Giving thanks...

It was (almost) the best of Thanksgiving weekends.

Thursday the family helped out with the annual Thanksgiving dinner for seniors up at church. This is the third year in a row that we've done so, which makes it a tradition now. And I must say, I think it's a nice tradition. We're being of service to others, and it is a festive atmosphere. Sort of like a large family gathering...without the inherent family tensions. Not to mention that 1) we get the whole Thanksgiving dinner with trimmings without the attendant mess at my house, and 2) that we're not stuck eating leftover turkey for a week afterward! The leftovers from the dinner go home with the seniors who want to take to-go boxen, and what remains is donated to the local soup kitchen. It really is a lot of fun, with a great camaraderie among the families who do the bulk of the preparation and cleanup. And it's a chance for the younger folks to hobnob with the older ones.

My legs were a little tired afterward, but I enjoyed it. And I clocked up 5 more miles on the way to Rivendell!

That evening, we went to my favorite Irish place, which was hosting its own Thanksgiving buffet. Last year they had lamb among the more traditional Thanksgiving cuisine, but they didn't this year. I still got my pint of hard cider, though!

The rest of the weekend was spent in relaxation, notably in the form of watching football on TV. And thus entered the only downside to the weekend - Georgia Tech lost to Georgia 14-7. It was still a good game, though.

Sunday marked the beginning of Advent, and so began preparations for Christmas. Our only decoration so far is the Advent wreath on our dining room table, an austere contrast to the lights-and-inflatables that mark the houses of our neighbors. We may do some further decorating...we'll see.

I can guarantee, though, that we won't have any inflatables!