The official Christmas shopping season opens on Friday. Hordes of merry makers hopped up on turkey and cranberries will flock, at ungodly hours, to retail stores. They are looking to be the first of 200 customers to get that TV for $200.00, or the complete Harry Potter set for $20.00.
This is human kind in its bases form. Herd mentality reigns.
You couldn't pay me enough to be at the doors of Target at 2 am, unless it was for Garth Brooks tickets. Since that's a no go, I'll be at home. Later in the day I'll slip off to the mall. Shopping isn't what I'm after. Being the dislikable kind, I'm done shopping and most of it is wrapped and ready to go under the tree. pluu
No, shopping isn't the goal. People watching is. The mall is rife with emotion of all sorts. The bawling toddlers, because their parents think they can bend a two year old to their will. Poor dears.
The blackberry moms. Every hair in place, perfectly put together from their designer glasses to the tips of their torturous, pointy toed boots. They are on a singular mission. Fill their list with the fewest wasted steps. Their shopping experience was carefully mapped out with the sales fliers from the previous weekend.
The men. Poor dears. Disheveled, wrinkled and completely confused as to why they woke up in the food court. One can see them huddled together for warmth and comfort as they wait for their MIA wives and children. Others can be seen numbly following their spouse, dazed and confused occasionally reaching out to coral a wayward child. Depending on the time of day, one might observe glares and audible groans. "Are you through yet?" will soon echo through the hallowed Christmas corridors that yesterday were the mall.
Some of the men have come of their own accord, well sort of. They are on a mission for the present which will make up for the one they got last year. No one told them snow tires weren't an acceptable Christmas gift. You'll spot the smart ones in the jewelry stores. They are easy to make out, just look for the sticker shocked, mortified expression as they try to pin a smile to their lips so they don't look cheap.
Note; The competent male is a rare find on Black Friday. Double points if you spot one, as most of them are at home watching the bowl games hoping their wives aren't spending too much.
While the toddlers do their best to impart the fact that they need to be fed and given a nap, the pre K and Elementary crowd, who obviously got into the whipping cream and candy canes, squeal, screech and run the gauntlet of adults. They cast devilish glances over their shoulders daring their adults to catch them. The thrill of victory and the anguished cries of defeat echo to every corner.
Herds of Tweens and Teens abound. The Tweens are exuberant, filled with the thrill of shopping without a parent. They gesture to one another with no thought about how they appear to others. The more seasoned Teen crowd move by with looks of distain as they text message scathing words to the other members of their herd. No need to speak when you can text.
For the female teens this is the time to see and be seen. They've done their shopping online. It's beneath them to haul heavy bags in full view of the male gender.
Male teens are pretending to shop with the money their mother's gave them. They completely ignore the grave warnings of maiming and slow death should they fail their mission. Their objective is to site see. If you need to be told what they are looking at, besides the newest gaming system, I'll leave you in the dark.
The smug persons seated near the espresso stand are the writers. Sociologists if you will. They sip at their coffee or high end tea occasionally tapping the keys of their notebooks with a knowing look. Field work at its best. The realm of human emotion and relationships laid bare for those who know to look for it. Nirvana
So where on the scale are you?
Do you go to observe and get sucked into the vortex of herd mentality? "Oh look at that price!"
Are you a post Thanksgiving Commando? There are deals to be had, and I will get bragging rights!
What's your favorite people watching scenario? The beach, park, parties?
I look forward to your answers.
by
Wendy C.
Member since:
January 12, 2007 People watching season starts Friday - Writing Wombats CCXXI
November 24, 2008 03:12 PM EST
(Updated: November 24, 2008 05:41 PM EST)
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Can You Trust Your Significant Other?
Wanda, it was easy to load cause only you thread hoppers popped over here while the other was still going. :-p
I am happy to announce that I am completely and utterly done with my holiday shopping, therefore, while you all are people watching on Black Friday, I intend to be Jason Statham watching. Oh, boy! Transporter 3 drops tomorrow, but I have to wait till Friday. :(
And yes, once again, I am blowing off the writing. Sigh.
I guess I better get ready for the long drive tomorrow. I need to do some dishes and pack. Maybe Nano or not. Whatever floats my boat.
