Awww, Laura, it's tough when the holidays get tinged with a loss like that.

My mom died around Thanksgiving also, and while I still enjoy Turkey day, the gray of the season does seem to work its way into my mood.

I was just reading an account by an acquaintance of her husband nearly dying last Thanksgiving. Just a nightmarish scenario, but he survived. And it does also make you grateful for who is present. You look up around the table and are just glad that you can see the people who are there.

I'm sorry, Laura. Good thoughts to your mom.

Much ~ ma to you and your family, Laura. You'll be in my thoughts today.

Thanks all. I talked to her and told her it just didn't seem good for her to come over. Blamed it on the cold, my brother having to work last night, my sister having to work tomorrow, and so forth so she wouldn't feel like it was all her. I'll go see her tomorrow. She told me she had been to the cardiologist and had a test but wouldn't know until next week. Her husband told us the results and swore us to secrecy, because that is how they always do stuff.

In the meantime my house smells so good!

I'm sorry, Laura.

I'm sorry Laura. It's so hard dealing with aging parents. Much ~ma to you and yours today.

Happy Thanksgiving & Happy Hanukkah!

My sister just closed the oven with a potholder inside.

How do I love a quiet holiday? I love it a lot.

I made the very best pot of turkey chili I've ever made in my life. It was from this recipe.

I added chunky carrots and celery and used both black and kidney beans instead of pinto. Oh, and twice the called for salsa.

Seriously delish.

Cagney had a friend over for a play date and has been very playful with me all day.

On this evening's walk, I passed the house of the last group Thanksgiving I went to...which was completely horrible.

I'm so grateful to be right here, right now.

Happy eating everyone!

I got Nigel to say "reverse the polarity on the speakers."