November 24, 2016. Madison, Mississippi. A Splendid Feast.

The adults sat in the dining room.  We were a table of 26.  The teens sat at a table in the family room. They were a table of 8.  The young children sat at a table in the hallway on the way to Eleanor's studio.  There were 6 children at their table.  So we were a group of 40 celebrating Thanksgiving together.  Each table was beautifully decorated and set with china, crystal and silver.  It was a beautiful sight.

Of course, everyone helped by bringing food, thus making it easier for Eleanor and Jim. But still, much work had gone into the preparations.  Eleanor is well organized so she planned ahead, which meant that serving dinner for 40 was not hectic.  In fact the whole day was quiet and pleasant.  First we ate a pumpkin soup, made by Henry Greaves.  Delicious and spicy.  All the dinner food was set out on the side board so we helped ourselves.  Turkey, ham, two types of stuffing, gravy, brussel sprouts, mushrooms, sweet potato casserole, green peas, mashed potatoes plus baked.  A veritable feast.

I ate three different desserts, from an array of 12 different types.  Delicious and not a bit fattening. Port and coffee to end the meal.  The afternoon was a delight.  The whole Greaves family, except the Mills, who were in Louisiana for the holiday, were together, plus those of us who feel like family.  Ken and I were delighted to be invited.  Christina and the girls picked us up so we really had a day off.  And I brought the best thing, which was wine and port.

The Sutherland's home is perfect for a feast like today.  They built their home specifically to be able to house such an event and to have a studio for Eleanor.   They succeeded.  Hats  off to them.