OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS.....

As my family gathers to give thanks, we will be following traditions started many years ago, like many of you.

There will be four generations of our family at the table this year, ranging from age 4 to almost 94.  We'll all join in singing Over the River and Through the Woods, followed by the Doxology.  My brother (he and his wife are our most gracious host and hostess) will offer up a meaningful prayer.  And then it's time to dig in to that glorious feast!  We have all contributed our own specialties; the cornbread casserole, the home-made rolls, the sausage stuffing, the gorgeous turkey and gravy, the comb honey (it originally came from beehives on my grandparent's farm-now we find it at farm stands), the wonderful pies, cakes and decorated cookies and so much more.

There will be much talk of Thanksgivings past...the elder members recalling of time going to their grandparent's home in Wilsonville and crossing the Willamette River by ferry.  There will be updates of family geneology from my cousin, the historian in the group.  The younger family members like to hear tales of our ancestors arriving here in Oregon by wagon train.  There are pictures to be taken-and each year added to the photo albums of previous Thanksgivings.  What fun seeing how the kids have grown and clothing and hairstyles have changed!

And finally, it's time for the Silent Auction!  This was begun by my grandmother years ago.  After the able was cleared she would fill it with "treasures" that she wanted to share.  This was maybe a dried flower arrangement that she made, a bag of walnuts that Grandpa cracked, a piece of china to be handed down, old toys or games for the young ones.  We were all given 10 points and paper and pencil to place our silent bids under the items displayed, with the highest bidder winning the item.

It's a tradition that we continue to this day.  Everyone brings contributions for the Silent Auction Table.  What fun!  Come to think of it, maybe that's where my love of auctions began!!



We reluctantly end our day together knowing that we have honored the traditions of the past, and created more good family memories to be cherished and remembered for years to come.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!