Thanksgiving and Then Some

Good morning my dear readers! Thanks for stopping by! It is a cold day here in Murphy, NC, to the tune of 38 degrees at 11am, however, and this is a BIG however, the sun is finally shining again. Plenty of rain and gray skies has been our norm of late, although Thanksgiving was a beautiful day for which we were grateful.

We are living and learning as it pertains to plants in this climate. One might be tempted to think we should have been practicing common sense, but one would be wrong in some instances. I did bring this plant indoors and what is so remarkable to me about it is that it is blooming much more vigorously than it was in the warm weather. Go figure. 

The Lowe's ad for Black Friday contained poinsettias and we fell for it hard. Fortunately they were but one dollar a piece because by Shop Small Saturday, they looked like this.

Not just one but two urns like the above!! Live and learn is a good motto to follow, especially the learning part. 😀

As was probably the case for some of you, grocery store runs were more frequent than typical in the days before Thanksgiving. On one such trip I saw that yeast was on sale so I picked up a pack and at the same time noticed that Fleishman's has a pizza dough yeast. Well, why not try it, especially because it requires no rising time?

I've got to say, I am sold! It was crazy easy to work with and while the taste was not as robust as had it proofed, it was excellent for a homemade pizza on a cold winter's night! It was so easy a child could make one with ease so my advice to you is check it out should you be a pizza lover! 

Despite me saying a cold winter's night, we are still several weeks away from the official start of winter. They filled up our gigantic propane tank about two weeks ago and I keep wondering how long it will last. As you may recall, it supplements the electric power when it gets/stays cold. This upcoming summer we must remember to buy propane because by the time he came to fill it in early November the price had risen significantly. Another live and learn scenario. What a blessing to have new opportunities for learning, right? It, and the multitude of stairs is keeping us youngish. Yup, youngish because as I type I am thinking of a multitude of folks we either know personally, or through others, who are 90+! Living another twenty years seems impossible, but then again, why not? 

Because Bruce and I were celebrating Thanksgiving as a couple this year, my kitchen duties were not so much that when D'Anna asked if I wanted to ride down to Elijay in order for her to pick up a Honey-Baked ham, I was, let's do it!! It had been quite a number of months since last I was in a larger town and it felt sort of weird  to me, seeing all manner of chain stores, including HBH.

One reason I agreed to go was because, and this will probably sound crazy to some, but I wanted to visit their large thrift store where I was hoping to find some new things for the bookshelves and a mirror for over the fireplace something I have mentioned ad nauseam. Not being much of a thrifter, despite that it was not much in her realm of experience, she agreed to take me there. She has been in a Goodwill a time or two so not completely a novice, but definitely not one with thrift in the name! Well shoot, it was closed for Thanksgiving! We decided to head to Blue Ridge where there are thrift stores and lunch. Way past lunch time, when we got out of the car after being fortunate to find a parking space, I saw a pub right there and I suggested we try it. The streets of Blue Ridge were teeming with tourists so eating at an out of the way place made sense to me. Another new experience for her, going to a pub and adding to that, eat at the bar! One of the things that I so like about her is she finds great pleasure in simple things, something I think I do as well. So, birds of a feather and all that.....

The menu was extremely limited, so with few choices she ordered fish and chips and I had chicken tenders. The owner was the bartender and we learned after a while not to ask too many questions. A woman sat down next to me who owns a big brewery across the street and knows him as sort of cranky. It was she who told us as much. She also said he was once an Irish Catholic priest who found a different calling. 

That would be him behind the bar because according to our new acquaintance; that's the only way he likes it.  At any rate, it was a new experience for her and maybe one day she will sit at the bar with intention. 

Once she dropped me back at our sweet house on Campbell Street, I got to work making Bruce's apple pie for Thanksgiving. Really, it is not workto me so perhaps I should say that I began a pleasurable experience, peeling lots of apples, making a crust and hoping for the best on getting it off the was paper!!

The apples were local from Mercier orchards in Blue Ridge. 

Our menu was a simple one, made even simpler because we only bought a turkey breast which was most certainly a first for me. Gosh, the big dinners I once made! So many people! To combat dryness, I made a compound butter, using fresh herbs from our little garden, including parsley that for some reason had not frozen, along with rosemary that has been robust and hopefully will make it through the winter this year. As well I made the simplest cranberry relish, one I have grown to love. You know the one....three ingredients and for some folks they use a food processor but not having one, the grinding function on my thrift store blender made a find stand in. Oh yea, an orange, a bag of cranberries and a cup of sugar.

