Our Thanksgiving was full of family, food, music and exercise.
Three of our out-of-town children and some of their friends travelled to Williams Lake to spend the weekend with us. Only one was missing, but that’s part of sharing your children with their partner’s families.
On Friday I ran to the farmers’ market to buy local produce and am happy to report that every single bit of it was delicious.
There wasn’t a single carrot left out of the 10 pound bag. We ate some of them raw, boiled others with oranges and garlic before roasting them with beets and onions in the oven.
Knowing my girls are better at cooking and baking some things than I am, I inquired if they’d help out in the kitchen.
Gisele made her awesome pies, Anna created the veggies and salads, while her boyfriend mastered the mashed potatoes, while I handled the organic turkey, the stuffing and gravy.
Nathan shared his latest songs and style he’s honing on the guitar, Anna played some of our family favourites, and Gisele, who sang solos as a young girl, announced she’s taking singing lessons in Vancouver.
I grew up in a musical family, however, I wasn’t one of the kids who excelled as a musician. It’s been fun to see my children develop talents I never had.
When the kids have come to town we’ve hiked above Signal Point, something we did for a couple of hours on Sunday, however, on Saturday we ventured up Russet Bluff for the first time.
On the way up we encountered a deep hole on the side of the road. When I stepped toward it, a strong cold wind blew into my face. We all gathered around to look down the hole.
We wondered how deep it went and from which direction the wind was coming.
The view from atop Russet Bluff is gorgeous.
You can see across to the end of the lake and the mountain behind. Then there’s the view down toward Sugar Cane and 150 Mile House.
Locals told us we can access routes that go on to Chimney Lake, 150 Mile House and Anderson Meadows?
I cannot wait to explore further.
Before we ate our Thanksgiving dinner, I lit the candles thanked God and the company for the occasion.
As I sat at the table yesterday morning, eating the last piece of pumpkin pie for breakfast, I was reminded I have so much to be grateful for in this day and age.
It’s a good thing Thanksgiving nudges me toward gratitude.
Monica Lamb-Yorski is a reporter at the Williams Lake Tribune