Well written;... and memories of our past Thanksgiving's are the ones that keep us striving to continue the tradition. Those who've helped us create them in those earlier days I think about a lot on Thanksgiving. The ones we no longer have with us.

As time goes by, and as much as every Thanksgiving is a time to be reflective and Thankful, it is those past moments that I remember the most..., and am still Thankful for...

I appreciate your article!

David

Thank you David!

Very well said, Leon. Thank you so much.

I woke this morning with that old feeling of longing; longing for those who are no longer here, longing for the scents of Thanksgivings past, longing for a time that is no more. But I find I can be thankful for all they taught me, for the lessons that I use every day, for those little traditions that I hope my children and grandson will latch on to.

Time changes things, but we don't have to let go of the memories nor the lessons learned. And we don't have to honor Black Friday nor the ads on TV or even television itself.

Of course I never did learn to make stuffing that tasted exactly like my grandmother made, but I can make a mean reasonable facsimile. And I can't remember how to make the 'Cat in the Cradle' string around my fingers thing that my great grandmother taught me, but I can teach my grandson how to wrap yarn around sticks to make the Mexican 'Eye of God' design. So there are ways we can carry on the traditions, even though we might not be able to duplicate them.

I enjoyed your jaunt down your memory lane, so much like my own. Thank you again.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Sharon,

Thanks for your insight. I too still have those longings for the way things were over the past decades. I can still hear my dad (I still refer to him as 'Daddy') lecturing us about what was 'wrong and right'. He would often sit in his old rocker by the wood fire instructing us kids in what we should and shouldn't do. There were times when I thought he was wrong and not in 'tune' with the world, but as I look back he was one of the most brilliant men alive! And my mother was emphatic: "Don't get above your upbringing! Listen to your elders."

My only grandson comes over quite a bit (especially at meal times) and we sit at the kitchen table and talk. I am honored (and surprised) that he asks about my background and family life. And I have a grand-daughter coming to spend the night with us tonight. We always have some good, old-fashioned discussions about current events, politics, family life and sometimes religion. I like to remind them all about simplicity and humility.

Again, thanks for your input. Now I don't feel so alone.
May you enjoy a blessed holiday.

Edited to add: The black cast iron skillet picture in the blog article actually belonged to my mother, and was handed down to us many years ago. I am almost sure this was one of the pans she used for dressing. In this picture I've shown one of my favorite stir-fries using potatoes, broccoli and red wing onion. This is made by adding a dollop of virgin olive oil, salt & pepper. Sorry to be so long winded.

Oh, I have my grandmother's small cast iron skillet, too. And the truth is, I have some of Ninna's serving bowls as well. I use them even now with great care. I love the looks of your stir fry, since there's only me left for most of my every day cooking, I make a lot of stir fry and use the skillet. I'll remember your recipe!

Aunt Bett, being Aunt Bett, and Ninna too, always said, "Remember youah roots, chile, don' ya never forget youah roots."
Words of wisdom.

Thanks for jogging my memories today, Leon.
Stay warm up there and enjoy every minute of your day.