Gathering the November moments... Goodness, I just didn't take as many photos in November, but let's see what I can do.
***
I have posted so recently about the Pilgrim ancestors that I'll leave that on its own, but they were the ones who excited me the most this November. It has been a little more difficult to excite the closest members of my family. I have been very busy researching and I like what I read for the most part. Oh, yes, into every life trouble falls; into every generation some tragedy or another, though on the whole, those men and women were remarkable with a capital R. Just goes to show what one can do when trusting The Lord.
***
On Thanksgiving evening, I shared "the story" with the family and read the names going back through the decades. They didn't look at me. Their eyes were lowered as if to look at me might suggest interest or perhaps more correctly concern. My son gently teased me and I told him, "Listen, if I take Myles Standish out of your lineage, you are NOT here. Ditto Alice Carpenter Southworth Bradford. Ditto John and Priscilla Alden." He said, "Nooooo...really?" "True, you are as related to these people as anyone in your generation can be. They are all your many times great-grandparents."
***
After a few minutes of uneasy silence, my grandson Sam said, "You've taken us back 500 years, Nonni. Well done." And I said, "Let's think about the math again, okay? ☺"
***
In addition to saying hello to the Pilgrim relatives, in recent days, we have said hello to Thanksgiving pie and Thanksgiving snow. I'd like to say goodbye to the pie, but must pace myself; the snow can stay until December 26.
We said goodbye to pumpkins and autumn decor...
~bird banquet table~
***
Hello to the very beginnings of Christmas...
~the Christmas tree ☺~
A Christmas corner... I find that I must pace myself with all things these days. Christmas decor will not be all up in a day nor even a week as in years' past. That's okay. It will be accomplished in spurts with God's help.
Thanks for reading... I'll be around to see how you have gathered the moments, too. You will find the others right
*here.* (Cheryl will be posting on Sunday.)
A happy weekend to you...
So good to see and read about your gathering the moments. Ha! about working on that math. I thought I'd be going full speed ahead with decorating for Christmas but after going full speed ahead with my toe hitting a chair and breaking (the toe, not the chair) I'll be going slow and steady for about 6 weeks.OYE! That pie looks delicious, Vee, and your snow looks lovely. As soon as I hobble downstairs I'll need to take a photo of our surprise dusting of snow that we woke up to this morning. Very unusual for us this early... Have a beautiful first day of Advent tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteThis was simply a lovely post Vee. The sights and sounds of Thanksgiving....it looked like a beautiful day!
ReplyDeleteI meant to send you a note on Thursday & wish you all a blessed Thanksgiving Day...and that never happened. I was wondering what you planned to do with all the pies you were baking...but it sounds like you are working your way through them...slowly. :) They look most yummy!
ReplyDeleteI'm still smiling at the 'less than enthusiastic audience' you had for the unveiling of your ancestral research! One day they will care.
Have a wonderful and blessed advent season...and stay warm and cozy over there.
I loved hearing the interaction with your family on your history. Your pies look delicious and the snow looks perfect for the Christmas season. My tree is up. The rest of the decorating will happen this week.
ReplyDeleteAh, some day the younger generation may perk up their ears in more interest at their fancy lineage, when you are a kid it's hard to get interested in people you never knew. November nearly gone and soon the year 2014, that flew by! I hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful. I'm pacing myself with Christmas décor this year too.
ReplyDeleteLovely gathering of your November moments. Christmas is slowly unfurling around here too. I cannot do it all in a day...neither do I wish to as the small vignettes here and there add little surprises as something new appears in stages...the unveiling in moments.
ReplyDeleteAbout a week ago I went in search of my cute snowman ornament to put on a shelf in the family room. What with all the snow happening around here I figured it was appropriate... a wintery theme without it looking too much like Christmas just yet.
Wishing you glimpses of heaven in unexpected places, Vee...
Brenda
xox
I love your tree (wink). I also love your new banner/header. Thanks for the smiles--I also forgot to take photos of family and the Thanksgiving spread/dinner. Bad Mama/Linda, lol.
ReplyDelete-clapping hands- Love your Christmas Season Header!!! Love the whole blog look.
ReplyDeleteMe-thinks that maybe your family is more impressed with their ancestors, than they let on. Perhaps their outward attitude is more a case of...."Geee, we *shouldn't* be so impressed and proud of our fantastic lineage." Ya know. The old thing, which was drummed into our heads, about not "putting on airs" and etc. -sigh- Perhaps they need a dose of.... "Hey, it's ok to be proud of those who came before us!!!!!"
And oh that sunlight on snow, out window. Lovely photo.
I don't have a bit of this Season's decorations up, yet. And that's fine. It will happen, when it happens. No rush. No push. Go with the flow.
But of course, I have make my blog, look Christmas-y!
Your tree is so pretty. I still miss those kind down here. And your pies--delicious. I'm guessing your kin were just trying to focus and take all the ancestor news in. What a wonderful time to share your amazing heritage. Putting up less Christmas this year and more slowly. Hoping you have a gentle December!
