Thanksgiving

Albert and Clara Johnson
65 years

Visiting via Skype

 We have so much to be thankful for.  As well as family, friends, beauty and bounty, we would like to add technology.  Because of today's technology, we are able to be a continent away and yet still share in celebrations!  Saturday, we attended Mom and Dad Johnson's 65th wedding anniversary celebration...virtually, via Skype.  My sister Ruth carried us from table to table so we could visit during the meal and also set us up to view the program that was prepared for the handsome couple!  It was almost like being there, except for the smell and taste of the Thanksgiving turkey and pumpkin pie!   

Monday evening, here in Shell, about 45 people gathered at the Nate Saint House to celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving - potluck style!  The evening began with singing the Doxology as the blessing (three part harmony!) then two of Valerie's students read their own psalm of thanksgiving.  Everyone enjoyed a traditional yet varied Thanksgiving meal.  Traditional with turkey, potatoes, corn and salads and varied with refried beans, chilli and several unidentified vegetables.  Valerie and I (as the Canadians) supplied the turkey, cornmeal buns and scalloped corn.  Thanks to Barb for the recipe on short notice! 

At the end of the evening while cleaning up, the town of Shell went black.  It is the beginning of severe electrical storm season.  For the next two months we are to expect intense lightning storms.  The locals tell us the storms will mostly occur at night.  We received almost 2 inches of rain that night, and yesterday it rained all day, but today was clear and cooler with a view of the mountains and snow capped volcanoes!

One of the many things to be thankful for!