I’ve not visited many of my normally daily read websites in the last week or so. I’ll claim I’ve been busy but honestly looking back I sometimes wonder what I’ve been busy with.
It’s the Thanksgiving holiday here in the U.S this week. However, if you watched U.S. TV you’d think of it more as the “Black Friday” sales event holiday. It continues to get worst as merchants keep edging forward for more sales each year.
As tradition, we have our family Thanksgiving gathering/dinner the Saturday before Thanksgiving day…in our blended family it works best for scheduling this way. This past weekend our children and grandchildren (grandchildren…wow, seems strange saying that) gathered at our house.
It’s also a tradition for me to deep-fry turkey(s) for Thanksgiving. Some may not enjoy turkey prepared this way but we’ve found it to be both convient and tasty — it gets turkey preparation out of the kitchen, leaving room in the oven for other things, and if you do it right it makes for a crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside turkey with no oily taste. I did two 19 lb “birds” this year — it only took a little over an hour per turkey. Plenty of leftovers…love those turkey sandwiches later.
Since 2009, I’ve posted a photo of myself, or self-portrait, each year on this blog’s “About” page. I’m beginning to wonder if that’s a good idea, as I’m starting to see signs of myself aging in the photos now. :-) However, after deep thought on the subject, I decided to continue and use a photo from Saturday’s event for this year (top.)
Yes, being a grandparent is your reward for making it through being a parent. If you do it right, being a grandparent is mostly about enjoyment. This photo of George and I is definitely from the enjoyment zone.
A nice “feel good” post. Happy Thanksgiving, from one of your “lurkers”.
Hi Bob and thanks! All “lurkers” are welcome here as I am one myself on a number of sites. Please feel free to comment or just say hi at any time. Hope you have a great Thanksgiving!
Bob, I just visited your site and you can bet I’m going to spend more time there. You doing photography I find fascinating, “Street Portraiture,” but have never found the nerve or skill to try myself. I’d like to add you to my sidebar if that’s okay.
A lovely photo for Thanksgiving and the holiday season. You look like a right proper grandpa, Earl! :) George and his parents are fortunate to have a grandpa that’s also a photographer! Now they’ll never have a shortage of photos!
Thanks, Paul. I’m just faking grandpa until I learn all the lines and moves. :-)
Hard to believe in about another month there will be a little baby girl around as well.
I really like this image and yes it is a warm thanksgiving post. Yes, “being a grandparent is mostly about enjoyment.” You got that right! I just keep smiling as I look at this image. :-)
Monte, thanks. Funny, I keep smiling every time I look at this photo too. ;-)
Very nice post, Earl. I’ve never had fried turkey before but everyone tells me it’s the best turkey they’ve had. Hope to find out firsthand someday.
Ken, Thanks. Deep fried is the best way I’ve had turkey so far, but some don’t like it. If done correctly you don’t take any of the oil and it’s very moist.
Sounds like you’ve got that Grandpa thing down to a science, Earl. Good to keep in practice, you’ll need both arms soon enough! :)
Hi Tom, I’ve not got that Grandpa thing down to a science, I’m new at this, but it’s something I’m going to work awfully hard at. :-) Yeah, a second one in a about a month….hard to believe.
Happy Thanksgiving Earl.
Hi Steve, I hope you had a good Thanksgiving day as well.
Happy Thanksgiving Earl. While I will never be a grandparent, I have to imagine this photo resonates quite loudly with those who are.
Mark, to be honest, being a grandparent was never a goal for me — it’s just one of those life things that happens, or doesn’t. However, that moment of holding that little boy was pretty cool and I do like to play with children and dogs! :-)
The shot of grandparent and child is a very good one. Keep taking them every year. You’re looking good to me!
Thanks, Don. I hope you had a great Thanksgiving day.
What a wonderful image, Earl. The portrait of you and your grandson is filled with so much love, warmth and happiness – thank you for sharing!
Hi Martina, Thank you. He’s a cutie and while he’s so small it’s especially special to hold him…or any baby for that matter.
This post made me all smile, such a lovely warm portrait of you and you grandson. Good to see that you thrive in your new role. :-)
Thank you, Ove. So nice to have you back “among us.” I’m still learning about this particular role…and hoping to be successful at it.
I fine portrait, Earl, and a tender moment captured for posterity. Your grandson may be glad to have this photograph around to remember Grandpa. Happy Holidays!
Eric, Thanks. You may be right. I wish I had more photos of my grandfathers. Best to you and yours as well.
Ah, grandchildren; I don’t have any but I do fancy the idea of being able to have fun and play with them and hand them back when the fun part ends ;)
Nice portrait Earl.
Cedric, That hand them back part is what makes being a grandparent so special…like “Having your cake and eating it too!” :-)
This certainly hit me in the “enjoyment zone.” What a beautiful portrait. The lighting is splendid and there is so much emotion in this. I especially like the two hands side by side. Outstanding, Earl. I keep coming back to it to soak up all the specialness of it.
Anita, Thanks. That was the first time I’d gotten to hold the little guy (about a month old) and the first baby I’ve held in a long while so I was certainly feeling the wonder of the moment.