I already answered this question once. I don't like crowds and I'm not a huge fan of shopping, so online shopping is my plan.
Wish we were closer, I'd matinee with you anytime.
Hey, Jules!
My family doesn't get "nano" either, Beaker. When I try to write that means it's time to engage me in conversation because I'm obviously bored. Why else would I be trying to write?
Hey, you can get a paperback on lulu for about $7 or $8. Maybe I'll print up a copy of each of my novels. That would be kinda cool. Of course, I'll feel the need to edit them first and I don't have much time.
Hey, Beaker!
No worries, Jamie. I took a break from adding to my rejection pile too. I think that's why I just couldn't get geared up for Nano.
On Sean's grades, he must be Marshall's prodigy. Yep 0,0,0,A,A, B,0,0. Looks aggravatingly familiar. Sean is starting late though. Marsh-boy did that every year from 6th grade forward.
He spent 3 weeks sitting on the sofa, grounded from life, until the homework was done. The start of the 4th week he decided I was serious and did his work. HOWL!
And you begin to understand my unbridled elation at his graduating from HS.
If he claims I didn't teach him the world doesn't care WHO he is, just WHAT he does, I'll shoot him on the spot. I feel your pain Jamie, I do.
Jules! Wanda! What a pleasant surprise to have you ladies with us.
I've got two pies in the oven. I'll do the other two tomorrow. Pre-made crust is the only reason they are getting pie at all this year. Lucky them. hehe. DD is coming tomorrow night to help make the fruit salad, dressing and get the bird ready for the oven.
I checked the silver today, with more than a trepidation. It doesn't need polished! W00T! cough, hack, wheeze.. too exuberant, ugh.
Sia!!! Soooo sorry that you'll need the surgery but glad there are no bolts planned. Did you ask about that cryo-cuff machine? Trust me, you're going to need it! And drugs. Make sure they give you drugs. The good stuff.
Hi Jules!
Thank you, Wanda!
And, yay! I finally got a mulligan!
Beaker, et al. I use Brewer's yeast tablets for my dogs - one pill per every 10 pounds of dog, from March through Oct. We live next to a field and they like to go visiting the critters, so they're always coming home with ticks. The brewers yeast keeps the fleas away and so far, all we've had (and we're going on 9 years in this house) tick-wise are the gray wood ones. And we do have deer in the fields, so I'm thinking the brewer's yeast works on deer ticks as well. I have no proof of that, but I don't use any chemicals on my girls. I, like Jamie, prefer the fingernail extraction method, only b/c I'm so used to the little buggers (pun intended) that they don't skeeve me - unless they're engorged. Then I use the paper towel removal system. Or sometimes we miss them and find this little roly-poly gray balls trying to move across the floor. They get a nice trip to the sewer system via the flusher.
And on that note, I'm going back to Kansas.
I used to be something of a people watcher when I was young, but I don't enjoy it anymore. Oddly enough, you get to a point where everyone looks like someone else. Don't know why that is. Too many people impinging on one's retinas over the years, I guess.
Wendy, I did my clever response on your blog. Here I'll just say I'm more likely to do the people watching part. I don't mind the "power shop", but I see no reason to do it with the early morning Black Friday crowd.
Sia, good news on the clear direction for the surgery. See if they can put on the pin stripes anyway if you want them.
Hi Jules, good to see you.
Jamie, kids are unpredictable some times. My youngest has these stages that sometimes drive us crazy. My oldest is impressing us these days with his ability to keep a whole load of things going as a senior in high school. Safe travels. Bring along a notebook; you can do a lot of writing without the Internet.
Hi Judi, I'm back at the editing as well. When I'm waiting for windows to load programs, I start doing the paper editing. It fills in lots of gaps.
I'm going to do SubZero, also.
I'd do some others, but they haven't been edited to my satisfaction as of yet.
Judi, trust me, I'm asking, with strong persuasiveness, for a Cryo cuff. You sold me on it, lol! Something about howling in pain or threatening death and destruction to all living was convincing. did you know they require you to have a ekg now prior to surgery? *rolling my eyes. Another hoop and yes, I see the reasoning but still...fortunately no high blood pressure, normal cholesterol levels and the last ekg was very normal.
OK, I'm missing something here...why are you excited about a Mulligan?
