Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Lovely words: Staying Home for Thanksgiving


I really do love Thanksgiving.  I didn't always. When we first came to Virginia, Thanksgiving used to mean traveling home to Kentucky.  This meant a 12 hour drive in ridiculous traffic on Wednesday and a high-speed return on Sunday to be back to work on Monday.  But that craziness came to an end when after consecutive years there was horrible weather when we crossed over the mountains of West Virginia.  So, we decided to start staying home.  When we did that there was none of the dread and worry I used to feel over the thought of dicey weather, slippery roads and terrible traffic.
When we eliminated 12 hours of driving, a world of possibilities opened up. We received invitations from friends to enjoy Thanksgiving with their families, or we could simply stay home.  Having that choice totally changed the holiday for us and became one I looked forward too.  This year is no different.  We had 5 thoughtful friends invite us to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner at their homes, but we said no to all of them--This was only because its been a very busy and stressful few weeks, with the dogs, work, and everything else life has handed us and we are tired and worn out.  More than once the last couple of days, I found that being able to say those lovely words: "we're staying home for Thanksgiving," sounded as good as the dinner itself...Well, almost as good!  
~Shadow~

42 comments:

  1. the pups and i will be home, too. enjoy some peacefulness there!

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  2. I live about 9 hours from my parents, so I understand the rush and the stress if the weather is bad. Fortunately for us Canadians Thanksgiving is in October, so the weather is fine. It is just Christmas we stay home for.

    Wishing you the Happiest Day!

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  3. Sweet Kim
    Sometimes home is where we need to be. We will be home too,
    We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
    love
    tweedles

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  4. Oh I get this
    Hubby and I are dining together
    alone
    ahhhh
    Kids are with the other inlaws
    ....no one can believe that we are actually looking forward to
    a quiet holiday
    ...take care of yourself
    and hug the dogs for me

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  5. Us, too!! Quiet dinner, 4 days off, company of four legged furiends…I'm thankful!

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  6. I too am staying home but my husbands family will be here with us. My dad finally said yes to being with us as well. I am very happy about that. I did not want him to be alone since my moms passing last year.
    Hope you have a wonderful day with Carl and the dogs.
    Happy Thanksgiving.
    Ana

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  7. I am cooking dinner for 16 tomorrow. Part of me wishes that I was on the road to someone else's house.

    Have a good, restful Thanksgiving.

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  8. Home is when you are with the ones you love, that you know love you. Staying home with your dogs is a wonderful place to be, and I'm sure your dogs are all thankful you are both there with them on Thursday rather than driving all over the country.

    Wishing you a wonderful Thanks Giving, and an enjoyable long weekend at home.

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  9. Evening Kim, I am glad for you that your staying home to have a nice cozy time with the fur baby's......Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving, Hugs Francine.

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  10. Kim, I too would be so happy to stay at home, enjoy time together, the doggies will be rejoicing in your "home company" too. Like here at Easter, the Christmas holiday rush, too much traffic, and mid winter there are icy roads. I'm so glad that we, too stay home. Greetings to all, Jean.

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  11. There's no place like home! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family Kim!

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  12. I could not be happier for anyone than I am to hear you will be home....enjoy every second and if you get a second give those darling dogs a kiss on the top of their heads!!!!!!!! From me!!!
    Take this as a gift to a really amazing human!!!!
    There are a lot of us out here that think you are one of the really great ones in this world....really really great ones....sooooo
    Give your self a day!!!!..and again from so many of us...thank you for all you do that is right in the world...

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  13. Nothing like being at home with your hubs and pets ! Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving !

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  14. so understandable.
    and i'm not even tired or worn out. i simply love home.
    and come to find out . . .
    it's not really a crime! LOLOL.
    enjoy your wonderful stay at home thanksgiving. maybe you've started a wonderful tradition.
    you have enough furry family members that make it definitely worthwhile! XOXO

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  15. Count me among those who love staying home for holidays! I have four days of sewing, and a volunteer assignment, plenty of goodies to eat and my petz.

