When the Hitchcock's big Greyhound-type bus came rolling down our long driveway and the aunties, uncles, and cousins came pouring out, the party was on.  Thanksgiving is great that way - it's a celebration of the spirit, a time when we kick up our spiritual heels for no good reason other than we're grateful.

At the Barnes house when Thanksgiving comes and our old Florida friends fill the place, it's a no-holds barred hoe-down.  With 20 or so of us around the table last night, conversation flowed as freely as the food and drink.  Afterwords, someone cranked up the loud music and the dancing started.  We've got at least four ENFPs in the house (a "bring-the-party" personality type), led by our 20-year-old Emily, so don't even bother with your inhibitions around here.

After 20-plus years of family friendships, there's no use appealing the respectability of one's position or one's age.

You just join in the dancing and let the chips fall where they may.  What's always been fun is the multi-generational aspect of our celebration. You've got the Barnes girls (all four of 'em) together with Aaron and Alisha (now in their first year of big-deal corporate jobs) bouncing up and down together with Cameron, Karen, me, and occasionally Auntie Rosie or Auntie Renie when we could pull them into the family mosh pit.

Uncle Tommy and Uncle Steve sit on the sidelines with computers on their laps, resisting the entreaties to join, but the fun is contagious and I'm guessing that we'll have 'em dancing before they leave.

This morning the men are up early sipping coffee and debriefing. I'm writing this blog. Whimsy is on my lap and people are still sleeping. When they're awake, it'll all start cranking to life again, culminating in a huge afternoon feast. I'll post pictures of the proceedings here later in the day.

In a time of economic meltdown and rising levels of angst, what a blessing to be able to raise our glasses together and give a rousing thanks to our God, the Lord of the dance, the one who came feasting, drinking and celebrating. This stuff doesn't require gobs of money to do - just some good friends that we've hung onto over the years.  It's a beautiful thing. It's a cause for thanksgiving.