Jamie, you're right, I think it was a Christmas blizzard...
For Gidget and Jax I use frontline although this coming year it will have to be another type as Frontline is becoming less effective. I absolutely have to have flea stuff. Around here the fleas are horrible.
Pat B, I think people watching happens wherever I go. I certainly don't go out specifically go out to do it.
Oh, Ken!!! Mr. ACA - I got my certificate today! It's gorgeous! And now proudly displayed in my kitchen for the Thanksgiving festivities.
And, Sia, try the brewer's yeast. It really works for fleas and is MUCH cheaper than frontline, not to mention natural. We had back-to-back flea infestations 14 years ago and after the second one, someone told me about it. I'd been using a vet-recommended chemical stuff before that, but when it failed so amazingly, I was ready to try anything after we had to have the house bombed twice. Knock on wood, haven't seen a flea since, in any of the 6 animals we've had in that time. You start it in the winter when there aren't any fleas to build it up in their system, then come flea time, you don't see them. 14 years and not a flea.
I'm off to bed.
James, how fortunate to have all that time off with the family. I bet they're loving it. And,James me darlin' boyo, do they ever outgrow these stages? God knows, I ready for the out growth. Really. Yesterday would have been nice. You know, you really hate to be punitive all the time and you try so many things to motivate them. *shrugging. I know I wasn't an easy kid to raise during certain stages either...this is payback isn't it? lolol!
And I haven't done a thing to get ready for my trip. I'm so naughty.
I'm zonked. I need sleep. Good dreams everyone....
Yes, Sia, it works. Not an old wives' tale - well, maybe it is, but it does work. I give them the pills as treats - they love them. The other dogs (who've since passed on to that great Boneyard In The Sky) didn't, so I'd crush them into their food - with the fork I used to dish out their food, so it's not hard. 14 years w/o a flea - it's been good to us.
Jamie - how cool to see your stuff in book form! And they'll love it! Good idea!
Okay, off to write. Happy Turkey Day everyone. Oh, Chumley Masticar (the suckerless remora) is chatting about odd Holiday food we Humans have at:
Chum redux
if you care to get his take on the holiday.
Judi, I'll give that a try. Once a day? Happy writing. I'm hoping to do some today. I have another ms that needs editing. another screaming at me to get back to it and get it written, but first the editing.
Pat, where are you? Beth? Y'all get lost out there?
Ken and Atlantis are in separate place in Mexico frolicking with their spouses, soaking up the sun. Dale's probably sucking down the last of his jet fuel with his Nano. Who knows where Sy is.
Sia, you really seem to have you act together about prepping for the time after surgery. As noted above, I'll join you in the pre-turkey day editing. We'll spare the jokes about turkeys and said texts.
Ken and Atlantis hanging out with spouses down south; sounds like a mythical time for those of us with a kid still in grade school.
Enjoy the day wombats.
Jamie, pretty cool about those low Lulu prices. I'm tempted to do the same for my Mom once I've ripped through this next edit. I'm sure the gifts will be much appreciated. BTW, let me know when you need a beta reader for Sub Zero part deux -- my son is waiting.
I often write at a café down the street because I've discovered my muse hangs out there a lot.
Sometimes I watch people and guess what their "story" is. Sometimes it becomes a story I write.
People tend to have their "regular" places. Noticing an man and a woman sitting at adjoining tables every day but never speaking was the inspiration for Bedfordshire Tales-The Courtship).
As for shopping, I do most of mine online. All the grandkids post "wish lists," which makes my job considerably easier. This year the adults are opting mostly for the "give something to a good cause in my name" strategy.
Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and safe travels to all who are traveling. I'm leaving later than I'd planned, but I'm heading out the door now. See you all Sunday evening! Hope the nano-er get 'er done. I'm out.
Thanksgiving Glitter
Seriously, I do like to sit in a coffee shop, in the corner and watch--you catch interesting snippets, watch the laughter and hijinks, smell the wonderful aroma of fresh coffee and baked goods, hear some good music. Sorta comforting sounds and smells.
