Five Kernels of Corn . . .

Markie and Gracie over early to help get the feast prepared.

CJ and Rose sneak a seat at the grownups' table. How perfect it was to be able to have a fire in the fireplace!

Kitty setting up the serving tableGranddaddy read to us the story of the sacrifices the early Pilgrims made to bring forth a land founded on biblical principles and lay the foundation for generations to come. During the "starving time", there were days when the settlers had only 5 kernels of corn for their daily ration!

How special it is to share these times with the coming generations who will carry forth the torch into the future! Gracie the recited a poem by Hezekiah Butterworth, "Five Kernels of Corn" . . .

". . . O Bradford of Austerfield, daring the wave,

And safe through the sounding blasts leading the brave,

Of deeds such as thine was the free nation born,

And the festal world sings the "Five Kernels of Corn".

There was wonderful, natural turkey and Southern cornbread dressing, mashed potatoes, sweet potato cassarole (recipe provided by Aunt Katie in Arkansas), the always-requested green bean cassarole, home-made rolls, Caesar salad with wonderful Romaine lettuce fresh from the Stricklens' garden, and absolutely the best collards I have ever eaten, also fresh from the Stricklens' garden! (the joys of Thanksgiving in Florida!)

The dessert table was astoundingly abundant! Homemade from scratch cakes and pies and Mrs. Tanner's cherry trifle, oh my! Sarah made pecan and apple pies, Abby made an apple pie, Margaret Anne made an applesauce cake and blueberry cobbler, and Grandma Sue made a chocolate coconut cake. What a treat!

The glorious weather made walks and outdoor activities a pleasure, and the fellowship was sweet. Thank you, Lord, for another evidence of your providential care for Your people. "Lord of Harvest, grant that we wholesome grain and pure may be."