Thanksgiving: Counting the Ways
A couple of weeks ago, Cherri Caffrey posted some pictures, taken by her daughter Becky, of Harvest ’14 on facebook. She has graciously shared them with me so that I can share them with readers of The Lime Springs Page. Thanks 1.
The header picture shows the bounty of the land on or near which most of us grew up, Howard County farmland! Thanks 2.
Machines are Bigger Now
Three generations of Caffreys:
Gerry, Dano, and Brayden
When most of us were young, tractors and combines the size of the Big Red Beasts shown here were not even imagined! The first combine I remember was an Allis Chalmers combine owned by Bill Gansen. Then (1940s, I suppose) it was a good sized machine. Today, the Case IH combine shown here could probably eat it up and spit it out as corn husks.
Someone had to figure out how to build such machines and operate them safely and profitably. Thanks 3.
Families are Important
With Thanksgiving upon us, we tend to think of our families. That’s why this is the busiest time of the year for airline travel. It’s our equivalent of Chinese New Year, when everyone goes home to their family for a few days.
The “family farm” is alive and well in our area, as illustrated so well here by the Caffreys. That’s Gerry up on the deck, his son Dano by the wheel, and his son Brayden with his snack cooler—just like the one Grandpa has—about to climb the stairs to take his position in the co-pilot’s seat. Thanks 4, 5, and 6.
A 19-year Family Tradition
I can’t help but think of the Johnson Family Thanksgiving Dinner, being served this year for the 19th year. It brings their family of all ages together and provides an opportunity for them to share their family with others of the area who either have no family or who are not able to be with them.
I bet Earl and Kareen had no idea when they started this that it would be going nearly 20 years later. What a great message of sharing it passes on to their kids, grandkids, and now great grandkids! We’ll count this as just one huge thanks: Thanks 7.
Thanks 8: Lime Springs
The city of Lime Springs itself is a reason to be thankful. When I was growing up, there were three well-attended churches in town, plus a high school! Even though I lived in the country, I suspect Lime Springs was one of those “it takes a whole village to raise a child” villages. Those of us who grew up or went to school there benefited from the people of the “village.” Thanks 8.
Natural Beauty
Bounty from the good earth, another opportunity for Thanksgiving!
Nearing the end of another day of Harvest 14!
I’ve seen lots of beautiful sunsets—and even a few beautiful sunrises! I’ve enjoyed the sights of mountains and hills and lakes and rivers. I’m thankful that there is such beauty in our world! And I’m especially thankful that I am able to enjoy it through the miracle of sight. Thanks 9.
Thanks 10 Through 20
There are 9 things for which I or others can be thankful. For what are you thankful this Thanksgiving? Surely you readers, collectively, can come up with Thanks 10-20!
Submit them by Commenting or by email: kaw@syntheticsaves.com
…and Here They Are!
“I am thankful for our beautiful Lord and Savior, my husband, my children, and grandchildren and all of my extended family including you Keith!!!”
Thanks 10, from Cindy Detjen (Pat’s sister, pictured two articles down)
in Prior Lake, MN