Well, back from the groaning board.
Earlier in the week I expressed some reservations about family gatherings. Thanks for the advice that was shared: I'm happy to report that the stress level seemed quite low throughout most of the very chaotic meal. My mother, bless her heart, insists on a sit-down in her tiny house. When there are twenty-one people to sit, it can take ten minutes to shoehorn everyone in...and then you'd better stay put for the duration!

Later in the day, after the crowd had thinned out, the nieces performed. Dang, but they're getting good! color me one proud auntee. The 15-year-old has been to music camp and takes piano and voice lessons. She sets the pace, but the others rise to the occasion.

And of course Boo and Grizz, two of my brothers, had to perform a do-it duet! Those boys (37 and 46) are still silly after all these years.

So, I guess what I'm trying to say is this: I'm thankful for the feedback that blogging can produce: I'm thankful to be part of a large family that puts up with a goofy aunt. I'm thankful that my mother is in good health, that the nieces and nephews are growing up quite all right, and that my brothers have dear wives that are not only sisters-in-law but sisters of my heart. And I'm thankful for my sister (who couldn't make this do) who shares so very much with me.

Yes, it's been a happy Thanksgiving.