Author: Rene

It begins. Finally I have taken to heart the fact that Thanksgiving is actually two days away. Denial does not serve one well when the stores are void of necessary ingredients!

Growing up I eschewed the cranberry, stuffing and gravy that went with the hallowed meal. I was there for the pumpkin pie with whipped cream, and maybe the sweet potatoes. My memory tells me we didn’t even have turkey but rather chicken at my grandparents’ house. Perhaps that was the story we were told? Regardless, I spent every Thanksgiving in college traveling somewhere. I was going to see my family in a few short weeks anyway, right?

Our meal this year is non-traditional, save the pumpkin pie and my mom’s mashed potatoes. (And a can of jellied cranberry that someone insists on having.) I’m kind of with Baldo on this one.

Happy preparations to you.

Speaking of holiday decor, I have successfully retired a few items. The population was in need of reduction. And it was easy. I accidentally broke things as I began the process of bringing visual joy to the residence.

My stone fireplace was the perfect solid surface for the over-sized antique candlestick to fall and shatter. I never had a candle that fit it properly anyway, so I shed no tears, though had fond thoughts of its origins. (Sorry, Dad.) Next, the glass ornaments I purchased from the now-defunct Pier One Imports 20 years ago and made my spouse drive to a Midwest store to acquire- well, they are shy a gorgeous adornment. Down one, fifteen to go!

Really, I only broke two things and was quite taken aback when I did, although I shouldn’t be surprised. Every year something has to give.

At least I have a start on holiday cheer!

All it took was for us to drag the hoses out and start watering the forest in the back yard. Mother Nature then complied and brought us some drizzle. We shall take it!

It’s starting to feel like Winter could be approaching ever so slowly. What does that mean in my world? There’s still time to get the Christmas lights rearranged outside! I shall be striving for an exterior fen shui feeling.

We really do need a good snowstorm soon.

What a wonderfully weird word. Do you suppose other languages have such contradictory descriptions, also?

The DAM has a Pissarro exhibit I would like to see – and then this lovely gem came through my feed reminding me to go to a museum – any museum! Apparently I’m in need of an “awfully good” cultural outing.

We threw the family in the motorhome and went to the Zoo Lights last night. “Taking the family”requires more than a people moving transport.

We had a crockpot and supplies for meatball sandwiches, hot cocoa, and snacks of various flavors. Two strollers, blankets, outerwear for all, and three cumbersome car seats. Somehow we managed with no injuries and minimal tears. There was initial crying due to the lengthy amount of time it took to get to the zoo in rush hour traffic.

The lights were even more beautiful than I recall. The giraffes and elephants were still awake and enjoying the temperate weather. The carousel was a treat, even though looking up made me a tad dizzy. (Reminiscent of the teacup ride that about did me in years ago at Elitch Gardens.) No wind, warm night, happy kids.

It was an early holiday gift.

This was in the feed and it made me smile, although it’s not even close to being true for my siblings and me. When we miss our parents we should just put one bottle of dressing in the fridge – Dorothy Lynch. It never expired at our house because it was the only one used. Options? No. You got what you got and that was that! And of course, it was manufactured in the great state of Nebraska and we are true to our roots.

Ah! Light bulb! It could be a reason I prefer salad without dressing? Somehow that makes me think of my parents more. Home grown lettuce and its taste without adornment. Now that is my litmus test!

It’s done. We are prepared for stormy weather, even though mid-November still promises the warmth of late summer.

The outdoor furniture is stored, yet our windows and doors are open allowing the fresh air to circulate throughout the house. Every tree is begging for moisture. We are still wearing shorts as of today. I fear the arrival of winter will be harsh since we have been so spoiled with this mild Autumn.

Ah, well. At least the patio cushions will have a comfortable winter.

Go to Sam’s Club ten minutes before closing. It’s not busy – you can breeze through the aisles, and you don’t have time to spend on unnecessary purchases. No perusing the Christmas decor, the comfy loungewear that looks inviting, the snacks. You just run in and get what you need.

What was so essential to lure us out for date night to this posh establishment? Eggs. We had none for our culinary plans in the morning. Thankfully, they also sell delicious ice cream sandwiches. I’m guessing this would also be an excellent time to visit Target, the other potential monetary trap?

Stay tuned for more tips on keeping your savings safe.

There was no hope for me to be in a marching band. I chose the vocal route in high school and dismissed the lugging-of-an-instrument-during-halftime-of-a-game approach. I couldn’t do both, though I adore marching bands. They are my favorite addition to any parade or sporting event.

Now, if I had been adept at wielding a baton, perhaps I could have led the band? Graceful tossing and twirling was never in my wheel well either. (I can see my sixth grade teacher amused and internally rolling her eyes to the “Downtown” baton routine to which my three partners and I subjected her and the class.)

Today I stride forward to the music of another beautiful day carried on the breath of autumn’s being.

It wasn’t cake decorating, but it was painting windows and trim, very much akin in their goals. Looking good.

We had two doors and a window replaced last week, so the obvious touch-up before winter needed to occur. Thus, taking our lives in our hands with the extension ladder, we caulked and painted while the weather is still so accommodating. It just reminded me of icing a cake. Smoothing the frosting, adding the final touches, admiring the work. Now we await the arrival of a snowstorm to test the front door. No more indoor drafts and small snow drifts when a wicked wind unleashes its fury.

Obviously, it would be nice NOT to have such a trial. But if it happens, we are prepared.