It’s Thanksgiving Weekend in Canada. Like our American cousins, this is a time when we should be reflecting on all the things in our life for which we are grateful. The markets are exploding with the abundance of nature’s harvest and the focus is on the celebration of food, family, and friends.
While I was contemplating what was special about Thanksgiving, I kept coming up with a big blank. It was just another weekend – except with an extra day to do it all in. Nothing particularly special.
Well, except for that one time 30+ years ago when Gilles and I got married on Thanksgiving Weekend – my dad’s birthday to be exact. He would be 104 years old today. That day was pretty cool … but when I think about it, it still boiled down to family, friends, and food.
And there was the time 2 years later when we were anxiously waiting for son #1 to arrive. But he was late and missed all the Thanksgiving stuff by a few days.
Maybe I should also toss in the times Gilles and I were away for Thanksgiving Weekend. There was Rome, and Hawaii … and of course, Chicago. I did my first marathon in Chicago on a Thanksgiving Weekend. Friends were involved that weekend too – we traveled with our good friends, Cathie and Bob.
Bob amused me throughout the 42 km course reciting all the words he knew in French – baguette, fromage, bouillabaise. Yes, food was definitely involved in that trip.
But Cathie and Bob are in Thailand right now – which is where I’m supposed to be …. but I’m trying not to dwell on it – much.
So yeah. Basically, Canadian Thanksgiving is nothing special. The family will gather, a few friends, food and drink will be involved, but I won’t make much of an effort.
Because it’s not important – too much.
[…] have a lot to be thankful for in my life. Last year I tried to write a tongue-in-cheek piece that my family didn’t quite *get*, but this year I feel a bit more serious and sentimental. […]
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I like reading your blogs because they tell me about everyday life . Thanks 🙂
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Thank you. That’s a nice compliment 🙂
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As someone who lives in a country that doesn’t have a Thanksgiving holiday, my jealousy would seem to indicate that it IS important. It must be nice to stop and think about what to be grateful for together as a family.
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Both my husband and oldest son did not read this post as being tongue-in-cheek. They thought I really did feel *meh* about the whole month.
Silly men.
I love October. I love the season, nature is so beautiful as it changes colours, and I can associate so many personal happy occasions to the month. What’s not to be grateful about? 🙂
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I’m so behind, but am catching up! Happy Belated Anniversary and Thanksgiving!
I loved this post! Great memories, and good times!
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Thanks Deborah! I too am so, so far behind. I need a few quiet days at home alone with my computer!
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That’s what I need too, but it’s not going to happen anytime soon.
btw: I think both the Lads should reserve a dance for you! 🙂
My son got engaged a couple of months back. I’m hoping for a dance myself! 🙂 It’s an exciting time in their lives, and ours too. I have a pretty good idea of what you’re feeling.
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Congratulations! This is a very exciting time in a parent’s life! ❤
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I posted their image and the ring on Instagram. It’s not something I’d post on my blog. I share more of my home life on Instagram. Are you on Instagram? I can share that image with you if you are.
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I found you! … and the photo. LOVE the ring ❤
I'm at @blaze002. I'm a rather sporadic poster to Instagram. There just aren't enough hours in the day!!
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Hi again, Joanne – we don’t ‘do’ thanksgiving on this side of the pond, but I was lucky enough to enjoy a family thanksgiving when I visited my brother in Ontario a few years ago. It was a wonderful, special gathering with my Canadian family and a weekend I shall never forget. 🙂
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
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Family and food go together so wonderfully. Throw in a delightfully beautiful time of year and you have the recipe for a perfect visit! 🙂
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That’s what Thanksgiving is all about in America, too. Family and food, especially! Apparently in America drinking alcohol has become part of it, oddly. The line to get into the liquor store was lined up so far last year on the day before Thanksgiving, I thought it was a traffic jam!