Bruce started to take a photo of the table, so I took a photo of him taking said photo.

Bruce's favorite dressing turned out well, as did the green beans with lemon zest and almonds. Shockingly, the turkey was way better than I expected. Another star of that show were the mashed potatoes, nearly my all time favorite food. I believe I read an America's Test kitchen post that claimed that rather than cutting potatoes into chunks, cut fat slices instead. Not only did they cook faster, but they just mashed so well. Thus, a new tip you may want to try to add to the pizza yeast trick!

Pretty much as soon as Bruce was in the kitchen washing the dishes, I was gathering the Thanksgiving decorations making way for Christmas! Having only four tubs in our upstairs closet made it easy. I would rummage through and find things to carry downstairs, including two second-hand goods. 

In some regards it almost makes me sad to think how many hours it took someone to do the cross stitch on this placemat as well as the two others, along with three red napkins, for $1.25. May she, and I am only assuming it was a she, never learn how little her work was valued. 

The tiny lamp was a Christmas present to us because we love little, and think that after the paint dries, it will look sweet on the bookcase. 

Now because we are going to Florida for a few weeks, Bruce was not terribly excited about putting up the tree, but his love for me prevailed and we now have a beautiful tree.

I don't expect anyone to remember how last year, after having the tree up for about a week, all of the pre-lit lights went out, forcing us to undecorate and put on new lights. (Google thinks undecorate is not a word but Google has never had the pain/pleasure of undecorating before! Maybe it isn't a word but for our purposes we will stick with it.) You are seeing the aftermath of Bruce's efforts to cut off the previous lights.

This is but a fraction of what he cut off!! 

And now the living room looks like this, including the finished second bookcase behind the television!!

Vancouver taught us the power of Christmas tree lights on gray and gloomy days.  (one of a ton of posts from Vancouver should you be interested)

Friday afternoon, on Black Friday I walked into town with the intention of shopping local for as many Christmas gifts as possible. My first stop was a winner, and not only did I buy two gifts, but I received some Murphy dollars, if you will.

Ignore the expiration date because I promptly spent the one I earned that day at another shop. So far, so local. 

I did see this going through the town sometime last week.

Look at that gray sky! In addition to the sky, take a look at our brand new pavers and grass!! It is so exciting! The project that has marred downtown's appearance for most of the year is nearing completion and it is turning out lovely. 

Below is a first for me. Saturday morning, the mop I'd left in pine sol water on the back porch was frozen!

Live and learn Gail, live and learn.

We were there for Shop Small Saturday and we will be there for the rescheduled Christmas tree lighting which will be held tomorrow night rather than Friday because of....you guessed it, predicted rain on Friday night. Hopefully folks will see the notice and we will have a good crowd.

I will be sure to let you know!

your friend,

Gail

p.s. life got in the way and I am finishing this at 6pm.

The Holidays, 2021 Style

With Thanksgiving 2021 over, and Bruce having watched his first Hallmark movie, the holidays have officially begun. It used to be that watching Love Actually every year got him in the holiday mood, however, now with a seemingly never ending stream of Christmas movies available, he's ignored his old favorite lately. He loves him some Candance Cameron Bure. 😁

But first things first. Thanksgiving! It has probably been four years or so since last I prepared the meal and to tell you the truth, I think it showed. At the very least, I am far slower than I used to be when I was cooking for a big crowd. Sometimes Maureen would help, while other times, particularly when the children were young, my Mother. An exceptional cook when she wanted to be that's for sure! Wanting is the operative word here as she left much of the cooking to us girls when we were young. Speaking of my Mother, there is always something a bit bitter sweet for me as that is the day she sunk into a coma while I was cooking the meal. David and Michelle went to pick her up and found her in a very bad state. I left immediately leaving my niece Laura mashing the potatoes. Needless to say, the meal was eaten somberly. 

As is probably the case with anyone reading this, sentimentality drives your thinking during the holidays. Then too, our thoughts turn to those not with us, and in our case it is a whole bunch of absentees whether because of distance, the pandemic, or they have died. Thus, I love using things that remind me of them. A few years ago Matt knitted this little pumpkin for me and because he is in England, not to mention a vegan, this reminder of his presence in our hearts, had to suffice. Who knew that there are a bunch of vegan thanksgiving recipes here? 

As is usually the case, I like to do all of the cooking myself and let others enjoy a day off. This year I made an old Bon Appetit recipe for the turkey which turned out just okay. For whatever reason the cooking was very uneven which led to some waste although, Lord knows, we had plenty as it was. There was turkey and dressing, a batch of homemade cranberry sauce, served in a pretty dish from my childhood.

