Heart Book Series

Then:
Dad carving the hard-crusted turkey with electric knife, nibbling
as he goes.
Now:
Dad carving the moist, baked-in-the bag turkey, without the
electric knife, still nibbling as he goes.

Then:
Mom cooked up real cranberries (too lumpy for me).
Now:
Sheryl brings jellied cranberry sauce with pickled beets.

Then:
Never decorated the house for the fall holiday.
Now:
Decorate with autumn leaves, real pumpkins, and golden garlands.

Then:
Showed up in time to eat, everything was fixed by mom, departed
early with leftovers in Tupperware and plastic baggies.
Now:
Arrive early, set the table, bring healthy food choices to add to the
menu, clear the table after the meal, and wash the fine china, stay
late just to hang around and have meaningful conversations.