I finished Thanksgiving dinner and sent my well-stuffed guests home with many full leftover containers. But I still seem to have more food going back into the fridge than came out of it. Not sure how that happens. The first load of dishes is going through the washer, the hand wash-only glasses have been washed, and the furniture is back in its usual configuration. Now I'm sitting here with a cat on my lap and a can of fizzy water to hand. It's been a good day.

Oof, I have broken down the bird and started the stockpot but not sure where I'll hide everything in the fridge. But that is the annual conundrum.

Emmett has already fallen asleep on the couch, and his mom has toddled off to Matilda's bed. Matilda will sleep on the top bunk.

We polished off many carbs and four bottles of champagne.

Tomorrow we get to hang with Emmett during the day and then he will drive us over to my FiL's house for another family dinner.

We didn't have a trace of the traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Dad requested chicken soup with rolls and a light pasta dish. I made shrimp scampi and threw in a seven layer salad.

So the change in pace was refreshing for everyone. Nobody missed the turkey at all.

Dad was cheerful but tired and easily chilled. I hadn't expected him to require a walker. All four of us Hayward kids were so glad he's home at last. We maybe got a little verlkempt enthusing over him, plus thanking Elaine for having handled all the paperwork and care giving.

Then he got sleepy by three, so we vamoosed and got home before the rain started up again. Quite a delightful day. I am so grateful to have something to be thankful for.

I have my feet up! Scotch with ginger simple syrup on the table next to me. All of the leftovers are in the fridge and the bulk of the dishes are done. I'll straighten up the kitchen tomorrow.

I had 2 friends over for dinner and then a 3rd showed up around 6:30. Which I expected, and she's super friendly, but she talks a lot and is super opinionated and I kept trying to lighten the conversation and it didn't, and I didn't want my other friends to feel uncomfortable. So I cleaned the kitchen and straightened things and finally gave up and kicked everyone out at 8:30.

8:30 isn't unreasonable when we sat down to eat at 3:30, right? Right.

J made turkey breast a new way—kind of braising it in a Dutch oven with white wine and onions and various herbs,. It was SO GOOD you guys. Didn't have the crispy skin, but the meat was flavorful af and he added sherry and a little cream to the pan juices to make super delicious gravy. Lots of leftovers, so I look forward to having it again tomorrow night!

Is it worth it for me to check the Modcloth site (at midnight EST) to see if the blouse I kinda-sorta want is on some sort of bonkers Black Friday sale? [link]

On the one hand, bell sleeves! High ruffled collar! Peak floral goth with roses and skulls!

On the other hand, it's not like I *need* more blouses. Yes, I just typed that sentence.

I'm STILL full, and we finished dinner like 5 hours ago. Sheesh.

Exciting news: the oldest niece announced at dinner that she and her husband are expecting their first baby in June! So many great-nephews and great-nieces!

My husband and his brothers are continuing their tradition of more than 30 years and going camping this weekend. While I'm in favor of the Opt Outside movement on Black Friday, I still think sleeping in a tent in 40-degree weather is bonkers.

Everything is in the fridge that needs to be in the fridge, including the just made turkey stock.

I washed the last wave of dishes (JZ had been doing it all day), except for two big pots and the roasting pan.

And while the coffee is not loaded, it's clean and ready to go.

Everybody else has gone to bed by 9:30 and I'm sitting here in the nerdhole with the back door open, listening to the blessed rain.

Everybody else has gone to bed by 9:30 and I'm sitting here in the nerdhole with the back door open, listening to the blessed rain.

This is an awesome opening line for a novel. You should write it!

MiL's next door neighbors brought H dinner, with turkey, dressing, mac & cheese, green bean casserole, and dinner roll. I walked across the street to our neighbors', where the table was groaning with all her excellent food, and shared a meal and four hours of amazing conversation with them, her grandson, and a former neighbor. Felt a little like flying. Helped, no doubt, by two glasses of red and Irish coffee with the fantastic pumpkin pie and real whipped cream.

They cooked the turkey in a bag for the first time, and when it was supposed to be done it was falling off the bone--but still bloody. So they sliced some and nuked it till it was done for sure, and then we covered it with gravy and cranberry sauce and it was good!

I've loved reading about y'all's Thanksgivings! It's Friday morning here, and I'm enjoying one of my favorite post-Thanksgiving rituals—pie for breakfast. The dishwasher is churning through its second load in the background. Today I'll be putting up the tree and doing some of the Yuletide decorating. Everything but the wreath, which I haven't bought yet.