Stephanie
http://stephie5741.blogspot.com
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ha! I thought the booze part was just something my family did! 😉
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Happy Thanksgiving. Let’s get a photo of Gilles, see how well (?) he’s aged.
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LOL … let’s just say he doesn’t have any hair 🙂
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Happy Thanksgiving!
Did you serve . . . baguette, fromage, and bouillabaise? 😉
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Two of the three …. baguette et fromage are always a given 😉
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As you know, thanksgiving isn’t an Aussie thing. But it’s still cold here in Victoria, and I would go a big hearty meal and a small family gathering for sure. Nice post as usual. I hope you get to Thailand one day.
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Thanks Mick 🙂
I’m still in a bit of a food fog. It’s time to shed the pumpkin pie leftovers!
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With the death of the King maybe Thailand not such a good place to be at the moment.
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My friends are in Thailand now … almost half way through the tour. Unfortunately in lots of rain.
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wow – this is a very special holiday for you! the month of october must be such a fun time of year for your family… and it is my spouse’s favorite month.
anyhow, sorry you are not traveling the way you want to be – and without sounding too cheesy – remember that everything happens for a reason and detours – or being sidelined or grounded – well they often set the course later for better things that needed to pivot that way.
anyhow, happy anniversary 🙂
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Thank you. The better things have already started to happen so I’m not complaining 🙂
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oh that is good – and you did not even sound like you were complaining at all – I just sometimes like to encourage – so I hope it did not come out wrong 🙂
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LOL – not at all 😀
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oh cool – and keep me posted on the book and when you get a chance to maybe add to it (percolating in the meantime… right?)
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Right 🙂
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That is so cool that so many major life events happened at the same time. Sorry about your injury/not going to Thailand. Thanksgiving was always my favorite holiday because it was family and feasting and no pressure. There was no gifts, Easter egg hunts, costumes – just food and socializing!
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That’s a good point. I’ve always liked Thanksgiving too and you’ve put your finger on it. It’s such a simple celebration – let’s eat and be happy 🙂
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Beautiful post. So true, all of it.
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Thanks Ally. Thanksgiving has a lot of personal meaning for me and I finally got to share it 🙂
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Wow..
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wow – good? or wow – bad?
I’m hoping you got that this was written tongue-in-cheek 🙂
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Happy anniversary – and I wish you a speedy, full recovery! Shoulder issues are no fun at all…
🙂
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thank you. It’s been a lovely weekend 🙂
Hope your’s has been too!
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From stunning young woman to gorgeous woman, both inside and out! What a pic, Joanne! And oh, I love your table setting…elegant and festive, actually quite like the Joanne I know! 🙂
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You’re always so kind ❤
Thanksgiving continues its reputation as a special weekend. Son #1 announced yesterday that he and his partner got engaged! I'm bursting at the seams! ❤
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HOORAY!!!! Congrats to you…..a new daughter for your family to enjoy! Exciting!
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LOL – no, wrong son. My oldest son is gay, so I will be gaining a new son 🙂
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I thought of that after I posted my comment! Sorry about that, Joanne, still overtired from our weekend jaunt! Still….a new family member to enjoy for you all is VERY much a great thing!
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Agree! It’s awesome!!
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Getting married 30+years ago over your own Canadian Thanksgiving celebration sounds like a memorable day, Joanne! You were a beautiful bride and Gilles was a handsome groom. Happy Anniversary to you both. ❤
Hope your family gathering was still full of all those joyful elements.
You will have another race, another trip again someday and this will all be in your past! 🙂
Hope the shoulder keeps mending and possibly a miracle will speed the process. (I cannot believe how slow the process is on an able bodied healthy woman, such as you!)
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Thanks Robin. I have a huge amount to be grateful for and it was fun to write this post in such a tongue-in-cheek manner.
My shoulder is doing well – only a few minor restrictions now, like no pushups 😉
The way I understand it, the long healing process has been caused by the large displacement in the bone … and the fact that the shoulder is constantly moving – no matter how hard you try to keep it still.
