I hope everyone had a lovely day yesterday, whether you were with family, or friends, or having a quiet day at home. I’ve spent Thanksgiving by myself at some points in my life and that was just fine.
Yesterday’s celebration was at Rick and Doug’s and we had a wonderful time. Two of Rick’s longtime friends (since college) were there, as well as Doug’s daughter and her husband, who are flying back to London today. And Sam, of course.
We all pitched in with various contributions to the meal – mine was mashed potatoes. As always, Don and I dined on the sides – no turkey. But that was enough to fill us up. I cheated a bit and had a thin sliver of berry pie. But more important than the food was the conversation and the camaraderie that is the result of preparing food together and sitting around the table for hours with interesting, smart, and funny people. Nothing better.
We had the best time.
Today we’re hauling the Adirondack chairs and cushions to the storage facility. The latest forecast for Sunday and Monday (which could change) is daunting: 3-5 inches during the day Sunday, 3-5 inches that night, and 3-5 inches on Monday. I’m hoping, obviously, that the forecast changes a bit as we’re still a few days out. Don has an audition on Monday, which he may or may not be able to make. We’ll see. Anyway, I want to get those items off the porch and move the table and chairs that are in the Secret Garden onto the porch, in preparation for the storm.
Just finished The Essex Serpent and really loved it. Now I have to decide what I’m going to read next.
Happy Friday.
Hi Claudia,
Can really recommend “Case Histories” by Kate Atkinson unless you have already read it which you probably have. Wish I could get through the amount of books you do ! Happy reading and glad you had a good Thanksgiving. Sorry to say it but snow is one of the things I am homesick for since we moved from Scotland to the coast of Wales but I do sympathise about the disruption although I used to love that when I was teaching– days off ! But better snow than fire or flood, Take care, Megan.
I’ve read it, Megan. I went through a period this year where I read all of the Jackson Brodie novels.
I used to love the days off but now that we have to shovel a long driveway, it isn’t so much fun anymore! Thanks, Megan.
I’m glad you had a wonderful time yesterday. Mom and I were home and enjoyed eating our dinner together (no turkey she wanted steak). So I worked on getting out some Christmas decorations. I’m going through them again (seems like a trend each year). I need to downsize as I’m just getting too old to put up take down and pack away all this ‘stuff’ each year. So far I’ve got a pile ready to go to the thrift shop. It feels good. The hard part is deciding which collections to edit. I love so many things, too many it seems. Oh well, I don’t have to rush I’m still 69! Hugs!
You’re still young! xoxo
Glad to hear you had a nice Thanksgiving. We went to my mom’s house – it was just us and one of my nieces. Family has scattered due to moves and unfortunately, “fights”/misunderstandings. My mom really went all out with the food though and everything was homemade, even the rolls. I made several veggie side dishes plus homemade cranberry relish. I’m not a vegetarian (well, I call myself a PT one) but I don’t like turkey, so I skipped that. I did have a small piece of ham though. No rolls – I’m not big on bread and I didn’t want too many carbs.
Anyway, sorry to hear you’re getting so much snow. Tim and his friend left our area a few hours ago to drive all the way to California (Tim’s moving in with his aunt) and we just heard that the northern AZ area is being socked with snow to the point of the interstate being closed. We are freaking out because that’s the way Tim will be going, so we’re hoping the highway will be cleared by Sunday or Monday when they’ll be traveling through there. They were going to see the Grand Canyon, but I think they might be SOL on that one. I just pray for their safety.
I used to drive through blizzards when I was a 20-something. All the way across Michigan in a blizzard! I wouldn’t think of doing that now!!
Sending wishes for Tim’s safely. He’ll be okay. If it gets bad, they’ll just have to stop at a motel for the night. xo
Your Thanksgiving sounds lovely, Claudia. We were with friends too and in a way that can be the very best (especially if you don’t have to do the whole clean-up by yourself!) I hear that storm may be hitting us before you. I’m never ready!
We’re getting a big one, Jeanie. Not happy. xo
Glad you had a nice Thanksgiving. It was just me and my two sisters. Now it is on to Christmas decorating. Hope we do not get too much snow. The forecast could change, hopefully.
Marilyn
You’re closer to the coast, and it looks like we’re getting the brunt of it here. Take care, Marilyn.
sounds like you had a lovely thanksgiving; i am glad for you.
we got together here as we could … bittersweet, but making the best of it. i skipped the turkey, too (have for 35-plus years) and had a little pumpkin pie. :)
prayers for safety, especially during awful winter weather.
hope you have a nice weekend and find another book to read!
kathy in iowa
Thank you. It looks to be a bad snowstorm, Kathy. Still awaiting final predictions. xo
We too are watching the weather people spinning about with trying to forecast this storm or these storms. Happily we don’t have to work or travel so less stress for us, but it’s almost impossible to plan anything at this point and I feel sorry for those who have to try. I loved the wind all day Thursday which made it feel so cosy to be inside with the cats. For the first time ever, I made absolutely nothing and it was the nicest time I’ve had in years. No expectations at all. It either came from the deli or a can. Not very Hallmark Channel but it worked for us. Having just finished the Essex Serpent, I’m so glad you read it. The main character is one of my all-time favorite female characters. I want to know more of her!! So rich and complex. I am looking forward to Woman Leaping Backwards but I keep searching for Girl Falling Backwards when I search on NOOK. LOL. I know how it feels to have a stack of delectable books and how hard it is to choose what’s next. Sounds like between shoveling this weekend will be good for cocoa-like substances and reading. Your Thanksgiving sounds about perfect. Are you setting up your tree early this year? I want to get mine up ASAP but it is lost in the clutter of boxes in the basement and my husband is in no hurry to go spelunking. First fight of the holidays! LOL
Yes, I just may cheat and have some hot chocolate, Nora. We aren’t ready to set up the tree, and I usually hold off until at least the second week of December. Now we’re wondering whether we should have a real tree this year. Hmmm. xo
The Essex Serpent is a great read – and such a wonderful cover as well! Stay safe in the days ahead.
It’s a wonderful book. Thanks, Deborah!