A super simple recipe that used only fresh cranberries, chunked up in the food processor along with orange zest, sugar and a 1/4 cup of Gran Marnier. I'm thinking I will use the leftovers for a cake in the next day or two. Check back with me on that. 

Another easy dish was this carrot and radish salad with lime zest and a dressing made with olive oil and lime juice. I did the best I could using the tools available to make it look pretty. That said, it was supposed to be more matchstick like!

While certainly not traditional, it actually worked well as a bright note amongst the other goodies. The mashed potatoes turned out really well much to our delight. The corn casserole also turned out to be a nice surprise. 

While I did not make a pumpkin pie, I did make an apple one for Bruce, using a new pastry recipe now that I no longer have access to the lard I grew to love while in Canada.

In a little mix up, I thought Michelle was bringing a pumpkin pie and she thought that I was making it ,but truth be told, it was not missed as we were all pretty darn full. Instead she brought a fragrant candle and these beautiful roses that, if possible, look even prettier today.

According to this post from 2016, I found my current dishes at an amazing estate sale. Actually, re-reading that post, I still wish I'd purchased those hanging lights! Anyway, as noted in that post, it came with all manner of serving dishes which I finally got to use! 

When we downsized I got rid of a lot of dishes, including our wedding china, but the above glasses were saved from the purge. Given to me by my Mother they actually belonged to an uncle of my father. In other words, they are mighty old and one thing Bruce really loves. The candlesticks were also spared, having been given to Bruce when he became a "million miler" on Delta. Actually we got to choose the gift and who doesn't want something made by Tiffany? 

Dave is smiling! Is it the food, or maybe the crazy expensive wine he brought?

While the turkey was cooking, Bruce ran up to the garden center, coming home with some little poinsettias to add some color to the porch. Note the open door behind the screen as it was a very comfortable day.

Not the best photo below, but one that I will look back on with fondness.

That would be Grace, Dave and Michelle's dog who was surprisingly well behaved. One thing we don't have around our table are grandchildren, although one day that may change. In the meantime, we are thankful for what we do have and all of our loved ones both near and far.

Bruce and Fallon went to work cleaning the kitchen,

while Bill and I had our usual Yahtzee tournament. That is if you count two out of three as a tournament! And yes, he did beat me two games to one. I will say that when we did it again a day later, I was the victor so now we are even! He is still a little sore from the accident but nothing that time won't heal. Originally he'd hoped we could play a little pickleball on Thanksgiving, but that plan was thwarted by a driver who ran a red light. 

Mostly everyone was so happy that we could gather unlike last year during the pandemic. With the new variant that has just come to light there is no future guarantee of anything, right?

Sunday, as we were coming in the side door of church, seeing Chris at the organ, it occurred to me that playing the organ might also be something that disappears. How many folks do you think are learning to play it anymore?

And yes, we are still wearing masks at church which is now decorated. The fellow in front spends the entire service knitting most weeks.

On the first Sunday of Advent there were far more empty pews than there has been of late. Perhaps folks were out of town?

Here's something to ponder. When Bruce went to the cardiologist he was put on a statin drug to lower his cholesterol. In spite of trying several ones for a few weeks, they made him feel terrible so he quit taking them. Then, last week his annual bloodwork showed that his cholesterol is perfectly normal. While good news, it sure complicates the strategy going forward. That said, he's feeling just fine as long as he stays away from the statins! 

In a nod to our ever-changing reality, we bought our Christmas tree on the day BEFORE Thanksgiving. An article in today's newspaper highlights how trees are disappearing from lots far faster than is typical. Instead of waiting until the trees were all gone, we went ahead and bought it with Bruce keeping it in a bucket of water until yesterday morning. I spent the better part of the afternoon working on making a tree, like none we've ever had before, look pretty. Remember last years oversize tree? While looking at a few from over the years, this post from 2018 is a sweet one where I declare it is the best tree we ever had. It was also the one that I wrote when B retired. Oh my goodness, three years have passed by in a blink of an eye! Anyway, here is this years edition not entirely done but what I got done yesterday. Note the many needles on the rug underneath. We shall see what I am writing in a few weeks about that!

We are now looking forward to all of our family being together for Christmas for the first time in a while. Could this tree be any more different than last year? You will have to click on the links to see for yourself!

In other good news, yesterday morning as I was switching to my Christmas tablecloth. I spied the SWAN splash down in the lake outside our windows. Woo hoo! All day it swam around peacefully, mingling just fine with the many ducks. As we went to bed I asked B if he thought it would be there in the morning? My goodness it sure was! As the sun rose, with steam rising, rays lit up the lake. Picture perfect.