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I noted the humor in my mind but didn’t really know how to add to the wry commentary, Joanne. It was funny and so real!
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I’ve had some really splendid Thanksgivings, too, with quite a bit of variety, but most of them have been rather blah compared to the hype of the season.
What a lovely couple you are/were — quite the glowing bride! 🙂
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You are so right about all the hype around these family / friends holidays. I don’t know about you, but I get sucked into that vortex of hyper-planning, ambitious menu, food, food, food. This year was no exception – but that’s never what we ever remember. In the end, no one really cares whether the pumpkin pie was the. best. ever.
What we remember is the time we spent together – whether it was laugher, tears, cold silence, drama, etc.
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YESSS, exactly what you wrote, “laughter, tears, cold silence, drama” — that’s the stuff. I remember wonderful laughing times, but also times of struggle and pure gratitude.
I never have gone berserk about the food, I’m rather traditional, don’t like ‘new and improved’ this and that messing up my holidays! lol
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I’m a pretty basic cook, so holiday meals of turkey and all the sides is the equivalent of a moon mission for me.
… but I somehow manage to survive with my sanity intact. No one goes hungry nor have I inadvertently poisoned anyone yet 😉
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Excellent! 🙂
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Sounds like Thanksgiving holds some good memories – happy anniversary! There’s nothing better than gathering with friends and family – enjoy!
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I’m very lucky to have so many wonderful memories. You are so right – time spent laughing and telling stories with family and friends is always the best!
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Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Anniversary! What time should I drop by for pie?
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Thanks! Hope your’s was a good one too.
There’s still lots of pie. Actually there’s still lots of everything!
Coffee and pumpkin pie sounds like a perfect way to start the day 🙂
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Yeah, not important … not much. 🙂
Such a lovely post, Joanne. Your bridal gown was stunning!
Happy Thanksgiving with family and friends.
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Yeah – not too important 😉
Glad you liked my dress. Traditional frothy wedding dresses didn’t hold any appeal for me, and I had an image of this dress in my head since I was quite young. I was thrilled that I found someone who could create it for me.
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Lovely post! You really have a lot of happy memories associated with Thanksgiving! Still … after twelve years, I feel a bit “new” to this North American tradition. While we were still in QC, we used to have turkey, and the lads would come over [Gerry’s sons], but not now. Pretty much business as usual … which doesn’t stop me from being grateful for all I have.
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I would imagine it’s very different when it’s just of the two of you. When the boys were small, it really bothered me that we had no extended family around us. Holidays like Thanksgiving were really sad affairs.
I’m really grateful that they are close by and we can gather for these celebrations 🙂
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So many memories this Thanksgiving weekend. What a gorgeous bride. You haven’t changed a bit. You two make an attractive couple. 🙂
Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Anniversary. ❤ ❤
BTW. Gobble. Gobble.
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Thanks Tess. Certainly in our hearts, we haven’t changed a bit 😉
Happy Thanksgiving to you too. Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend!
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You are welcome, Joanne.
No complaints. It’s been a lovely weekend–the cooler weather and all.
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Love the wedding photo… you look very much the same today, same smile, same obvious enthusiasm. You have aged well, if I might say.
What an elegant table setting. Congrats!
Peta
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Thanks Peta – a lovely compliment and much appreciated ❤
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love your wedding photo. So nice that you not only love your family but like them too- Happy Anniversary and Happy Thanksgiving!
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Thank you! I love this time of year for so many reasons 🙂
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So many beautiful, wondrous things to be thankful for all around Thanksgiving. Beautiful. Loved this post x
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Thanks Annie. Today my family gathers and there will be a lot of laughter and stories and simply enjoying each other’s company 🙂
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Lots of wonderful memories to be thankful for, and a whole weekend to plan which memories to go and collect for next year’s Thanksgiving!
