Thankful Hearts and Winter Starts: Reflections from the Farm
Winter sunsets paint the Delta in breathtaking colors.
The cold wave and winds during Thanksgiving week made it feel like winter arrived early, and the geese flying overhead seemed to agree.
According to the Farmer’s Almanac, “the first day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere is marked by the winter solstice, which occurs on Saturday, December 21st at 3:21 A.M. (CST)”.
It is still very cold and getting colder.
Transitioning from Thanksgiving to Christmas
Thanksgiving decorations have come down, making way for Christmas cheer. It feels fitting to kick off the holiday season with a day focused on gratitude. Amid the busyness of “to do” lists, it’s worth pausing to reflect on the “thanks for” list.
A Family Thanksgiving on the Farm
For the first time in years, we celebrated Thanksgiving at the farm! Sharing the day with new family members made it even more special. The kitchen was full of cooks, the food was delicious, and the love was abundant. Holiday food is more about love than nutrition. 😊
Family Kindness Brought Back a Beloved Tradition
I’m so grateful for the thoughtfulness of my family in adapting old recipes so I could enjoy them too!
My mother’s scratch-made carrot cake was a Thanksgiving staple, and this year, Cousin Doris and my daughter-in-law Lauren lovingly brought it back to life. They created a delicious dairy-free version, topped with plant-based whipped cream. It was just as delightful as I remembered—yum!
It was a heartwarming reminder of how love and effort make holidays so meaningful.
Looking Toward the Future
With the addition of our new daughter-in-law, her family, and our first grandson, Theo, our hearts and table were fuller than ever! Looking into his eyes, I feel hopeful for the future.
I am so thankful for your support, encouragement, and kindness over the years as we have explored how soy foods can improve the health of the next generation.
Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!
~Karen