Give Thanks!

It's Thanksgiving in the U.S. on Thursday 22nd November, and I thought there was no better time to take a look at the things we are thankful for.
Personally, I am very thankful for my wonderful family, who recently treated my husband and I to an anniversary dinner, bed and breakfast. Our luxurious room overlooked the Pacific Ocean at the beautiful Opal Cove Resort, in Coffs Harbour on the sunny mid north coast of New South Wales. Come sun up I leapt out onto our lovely balcony and sat enraptured as the scene unfolded before my eyes. This very obliging sea gull in the photo above flew into view just as I was clicking, so it was more good luck than good management!

Thanksgiving is celebrated every fourth Thursday in November over in the United States. According to Wikipedia  Thanksgiving Dinner centres usually around roast turkey, and  traditionally contains food native to the New World, as it is said the Pilgrims received these foods from the Native Americans.  

I understand that mashed potatoes are one of the main staples of the traditional Thanksgiving Dinner, and so I thought this was a great opportunity to share with you this scrummy recipe for very special mashed potatoes from one of our blogging friends, Dawn Yucuis  from  Words of Deliciousness.

Words Of Deliciousness: 

Parmesan Cheese Mashed Potatoes With Sour Cream And Chives

Dawn writes " We eat a lot of potatoes in our house; it's one of our favorite side dishes. When I was growing up it was that way in my parent's home too......"  And later... 
"So if you are looking for something besides plain potatoes give this a try. They are nice and simple to make and the flavor will leave wanting more."



I think the title of the recipe is enough to whet your appetite, so I will simply suggest you hop over to Dawn's blog, check out her recipe, and I am sure you will be giving it a go! And while you are there, pause a while and soak up the aromas of delicious foods and simple but exciting recipes which Dawn showcases.



But wait.......there's more!!

I thought I'd share with you a few of my recent photos of things around me that I am liable to take for granted like the birds, the flowers, the trees and nature itself.  It's good to stop sometimes, and remind yourself how lucky you are, and perhaps this is as good a time as any!

What do you think this Kookaburra is saying to his mate?

Lewin's Honeyeater enjoying breakfast!

Tea Tree blossoms

Fiery gum leaves stand out from the crowd 

Red cedar tree in it's delicious Spring attire

Jacaranda and Flame Tree are just made for each other.
Sharing this photo with Mandarin Orange Monday.

If you'd like to share something that you are thankful for, I would just love to hear about it!  If not, that's OK, take a quiet moment and enjoy it yourself:)  Bye for now and if you are in the US enjoy your Thanksgiving on Thursday!