Being retired has many perks if you take advantage of them. I’ve had a few years experience with this now, so I think I may have gained some wisdom. One key is to let go of some old traditions and embrace new ones with gusto.
Thanksgiving is about family. Whether they are about memories of past family times together or about spending time with friends, it’s all about being thankful and humble for all that we have been given. We were all raised with family traditions at Thanksgiving that seem ‘sacred’ to the way the holiday should be spent. But this year amongst the joys of new babies and the sadness of loved ones passing, the busyness of trying to sell the business and retire, and gather 20 family members in one locale, the task was just too big and unrealistic. You see, the reality is, grown children have other families and the need to make their own traditions. The younger crowd has begun racing in a Turkey Trot before the massive amounts of food to be consumed. Little ‘C’ ran/walked (maybe some stroller time?) and got her own medal. You go girl!
Even as grandparents we have to learn to share…and for me that is as hard to accept as it is for a three-year old with a favorite toy! But this year we managed to gather all but 4 of the clan! Pretty good considering one couple lives in Illinois! And, it was all rather unexpected. Dan and I had planned to celebrate with my sister Beth, as everyone else had other plans. Talk about Thanksgiving Thankfulness!
First off, I let go of the traditional sit down dinner with the family china and preparing enough food to feed two other families. I was to plan a ‘low key’ holiday meal. I have to say, some family members were skeptical I could do this. Next, I ditched the extensive bowls and plates of appetizers. Guests were to come at 1 pm and we would eat a supper at 2 pm. Finally, since there was no sit down dinner where we could share what we were thankful for the past year, I came up with a new idea. Instead, everyone filled out a tiny card with what they were thankful for and we placed them in little acorn place setting cardholders and put them around the serving counter. Festive looking!
This Alternative Thanksgiving may just become a new tradition. Babies crawled and played, football was watched while eating, and turkey sandwiches with all the fixings became the main meal. Everyone was spread out eating wherever they felt most comfortable. 
Beer flowed, wine tasted, water guzzled, and sparkling cider bottles were emptied. The only tradition we could not do without was Aunt Beth’s Pumpkin Pie (s). Four pies were just right!
We thank God for all our family and friends. We give thanks for all that He has provided for us and ask for opportunities to serve those less fortunate. Dan and I are especially grateful for our newest granddaughter. What a joy she is and we look forward to seeing who she becomes. The two little girls are the bright spot in our lives! Blessing to you all.
h fun watching our granddaughter turn a big three years old. Family and two other youngsters rounded out the party. Little fuss and frills, but super fun. Sheer joy on her face as she bounced on the little borrowed bouncy house. “Look, Grandma! Watch me jump high!”
d who doesn’t want their own special Bundt cake for dessert? Grandpa Dan even managed to sit in a tiny chair to eat with her. It was a perfect time for everyone to catch up. 
We even managed to have four generations present. Now how cool is that! In attendance was Little sister D at 2 months old and our great-grandma V at 87! The rest of 
us ranged from the 30’s to 60’s. How blessed we are to be able to still see one another and for great – grandma to see so many generations of her family. Family is so special and we look forward to more family gatherings.
It’s 7:30 am and time to make that first swing off the tee. Now, I am barely awake at this hour and to try to actually hit that tiny ball is going to be a challenge for me. The gal I play with has a wonderful sense of humor and great compassion for this very novice golfer. So, on this morning my first swing doesn’t go overly far (yes, I lifted my head) and where does it land? Of course, right next to a squirrel hole! Now complete with a dusting of sand, my little fluorescent pink ball sits perched on the grass ready to challenge me for another swing. This is what we call a ‘breakfast ball.’ My sweet friend gave it to me, but I did not accept the do over…I saved it for what I knew would be another bad shot sometime during the game.
like a waffle iron in that you place a tablespoon of batter in a well and as it cooks it rises into the top section that also has indentations. You can find these appliances at craft stores and even some large grocery stores. They come with foolproof recipes that include vanilla, chocolate, lemon poppy-seed, and even red velvet cake to name a few.
Batches make from 24-36 to dip later. You know, if you’re going to the trouble to get all the stuff out, you might as well prepare extra! I use a disposable frosting bag to drop a tablespoon of batter into each well. I have used just a regular old kitchen spoon too, but it was messier and took longer.
ake is done, remove from the little machine and cool a few minutes. Then dip the end of a stick into chocolate candy coating that has been melted. Push the stick into the pop and let it set—about 15 minutes. At this point you can freeze the cake pops and dip at a later date. You can freeze them with or with out the inserted stick.
with the chocolates giving you a consistency that will allow the coating to drip off the cake pop so you can decorate it. Frankly, I think this is a must especially if you use the Wilton candy melts. After you dip the pop, tap it on the side of the mug to let the excess drip off. Add some fun sprinkles or marble your colors. For easy cooling buy a 
Dan and Katie Retired! 