ReplyDeleteWhere in the heck did the month go? I love your baking and the tree is beautiful. We have sunshine today, but it's only in the 50s; I shouldn't complain with some of the weather a lot of people experienced this past week. I agree---hoping for a gentler December and one that doesn't go by so fast! XOXO
ReplyDeleteFamilies aren't always as interested in what WE are interested in! Makes it a bit lonely for you. Now history - real live history of real live people who have gone before - can't compete with the electronic age kids live in these days.
ReplyDeleteI love all your photos but the one of the paintings in your corner interest me. I have painted that very same mountain scene and have it in my living room! I'll take a pic of it and email it to you when I can get IN the living room. The decorating has begun!!!! I am like a wild woman with my hair on fire!!!
Oh it'll be interesting to see your painting. My daughter painted mine for her great-grandmother who selected it from a calendar...I think. The Texas scene below it was painted by Vickie Fears of Sand Flat Farm.
DeleteLove you Christmas corner. The snowy scene is chilling. But thankful for the sunshine. Blessings, xoxo,Susie
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I loved seeing your Friendly Village plates in the last post. There were a few I hadn't seen before. I've been adding some of the more unique plates off and on when they are available (at a great price) at the antique mall in town.
ReplyDeleteI didn't get my brown transferware out to play on Thanksgiving this year since we went to the kid's house. I may just have to use it on Christmas instead of the wedding china!
So good to "see" you Vee! You've painted a charming and comical sketch of your family gathering as you shared your heritage research - well done Nonnie indeed! Your pictures are beautiful and the I'm with you about the snow being allowed to stay till Dec. 26. Enjoy the remainder of your Thanksgiving weekend and here's to December 2014!
ReplyDeleteHi Vee, I enjoyed this post and photos very much. You have such a pretty home to decorate for Christmas. Take your time and enjoy every minute. Much colder in GA these days, but no snow yet. Wishing you a nice remainder of the weekend.
ReplyDeletePies look delicious and a pretty snow scene out your window.
ReplyDeletePutting up Christmas decorations slowly around here too. We have the lights on the house and candles in the front windows so far. Looks so pretty with the snow.
How wonderful that you can share what you've learned about your family with your kids and grandkids. I love your new banner...feels like home! Sweet hugs, Diane
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy your blog and what you write - very interesting. Your photos so pretty - and your pecan pie - you can tell where my head is.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Sam--well done, Nonni! He will not forget all the hard work you have done researching his heritage. Your pies look delicious. I'm with you on how long it takes to put up all the decorations. It takes us longer to do it each year. Lovely Christmas corner decor , Vee. ♥
ReplyDeleteI like the view outside with the tree, pristine white snow and sunshine together. It occurred to me that decorating for winter would make more sense so that the things could stay out until March. Only a few items, including a table top tree are for Christmas and it's not so bad when it's time to put them away on January 6.
ReplyDeleteMmm... those pies look delicious! I just finished off the pumpkin pie from Thanksgiving and enjoyed every last crumb :)
ReplyDeleteYes, time to say goodbye to November and the beauty of Autumn. Today was spent decorating the home with Christmas pretties.
Hugs to you, Vee!
Your children and grandson's will appreciate all your genealogy research someday, Vee. I think once we pass middle age we begin to really want to know more about who are ancestors were, and the older we are the more we want to know all their stories. Your pies looked delicious and your Christmas corner is very cozy and sweet. I am not rushing Christmas --I want to really enjoy all of all the new Christmas experiences we have out here in Colorado
ReplyDeleteWe had a busy and happy Thanksgiving-- I was surprised I had very little leftovers, even though I cooked a LOT of food -- lol!
Lovely moments! You can always tell me about your family heritage - I love that kind of thing!
ReplyDeleteI have started our decorating, the girls helped me this year! We are hosting a surprise party for my son in law today (given by Lindsay but held at our house!) and then our Ladies tea is smaller this year, so I am having it at my house on Monday evening. We'll get the tree this week sometime. Bit by bit it'll get done!
Deanna
It's a good thing that someone in your family is keeping the descendants informed of their heritage. Good for you! I gave our granddaughter and her boyfriend (captive audience as we traveled 2 hours together in the car) a recounting of the First Thanksgiving. Of course they had no idea, had thought that the Pilgrims gathered together to thank the Indians - as I think many have erroneously been taught. It's a shame. Anyway, like your Christmas tree. Mine might look like that too. Maybe an ironwood that I can hang the Jesse Tree symbols on. Have a blessed Lord's Day, Vee. I might get to Cheryl's party by tomorrow, we'll see.
ReplyDeleteDo you know that revisionist history has become so pervasive that many schools now teach that the Pilgrims were the first terrorists? I nearly keeled over learning that. The outrage of it!
DeleteI love history, especially family history, just wish I knew more.
ReplyDeleteYour pies look delightful & your snow scene is beautiful. Our little snowfall 2 weeks ago was puny, about an inch.
