Thankgiving... Is a special time

What a wonderful 5 days off! (Weekend counts... But then any time not at work counts.) Got to my parents' house on Wednesday. We had Mexican food and then saw The Blind Side. Two thumbs up. Sure, you know the sports movie formula... But it's a true story! It's the good side of human nature! It's Sandy Bullock as a blond! (Or is it blondE? That confuses me. Like grey vs gray.)

Anyhoo, it's the first movie I think I've EVER seen with my dad at the theater. That right there made the day memorable. Heh, I come by my irritation at the commercials quite honestly... Dad had no idea what hit him. But it's understandable. Why do you get there for a 4:20 movie and it not start until 4:45? You've got me held hostage for your marketing brainwashing. Yes, I'll drink Coke. Yes, I'll join the Army*. Yes, I'll drive whatever you want me to drive. JUST START THE STINKIN' MOVIE THAT YOU BLED $7.50 FROM ME FOR A MATINEEEEEEE!!!

*Non-binding, for sake of argument only.

But I digress. (By the way, I remember when matiness were $4. I used to go see them barefoot, uphill in the rain. But still.)

Thursday, Andrew and Sugarbear got into town. And they were shocked and delighted to see this -


That's right, Internet. Mom got them personalized stockings. (Sugarbear held her excitement a little better than Andrew. He's just so emotional.) Very cool.

We had an embarrassment of riches in the food department. Let me break it down for you -

• Turkey & Gravy
• Dressing
• Sweet potato casserole
• Green beans
• Mac & cheese casserole
• Mashed potatoes
• Broccoli casserole
• Squash casserole
• Cranberry sauce
• Rolls
• Black & green olives
• Homemade chocolate pie
• Pumpkin pie

You know, the basics.

Right about now, I'm sure you're thinking to yourself 'Self, that's really too much deliciousness in one place'. 'Self, I don't know that I believe what this Internet person is typing'. Well, I've got the proof -


Food as far as the eye could see. Just as good the second, third, and fourth time. Mmmmm... Thank you, Mom. Your efforts were MUCH appreciated.

Also took a couple pics of my Grandma's paintings. I've dabbled a little in the paint. But my Grandma... Well, pictures talk louder than a tween at New Moon -

Close-up

She'd recreate artists' prints in oil. Pretty cool, huh?

And now here's a dog by the toasty Thanksgiving fire -

You're welcome

Full of old movies, family fun, and a couple pounds of leftovers, I got back in town Saturday. Just in time for Tryko & husband's Thanksgiving dinner. It was delicious and T did a great job with the bird -

Mmmmm, I think it's name was Hank. And it was wayyyyy better than Kelsey Grammar's last sitcom. (Hank? Did anyone else catch that mess? Yeah, errrr, me neither. Well, maybe 10 minutes. And only once. And I didn't mean to.)

Sunday, T & I had a great day of Mexican food, nails, and a chick flick. And the vaca drew to a close. And what a great one it was!

I HAVE to say...
I'm SO thankful for my new husband and pup. And our basement kitty, Claudette.
My family. My friends. My health. A good job with people I like.
Our new house.
The upcoming root canal. (Not even kidding.)
And books. My friends since I was small.

And nowwwww for the Christmas season. Yay!

Well, that was a long one, Internet. I'm going to go curl up with my newest friend - I Know This Much is True by Wally Lamb. SO good.

Keep it classy, Internet. We'll see you soon... And until then, you might want to hit the treadmill. You know you need it.