Around the Table

When my husband and I first got married, we did not have a lot of nice things. We were young and poor. All our furniture was hand-me-downs and it was functional at best. 

We started saving money. Then, gradually started making a little more and began replacing old furniture with new stuff. Nice stuff. I wanted furniture that would last and make a statement. 

One of the first nice pieces we bought was a dining room table. It is fancy pants. It is a beautiful dark wood and is a square, but has portions that flip up to make it a circle that will seat eight people. I love this table. 

While it is very nice, it has always been the primary place we eat most of our meals. I strongly believe in a family having meals together and discussing the topics of the day. If we are home, we are eating at that table with no TV and no phones. House rules. Unless, of course, if we need Google to settle a heated debate. 

Over the years some of my favorite moments as a family have happened at that table. We have laughed, cried and loved around that simple piece of furniture. 

Weekend mornings are the best. The three of us will have a nice breakfast and then proceed to drink tea and sometimes talk till lunch about our lives. It’s nothing short of wonderful. 

We’ve planned for vacations, selected a college, played poker and told jokes around that table. As I think about it, it may be the most used piece of furniture in our house. I think we sit at that table more than we do on our couch. 

From holiday meals to just a casual Tuesday night dinner, I always look forward to sitting at the table. The stories I have heard over the years stay with me. I remember so much laughter. 

Of all the things I have given my daughter in the way of traditions, I hope this is one she keeps for her family one day. Always eat meals together. 

Food is meant to be a bonding experience. To share it with family around any table is a gift. It should be appreciated and savored just like the meal. 

I’ve had that table for more than 20 years now. It has its share of scratches and dents and even claw marks from when our dog once jumped on it. However, I love every inch of it and treasure all the memories it holds. 

It is a noble table that has served us well. I hope it continues to do so for years to come. Eat with your family, folks. It is a gift you will never forget and time well spent.

Angela Traver

What is this blog about? Well, it's a general blog, but it is also a very specific blog. If you get that reference, you get a gold star! I have been a public relations professional and writer of press releases for more than 20 years—primarily in the booze biz. I decided to do some writing for fun and embrace the humor that gets me through most days. Hopefully it will make you chuckle—or at least smile. I’m a certified crazy magnet, and more than a little nutty myself, so buckle up. Also, I have two vices—profanity and red wine/whiskey. You’ve been warned. It should also be noted, that I’m a HUGE Bob & Sheri fan. I’ve been a listener for more than 20 years. This opportunity is a dream come true and it may have made me cry. That being said, I cry at everything. If you are into booze, dogs, food and/or knitting, hit me up on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter (although I’m terrible at Twitter and it scares me) @kyspiritsgal. You can also find all my previous blog posts at www.kyspiritsgal.com.