James, wines, yes, its a hard choice this year. There will be ham, roast beef, and turkey. So I'm bringing a couple of bottles and Roland is picking out a couple as well. Not all like wine, which is sacrilegious as far as I'm concerned, lol! I've discovered a rather nice wine made locally here in Missouri, St James Winery--you'll notice the name, lolol! But they have a couple of good wines. Nothing like the California wineries, of course but nice.
I've got to organize for the surgery and recovery time. It would be insane here otherwise. Mostly having to do with the animals. I have 25 and 50lb feeders in the pens, and usually keep them at least half full in the winter anyway, but it cuts down on the daily feeding. Jake can water and feed the horses. But when I'm sick or not feeling well, I hate a messy or cluttered house. I can't relax. So the environment needs attention.
I get off early today, which is a surprise, but that's good since I'm suddenly the designated food shopper for tomorrow's meal.
Sia, glad your ordeal isn't as bad as it could have been. Believing for quick recovery for you.
Black Friday will never catch me at the mall. I hate the cars and the noise and the standing in line when it's not necessary. And I'm not much of a people watcher (bad for a writer, I know). I do like the color and the smells, but crying children? I find nothing sweet and lovely in that. But I'm guessing the camera I've wanted for a year will be on sale somewhere Friday. That might be enough to get me out to Target. Best Buy is too close to the mall. That won't work.
Happy Thanksgiving to those getting out today. Have a great time with friends and family, 'bats.
Hi 'Bats! Safe travels to those who are going out of town, and warm thoughts to those staying home.
Great article, Wendy.
Beth, I've watched those folks doing the cycling class -- looks like way too much work. I content to hit the weight room, do laps on the track and swim if there's enough room in the pool. Mind you, I do love biking, but much prefer the outdoor type.
Sia, I love picking wines to match the food. I find that Red Zinfandel goes very well with the bird and has plenty of taste if you're drinking it on its own. Also good to grease the skids toward a late afternoon nap. For white, I'll have to see what we have. Lately we've had a chardonnay - semillon blend that works well. I recently read where all 50 states now have wineries. Some states are better than others in producing quality wines -- the nearest high quality wine region to me is the North Fork of Long Island. The Pacific Northwest produces some wonderful wines -- Washington in particular. Then there's that other state a bit further south that does okay too.
Safe travels for all wombats who are hitting the road.
If I'm not around, assume I'm writing. Or cooking. Or curled up in a corner sobbing and wondering why I ever thought I wanted to be a writer. Later babies.
Atlantis even said she was writing a lot of reminisces of family situations to sew together later. She has a great idea though. Now she's down in Mexico frolicking. Dale is just on jet fuel--yah, yah, I know you say you aren't Dale, hah! (although I have to day I'm interested reading this one Dale--just so you know...)
Only one more pie to go--did I mention both done are about the size of a Lasagna that feeds a family of 8? Yah. The cherry is 12" across and will go in after dinner. That way I don't have to fight off eager fingers in this house that love cherry. Clothes washed, arrangements for child to stay down with the family Thursday and Friday--since Dad and I work all day. Put a roast in for dinner tonight. I'm thinking vegging on the couch with a movie or something is sounding pretty damn good about right now.
Vivian? Where are you? Do we have a tracking 'Hicken in the kitchen here?
James, I'm not surprised at the fact that most of the states have wineries. I like California Wines, I have had a few from Washington. So what's your suggestions on a good winery in Washington? Always looking for new wines. Like a good Zinfandel, love a good red table wine too, not so jazzed on chardonnays--more of not being in the mood for one, when I fix wild game, I have a good Gamay I like or a pinot.
Ok, I think I've earned a nap. Definitely. Yeaaaaaah...
Tonight is cheesy tuna casserole, though why I'm cooking at all, when I so rarely do, is beyond me. Apparently, as you say Sia, Mistress Bonny is so secretive, I'd prefer even kitchen duty to writing. I wrested 1500 words from the wench at work today, since there were so few of us there. The list on the "out" board was far, far longer than those on the in board.
And I got news that yet another dear friend is abandoning ship at work (I cannot seem to avoid nautical phrasing these days!). She's in AZ, but we talk for hours on end all the time while working on projects. She could no longer stand the backstabbing and cutthroat politics that has become the norm in the last two years, and found a greener pasture. I'm happy for her. But oh, I'm so very tired of losing people this year. The losses of people I love this year has just hammered me to my knees. It's like one of those giant bells, constantly rigning out the toll of losses. God, I can't wait for this year to be over. Time to pause and count my blessings, I guess, and raise a toast to those I love and who have found happiness elsewhere.