Unfortunately while I was away earlier it seems to have left for now. Notice my optimism?

I'm also optimistic that Matt, Tom, Alissa and Jonathan will be able to come for Christmas in 2021. Omicron be damned!

your friend,

Gail

Lost and Found

Regina called the other day requesting my services. But of course my friend! She is back in the saddle per se, driving, and getting out some, however, her son-in-law insisted she get a Handicapped sign for her car, just in case. Could I take her downtown to get it? You bet! Even better, I needed to go there myself to renew my license tag. Win, win!

It used to be that particular tag office was somewhat of a well kept secret, easy in, easy out. Not so much anymore, although she had an appointment which made it a little less painful. The sweet woman who took care of her, did me a favor, processing my transaction as well. One thing that is so striking is the variety of people that now live in Orlando. For two old timers like ourselves it is a bit bewildering. As such, I suggested we drive by Lake Eola to view the city Christmas tree. In other words, something familiar. She told me a great story about how when her daughter Michelle was a baby, she'd push her around in her stroller at Lake Eola, back when it was not so popular as it is today. I guess the saying, "the only constant in life is change," is truer the older you get!

A few weeks ago, just after Gay Days here in Orlando, I took this photo which I think I never shared on the blog.

It looked really neat from this angle, but in the spirit of the name of my blog, loosely about photography, I had to pull over when I saw it from this angle. Regina waited in the car as I roamed to get the best shot.

I did not have the best lens with me for it, but it was fun being back at my old stomping grounds.

I must have walked this path a thousand times during my eight years at the market.

Speaking of photographs, if I'd tried to set up this shot it never would have happened. Argyle, Regina's dog, has the cutest face, doesn't he? Waiting patiently for his Momma!

Meanwhile, I finally got the tree finished and all the boxes out of the living room. Had someone told me it would take me parts of three days to do it, I'd have thought they were crazy!

Lest you think I've done great with my shopping, think again. The packages are ones Matt wrapped and left here before returning to England! As soon you will see, searching for things around my house was a familiar theme this week. Nancy sent me several ornaments from her trip to Iceland, and try as I might, I could not remember where I put them. As was also a familiar theme, I found them when I was looking for something else! On top of a box of candles I'd purchased for fall, I breathed a happy sigh of relief when I found them. Here's a sweet one, not too unlike several Matt brought home from Iceland.

I suppose if someone asked me if I have a "themed" Christmas tree, I would have to answer, yes I do. It's called a Memories theme! Filled with ornaments from our very first Christmas together, as well as the loads of ornaments we've been given throughout our 43 years of marriage, I love thinking about each person as I hang the ornaments.

Something else I'd been searching for was a quilting book Jonathan and Alissa gave me for my birthday a few years ago. I knew I hadn't thrown it out, but where could it be? I saw a super cute colored pencil case (using that word loosely here, ) online, and it gave me the bright idea to make one myself. Specifically, I wanted to fill it with some pencils that belonged to Bruce's Dad, but where the heck did I put them? Eureka!! I found them in a box of art supplies, and guess what? The quilting book was at the bottom of the box!! A twofer!

It took me what seemed like forever to figure out how to make it, but make it I did.

In the spirit of memories, I'll be sending this to his great granddaughter in Minnesota soon, whom he never had the chance to meet.

I have had the best time learning how to make new things this year. A few years ago I learned how to make bunting, using it to decorate my booth. Since I no longer have a booth, I hung it in my sewing room!

Kind of crazy, but I like it. :)

The Orlando Modern Quilt Guild meeting was Wednesday morning; a source of maybe too much inspiration! As we have discussed in this space before, there were updates on the distribution of the Pulse. Did you know that the whole thing started with an Instagram post from Alissa, the President, seated in front of that beautiful quilt?

Little did she know what an impact that simple post would make around the world! While much of the world, and rightly so, has moved on from the Pulse tragedy, our newspaper runs an article almost daily about it. Wednesday morning, in living color, on the front page no less, five members of the Guild were pictured delivering quilts to the Police department!

The lost quilting book? Much to my surprise, the author of said book is the designer of this pattern which just so happened to be on display at the Sewing Studio where the meetings are held!

Turns out she is from Portland, and Irene has met her before! Unreal! Aside from business, there was the usual show and tell featuring some amazing work. Imagine this being your very first quilt that you both designed and pieced?

The woman on the left gave her daughter some graph paper, and off she went! As you can see, these are not your Grandmother's quilts.

