I love hearing about what everyone had! Two more of my neighbors graced me with leftovers so I’m probably good for food for the weekend, hallelujah.

Well, smonster, I wouldn't want to do that, but if some part of your intuition told you you should, it's probably good to pay attention to it.

Wait, which part?

I think, now that the relief has peaked and is ebbing, and my little money crisis has eased (you know who you are), the sadness is starting to really creep in. But hey, I’m like a pro at grief by this point (NOT a dare, Universe, thanks) so hopefully I can get through enough this weekend that I can function somewhat normally at work Monday.

ETA I feel like the grandma in Blue Beetle. “And now we cry.”

Mm, need to watch Blue Beetle. That sounds like a good line.

I really enjoyed it. Might become comfort watching for me.

For Dana and all else interested: The Spanikopita Review.

The filling was actually the most delicious I've ever had. The perfect mix of melty cheese, butter, savory and spinach. The Phyllo dough itself was also buttery and layered to good effect.

However, the lack of eggs gave the whole thing a depth of less than an inch. You literally can't eat this with a fork. You have to hold it like a little savory pancake and put the deliciousness in your mouth.

Obviously that's not the worst thing that can happen (and this tray will be eaten!).

So this recipe would have definitely benefitted from (a) 3-5 eggs for protein and structure and bulk; (b) a third layer which my lazy children didn't do, being only two layers in total making a yummy savory pancake-y thing.

This is an easy fix, as the most important element (flavor!) is nailed, and structure can be finessed.

If only you'd suggested that they use eggs.

Timelies, all. Thinking of you smonster.

Reports from T'day sound quite delightful.

I am off to see my siblings this weekend since I haven't seen them since last Spring before I went north. We had a sad experience last night that we are still processing. I had a call from an unknown Philadelphia number, so of course I ignored it. When I listened to the message it was from a physician friend of an old friend of Brendon's. I called back to find that Brad had died. They were friends from high school days. He stayed at Brad's house the night before we married. Anyway, the man who called me had been his therapist for years and a friend. He found our number in his phone and since it was a Florida exchange hoped we could reach the family. Brad died during surgery. Anyway, the part that is so difficult is that he had been estranged from his family for several decades, and this man was trying to find a relative to handle his affairs. There is no one to even let the hospital know where to send him. He has a medical practice, an apartment, his car, and no one to figure things out. Anyway, DH gave him the contact information for his mother and brother. Brendon figures on going to visit the mom since she is still in Boca. It's been a few decades since he saw her, but he is kinda memorable. What a mess. Dude had everything going for him. Smart, athletic, ridiculously handsome, money, and really his only friends since he left Florida were his various therapy groups. The last time he visited, which was only for 2-3 days, his first priority was to find a local group because he went every day. Honestly, it was an addiction. The whole thing is very sad. This whole mortal coil thing sucks in many ways.

{{{Smonster}}}

{{{lisah}}}}

Love and hugs all around.

If only you'd suggested that they use eggs.

If only they'd read the recipe! Or Jacqueline's notes!

The morning light is particularly Hopper-esque today.

I still need to clean the kitchen. I mean, I cleaned the immediate aftermath, but not the all important Second Cleaning to bring it back into the land of orderliness.

My friend, Joce, who came to Thanksgiving is coming back this afternoon to do a little photo shoot in the back yard and garden apartment in a bid to be part of an ad campaign. (She's already jumped through the first few hoops.)

I think I mentioned that after Matilda's bf broke up with her that she was suddenly having long conversations with recent grads from her HS and extended social circle who were headed off to college. And I figured that come Thanksgiving she'd get getting some attention from those boys back from their Freshman year. And lo, it has come to pass as she spent last night with Kenny and his friends.

Honestly, it was an addiction. The whole thing is very sad. This whole mortal coil thing sucks in many ways.

What a sad story. I'm sorry.

Laura, I'm sorry. Sad news.

Cross your fingers for the Middle East tonight. Looks like both Israel and Hamas are not delivering 100%, so no hostages return yet today. They have 4 hours to release today's hostages or the deal is off. And I'd really really really like to see these kids back in the country and the trucks entering Gaza.