We go over the river and through the woods for Thanksgiving, probably about 60 folks will be there this year at Nanny’s. Luckily the rain is supposed to break and it will be sunny and in the sixties so the kids can play outdoors. In a gullywasher, they all have to stay inside and that can lead to some crying, perhaps young ones and adults!
Today I left my dog and fish with trusted friends. My dog was evicted within the hour from a home she’s stayed at many times. She’s at another trusted friend’s home where she’s never stayed, with two other dogs she’s met before.
I even worry about our Betta, who is probably 95 years old in fish life but is with a neighbor. I have yet to pack for us and leave. No wonder I get pulled over every time for extra scanning. I have to take care of everyone, including my husband, of course I’m frazzled when I’ve brought us down to one bag to share that has everything we need for a five-day trip.
Yes, we have to pay extra for that bag. Should I bring my chef’s knives or his balloons, or both? Will I be able to make it all work under the weight limit?
I’m planning to pack light and the fact that our pets are taken care of takes that weight off my shoulders. We’ll be at Jim’s parents’ place and can run through one load of laundry over four days. that’ll work .
Leaving is always ameliorated with staying somewhere. We don’t go to vacation spots, we see family as that’s what’s important. Leaving one’s home to go to another’s and get up and cook breakfast is a real treat. Jockeying spots on the kitchen counter has become routine with me and Margie, Jim’s mom. We help each other, clean up after each other and hopefully sit for a moment or two at the end of a cooking session to relax and get ready for what’s next.
Leaving is worth it, charges the batteries, renews relationships, creates new ones. And we especially like playing with the younger kids outside after dinner and before supper. I used to teach a cooking class for the older girls but they’ve outgrown it and will have photos to show us about their time overseas.
It is such a joy to see this, now “our” family, grow. Even job recruiters know that if you grew up on a dairy, you have a work ethic that ranks high. And a high ethics ranking as well.
Ah, but this was about seeing Nanny for Thanksgiving. Turkey, ham, brisket, too many sides and desserts to mention. Me? I’m not supposed to bring anything because we’re the only ones flying in. No worries, spiced almonds and cashews are on board and I’ll make boursin and maybe even spinach balls once on the ground.
Leaving hopefully means a coming to something else, like a huge family for Thanksgiving, then returning home. I braved a storm to take our dog to her initial location, tomorrow it should be smooth sailing. Happy Thanksgiving! Cheers, Dee
Cooking with Dee 