This woman is demonstrating how to make what is called a "Y" seam, a difficult skill, to say the least.

The red shirt with the words, "Oh fabric how I love thee" is so funny, and true, for, dare I say, everyone in the room.

It has been somewhat disappointing to see the restaurant not take off as we'd hoped. There are, indeed, all sorts of barriers to overcome, first and foremost, no one in Orlando has ever heard of Earls!. Because we've lived here forever, we are doing what we can to introduce people to the restaurant. Seriously, the space is fantastic, the service superb, and the food, delicious. We think to ourselves, "what is not to like?" Anyway, we've contacted a few people we know who are in marketing and we met one of them last night for dinner, introducing her to the General Manager. It is getting busier, but there is still room for improvement. Head on over to Mall at Millenia and do yourself a favor; walk up the stairs by PF Chang's to see it for yourself. I dare say you will not be disappointed!

I know what you are thinking...she is biased, and perhaps that is true. If you don't believe me however, maybe you will believe these folks!

It is downright chilly this morning...where are some jeans to ward off the cold while I sew?

Gail

O Christmas Tree

I dare you to read the lyrics below and not sing along in your head!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging;
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging;
Not only green when summer's here,
But also when 'tis cold and drear.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can'st give me;
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can'st give me;
How often has the Christmas tree
Afforded me the greatest glee!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can'st give me.

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!
From base to summit, gay and bright,
There's only splendor for the sight.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
Thou bidst us true and faithful be,
And trust in God unchangingly.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee! !" 

Knew you couldn't do it--maybe you didn't know all the lyrics, but I bet you knew some of them, and most definitely the melody! Call me crazy, oh yeah I do call myself crazy, but I love a traditional Christmas tree. No themes, no color schemes, just the life of a family all in one place.

I do like white lights, however, that's not what I grew up with. I know there are some  readers who fondly, wait a minute--that's a joke, remember those big fat lights which invariably didn't work. One went out and the whole strand was plunged into darkness. I needn't remind you how unfunny that was.
I used to put red bows all over the tree to make it all the more festive which I no longer do. That said, I still use much the same ornaments as I ever did, many dating back to our first year of marriage. With that in mind, I thought I might just show off a few of my oldies but goodies.

I can't remember if it was Bruce or I who painted this little happy home--a precursor of what was to come. There's no doubt I wouldn't paint one purple and red these days!

It's old and worn, just like the two of us, but still in love!

Bruce's Mom often gave us thoughtful ornaments related to our interests. You can guess who this was for:

And this one:

Her daughter followed suit, each year giving our family ornaments going back to when the children were very young. When I pull them out each year I think about the saying that there's nothing in life not subject to change. The children grow, marriages break up, parents die. All part of life.

On the left is the last ornament Bruce's mom gave us before she died. The star is one my sister-in-law gave us when Matthew was quite young, the red stocking came from who knows where, and the one on the right has a little Gingerbread boy cross stitched on front with David's name. The back has a little tag with love from Aunt Michele and Uncle Paul, 1989. They eventually divorced and Paul has subsequently died an early death. Time passages...

To break the little maudlin spell I've got going, I believe this has got to be the weirdest ornament we have. Purchased maybe from Pier 1, way back when?

It's a tea strainer of all things!

Michele, Bruce's sister, gave us one of my favorites:

Reminding us of the true reason for the season.

During his world travels, Matthew often picks up an ornament for us and this year was no exception. He left behind this sweet little thing from Sweden:

And then there are the ornaments the children made. I'm thinking schools probably ban that activity today?

On the left, the crazy looking little church building, is one Jonathan "made" when he was 4. David, pictured on the tree, was 10. Good grief he looks so adorable and sweet! The soldier below is from, you guessed it, our first Christmas.

Our daughter-in-law Michelle LOVES decorating for Christmas. Before she and David married I can't remember anyone, or at least anyone who admitted to it, leaving the Christmas tree up WAY past December. She and David happily enjoy the tree into January. She also loves giving ornaments, including these sweet ones from their first year of marriage.

It is hard to believe they've just celebrated their third anniversary! And then there are the ornaments I've no idea who gave them to us but I still love them.

I have two of these little cuties and they make me smile every time I see them. So, finally, I've put the boxes in the garage and am done. If my sister Carol were to see my feeble decorating, she'd tell me things weren't festive enough, however, for us, it's enough.

I did have to go back to my last year's Christmas decorating post to remember what the heck I put on the table! So, things are all very festive here. How about your place?

Happy decorating friends,
Gail

p.s. Maybe too close for comfort?: Blog Breakdown