There were guests in other forms. My Great Grandmother was there, well, her china was. My Mom was there. At least her good silver was. Aunt Barbara was there too. Her vases graced our table. There was a whole lot of history with us at the table. I hope as time goes on my kids will cherish these treasures. Old recipes, new recipes, new babies, new family and old friends. Hands across the generations united.
If tables could speak ours would have groaned in joy. Perhaps you heard it. We experienced that joy ourselves. Perhaps in the quiet of our hearts. Being with family, those you chose or those you are born into is indeed a gift.
This year we added the new tradition of a beer tasting and bon fire to our celebration. Sometimes traditions are created as you go along in life. It's a good thing. Celebrations are meant to evolve and to honor. This year we embraced them all.