the inspiration for my rock garden..and my signature. She is my angel baby. So, yes, we remember her every thanksgiving.
"Courage is not the absence of fear, but the belief that something is more important than fear." Ambrose Red Moon |
| MagnoliaWhisper |
Posted - Nov 21 2011 : 10:44:06 PM
Megan your story reminded me of a "sermon" we had at church some years ago. I hope I don't step on any one's toes, but it said that quality time with children was a myth, it was all about time, quantity was more important then the mythical quality time with children, and that just being there with your children every day spending as much time as you could with them would make a much bigger difference in their lives them very little quality time. And that children were more apt to open up to you and feel free to share with you if you are with them every day spending just regular every day time with them. Your story kind of brings that point home, you weren't doing any thing special, just the basic daily life with your grandma but you remembered still today. She was probably a special lady!
BTW, oddly enough my childhood memories with my grandmothers were mainly about what we did together in the kitchen as well, my maternal one didn't cook a awful lot, but I still remember being in her kitchen while she cooked.
And then my paternal grandmother loved to make pies, canned pears, and peaches, she loved to garden, and to sew. All these things I remember sitting in her kitchen watching her do.
My paternal great grandmother liked to make candied apples (canned red apples), and her washer was in her kitchen and I remember sitting and watching the washer (they were front loading back then too! lol). Also at her house I always got the "special" chair, it was the kind that was a chair and a step stool (the steps stored under the chair), it was red vynal and chrome, I have bought one for myself cause of the memories!
And my step great grandmother used to make canned pears, and funny enough that is the ONLY memories of her I have at all, is sitting in her kitchen. I even remember what the lights looked like and watching her make canned pears, my grandmother said I would ask for years about Maud's pears after she died.
And then again I remember my step grandmother (not Maude) used to buy boxed cereal no one else in my family bought cereal in a box (at least not cold cereal) only hot cereals like grits, cream of rice, oatmeal and such did my family buy. But, nope she bought apple jacks! I remember specifically and I thought they were awesome!!!!!!! lol And I remember sitting in her kitchen and always asking for them when we visited. And when I grew up I still have my funniest memory ever from her kitchen. I was visiting with my mom, step father, biological grandmother (mom's mother), my step brother, his wife and two of his children. We were all visiting from out of town so all staying in their house with them, it was a one bedroom house so pretty tightly packed! lol haha Thankfully we had a big tent we sat out in the yard, and they had two covered porches, so my brother and his wife slept on the back covered porch, etc. Any way, the funny part was, my step brother and I were helping her cook dinner, and my step brother decided to stir the mashed potatoes together, and then step grandmother went to "stir" the laundry and asked where the spoon was to use in the washer. Every one looked around and said they didn't know, then she looked at my step brother and that was the spoon he had chose to use for the potatoes! Oh yeah that was hilarious!!!!! I still laugh and laugh when I remember that. If I have another girl, she will be named after that step grandmother as well. If my little boy had been a girl that would of been his name! lol We always name after family members and she was next on my list!
http://www.heathersprairie.blogspot.com |
| knittinchick |
Posted - Nov 21 2011 : 8:42:10 PM
Audrey, I'm sorry about your recent loss. My family recently lost a dear four-legged family member, too, so it will be different this Thanksgiving.
One of my favorite memories about Thanksgiving was when I was younger, my Grandma still had the rabbit ears tv in her kitchen that only got the local channels, and one Thanksgiving I remember that all I did while she cooked was color and watch some of the Thanksgiving specials on tv. It was nothing out of the ordinary, but that memory has always just stuck out in my mind! Sitting in the kitchen with her while she cooked was just so special for me, and I don't why!
God's and Farmgirl's Blessings,
Megan
At heart, I am both a sassy city girl and a down-home country gal.
The dictionary is the only place where success comes before work. |
| acairnsmom |
Posted - Nov 21 2011 : 10:04:59 AM
Due to our recently loss of Hobbs I've been remembering our Thanksgiving of 15 years ago. We brought this tiny little bundle of fur home the Sunday before Thanksgiving. He was no bigger than your palm. DH and I had both of our families over to our house for Thanksgiving and everyone got to play with the new puppy. My Dad was on the sofa with his legs extended out straight and Hobbs literally climbed his legs then his torso and all the way up to his face and nipped Dad's ear! This year we are again having Thanksgiving and I will be missing my darling Hobbs tremendously but smiling at the memories he gave us!
Audrey
Good boy Hobbs! I love and miss you. |
| kristin sherrill |
Posted - Nov 21 2011 : 07:15:12 AM
I miss our big Thanksgiving days in S. Ga. We used to get together with all my cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents. We had such a big ole country dinner and then all the kids would go out and run the farm or play baseball or football. Grandpa was always hunting that morning and we could not eat till he came back home. Grandma always had fried okra and I would always grab a handfull and she's smack me. One year she boiled the okra and I cried. I miss her and grandpa so much. And I have not seen my cousins in years. My parents started coming up here for Thanksgiving since I have all these animals and then they bought a house here.
So this year it's just going to be my parents and me and maybe my hubby, if he gets to come home. I am so sad. I miss the big family Thanksgivings. But for Christmas, my sister and all 3 of her kids will be here!!!
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
| Tea Lady |
Posted - Nov 21 2011 : 05:55:02 AM
I was a recently divorced mom and living in another state and away from my family. Finances were too tight to make the trip at Thanksgiving and Christmas. I was in graduate school and older than most of the other students (I went back to school). So I invited several foreign students and some who were far from home to my house for dinner. Everyone brought something and we had a wonderful time. We had turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie, etc - but it was served with traditional dishes from India, Costa Rica, Korea, etc... My daughters - who are now grown - still talk about that Thanksgiving.
Lorraine
(aka Tea Lady)
Farmgirl #1819
www.birdsandteas.com |
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