A Thankful Weekend

A Thankful Weekend

While many of us, including myself forget to give thanks on a regular basis, this weekend was yet another one to be thankful for in 2014.
The fun began Thursday, with the aroma of food filling the air. I was ready for a nap before the Thanksgiving meal even began. As the appetizers were getting placed, I was filling my plate and enjoying just a few fine samplings before the meal. This year’s meal consisted of turkey, ham, scalloped potatoes and mashed potatoes, along with accompaniments like olives, pickles, cranberry dish, a salad dish and more.
Our party of five kids and six adults enjoyed digging in, and when the main course was completed, it was time for the mid-course – a nap. At least a few of us adults enjoyed a brief quiet time or even snooze for at least an hour or so. I claimed a spot downstairs in my chair, and although the girls both sat with me for a while watching the television, only Abigail stayed rooted next to me the entire time. I’m not sure if that was best for my desired nap, as I remember both of them wiggling around too much, but I grabbed a few winks anyway.
Earlier that day a few us went and gathered enough small brush to get a fire going for the evening. It took a lot of extra incentives to get that wet green wood to burn, but once it got going, it was a hot success. I enjoyed the fire for a few minutes, then headed back in. It was more or less to prove a point because Alivia said I couldn’t start a fire outside because there was snow on the ground.
Friday was more inactivity. I got some work done during the day, and that evening we played 500 Rummy, Euchre and Spoons with everyone. It was a lot of fun, even though Alivia bested me by stealing a spoon out of my hand. She thought it was great amusement, and truthfully, after I got over the shock, I was amused as well. The only one of our kids missing for most of the weekend was Marcus,.My niece had to go back home, and he asked if he could go along to play with a cousin. Well, in my infinite wisdom and knowledge, I informed him that he would need to convince his cousin Makaylah to transport him home as well, thinking she surely wouldn’t agree to that. Well, his cards played out perfectly for him, as he was able to secure his ride home, and all the other parties involved agreed to the arrangement. Also securing a good deal in the process was my nephew Mike, who now was able to stay a full extra day and ride back with his sister on Sunday instead of his grandma on Saturday. It was a win-win for the boys. For the adults – one more kid, one less kid – it really didn’t matter much to us.
On Saturday, it was more of the same as Friday – little to no activity, I emptied garbage and helped the boys clean up underneath the rabbit cages. That was enough physical activity. After all, it was supposed to be a weekend of fun and relaxation. That afternoon, the kids took it upon themselves to play a game of spoons. I’m not sure how that worked out, but there was no blood drawn and no other injuries or arguments, so it couldn’t have been all bad. Later, Susan and I played another game of 500 Rummy with the boys, and I was lucky enough to be the winner for the second time that weekend. Playing the game reminded me of the many good times I had playing cards with my grandma at her house – when I was lucky enough to go for a visit when I was younger.
On Sunday, since I hadn’t slept well Saturday night (too much junk food or whatever it was that was ailing me didn’t allow for a restful sleep), so I tried to rest during the day and in periods of awareness I did some work.
This week, my calendar looks full. On the weekend, I’m hoping we might sneak out and find a few geocaches,but we might just take those two days to truly do nothing.
Please be safe while enjoying your favorite outdoor recreational activity, and on the lakes, and remember to take pictures to preserve a lifetime of memories.


Remember to drive safely, and watch out for those buses carrying our children. Thanks for reading, and have a great week! For more of my columns visit: http://allan-crazykids.blogspot.com.

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