And time to stop goofing off and find another couple of thousand words, if I have to hold Mistress Bonny at cutlass point to do it!
gooooooooooobble....gooooooooooobble...gobble...gobble...gobble...gobble...gobble
Tryptophan - When Meleagris gallopa attacks
{{{{Pat}}}} I've been in jobs like that. It's a celebration whenever someone gets out, but lonely left behind.
All four pies baked. House sufficiently picked up and vacuumed. Dang it looks as if Grandparents live here. smile Off for a nap before round two.
I'm starting to think I have tonsillitis. It's been a good 30 years since I've had it. Calling Doc on Friday. ugh
Thanksgiving seems an appropriate holiday to count the blessings, celebrate the successes, and lay the unpleasant things where they belong--in a short list.
Sia, the well known wineries in Washington are all good - Chateau St. Michelle, Columbia Crest and Hogue come to mind, particularly for white wines. On one of my first visits to the Seattle area, I spent a very pleasant afternoon touring wineries and the lesser known ones also offered good quality.
Pat, I also had a colleague that I'd grown to respect leave today due to a recent RIF. The human side of people leaving is tough on everyone.
Wendy, your throat must feel pretty bad. I still have my tonsils, but sometimes get nasty sore throats. I also hear they (tonsils) contribute to snoring. I hope you're feeling better, but if not, the Dr.'s the right place to go.
Quiet here in wombat land. I'm off to do the nightly reading with my son.
James, I'm sorry to hear you lost a collegue today. So many days, it just feels as if we are playing Survivor, and wondering who will get tossed off the island next.
Wendy, sorry to hear it might be tonsils. I come from the generation who all had their tonsils removed in kindergarten, whether they needed it or not. I rarely ever have sore throats. That's how I knew I was sick this last time. Raw throats are awful. Take care of yourself.
Off to see if I can find another thousand nonsense words!
James, thank you, I'll take a look for them. It's fun to discover new wines and I do miss having various wineries around to go and try new wines. But I can pick the wombat brains and get recommendations.
Wondering how Dana and Dave are doing. Our esteemed Queen was visiting them for awhile. If y'all check in and I miss you, hugs and warm wishes for tomorrow.
Feel better Wendy!
Now, I'm going to sit down drink some coffee and work on my story for another hour.
In good news, the new phone came today. Sadly, it has all sorts of gadgets that I don't have time to learn. I'll give it to a Kid - you know how kids are with technology. And time...
G'night and wishing you all wonderfully long tryptophan naps tomorrow. My stuffing ingredients are all cut up, the ingredients for the pies are out, the potatoes are peeled and in the pots of water, ready to be boiled and all ingredients are ready to go for 7 am. Have I mentioned I cook my turkey in a Reynolds Cooking Bag? I'll never baste again. It's cut hours off the cooking time.
Oh, and yes, Sia. Once a day. My girls get their pills with their breakfast.
Honestly, I do miss the days when there were more of us, with everyone in the kitchen chatting and getting in one another's way. I'll have all the fixings, and eat on the good china, but it will be very quiet. Lots of time for writing, if I can find the words. I'm at about 40K words now, and my brain is about to melt down. I just can't seem to find the rythm and balance in this one. Every word is like pulling teeth.
I think I need a slice of pumpkin cake for inspriration. There will be plenty left for tomorrow!
I just finished reading a fine YA novel to my youngest, called "The Westing Game". It is one of those intricate reads with lots of characters and a series of interlocking puzzles in the plot, but it delivered -- my son and I both liked it. It won the Newbury Medal back in 1979.
Pat S, giving you one last push to get more of Ann Bonney's story onto virtual vellum this month. Rhythm and balance -- yes, that's what I like to achieve in my own writing. You know when its there and it's just as apparent when it's not. Back to the editing.
Pat, I love those times too. the laughter and squabbling and good natured ribbing, lol! While I was on the phone listening to the night before prep I felt a longing to be with them. But, really it's better I'm not. With my knee, it's just too much. I'd be exhausted and hurting badly. I guess if I had planned it differently, I could have gone down this afternoon and spent the night at Roland's.