I'm slowly putting away autumn decorations & getting ready for Christmas. At least the tree is finished. While we were trimming the tree I told my daughter-in-law that I used to decorate the entire house in one day. Now I'm happy to be finished in one or two weeks. I now realize why my mother & grandmas didn't do too much holiday decorating. It's too much work. My spirit is willing, but the aching joints say no.
Hope you are doing well.
Smiles,
Carol
Beautiful photos ~ each and every one of them. I do want to know more about that Christmas tree, though!
ReplyDeleteI sometimes think it take years (age) to appreciate the family lineage. You have one in which you can take great pride and what an amazing thing to learn that your genes come from such remarkable people. Keep all of your documents safe. Someday your children and grandchildren will appreciate all of the work you've done.
The pies look like they were delicious! xoxo
ReplyDeleteHi Vee. I just read this post and your pre-Thanksgiving one and am glad you had a special day. Your pies certainly look worthy of thanks! I love the light in the photo out your window. So pretty. I just got out the tree lights and 4 of the 9 sets have all the lights working. What to do. Maybe I'll skip a big tree this year or perhaps get a birch tree like yours. :) I'm just too tired to do it, honestly. It's raining here today. Icky and cold. M is supposed to help me today. It's almost 5:00. Humph. Hugs to you. Stay cozy.
ReplyDeleteI used to get everything decorated for Christmas the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It's going to take about a week now. I just tell myself it's okay.
ReplyDeleteThe family will appreciate your history more some day. But in the meantime, you are enjoying your research and teaching them the importance of being passionate and interested in learning.
Love Thanksgiving pie, and you're right, they make the best breakfast!
You are a great storyteller, Vee! I am sitting here snickering, for I can see you sharing this exciting news (and I agree that it is exciting!) with the audience who is not making eye contact. I can also relate to the "don't make eye contact" crowd, because that has been me on a number of occasions! Maybe they'll come around...but at least they know. And the boys know...even if the math is a little off. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, November is a month of goodbyes...and hellos to the beginnings of a new season. Thanks for sharing yours with us and for linking your "moments" this month!
Hello, Vee. I, for one, am fascinated by your research into your family history. Someday your grands might care about it more.
ReplyDeleteI like to savour the Advent season and not rush into Christmas all at once. I set out the Advent candles before I went over to Vancouver so that they were ready for today. Tim and I enjoyed our midday meal with a candle and a reading. Tomorrow, maybe I'll get a wreath on the door and the Nativity set out.
Enjoy your week!
Hi Vee, everything looks so lovely, and that view of the snow outside your window looks so pretty. What a wonderful thing it is to research your family history. Your blog looks so charming.
ReplyDeleteKaren
Oh my goodness you had quite a bit of snow. I think I am gonna to take the same route as you on Christmas decorating, a little bit at a time, no more of these marathon days to get it all done. Your pies look yummy, hope it was a wonderful Thanksgiving
ReplyDeleteMy families roots didn't become interesting to me until later in life. Heard someone say in a movie, "youth is wasted on the young". I think they just need some time to get their priorities in order. You have a great deal to be proud of, and one of the best being that someone kept records. So important. Umm, those pies look good.
ReplyDeleteSUch lovely photos for November, even if you didn't think that you took many! The pies are absolutely mouthwatering!! I have decided the holiday binge is over until sometime next year. I do belive I splurged just a little too much over Thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteI hope that all is well with you. Hopefully I will be able to stop by a little more often in the coming weeks. =)
Hi Vee, I'm late visiting, but I finally got here. :) I love your account of telling the family their ancestry story -- so funny. :) I've discovered with our son when I focus a lot on something that really fascinates me, he makes a point not to seem too interested. They're perverse that way, aren't they?
ReplyDeleteAs usual, I love your photos because they do such a good job of conveying a warm, cozy home with all the trappings of everyday life. The pies look delish, and I love the last photo (as well as your header). I would like to own every one of Susan Branch's books. :) I almost forgot to mention that the snow outside your window looks like something out of a fairy tale and I've always liked the warm-hued paneling in your den. Thanks for sharing with us; I think November was a thankful month for all of us.
Take care and have a good week!
Hugs,
Denise at Forest Manor
Vee, you have such a knack for taking and framing the most delightful photos. I have always enjoyed them. You create these little focal points within focal points. This was a lovely post. Take care dear and pace yourself.
ReplyDeleteSo here I sit this morning, remembering exactly what it is I like about visiting blogs and why I miss it when I step away. So much I want to say to this... so little space to say it.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite part was the genealogy story telling. I don't know if I've ever blogged about it, but I have a pilgrim obsession. I searched for years (literally, not figuratively) for a pilgrim to put on the family tree. It seemed logical to have one since our family goes back so many generations to Massachusetts. Apparently, we are related to every cross eyed cousin of the pilgrims, but no pilgrims. My husband and daughters, however, are directly descending from William Bradford. I'm envious of YOUR line.