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I hadn’t looked at it that way before, but yes! I love the idea that we are collecting new memories ❤
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You are so funny, Joanne. Can you fit all that tongue in your cheek? Loved the pictures and the list of memorable Thanksgivings. Your table is beautiful – enjoy the weekend with friends and family ❤
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Yay!! I’m so glad you actually got my sense of humour!!
This was one of those very rare occasions where I asked my husband to read this post before I published it. He didn’t get it. He thought I should make it more obvious that I was joking. Sigh.
The table is ready, the pies are made, and tomorrow all hell will break loose. It will be awesome ❤
Hope you have a lovely weekend too 🙂
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I got it right at the wedding photo. The rest was just the icecream on the pie. 🙂
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You’re good! 😀
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I agree – Thanksgiving is about Family, Friends and Food!
This year my hubby and I are all on our own for Thanksgiving, so food choices will be a bit different. We’ve decided to do a ‘progressive’ meal. We’ll cook, and eat part of one special dish tonight. We’ll make another special one tomorrow night, and eat part of it. On Monday we’ll cook a third special dish, and serve it with the special leftovers from the first two nights!
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That’s a really cool idea 🙂
I hope you have a great weekend!
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Here’s hoping you have a wonderful holiday with loved ones. 🙂
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Thanks Judy. The family gathers tomorrow and I’m really looking forward to it 🙂
Hope you have a lovely weekend too!
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Oh Joanne, what a beautiful bride you were. What lovely memories you shared. Family, friends and food- I love it.
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Thank you 🙂
Isn’t there a saying that all women are beautiful on their wedding day? 😉
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First of all; Happy Anniversary! I have to agree that your wedding photo is gorgeous. You look incredible and you both look so happy! Happy Thanksgiving and may it continue to be associated with wonderful experiences and memories.
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Thanks 🙂
I’m looking forward to what adventures might be ahead!
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Happy Thanksgiving – it looks like you have many reasons to be thankful!
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When I started to mentally write this post, I was rather surprised by how meaningful Thanksgiving actually was to me. You’re right – I have a lot to be grateful for!
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You and Gilles are so adorable! Happy Thanksgiving and anniversary. Enjoy your family and all of the yummy food.
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Thanks Mary. I’ve been in pie mode all afternoon. Tomorrow, we eat pie!!
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Pumpkin?
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… and apple 🙂
Pumpkin lovers in this household are few (I’m one!), so apple is the backup pie 😉
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So another excuse to raise my glass to you! Happy anniversary dear Jo, you don’t look any different except for maybe the hair – you have such a beautiful smile 🙂
Enjoy your weekend with food, family and friends and did I say food? And maybe a few glasses of cheer…
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Awww – thanks Jude. Yes, I mourn the lost of my nice dark hair … except now it would look terrible with my older face 😉
There will definitely be lots of food and generous amounts of cheer 🙂
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Happy thanksgiving AND anniversary!
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Thanks Judy 🙂
The longer we’re married, the more important it is to celebrate 🙂
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Yes, Thanksgiving is kind of a weird holiday because it loses it’s significance and tends to revolve around eating. You’re lucky to have so many great memories associated with the holiday. Thanks for sharing your pictures! I love to see pictures from the past.
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Maybe it’s the Italian half of my heritage, but I find ALL holidays and special occasions revolve around eating.
Sometimes we forgot exactly how fortunate we are … until we start to tally the score!!
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What lovely memories! You look so happy – and beautiful – in your wedding photo. Best wishes to you and your husband on your anniversary, and here’s to making many, many more wonderful memories as the years unfold. I know not going to Thailand was hard for you, but I’m confident there are many amazing adventures in your future.
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Thanks Janis.
Every once in a while we need to give ourselves a nudge to remind ourselves of how lucky we are. This post did that for me 🙂
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Your wedding photo is beautiful. So many adventures that followed, maybe the weekend isn’t so much, but plenty to be thankful for. How many marathons since that first one? (I’ve never, so it’s clear that you have me beat).
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Thanks Dan 🙂 I agree that I do have a lot to be grateful for!!
