The meaning of Thanks and Giving

A true warm fuzzy Thanksgiving day

Serving up the food

Trinity United Methodist Church in Russell, KS held their community Thanksgiving dinner November 26, 2009 at noon. They served over 175 meals and delivered 30 of them to anyone who requested them. That extended beyond shut-ins to the sheriff's office and Casey's on duty employees.

Dannie'll and helpers

This wonderful community dinner (a 30 year tradition) was nearly canceled two years ago when the church felt there were not enough people participating to make it worthwhile and volunteers were hard to find. Fortunately the church secretary, Danniell Heaton talked them into trying one more year. With the help of volunteers and sponsors everyone really worked hard to put it together last year serving about 125 people. This year they served 175 dinners.

"Was the food good?" "You betcha!"

What a joy it was to be there with great family food: turkey, mashed and sweet potatoes, three kinds of dressing, green bean casserole, hot rolls and covered dish goodies. Yum

What a blessing this tradition was rescued for the community. What great fun to see all the smiles and people lingering in the church hall long after dinner sharing their time with each other. When asked " was the dinner good" the reply "you betcha!"


What greater Thanksgiving pleasure than seeing children fully invested in the event through their laughter and play.









"Anyone coming?"



"I dunno, maybe we should pray or
somthin"

Rural paths took on the true meaning today in Russell, KS.

Thanks--people came together and shared dinner in a true community spirit much like the first Thanksgiving.
Giving--the cooks, bakers, servers, donations and covered dish treasures made it all happen

Have a blessed and happy holiday season and enjoy the rural lifestyle we all find so wonderful

Eating at the community dinner even left time to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade

Fall Crafting VFW Hays KS

Don't you just love this time of year, every weekend there are auctions, garage/estate sales, craft shows and flea markets to go to. This is my time for really enjoying weekends and finding great treasures...meeting people, enjoying the weather, the colors of the changing seasons and always bringing something wonderful home!

Today's craft show at the Hay, KS VFW (9 am - 4 pm) was a small craft show that was sponsored by the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. It has been around for quite a few years and stays about the same in size. By the time I got there at 3 PM some vendors were packing up and getting ready to go home. They had a lot of activities in the area to compete with. But we all know the real buyers get out in the morning and venture elsewhere during the day. Particularly on such a beautiful October day. Temperature about 71 F, clear skies and slight breeze.

Met a couple of ladies who were selling their wares. A newbie at craft show selling but her beautiful seasonal wreaths looked professional to me. Carol Stegnman, Lincoln, KS a goodly drive to Hays for the show.

And Patty Drake of Nana's Comfort Foods, Colby KS. She had a wonderful array of tasty dips and of course I had to try most of them. She has her homemade dips and dressing mixes on Etsy. I have to tell you with the coming holidays and entertaining these special flavors will make you the hostess with the mostest *ugh, did I really say that? Well you get the idea.

The trip to Hays was wonderful, trees are golden and the countryside is lush after summer rains. The 28 mile drive on old HWY 40 was easy and effortless. Not much traffic except for the occasional car driving 20 MPH looking at the fields. *lol* Rural life at it's best.