    I will enjoy it to the fullest as I know the rest of you will.

    Cheers, hugs, and Happy Holiday,

    Jo, Stella and Zkhat

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  16. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Kim. ♥

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  17. Have a Happy and Peaceful Thanksgiving!

    Cindy

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  18. I am finding that anytime that we get to stay home for an entire day are the ones that we relish. It is such a comfort to not have to have so many obligations away from home. Life is becoming more stressful as we get older than relaxing, it seems.
    I always look forward to reading your blog. I love that last picture of Todd with his scarf and stoic face. Priceless!
    Gus' Mom

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  19. Sometimes we forget what thanks giving means, and it's not just about giving things here & there, it's just as much as giving well deserved precious time to ourselves
    Enjoy your thanks giving holiday
    with your dogs.

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  20. Have a fantastic, peaceful Thanksgiving at home.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy

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  21. Happy Thanksgiving, Kim! I am lucky to be hosting Thanksgiving for my family. So everyone is coming to my house. Luckily the rain and snow has stopped and the roads are safe. I do not blame you for wanting to stay home and enjoy your holiday. I am sure the doggies will be happy too. Have a happy day and weekend ahead!

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  22. Enjoy your time together !!..lovely weekend love from me and our girls Iris and Trevor...x !

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  23. "Home" is a perfect spot surely. Wishing you and your loved ones (those with two and four legs) the joy and blessings of Thanksgiving!
    Ever warmly,
    Judy x

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  24. I couldn't agree more, Kim...have a wonderful Thanksgiving!...:)JP

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  25. Happy Thanksgiving to you and Carl and the rest of the Golden Pines critter crew! Staying home, enjoying the company and trying to rest and recharge, sounds like a perfect way to give thanks.

    I am thankful to know you!

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  26. True, sometimes home is just the best place to be when your tired! Shadow looks lovely again. Happy Thanksgiving!♥

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  27. I am hoping that you and all yours have a peaceful thanksgiving x

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  28. The holidays are very stressful for us too - more because of family drama then anything. Most years Aaron and I have graciously bowed out of any dinner where family was involved, but this year we decided to give it a try. We are both very stressed now... Sigh...

    Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

    Monty and Harlow

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  29. No traveling for me either! I have a frozen Lasagna waiting to be baked at the appropriate time... and I am content.

    Happy Thanksgiving!

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  30. A very good and thoughtful decision, Kim. Have a wonderful day!

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  31. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. Its Luigi's first birthday today and he has spent it at the vets with what was thought to be a serious ligament injury but has thankfully turned out to be soft tissue damage. Just going to pick him up from the vets - what worry they cause us! xxx

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  32. Yardwork, dogs and peace. A true Thanksgiving .

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  33. To everyone at Golden Pines - wish y'all Happy Thanksgiving!

    Love,
    Homer

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  34. Happy Thanksgiving

    Stop on by for a visit
    Kari
    http://dogisgodinreverse.com/

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  35. All the best for a wonderful and peaceful Thanksgiving, dear Kim.

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  36. Have a wonderful relaxing holiday with your fur kids. Ours are playing outside this morning working up an appetite.
    Sue and the Pack

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  37. Husband and i are staying home too, and we love it. Just us and our four kitties! Have a lovely, peaceful Thanksgiving, Kim!

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  38. Sounds like a lovely peaceful and relaxed way to spend the day. Hope all is well with you over there on this Thanksgiving day :)

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  39. Happy Thanksgiving to your family! Hope it was a wonderful day full of good food and rest.

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  40. We love our peaceful holidays...just the two of us and our pups! Hope you had an enjoyable holiday! Xo Jeanne

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  41. There's no place like home... there's no place like home... there's no place like home...

    Happy turkey day from Newton :)

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Speak--I really enjoy your comments! Thanks for stopping by today!!