Thanksgiving at our cottage in Harbourville — our little piece of heaven — couldn’t have been more perfect this year. The sun was warm, the air was calm, and the ocean shimmered like it was celebrating right along with us. It’s hard to believe it’s been eight years to the day since we lost Dad, our Grampy Norm, who loved this place so much. Somehow, being here always feels like he and Mom (Grammie Ina) are still part of it — in the waves, the wind, and the laughter that fills the yard.

There were twenty-seven of us this year, plus four dogs trotting around, tails wagging. That included 3 exchange students: two from the Netherlands and 1 from Denmark. Not everyone could make it for lunch, but the day still felt full — full of people, stories, and energy. Instead of the usual turkey dinner, we went all-in on a taco theme: pulled pork, pulled chicken, and ground beef with every topping and sauce you could imagine. Plates were piled high, and no one seemed to miss the stuffing.

For dessert, the table turned into a sweet lover’s dream — cream puffs in pumpkin spice, chocolate, and vanilla, plus pumpkin pie and cherry pie. As if that wasn’t enough, our exchange students from the Netherlands brought along a traditional Dutch cake, which fit right in with our feast of flavours.

Most of the day was spent outside, lounging on the lawn and wandering down to the shore. The kids made a surprising discovery — a sea turtle that had washed up on the beach. Sadly, it had passed away, but it’s being taken for research, which gave the kids a sense of purpose in finding it. Later in the afternoon, the few remaining family members gathered around the table for cards and laughter, the kind of simple fun that stretches a good day into a great one.

As always, we missed our family that couldn’t be there. We are blessed with a truly wonderful family and miss every one of them who lived far away or had other commitments.

As the sun dipped lower, and we packed up to head home, I couldn’t help but feel great gratitude — for family, for friends, for our little cottage, and for the way traditions evolve while still keeping our hearts anchored to the people and places we love most.

I love my family and I am truly blessed!