The Thanksgiving Weekend, like a Christmas gathering, can be a very stressful time. But this year, at my home, it was truly a giving of thanks. The “children” were home and full of love and laughter and fun. We decided to do the big dinner on Saturday, and relax on Thanksgiving Monday.

The meal preparations of turkey and dressing and mashed potatoes and gravy, and Brussels sprouts roasting, and pumpkin tarts and Yorkshire pudding baking all went off without a hitch. Everything came out warm and wonderful as if the good fairy had touched the evening with her magic wand.

The clean-up was a smooth team effort, we retired downstairs to a fabulous movie night, and sweet dreams! On holiday Monday morning, we  headed up to Caledon Village and spent the afternoon canoeing on C3’s beautiful Quarry Lake. Canada Geese heading south, a beaver lodge at the edge of an island, a loon diving. The whole day gave me such a sense of peace that it is difficult to describe.

I have experienced eight decades of Thanksgiving dinners and holiday weekends with family. This one will hold a special place. At a time of global chaos and geopolitical uncertainties, this one small weekend came together perfectly for this Caledon part of our family, and we give thanks!