Thanksgiving Day

Our day began with a round of Pie Face. Much more fun than logic might suggest. Delightful for all ages. 

Early in the day, we decided to include GG in our celebration, even though she's hundreds of miles away in her sheltered-care home. 

A favorite pic of GG and JA from a few years ago. 

We took many more photos than usual to text to her, and we FaceTimed throughout the day. 

Here we're sending "cheers" her way. GG loves a good drink. 

The Fun Kids find a tight corner to play together. Where's JA?

There he is! Watching football with Uncle DM. 

Next, while the Fun Kids moms find spots to relax, the kiddos play another game together: Apples-to-Apples. 

Our turkey is in the oven. Looking rather angelic. 

The Apple Crisp with Oat Topping is hot and juicy. Recipe from allrecipes.com. The same recipe I made for CA in the early years of our marriage--from the red and white checkered Better Homes and Gardens cookbook. We ate this with vanilla ice cream. 

I sent this pic to family and friends to illustrate how I was spending my day. 

The beautiful 12-foot table that MA's dad built out of reclaimed barn wood is almost ready for our feast. Four generations of Carlsons and Smiths have lived on the farm in Waverly, Nebraska. This wood is from a barn that was recently disassembled and reclaimed in such a lovely way. JE and MA did all the finishing work themselves, and the table is beautiful. 

The instant-read thermometer said he was done. He wasn't, but we had enough meat for all. Next time we'll stick that thermometer into a variety of places before believing the turkey is done. 

Almost ready to eat. 

We had a wonderful meal, and a perfect family celebration of all the love and blessings our family enjoys. Our hearts belong to Jesus, our redemptive savior and Lord. God is so loving and kind to us. Great Grandpa died just 2 weeks ago at 95 years old. He's with Grandma now. (my parents). GG (CA's mom) had a close-call in September, but she's healthy and strong now, and truly enjoying life.

Chicago Sunday

Needing to visit JL at a hospital in Chicago, CA and I made a day of it--9:30am church service at Fourth Presbyterian...

 

 

Then a stroll down Michigan Avenue...

 

 

Arriving just before 10:30am for brunch at The Paris Club on Hubbard...

 

 

After a bit of shopping--Crate and Barrel, and the Apple Store--we had an encouraging visit with JL. About time.

 

Finished off the day with dinner at our new favorite local pub...

 

 

 

Woman Stops Gator Attack with a Small Beretta Pistol

 

This is a story of self-control and marksmanship by a brave, cool-headed woman with a small pistol against a fierce predator. What is the smallest caliber that you would trust to protect yourself?

A Beretta Jetfire testimonial.

Here is her story:

While out walking along the edge of a bayou just below Houma, Louisiana with my soon to be ex-husband discussing property settlement and other divorce issues, we were surprised by a huge 12-ft. alligator suddenly emerging from the murky water and charging us with its large jaws wide open.

She must have been protecting her nest because she was extremely aggressive. If I had not had my little Beretta Jetfire .25 caliber pistol with me, I would not be here today!

Just one shot to my estranged husband's knee cap was all it took. The gator got him easily and I was able to escape by just walking away at a brisk pace. It's one of the best pistols in my collection!

Plus ... the amount I saved in lawyer's fees was more than worth the purchase price of the gun.

 

Time Flies

strawberry-rhubarb pie; martha stewart's pâte brisée

 

 

 

Days and weeks of house guests and travel. Dinner party Sunday night on the porch, and then a lull... Looking forward to it.

 

CA's sister, husband, and daughter were visiting only one night, so we had to move fast, talk fast, laugh fast. From here CA is accompanying the New Orleans group to visit his mom in Central Illinois--3 hours from here. I get 3 days home alone. Bliss.

 

Yesterday, I only took one phone call. No other conversations. No expectations.

 

While our guests were in town, we had Chicago-style pizza (they requested Chicago food) at Georgio's in Crystal Lake, preceded by our favorite anti-pasta salad. Did not disappoint!

 

Once back home, I baked the Scottish shortbread I'd started earlier in the day (for my dad's caregivers), and a strawberry-rhubarb pie for them to take along to GG's. I craved a piece of that pie!

 

 

 

Then, yesterday after a leisurely early morning (translate: once teen-aged HL awoke) we took a short drive to the Woodstock square and had a great brunch at Angelo's. They really have their act together now. We window-shopped a bit before heading home so that the 4 travelers could get on the road by noon.

 

I spent my afternoon reading and sleeping. My evening may have included a carton of Ben and Jerry's and/or Bravo...

 

 

Traveling

Embassy Suites, Downtown St. Paul

 

Six hours later, here we be.

 

Fun Kids arrived at 3:00pm yesterday as a stopover on their way to St. Paul for their Uncle Eric's wedding. Funness ensued...

 

So many sweet and fun moments in just a few hours plus a wake-up. Cars, skateboard, soccer, dog romping, exploring... This morning we made Monkey Bread and Orange Juliuses--family holiday traditions.

 

JE's family pulled out just after 8:00am, while CA and I hung around home until 1:30pm. Our evening is free, while the 5 of them have a command performance for the rehearsal and dinner. LE is one of two flower girls and MA is helping to officiate his brother's wedding.

 

The reception will be a Hootenanny, as the groom is a professional musician and many guests are also.

 

I believe "funness" will ensue.

 

Too True

 

Ran across this today and love it.