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.

I'm sad about my lack of Thanksgiving leftovers -- the third thing to remember for next year is to bring tupperware. But it's probably just as well!

My Ask A Manager question is up, and I basically got the answer I wanted! And the comments aren't bad (so far).

You need to report back, Jesse! I'm nosy, too.

I'd love for Jesse to remember to give us the report.

I finished Thanksgiving dinner and sent my well-stuffed guests home with many full leftover containers.

I pushed out so many leftovers! ALL the pies went away, which needed to happen. Son took home 2 unopened boxes of hawaiian rolls because his dad purposely bought too many so he would have them. Full plates went home to absent spouses. Then I was super happy when about 9:30 one of my bball kids stopped by because we had offered to give him some earlier in the day. So he filled up a plate, and a container of soup and took it home. Young basketball players can eat some food. I told him I would feed him more leftovers today. He is currently on my roof putting up lights.

Quite a delightful day. I am so grateful to have something to be thankful for.

I'm so pleased you had your dad with you, Katie Bee! Having so many of my family here brought on a great deal of thankfulness for us too.

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

More than reasonable! Sorry it was less than relaxing.

Lots of leftovers, so I look forward to having it again tomorrow night!

I had leftover cauliflower dressing for breakfast. I made it just like you would bread dressing, except roasted cauliflower and it was so good! The celery, garlic, poultry seasonings, butter, and pecans along with the cauliflower was a taste delight.

I still think sleeping in a tent in 40-degree weather is bonkers.

The best! I sleep like a baby snuggled up in a sleeping bag with my nose out in the cold.

except for two big pots and the roasting pan.

I was being environmentally responsible washing the aluminum containers people brought stuff in, but the one holding Mac&Cheese had some holes in the bottom from over enthusiastic serving. Phew, didn't have to try and wash that one.

listening to the blessed rain.

For this we are truly grateful.

Oh!! The kid is singing Christmas carols in creole up on my roof! I don't understand the language particularly, but it is clear from the melody. He gets an extra hug now.

He is currently on my roof putting up lights.

is that the picture on FB? I almost made an OH MY comment and then realize that child i probably the same age as mac and I should probably go have a shower and think about my sad middle aged brain.

I washed 90% of the dishes at mom & dad's after and then came home to a sink of dishes from pie making and then added to it from transferring leftovers to things that will fit in the fridge.

I'll get to them at some point. Wish I had a kid that had a ounce of consideration for others in that 17 year old head/body. Maybe it will come with age.

Laura, I love your relationships with those kids.