Happy Merry Thankmas

Our Location today is McGregor, Ontario, Canada. 

After a very restful night’s sleep I was up shortly after 7:30 which allowed me to open the window curtains in the main room before Kathy got up minutes later. I had a little chuckle when I looked out to see our Newbie RV Owner Neighbour outside in the 39 F (4 C) outside temperature removing his propane tank from the front of his trailer because it was probably not warm inside his trailer. Minutes later I saw his brother-in-law showing him the change-over valve to change the flow of propane from the empty tank to the one that apparently was still quite full. 

Fruit Trays and small Brie Cheese Wheel with Cranberry/Pecan Mix.

Our plans were quite simple today relax and get ready for the last of our family’s joint Thanksgiving/Christmas Celebration this afternoon. The reason for this joint celebration is because we’ll be heading south at the beginning of November and will not be here to celebrate Christmas with the family as we have always done in the past. The back seat of the car was filled by all the bags of Christmas Gifts we planned on giving out today. Kathy started making the Cranberry/Pecan Mix that would be served over a small Brie Cheese Wheel.

Hot foods served inside the house.

We actually had time to get totally caught up on all our morning reading that we have been falling behind on due to our effort to get everything ready for our southern trip. Kathy still seems to be dragging from the effects of our Unexpected Gift from last weekend that was compounded by all the hurried running of errands we’ve had to do this week so she needed a Snap to help her make it through the rest of the day. 

Most of the family eating in the garage.

Shortly after 2:00 we started making our own fruit trays to bring with us. Kathy had me start with the Pineapple making certain I didn’t make the pieces too small. Using that as an example I continued doing the Watermelon, Cantaloupe and Honey Dew Melon while Kathy arranged them on the trays. The beautiful Strawberries that we’d gotten just yesterday, most had spoiled overnight. We added Kiwi and Clementine Oranges to fill the void. The waste just from the rinds, seeds and bad Strawberries immediately went out the door to avoid attracting any fruit flies while we’d be gone. 

Some of the desserts in the garage.

We arrived at Kevin and Melissa’s home in Amherstburg shortly after 4:00 where we found plenty of activities already taking place. Our daughter Karen was in the kitchen giving Melissa a hand getting the food ready to be put out. Heather and I were directed to take the Fruit Trays and a few Other Desserts out to the covered workbench in the garage as it doubles as a large party room. It would be nearly 4:30 before our granddaughters Ashley and Kylla would arrive with their boyfriends. As usual there was more than enough hot food that was served inside the house. Then once everyone had enjoyed their meal they started enjoying not only the Fruit Trays and Brie Cheese Wheel we had brought but sweets such as Apple, Cherry, and Pumpkin Pies. There was also Homemade Fudge, Cookies and Brownies.  

Everyone opening their Christmas Gifts

Greg trying to get the camera to work on self-timer.

It was at that point Kathy suggested I get the Christmas Gifts from the car. It wasn’t until I returned that she realized just how many gifts there were. Luckily for me Kathy has cut back on the gift giving as the children have aged and had put all the gifts in gift bags that had handles. With my long fingers I was able to carry all the gifts in one load. 

Seated - Myself and Kathy
(L - R) Tyler, Melissa, Cameron, Matthew, Kevin, Jordan, Kylla.
Ken, Heather, Greg, Ashley, Derek and Karen.

(Clockwise) Kathy, our sons Ken and Kevin and daughter Karen.

Putting all the gifts down on the driveway Kathy and I started distributing them to the happy recipients whose name appeared on the bags. Having kept two bags specifically for last both Ashley’s boyfriend Derek and Kylla’s boyfriend Jordan were surprised when they were also given Christmas Gifts. Those were the extra gifts that Kathy added to our shopping just the other day. She didn’t want the boys to feel left out while everyone else was opening gifts. 

Seated - Greg and Karen
Standing - Jordan, Granddaughter Kylla, grandson Tyler,
Granddaughter Ashley and Derek.

Ken and Heather

At that point everyone was in such a good mood even with the 59 F (15 C) temperature we didn’t even have to twist anyone’s arms to take some overdue family pictures. As soon as the sun set the temperature went from comfortable to cold. Everyone pitched in to clean up and started heading for home shortly after 8:00. With lots of hugs and kisses we were wished happy travels for our upcoming trip. Back Home Kathy started repacking tomorrow’s lunch that we had brought from the party while I started processing all the pictures that were taken.

Seated - Melissa and Kevin
Standing - Cameron and Matthew.

Seated - Kylla, Kathy and Ashley
Standing - Myself, Matthew, Tyler and Cameron.

Even with the cooler temperatures starting tomorrow we’ll be very busy getting things ready to leave in three weeks. Thanks for following along and feel free to leave a comment. Be Safe and Enjoy! 

It’s about time.

Krackers 

Words of Inspiration 

The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who cannot read. 

Mark Twain, American Writer