All the fun people were planning to show up on Wednesday, some time before 7pm. My brother said his presence at Thanksgiving would be iffy, depending on when his remodeling supplies were delivered. My boys were getting off work early and would make the 2 hour trek to our house afterward.

I finished cleaning the house and doing the preparations I could do in advance and was sitting in my living room with my laptop. I happened to look up toward the front window in the living room as I saw a familiar SUV drive by. I've only seen my brother's vehicle once, and the chances of me looking up at the very moment he drove by are remarkable, so I shrugged it off. Besides, he didn't have my street address since he'd have no need for it. You may recall, we don't get mail delivery in this podunk little town of ours so all he had was a PO box.

A few moments went by and I looked up again to see the same vehicle passing by. This time I got up and went to the front porch. He was stopped at the stop sign at the end of the street, but must have seen me because I saw the reverse lights come on. Sho' 'nuff, it was my bro.

He later told me that he knew I lived in a very small town, so he thought he'd drive around until he saw a house with my car in the driveway. That would have been smart thinking if our driveway was in front, but our driveway is off an alley in the back. Fortunately, it doesn't take very long to canvas the entire city.

The boys (Second son, then hubby, finally son #1), showed up within 2 hours and finally the house was filled with laughter from four of my very favorite men. Sigh... I just can't get enough of that sound.

I missed my sis, but she was with us in spirit. I thought about her several times during the time we were all together. Mainly, I thought of her when I know she'd find something funny that only the two of us would find to be funny. That happens fairly frequently with us.

Thanksgiving was painless, and I'd like to believe that it was because I focused on what was good, rather than what I'd been focusing on the past few days. In truth, I'd have to admit that it's because she behaved herself for the most part.

After the dishes were done and the food was put away, we sat around and talked and then watched a movie. My family drove The Hubs nuts because we all tend to make funny comments throughout movies (think "Mystery Science Theater 2000'), while The Hubs likes to become completely engrossed in whatever he's watching. There was a LOT to poke fun at in "Alexander", but that's just my humble opinion.

It was getting late and everyone had to head toward their homes because of work and remodeling schedules. I missed them as soon as they walked out the door.

And bro? Just so you know... even though you're a thousand miles away, I'm always holding your hand.... even if just in spirit.