From as far back as I can remember, Thanksgiving was a most special holiday. The whole family would gather for dinner and good company. My mom was usually the cook, except my dad always mashed the potatoes. They were to die for, lol Sometimes he used real cream and real butter in them. Oh! they were so good. Well mom and dad usually went out 2 weeks or more before thanksgiving and ordered the largest bird they could get, which most of the time was 30lbs or so. Mom was busy for days before hand, getting things ready. She would make huge relish trays, and get the stuffing ready to stuff in the bird. it was always fun to get under foot and "help" lol She also made this awesome dish called Pineapple sweet potatoes, and dessert was marshmellow delight. Oh yummy! She also made sure there was apple pie and pumpkin pie. Sometimes pecan too!

Well, by the time Thanksgiving was here, there was Mom and Dad, 7 kids, Auntie Ann and Uncle Leo, Big Grandma and Grandpa, Little Grandma. My big sister was married when I was 9 so she had her hubby and daughter, and she had 2 more soon after. The friends varied year to year, depending on who invited who, and my parents never refused someone that was humgry, thanksgiving dinner.

So here was the table at dinner time.
A HUGE Turkey, giblet gravey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, nibblet corn, homemade cranberry sauce, bread and rolls, and butter. That table was full, and so was I after, lol Everyone enjoyed the dinners on thanksgiving, and we would eat and talk around the table. After dinner, mom started to put things away, and clear the table. There was always a lot of help with that part. My Auntie Ann was great that way, lol

After dinner and while cleaning up things, some would go to the living room, or step out on the porch. Mom would make coffee, and we would hear our first Christmas music of the season. Now, that was cool, because you knew what that meant, Christmas and Santa were just around the corner!!

Our house was filled with a thankfull family, a loving family, and those were the best times of my growing up at home. I'll never forget those times, I sure miss my parents.

No elders are alive anymore except for the 7 kids and their kids. We are sprinkled all over the US. I live in Maryland now, but on thanksgiving we will have the Loper feast here. Not quite as large. It is only me and Howard, and my daughter lives close, she comes over too. just a little of this and that, but I make it all. I always invite a neighbor or 2 or 3 that don't have family, and we sit around eat, and tell our stories. It's a good time.

Thanks for reading my Thanksgiving memories. I had a great trip down memory lane writing it.
Hugsss, Sarah (Lorie)