Dave Higgins Photography

Looking at life through nano-coated lenses

Posts tagged ‘Thanksgiving’

Another Thanksgiving In The Woods

on November 26, 2016

Once again I joined a large group of folks in celebrating Thanksgiving in the woods the farm of friends. It’s always a wonderful event, which combines great food and the opportunity to meet old friends and make new ones in a beautiful natural setting. A big question this year involved the weather. Snow fell on the higher elevations around the New York Capital District a few days earlier, and some light snow, sleet and rain were reportedly possible during the day. Thankfully the weather held off until after we ate, and even then the hemlock woods provided a natural covering. All in all, it was a great time.

The road in…
…to the dining area.
Dining table decorations.
Host Dick, bringing in supplies.
Hostess Shari, checking on dinner.
Old friends.
Pre-dinner conversation.
“Simple Gifts.”
After dinner conversation…
Warming by one…
…of the two fires.
Evening comes on…
Candles and lights.

All photographs are © Dave Higgins and “Dave Higgins Photography,” 2016; all rights reserved.

Leave a comment

A Thanksgiving In The Snowy Woods

on November 28, 2014

As I noted a couple years ago, friends Shari and Dick host a unique Thanksgiving gathering every year. Rather than cramming everyone into the dining room, dinner is served “under the hemlocks” – out in the woods that are part of their farm.

While I’ve been greatly enjoying these dinners for seven years, yesterday’s was particularly memorable because it came less than 12 hours after a major storm left us with about 10 inches of new snow. Thanks to the hard work of Shari, Dick and their friends, the dinner went off without a hitch. In fact, the new snow added a special something to the atmosphere.

While the plentiful snow was different this year, other traditions continued: at about 1:00 everyone gathered in a big circle and sang the Shaker hymn “Simple Gifts,” which was then followed by a wonderful full-course dinner. Afterwards people gathered around the two working fires for warmth and conversation. At some point the satiated guests started heading back out of the woods. Those of us who lingered until after dark found an added benefit from the recent snow: it was much easier to follow the road in the luminescent darkness.

Here are a few photos from the day.

The road in to dinner
Dick clearing snow for parking
“Hidley Hollow Road”
Trail marker with small snow man someone created during the day
Entrance to the hemlock grove – also known as “the dining room”
Early arrivers helped with setup
Tables are set for the dining area
Shari directed the setup
Want some hot cider?
The dinner line is almost ready…
Drinks table (no need for ice!)
The dinner formaly starts with everyone gathering in a circle and singing the Shaker hymn “Simple Gifts”
Shari wishes her mom a happy birthday – with a little help from her friends
Dinner time!
Friends Jen and Kim
After dinner some adjourned to one of the two fires to warm up.
Adding fuel to one of the fires
Table setting at dusk
The fires offered some welcome warmth
Singing by the fire
The last ones left – at what seemed like the late hour of 6:00 PM
Candles in mason jars offered guiding lights for the way out
While I was sorry the dinner was over, the walk out was charming in the dark and snowy woods

…

The Shaker melody “Simple Gifts” is a perfect song for a Thanksgiving celebration. It is also fitting because the Shakers had several of their earliest American settlements in the area.

All photographs are © Dave Higgins and “Dave Higgins Photography,” 2014; all rights reserved.

Leave a comment

The Simple Gift of Thanksgiving 2012

on November 29, 2012

Friends Shari and Dick host a unique Thanksgiving gathering every year. Rather than cramming everyone into the dining room, dinner is served “under the hemlocks” – out in the woods that are part of their farm.

Traditionally the dinner has been a potluck affair, with each guest bringing something to share with the other attendees. However, as the number of attendees grew over the years to well past 100, the logistics of the event verged on the overwhelming. So Shari and Dick simplified things this year: their invitation instructed each person to bring their own bowl and spoon. When we arrived we found an array of pots filled with tasty options to sample. While we didn’t have a traditional turkey, the meal was excellent – and I felt as full afterwards as I have after almost every Thanksgiving dinner.  🙂

Here are a few photos from before and after dinner. (In between I was enjoying the dinner!)

The weather was perfect, making for a delightful walk through the woods to get to the hemlock grove.
The candle apples were a great detail.
People socialized before dinner.
Festivities formally started with everyone forming a circle and holding hands, then singing the Shaker melody “Simple Gifts.”
Some bowls were provided for those who’d forgotten to bring their own.
Some of our dining choices were in pots warmed by gas burners.
Others gathered for post-dinner conversation.
Other choices were in electric crockpots powered by a nearby (and sound-proofed) generator.
Many people brought beverages, which were collected on this table.
After walking for about a half mile, we approached the grove.
A collection of things to bring for the party, including bowls, musical instruments and extra layers of clothing.
As it was Shari’s daughter’s birthday, we also sang “You Are My Sunshine” to mark the occasion.
The tables were all charmingly decorated for the occasion.
After dinner some folks gathered around a fire and enjoyed some music.

…

The Shaker melody “Simple Gifts” is a perfect song for a Thanksgiving celebration. It is also fitting because the Shakers had several of their earliest American settlements in the area.

All photographs are © Dave Higgins and “Dave Higgins Photography,” 2012; all rights reserved.

Leave a comment