It started on Wednesday, when Emma and Nicole and I were invited to an early
"Friendsgiving" at a friend's church. Yeah I know. James uttered something along the lines of
"Donald Trump is President...My Mom didn't vote (for either of the front runners) and now she and Nicki are headed off to Church....yep..it is the END of The World."
Seriously though, it was very nice. We had a wonderful time. Everybody was just outstanding, and there was enough food to feed a small Third World country.
A great time had by all.
And the ceiling didn't crack or the building burst into flames, either, smart-ass.
The very following day was Thanksgiving Proper.
On Friday I hosted a "Friendsgiving" here with Loretta, Sharon and Judy. James and Nicole had one at their house with friends, and Chris attended Donna and Erik and Dayne's "Friendsgiving" More Ham, and Green Bean Casserole, Yams, Rolls and Pumpkin Pie...
Then on Saturday we all gathered together at Cracker Barrel...kind of a Hobbit's Post Thanksgiving, as it were.
You want to know exactly what the good stuff is?
I'll show you.
This....this is the good stuff.
(From left to right: Hannah, Brenden, Nicole, James, Aiden, Me, Chris, Tina, and Emma...plus their American Girl Dolls- Isabelle and Rebecca.)
With the exception of Lennon (who is in Florida) and Kaylee-Bug (who didn't make it) the whole immediate family gathered in one spot.
and on the way back home...the turkey wasn't the only one who was stuffed! Slept all the way back to Cloverdale.
photocredit: Chris
It was such a success, we are going to schedule the Saturday after Thanksgiving every year for our Family Gathering.
And I absolutely LOVE the idea of "Friendsgiving", too. A day in November either before of after the actual holiday to gather together not family but friends. Sometimes those who no longer have extended family or friends that have become family or maybe just the person down the street that is lonely for the holidays. Preparing a feast that doesn't have to be typical thanksgiving foods...relaxing...playing cards and games...just enjoying one another's company. Like Festivus without the ranting...lol!
This year Chris and Tina introduced everyone at Donna's to this
Think Octimus 3D at a fraction of the cost. Works with your smartphone and a Google App. Suddenly you are touring Versailles virtually...in 360. Or riding a virtual roller-coaster (...and amusing everyone who is sitting watching you, as you move your body in synch with the 3D you are experiencing...) If you have never tried them, you must.
It is incredible.
Lost Cuban Former President Fidel Castro on Friday.
Define Irony.
Lost Mrs. Brady (Florence Henderson) the same day.
Wait a minute...I mean I have NEVER seen them together...ever.
Could it be?????
Hard to imagine a world without either of them.
Although apparently in Miami they are having no problem with that and are (quote) "partying in the streets".
I'm not sure how I feel about that.
Our Middle son swears that when Bush the Younger passes he is STILL having a party and I am invited.
Piñata and everything.
And just when I thought their couldn't possibly be ANYTHING humorous about the US Political System at the time...a friend shared this:
The Trump Hat Christmas Ornament...which was summed up best by another friend who said
"I wouldn't hang it on my Christmas Tree if it was the last ornament in the WORLD and my tree was BARE!"
But the Ornament isn't the funny part, okay?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N67D8HO/ref=tsm_1_fb_lk
This is the link to the Amazon site selling the ornament in question. If you want to spend an inordinate amount of time laughing your ass off...scroll down to the questions/comments/reviews and complaints section.
Examples:
"This ornament appeared on my tree, against my own choice, and now my tree is very aggressive towards my wife. There's empty breath mint containers around the floor near the tree, and I'm discouraging female friends and family to go anywhere near the tree"
" The only Christmas ornament that will try to deport your nativity scene"
"Small enough to fit in the palms of even the tiniest of presidential hands"
and on...and on...and on...
Yeah..I know...I'm easily amused.
Check it out for yourself!
In case you think all I accomplished over the holiday is eating (a lot), au contraire, I also managed to see
Fantastic Beasts...and Where to Find Them.
Well worth the time.
And Trolls
Just saying.
Mostly for the kids...but very nice children's film with a good message.
So, anyway, I've a Coffee Date scheduled for Tuesday...and then only
more days until "Idgy" arrives!!!!
Can't wait!
We haven't been able to celebrated her birthday in REAL TIME for years!
I am taking this afternoon to undecorate from Fall, and begin the holiday re-decorate which will be
"Idgy's Teal and Brown Christmas (& Birthday)"
Setting the tree up, bare, tonight- and off to the shop tomorrow for a few additional decorative items. And teal balls, of course.The transition is easy since my basic home decor is done in chocolate browns. I love it because you can easily create a seasonal feel or change it with only a few accent colour pieces. A toss pillow here or a decorator towel there.
Even teal.
sigh...
okay....you win.
So the last of the holiday ham (and bone) plopped in a simmering pot of pinto beans with butter and onions. Cornbread warm in the oven, and the first mug of eggnog of the season...topped with whipped cream and dusted with nutmeg.
Bring on the Holidays!
A Special Turkish Treat, Tomorrow. My Ibrik and Turkish Demitasse have arrived. Tomorrow we will learn how to make Turkish Coffee at home. Anytime we want.
I may never blink again.
Annnnnnnnnnnnnd...Chris just showed up with a slice of Peanut Butter Pie to share. OMG.
Not getting near the scales again until January...
