It’s the song we sang as kids when we went to our Aunt Carrie’s house for Thanksgiving. We packed more kids than things into dad’s Packard and took off over the mountain for the four hour trip. One year we actually got a sleigh ride pulled by horses, because our car got stuck in the snow as we were trying to leave. That was long ago and another story. Now, I have to think of this song each year as we load up our car with more things than kids, and travel some of those same roads to our cabin in the woods. We cross, and ride beside the Susquehanna River for much of the way and the wooded Pennsylvania hills were covered with snow this year as we traveled back home. Last year I saved the words to this song, because as many times as this song has gone through my head, I never knew all the words, and still don’t know why they use wood instead of woods.
- Over the river, and through the wood,
- To Grandfather’s house we go;
- the horse knows the way to carry the sleigh
- through the white and drifted snow.
- Over the river, and through the wood,
- to Grandfather’s house away!
- We would not stop for doll or top,
- for ’tis Thanksgiving Day.
- Over the river, and through the wood—
- oh, how the wind does blow!
- It stings the toes and bites the nose
- as over the ground we go.
- Over the river, and through the wood—
- and straight through the barnyard gate,
- We seem to go extremely slow,
- it is so hard to wait!
- Over the river, and through the wood—
- When Grandmother sees us come,
- She will say, “O, dear, the children are here,
- bring a pie for everyone.”
- Over the river, and through the wood—
- now Grandmother’s cap I spy!
- Hurrah for the fun! Is the pudding done?
- Hurrah for the pumpkin pie!
As usual this song went through my mind as we arrived at the cabin in the dark and woke up to a blanket of snow on Wednesday morning.
The cabin is a grand place to spend Thanksgiving. It has a nostalgic atmosphere, but is comfortable, warm and cozy.
We have gas heat, a stove, refrigerator and a generator when needed. And oh yes, all the comforts of home,
complete with a warm seat. I’m telling you, our guys think of everything. I am so glad this little house faces away from the cabin. No need to shut the door and the view into the woods is very nice. We carry in our own water and do have a bucket flush facility indoors.
It is a good place to play with the dog,
or take long walks to gaze deep into the snow laden woods.
It’s the place where you have bacon and eggs for breakfast, and Dick deep fries the Thanksgiving Chicken. Well this year there were only three of us for dinner, so chicken seemed the better option.
The bird of choice comes out golden, moist and flavorful.
Gina grilled the sweet potatoes on the back porch, I made the mashed potatoes on the stove along with the stuffing, easy green peas (you’ve got to have something easy and green) and the gravy. For me it is all about the gravy. I brought a little broth from home added a little Campbell’s and had as much as I wanted, all over the stuffing, chicken and mashed potatoes.
Quite the satisfying feast! Our thanks centered around the basic things, food, shelter, warmth and love of those present and those who couldn’t be with us. When we have so much, we must take time to be grateful for those basics which many do without. Thanksgiving at the cabin is the time to do just that.
Thanksgiving is not only about the food, but also includes friends. No better way to end a perfect holiday weekend than to pop corn over an open fire and roast hot dogs out doors with the neighbors a couple of cabins down the road. 
Food, fun, family, friends and SNOW makes for a HAPPY THANKSGIVING WEEKEND.
