Our Community Thanksgiving Dinner event culminated this morning with the drop off (and some pickups) of over 1500 meals to homes and health care facilities across the Upper Valley. I was privileged to be able to bring some assembled dinners to some of my neighbors in Hanover - experiencing the positive impact of church’s commitment to our local area was very uplifting. Kudos to Sacred Heart Church, Lebanon, NH, Sacred Heart Knights of Columbus Council 2656, generous local businesses and all the volunteers from near and far who help make this event a reality each year. After finishing my deliveries, I left for Boston (just before 0900). Used I-89 and NH-3A (talked to Mollie on the way) before stopping for gas at Irving in Hooksett (1000). Continued to "Hanover South" on I-93. There was lots of traffic in Boston and in Quincy (accidents) and I ended up getting "turned around" near the old MA-3 exit for Hanover. Proceeded proceeded south on the highway until I reached another exit. Up until then, I hadn't used a map all day and, when I tried Google Maps, found that I was only a few miles away (fortunately, didn't have to turn around) and arrived at Katie's at around 1130. Almost everyone was there (Katie, John, Aria, Dan, Johnnie, Gabi, Ella, Theresa, Maureen, Brian and his twin boys). During the lead up to dinner, enjoyed some charcuterie boards, special drinks and a "Thankful Thoughts Board." Watched some of the Macy's parade as a few more people arrived. We ate dinner together at around 1430 and, along with good food, enjoyed some inspirational quotes, visiting, holiday games (with cards). After eating, we went on a walk hear Katie's house. Just then, my dad, his wife and their puppy arrived - they joined us on the walk and then we all went back to the house to have dessert. We then watched some football, Johnnie's band performances in the Plymouth Thanksgiving Day parade and then "A Charlie Brown Christmas". I also helped with the cleanup before realizing I was VERY tired. After the long day and lots of delicious food, I had to fight to stay awake for several hours. Managed to delay bedtime until almost 2130 and then went to bed. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