Judi, I swear by Reynolds. Makes the best turkey, moist and in less time. I do the same preps the night before when it's at my house. Only I stuff the turkey and put it in the fridge so everything is just turning on stove and oven.
I hope all have a lovely Thanksgiving. Remember those who've gone on, give thanks for your blessings, and have lots of laughter and memories...
http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=0183913358
James, I read the Westing Game years ago. I don't recall all of it, but I remember enjoying it. Sounds as if you have a wonderful holiday on tap as well.
I've hit 41K now, within striking distance. Over 3500 words today, and my hands are telling me to stop. I have four full days of rest ahead of me, and only need about 2200 words a day to win nano again. I can do that, and I'm feeling better about it.
And by the way, hubs, who apparently thinks Lehigh Acres, Florida, is his personal Monopoly board, just bought another house there today. This one is purely for rental purposes. Not quite as large as the one he bought to live in, not as new, but perfect for renting. The realtor will also be our rental agent. Sadly, with so many people losing their homes to foreclosure (as is what happened to this one), the need for rental housing is huge. The realtor thinks it will be no problem finding a tenant. For the record, this makes three vacant lots and two houses that he owns in the same small town. I've threatened to buy him a monocle and top hat for Christmas and nickname him Uncle Moneybags. Ah well, everyone has a hobby. I write. He buys real estate. Which of us is smarter?
Good night my dears and darlings, and Happy Thanksgiving, wherever you may be.
I'll find a doctor to see on Friday.. ugh. The last round of Wombat flu that went around in the spring was much worse. So I'll be thankful for that. ; 0 )
Sweet Dreams Wombats!
Judi, got the bird in? I'm imagining you be-bopping around your kitchen.
Dan's in the kitchen now and making breakfast for us all. We won't be leaving here until about 11:30.
And yes, I imagine Judi is bopping around her kitchen, organizing everything with her magic wand and issuing orders and instructions like an imperious queen!
Wendy, you poor dear, I hope the ickys don't prevent you from you from enjoying the day too much! And hello to John as well!
Quiche Lorraine for breakfast here. It was yummy. I'm about to enter the kitchen and start investigating what all needs to be done to get dinner on th table at some point. Things to thaw, things to peel, things to chop, things to smush. That last would be the warm spinach and artichoke cream cheese dip. Cover me, I'm going in!
Among the things for which I am grateful today, I count all of the wombats. Have a joyous day!
Happy Thanksgiving, all. I am grateful for my home, me health, MY JOB, and my family and friends both near and far. Including Wombats, of course.
My throat is markedly improved this morning. Strange, and I'll take it damnit! smile
DD and I did everything except the relish trays yesterday. Might I say how cool it is to have my grown daughter cooking with me? Got out the crystal stems and we had sparkling juice as we worked. Warm fuzzies.. heart smile. Today is a good day.
I've prepared the butternut squash and the turkey is just about done. Out for a walk, then the festivities begin.
I've only read two Iain M. Banks novels, but I'm a fan. His work is the polar opposite of stupid. Hoke Moseley is cracking me up.
“Whatever,” Nort said. “Gimme a toot of that rot-gut.”
Hoke rinsed a glass out in the utility sink and placed it on the table. “Good idea,” he said. He poured a slug of Old Times and pushed the glass across to Nort.
“To the good times,” he said.
Grinning like he was getting away with something, Nort tapped his glass against Hoke’s and drained it. He choked and tears spouted. For a moment he couldn’t speak.
“Damn, that’s smooth,” he finally said while pushing his glass across the table for a refill.
After an hour, the bottle was empty. Nort was fully inebriated. Reeling and slurring.
“My p’rents suck ath. They won’t let me drink anything, not even a flippin’ beer. My friends have to bribe a bum to get wine at the Circle-K. If they could see me now, they’d be all ‘F***, Nort, you got a f***ing cool granddad who lets you drink all you want’. Awesome.”
