Thanksgiving- Oct. 8

Today is Canadian Thanksgiving.

By the time all of you have your Thanksgiving celebrations, we will have had a month and a half to recover from all that turkey, stuffing, fall veggies and pumpkin pie. Canadian Thanksgiving is always the second Monday in October but many families have their Thanksgiving meal on the Sunday. When we were in PEI, our neighbours had us over for Thanksgiving dinner on the Sunday. It was a real fall harvest meal.

And of course, Monday is FOOTBALL!! ALL DAY LONG.

Although both American and Canadian Thanksgiving is about family, food, and football, there are some differences other than just timing.

Canadian Thanksgiving has nothing to do with pilgrims or the Mayflower. Thanksgiving was originally an Indigenous ceremony.  Over time it became a celebration of the fall harvest.

I have noticed that American Thanksgiving seems to be an even bigger family deal than Christmas, but here in Canada that is not so. Although families get together it seems more low key. People are more likely to fly to be with family during Christmas or New Year.

Another big difference has to do with shopping. That wild Black Friday type shopping craze isn't an essential part of our Thanksgiving weekend. However, in the last few years we are beginning to have some nice Black Friday sales' events. Our biggest, craziest shopping day has always been right after Christmas on Boxing Day.

Thanksgiving has a special significance for our family. Shannon was born on Thanksgiving Monday 40 years ago today. I love that she chose Thanksgiving for her birthday.

At its core, Thanksgiving is about taking time to be grateful.

And then fighting like hell to keep the dark away...

Goin' buggy

I was spending time outside a few weeks ago when I encountered a couple of unexpected guests in my yard. I guess it was my day to to enjoy what nature has to offer.

This handsome fellow was relaxing by my back door. 

I never knew cicadas were proud sponsors of McDonald's. The things you learn by walking outside!

Mr. Cicada didn't freak me out too much. The other visitor sort of did. I will let you judge for yourself...

This eight legged creature spun a web right outside of our family room window. When I first tried to sneak up to it to take a picture, it started running really fast through the web towards me. I of course abandoned any attempt at photography and ran back into the house. EEK!!

I managed to get this picture from inside the house. After chasing me off  he/she just went back to relaxing in the sun.

Please try to have a nice Sunday in spite of this post. 😉

Happy Birthday WIshes

Sending birthday wishes to our dear friend, Manxmamma. 

It's a wine and cheese party today. 

We need wine...lots and lots of wine!

How about some smoky 3-cheese fondue with toasted garlic butter croissants?

Or some warm baked Brie with figs and walnuts... looks so yummy.

So many good things to nibble on while we sit around and visit.

Not quite sure what this is... I'll let you go first.

These look tasty...

Flowers just for you, MM...

And we can't forget the goodies...

Here's to you, Manxmamma.

Hope you have the happiest of birthdays.

Little Mo

We are still undecided about the little kitty. I have not been able to find a home for him but my main concern is Sweet Pea. Mike found a good article online and we are going to try what they suggest and hopefully she will become calmer and less stressed out. 

Today I went to the store and got a nice new kitty bed...

Cat food...

And treats for Sweet Pea. 

$71.00.

Mike took the little guy to the vet- $150.00. He is healthy. 

My daughter Kerri who is a Crazy Cat Woman is soooo excited.

I am not excited. He is going to be a little terror! ; )) But he is very cute.

So, for now, Little Mo, has a home. Any suggestions are welcome.  TW? Queen? Anyone?

Heartwarming

I thought these were worthy of a smile or two.

GrannyJ ????

Thanks to Amy for her help on this post! It gave me more time to read.

Have a good day everyone 😊