Thanks, guys. I am actually pretty worried about him, but in the category of out of my control.

My Zmayhem-gifted Buffy ornaments have primacy of placement! Buffy guards my tree, with the help of the Scoobies.

And we only have a Drusilla ornament to whisper evil whackadoodle from the tree.

I have made and consumed The Thanksgiving Sandwich, and verily it was good. Great in fact, because instead of gravy there was a layer of mushroom stew. [smek smek..]

And JZ continued Shrimpsgiving when I sauteed some mushrooms, and then reheated the Tacqueria shampies, and then had a side of heirloom tomato drizzled in balsamic, and fresh basil bits all over the plate.

This, after pie for breakfast.

Back at work today after visiting my family yesterday.

I got to listen to story after story about dysfunctional members of my extended family, and the shitty people they associate with. It was like the face-to-face version of doomscrolling; it was all very fascinating to hear, but ultimately left me feeling depressed.

I'm sorry, Tom. That sounds just miserable.

Oh damn, Sondheim died.

I just heard and immediately thought of Dana.

Oh, Tom. That sucks.

Laura, as my kids are on the cusp of leaving, I have such anxiety. But you are right. It is beyond our control. Sad. And beyond our control.

askye, yay for appropriate reaction from boss!

Sad to hear about Sondheim. I haven't watched any news so hadn't seen it.

Laura, as my kids are on the cusp of leaving, I have such anxiety.

It seriously sucks. The psychobabble claims it is some normal part of establishing independence, but that doesn't make being cut out any easier.

RIP Sondheim. I’m glad he had a long life making beautiful music.

Shrift, I hope your aunt has the more easily treated lymphoma.

Askye, I’m glad you went to the ER and they didn’t find anything dire. I hope you feel better soon.

Congrats on the upcoming house, Hec and JZ!

Laura, I’m sorry about the issues with your son. I hope he reconnects soon.

Tom, I’m sorry about the extended family issues.

I spent today in my usual Friday after Thanksgiving mode—putting up the Christmas tree while Lord of the Rings plays in the background. Amyth gave me some of her ornaments last year, and putting those up was bittersweet.

Tomorrow I’ll be running to Trader Joe’s to stock up on Prosecco for the season. I got some cream de cassis last month with an eye to making kir royals. They sound festive.

Re: Sondheim - I though of Dana too. And also went into a Sondheim rabbit hole. Wow was he good.

Askye- I am glad you are taking care of yourself

shrift: That seems abrupt. I would be annoyed if I were aunt, but I don’t know their relationship

Tomorrow is my Thanksgiving, so I am getting up early to make mashed cauliflower and Keto stuffing. My real Thanksgiving was sad- I usually spent it at Maria’s mom’s, but she passed away this year and no one was up for doing anything. So it was just nothing. We still don’t know if my possibly un-vaxxed definitely anti mask cousin will be there tomorrow. My aunt is not willing to set a firm line, so she still doesn’t know if he is coming. I also have literally nothing to talk about that won’t touch on COVID-19. Everything at work changed because of it- both my real job in education and my “fun” job in theatre (which I don’t have because theatre disappeared after I quit it! ). I am a shell of my former self, and to try and talk around politics is like more than I am up for right now, so I am hoping he doesn’t come…