Nort’s head sunk to the table and he drooled on its surface. He mumbled more, but it was incomprehensible. Hoke got up and staggered back to his apartment. He mixed three raw eggs with two tablespoons of salt and looked at the foul mixture for a minute before guzzling it. It worked almost immediately; he vomited everything from his sour stomach into the sink. He was left with a taste of bile and a throbbing headache. He drank a large glass of water, swallowed a couple of aspirin tablets and sat at his table for a few minutes feeling sorry for himself.
Then he found a dirty sock and filled it with a cup of granulated sugar. He weighed the makeshift sap in his hands. Staggering a little, he made his way back to the break room. Nort had not moved. Hoke arranged a towel under Nort’s head and gauged how hard to hit him. He didn’t want to cause permanent damage, but he did want to add memorable pain to Nort’s hangover headache. Hoke swung the sap and whacked Nort on the back of the head. Nort grunted and gasped, but did not wake up. Leaving Nort with his head at an unnatural angle, Hoke walked back to his bedroom.
Sia, Washington State makes great pinots.
About an hour later, we were ready for the pies, pumpkin and apple, along with a variety of beverages, including Grand Marnier, Cointreau, tawny port and cognac. I tried out both types of pie and washed it down with Pinot Noir and a yearly taste of cognac. We also took a hand at solving all of the problems of our church and the local town, accelerated by a boost from our beverages.
The pumpkin pie delighted us and looked almost too good to eat; its decorations included a turkey centerpiece and crust molded in the shape of maple leaves. It was a shame to eat it, but we dug in anyway.
Pictures of the golden bird and the perfect pumpkin pie are here.
Nap, anyone?
For those who won't be having the traditional bird with trimmings, feel free to enjoy this virtual feast.
Sounds like Kate's cafe is the place to be for Black Friday. Put on the coffee and we'll get the tales flowing and won't worry too much about that gray area between real and fictive.
Lisa, pleased to seeing you are doing your part for the celebration. Safe travels and then enjoy a taste of vino with your Thanksgiving dinner. Bon Appetit.
Dinner was yummy. Nearly traditional. Just 3 of us. But the cleanup took as long as if there were 2 dozen. But lots of tasty leftovers for tomorrow. Or later tonight. Nah. I'll just have pecan pie and be done for the day.
Checked in with the sibs. Youngest brother had been planning to host 14. They had to cancel plans, however, when his wife and all 3 kids came down with something intestinal. Brother not sick yet. But the poor guy said he was up, with all of them, every 2 hours last night. He said the 20-pound turkey will keep a few days.
Hope those of you feeling under the weather still enjoyed your feast. No one should be sick on a holiday. Or their birthday. It just ain't right.
We did our dinner buffet styled and rather informal this year. The weather was nice, almost 62. Okay, I was in shock with that, but it was good. Mom tried to overcome my shock by informing me we may get snow this weekend. I'm looking around at the sunshine and warmth, shaking my head. Kids played and laughed. the older group all sat around and talked. We all ate way too much. Brother Roland did a fine job, but was very tired. Stubbornly wouldn't let us help as much as we wanted. He introduced a chutney he made that was to die for. Better, by far, than cranberries. We did a memory road tribute to my Grandmother. Raise a glass to her. Made mom cry--but in a good way. My mother's husband of 8 months (now there's a love story that needs telling, lolol) is a good man. I haven't had the opportunity to spend much time with him but lord he loves my mother, which means he walks on water so far as I'm concerned. He and my husband get along well and spent considerable time 'philosophizing' as he called. It was a good time. Lots of memories stored with the pictures.
Beth, sorry to hear about your brother's woes. He's a good man to step up and care for all and there is always this weekend for getting together.
Jill, I'm so glad to hear that things came together well for your first Thanksgiving in your new home. Hope it was grand and you got a few pictures to commemorate the occasion.
Kate, "a slice of pumpkin roll filled to overflowing with cream cheesey goodness" sounds wonderful. Feel free to share the recipe.
Lisa, Happy Thanksgiving. My brother Roland offered a couple of bottles from...well darn now I can't think of the winery from Washington. Anyway, they were Pinots. Very nice indeed.
Ken, no frolicking? I don't believe it. Still you're soaking up the lovely Mexican sunshine, which is a fine thing to be thankful for.
All the food sounds incredible! A feast for the eyes! And James, cher, who put that much effort into a pumpkin pie? I've never seen anything so pretty! If I put that much effort into something, I would never allow anyone to cut into it!
