Thanksgiving in Ohio

This year was delightful, I was able to share this day with my ex mother in law, who bless her heart is 95 years young. Sharp as a tack and happy to be alive and sharing her time with us.  Though her eyesight is failing and she doesn't hear very well, she is still up on the news and is a lively person, though she is restricted with her movements.  No longer able to visit her favorite restraunts, whenever possible, some one brings her dinner from the Red Lobster and Wholly Bears.  The time spent is worth the travel to get here.  

She lives in Penfield, Ohio which is about 45 miles southwest of Cleveland.  The house is situated on twelve beautiful pine tree filled acres with a pond and lots of wild life.  Speaking of trees, look at the adjacent picture...this tree was maybe ten feet tall on my first visit to this charming house around 40 years ago...oh my...time has gone by. Now it is over 40 feet in height and just a beautiful tree. Unfortunately the picture doesn't show it's full size and glory. 

This trip brought back lots of memories...one Thanksgiving we were snow bound for three days. Couldn’t' t get the vehicles out, so we enjoyed being snowed in and time spent in front of the fireplace. Cooking was always Vi's expertise.  And she could cook; lots of comfort food, along with some Polish and Hungarian recipes thrown in.  Always knew you were welcome and you were going to get plenty to eat...And a dance around the kitchen to annoy her was always part of the welcome, as well as a trip to her cookie jar. Things have changed, the cookies are still there, though store bought now and unfortunately she doesn't cook any longer.  Missed her great meals.

We weren't sure who would be joining us for the day, with lots of grandchildren and great grandchildren living in Ohio, it's always a toss up to see who will be able to come.  Much to my surprise and joy, Kim, her husband Dan and stepchildren Elisabeth and Kelly drove up, 

from Dayton to spend a couple of days here. They brought a complete turkey dinner along with what we had prepared, we had a wonderful and filling meal.  Lots of left over’s made for delicious meals for the next couple of days.  I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed my time with this wonderful family. We worked on puzzles, took trips to antique shops, a candy shop, Roots Candles, a wonderful bakery and of course, we ate. 

Friday morning gave us a surprise, there was snow falling. Though not really a surprise in the part of Ohio, it was wonderful to see after living in Arizona so long.  A walk in the snow, being drenched by very wet snow, made this holiday memorable.  It didn't last long, sure help make this a true homecoming though. Left on Saturday to come back to Arizona.  I could have stayed longer...going back in April, my promise to Vi. Going home (Ohio) can be wonderful and it was.