Catching Up

Winter has arrived in Colorado, whether the calendar says it’s time or not. If it was up to me, it would not be allowed to snow in the fall or the spring. Only in the official winter months, and preferably only between Christmas and Valentines Day. But no one asked me.

Last week I indulged in a “staycation.” After my cutesy birthday post, I didn’t even sit down at the computer for the rest of the week. I had my birthday off work on Tuesday, plus Thursday and Friday for the holiday, so I took Wednesday as a vacation day. I had some blog posts lined up to finish up each day but I even ignored that. My parents came for my birthday and Thanksgiving, and I enjoyed spending time with them. Today I’m catching up.

On Tuesday, Mother and I went shopping. Then the whole family went to Beau Jo’s in Evergreen for pizza for my birthday dinner that evening.

On Wednesday, Mother and Laura went shopping while I got started in the kitchen. I made some finger-foods/appetizers for a game night that evening with friends.

On Thursday morning I finished cooking Thanksgiving dinner. Dad had smoked a turkey and brought it, so I made all the side dishes (and pies) to go with it. I told everyone else that I would do the cooking if they would be willing to be available to help as needed. They were, so that worked out well.

A highlight of the day was listening to Thanksgiving episodes of Lum and Abner with my dad while I worked in the kitchen. These are vintage radio shows. My favorite is the one from 1945 where the men are sitting around waiting for dinner to be ready, and they just can’t understand why the women-folk want to bustle around a hot kitchen all morning. Here are links to the episodes we listened to:

• November 23, 1944. Lum and Thanksgiving Dinner.
• November 22, 1945. Everyone at Abner’s House for Thanksgiving.
• November 28, 1946. Chester the Turkey.

Thanksgiving Day seemed like an appropriate time to add to my 1000 Gifts list for the Joy Dare… but I didn’t get that posted then. Picking up with Gift #151.

November 20. 3 Gifts of Traditions.

1. Smoked turkey.
2. Family games.
3. Weiner roasts.

November 21. 3 Gifts Family.

1. Lyle
2. Laura
3. Rebecca

November 22. 3 Gifts Grateful.

1. Faith.
2. Fellowship.
3. Love.

November 23. 3 Gifts Only in Christ.

1. Forgiveness.
2. Peace.
3. Heaven.

November 24. 3 Gifts Humble.

1. Socks.
2. Underwear.
3. Handkerchiefs.

November 25. 3 Gifts Ugly-Beautiful.

1. Age.
2. Thanksgiving leftovers.
3. Late fall.

November 26. 3 Gifts Preparing.

1. Thanksgiving feast.
2. Advent season.
3. Christmas giving.

November 27. A Gift Handmade, Held, Happy.

1. Scarf.
2. A cup of coffee.
3. My family.

November 28. 3 Gifts in Community.

1. Church family.
2. Co-workers.
3. Blogging friends.

November 29. 3 Gifts Red.

1. My new journal.
2. My Kindle cover.
3. Holly berries.

November 30. 3 Gifts Astonishing.

1. Grace.
2. Peace.
3. Joy.

That’s 33 more gifts counted… for a total of 183, so far.