Smart Girls Read Romance -- so do the bestselling and award-winning Authors who write this blog.
Join them as they dish about Books, Romance, Love, and Life.






Wednesday, November 20, 2019

MEMORIES OF THANKSGIVINGS AT OUR HOUSE -- Laurean Brooks



When I was growing up, Thanksgiving Dinner might consist of a couple of squirrels or a rabbit that Daddy brought home from his early morning hunting excursion. Daddy rose early on Thanksgiving day, took his rifle off the rack, and trekked through the woods with our trusty dogs, Rex and Joe at his side. 

These dogs were a funny-looking pair. Rex was an Airedale mix while Joe was mostly Daschund. One small, one large. “Mutt and Jeff,” we used to call them. It didn't bother them. They were best of buddies.

After Daddy skinned the rabbit or squirrels, Mama did the cooking and made creamy mouth-watering gravy to go with it. No matter what meal we shared on Thanksgiving Day—turkey, squirrel, or rabbit, with mashed potatoes and gravy, pinto beans, green beans, sweet potato pie, and banana pudding--the best part was the conversation. And it flowed among our large family gathered around the long table as we caught up on the latest developments in each others' lives. Plenty of laughter filled the air, good-natured teasing and such.

Only when the older kids went to work, did our family feast on Butterball Turkey for Thanksgiving. Henry I. Siegel, where I worked, gave one away to its employees at Christmas, while my brother got one from his factory for Thanksgiving.

When I was in my teens, my two older brothers joined the service to fight in the Vietnam conflict. They were sorely missed, more so during the holidays. The empty chairs around the table spoke volumes. But, although they were absent in body, they were still in our hearts and in our prayers.



These Thanksgiving memories dwell in my heart as proof that family ties, love and laughter can still exist while conflict rages across the ocean. I thank God for those special family get-togethers and for bringing both my brothers safely home.



A Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends. Enjoy these special holidays with your loved ones. But most of all make lasting memories while you can. 

May God bless you all. 

***************************************************************


When Josh Kramer picked up his aunt's house help at the depot, he had no idea she had actually ordered the young woman as a bride for him. The plot thickens. Carrie Franklin isn't even the young woman Josh's aunt ordered. She's an imposter, running from the law. 
If you enjoy Western Romance with plenty of unexpected twists, you will love NOT WHAT HE ORDERED.

6 comments:

  1. Hi, Lauren. It was not unusual for us to have beef or chicken on
    Thanksgiving since were farmers and we raised cattle and chickens. Only later, like you, did we buy a turkey. But oh, the wonderful meals we shared together. "Not What He Ordered" sounds like a terrific story. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you for commenting, Judy Ann Davis. We may not have always had turkey, but the best times were around the kitchen table. Being raised on a farm is special, I'm sure you would agree. You have a Happy Thanksgiving, too.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Laurie, I love it when you write about your traditions and your family. It was so interesting! And it gives a new insight for people who have never been to that part of the country before. Thank you! What a beautiful blog post. Happy Thanksgiving!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank you, Gina. I try to write from the heart and the way I remember it. Farm life wasn't easy, but it was rewarding. It taught all of us kids good work ethics.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks for sharing your special memories. Happy Thanksgiving to you too!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thank you for stopping in and commenting, Gail Pallotta. May this be a blessed Thanksgiving for you.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for commenting on Smart Girls Read Romance. We love readers and love their comments. We apologize that due to a few unethical spammers we've had to institute comment moderation. Please be patient with us... we DO want your genuine comments!