We survived the Thanksgiving weekend. Now, just 28 days until Christmas.
Thanksgiving dinner was wonderful. Several Wednesday night TV programs highlighted the horrors of family gatherings—where childhood rivalries and today’s adult personalities stressed the family’s cohesiveness. Our gathering was just the opposite. Three sisters in our family pooled talents and energies together to create a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner memory. Thank you Diane and Karen! We did good!
It isn’t easy bringing four families together for a special holiday meal—we have our own favorite family traditions. Diane cooks a turkey breast; Karen’s family likes spiral-cut Honey-Baked ham. Roger likes canned yams with pineapple, candied pecans, sugar and marshmallows while Larry likes fresh yams with brown sugar and marshmallows with the lower sodium content. Carol loves sausage and apple stuffing. Dad can’t eat the sausage. Diane makes the green bean casserole with fresh, crisp beans and Larry likes mushy beans. And then pies: we had three pies, pumpkin, apple for Roger, and pecan pie for John. Get my drift?
We spent a week working over the menu—until everyone’s “must haves” were met. Karen provided the beautiful table settings and centerpiece.
Oh, finally, it is time to eat. Step right up with your plate, Larry.
Think we had enough food? It was soooo good!
Karen and John are to the left of my dad and Diane and Roger are on the right side. That “lightly-filled plate” in the center is mine! Yum yum!
And here is my sweetie—and his “lightly-filled plate.” No dieters in this crowd!
Did you go shopping on Black Friday?
We didn’t! I have sworn off Black Friday shopping for about eight years. Black Friday shopping seems to bring out the worst in people—it’s like watching starving people fighting over the last bowl of rice in a refugee camp! Successful Christmas shopping is done in the spirit of the holiday—with love and happiness.
We visited W-M and Costco early Saturday morning to stock up for our return trip to Quartzsite. We expected heavy crowds, however, we were delighted to get in, get our stuff—and get out quickly! Yeah!
We are going to try to venture south tomorrow instead of Tuesday morning—hopefully to avoid the central valley fog. Larry’s medical visits are over for a few months, our stock-up shopping is done, and we are ready to head for the peace and quiet of the Arizona desert.
The car is full—time to leave! Next stop, Quartzsite, AZ.
Wishing you safe travels and happy holiday memories!
That looks like a wonderful feast, and to put it together with no food fights - I'm impressed! Safe travels and we look forward to seeing you in January.
ReplyDelete