I’ve run only 2 full marathons – Chicago and Paris. I can’t imagine I’ll ever be tempted to train for another one … but I’ve learned to never say never 😉
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You picked two great cities.
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If I ever decide to run another one, it will be because I got a spot for New York. That would be better cool 🙂
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I would think New York of Boston would be cool. The Hartford Marathon was held toddy…Judy in case 🙂
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haha! I really NEVER be good enough to run in Boston!!
But New York is do-able because it’s a lottery entry rather than a qualifier 🙂
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What a great post and just look at that young couple beginning their married life together (what a great photo). Happy Anniversary 🙂
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Thanks Joe 🙂
I know I can count on you to raise a glass or two of your favourite beverage to celebrate with us 🙂
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Happy Thanksgiving & Anniversary. Any time you can have family, friends, and food, it’s special. Hope you have a good time.
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Truer words were never spoken!!
… unless of course you don’t like your family or friends 😉
But I’m lucky – I not only love them dearly, but I really like them too 🙂
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Happy Anniversary and Thanksgiving!
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Happy Thanksgiving to you too! 🙂
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Happy anniversary and Thanksgiving! 🙂 Lovely glimpses.
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Thank you! I encourage you to eat, drink, and be merry in solidarity 🙂
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😀 Thanks. That will not be too difficult.
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I knew I could count on you 😉
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Happy Anniversary!
And Happy Birthday to your dad, Buon compleanno papà… As they might say. My Italian blood is merely a thimble full (mother’s side, can’t reveal names for security reasons).
And Happy Thanksgiving 🙂
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Thanks 🙂
A little bit of imbibing might be enjoyed … and some food. Definitely some food 😉
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That wedding photo is gorgeous! You look so beautiful. Sorry Giles but the bride steals the show. Seems like you have had a lot of very happy moment on Thanksgiving. We are having a low key weekend here and loving that. It doesn’t happen very often. Sending best wishes and hugs. I’m so sorry you aren’t in Thailand. xo
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Thanks Sue. I certainly felt beautiful that day. Don’t all brides? 🙂
Although I stress over all the details whenever the ‘clan’ gathers, it is always a time for laughter and stories and enjoying the company of the people I love dearly. That’s what it’s all about ❤
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How beautiful you look in your satin gown Joanne. Sounds like you have much to celebrate around this time of year. Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving, surrounded by loved ones making new memories. ❤️
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Unfortunately WordPress won’t tell me who you are, but I thank you for your lovely comment and good wishes,
I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving too 🙂
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I don’t even know where to begin. What a beautiful, beautiful couple you two are. So many memories, so much to be thankful for. I know you and yours will have a great weekend, how could you not.
As for Thailand, it’s not going anywhere, it just had to be postponed.
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Thanks Bridget for the inspiration. I woke up at 4:30 this morning with the words swimming around in my head.
Well, maybe on 2nd thought I shouldn’t be too thankful that you disrupted my sleep by planting the idea to write a Thanksgiving post 😉
I wish you a bountiful weekend in celebration with your Canadian friends 🙂
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4:30 am…don’t get me started. It seems I can’t sleep through anymore, I wake up between 3 and 5 in the morning and my little brain starts running like a hamster in it’s wheel.
It can not possibly be an age thing. 🙂
(Nice try for blaming it on me.)
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Damn … caught out!! It can’t possibly be an age thing 😉
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haha
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What great memories and Happy Thanksgiving! 🙂
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Thanks Mrs. N … and Happy Thanksgiving to you too 🙂
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Aww, so many great memories, Joanne! Have a wonderful holiday weekend. There will be more Thai (and other) adventures in your future, I’m sure. xoxo
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I hope your Thanksgiving is a wonderful one too 🙂
Are you celebrating in Canada or the US?
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Neither. 😊 I depart for my big birthday trip in 2.5 hours!’
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woohoo!!
Did I miss the big destination reveal?
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