And Kate, pass the pumpkin roll this way please. I bake, but I've never tried one of those, and admire anyone who can get the cake to roll up and be cooperative. Everytime I try something along those lines, it ends up being more unruly than roll-y.
My own dinner turned out fine. The usual last minute hustle to get everything in and out of the oven and remain hot until eaten, but a success, nonetheless. All the traditional favorites, phone calls to distant loved ones, and toasts to those not present. Pumpkin cake is coming up in a few minutes, with an eggnog chaser.
And in the midst of the madness, I managed to work on my WIP. Not only that, but I have at last caught up to where I should be at this point. I've had several days of pushing over 3000 words a day. Now I have only to do under 1700 a day to win.
Of course, seeing Dale at 68,000 words was a mite deflating, but it's Dale's year, and I'm happy his muse is not only dancing, but doing the salsa for him! Mine is merely waltzing, but today was a good day. This will likely be a longer story than my last MS (which is 104K words). But this heroine, unlike a very famous woodcut of her, does not simply rip open her shirt and bare her breasts for the world to gawk at. She's beaten me to a pulp today, in between peeling the potatoes and dealing with the turkey, but I count it as another thing for which to be thankful. The wench is finally talking, and the hero is finally listening. Time to throw a monkey wrench into the works!
And Ken, my dearheart, opera is good for the soul. Especially Venetian opera, with a period orchestra. It's not Chad Wackerman and Randy George, but it was the rock and roll of its time. And Hoke Mosely is a fair trade for Glen Wilson. Fair trade, Fairhaven. Hah! I made a joke! Have something idiotic and alcholic for me dear, and give Judy a buss from me. One of these days I'll remember to post a picture of her painting, so you can see how incredible it looks on my red bedroom wall. Tell her "Passion" found a perfect place to live! A friend saw it hanging there the other night and agreed it could not have been more perfect!
And I am happy beyond words for you for your first Thanksgiving in your wonderful new home! Oh sugar, what a fabulous way to build so many happy new memories! For years to come, you willl remember that melted spatula, and laugh yourself silly over it! It's the goofy things we remember best, and which give us the greatest joy. I know it's seems odd to say, but I'm glad for your small fire. What a way to innagurate a happy new home!
And now that the fire's out Jill, how are your stranded motorists? Write, woman! I want to know what happens next!
I forgot to get rolls yesterday. Shrug, the recipe was a good one and the Mix Master saved the day. grin The pumpkin pie was my MIL's recipe which is always good. The sweet potatoes were from my friend. I should have put a cookie sheet under it, yes I should have.
My son came w/out his girlfriend. It was really nice to have him to myself for a little bit. He pronounced my new computer 'Sweet'. LOL
Jill congrats on your first holiday meal. Pat's right some little thing always happens, it just adds depth to the day and memories.
Too bad you missed the sunbathing beauty moving her strap Ken, such a shame. Big hugs to you and Mrs. ACA.
Mike I was attacked by the turkey too. It was exhausting.
My kitchen looks like nuclear holocaust happened in there, despite the fact that DD and I spent close on to an hour washing dishes and divvying out the food. I'll deal with the rest tomorrow.
A bubble bath is in order, and a hot salt water rinse for my throat. The right side is showing signs of going the way the left did. I'm hoping to stop it in its tracks. Wellness is close, I can sense it.
It's a recognized annual medical condition — that is by everybody except my medical insurance.
Sounds like all had a great day. Me too. That's good.
Night 'bats.
Wendy, I have a simple deal in my house. Whoever cooks, someone else cleans. The dishwasher is on its third cycle of the day. I miss the old days, sometimes, of all the distaff side of the house, in the kitchen, wiping the china that dare not go in the dishwasher, and sharing the secrets of being a woman. Life and dishes and the secret sorority. In my new life, I see a book in there somewhere, something along the Chicken Soup line. I suppose men do something similar over football. Only, you know, in a way women will never understand. Heavens, I do love the way men communicate. Most of the time.
And John, Atlantis, with her 58K, is almost as bad (good) as Dale!
Jill, honey, we've taken so much joy in your new home! I'm so glad you've created a memory with us!