My (estranged) mother tried to invite herself to Thanksgiving at my house, and I felt extremely guilty but did not agree, but as a result I’m not sure what’s happening. I’m planning on her inviting the kids to her house Thanksgiving day so she can play loving matriarch, and then we’ll do Second Thanksgiving Friday or Saturday at our house. But we’ll see, and if we can get it together Tom and anyone else within striking distance is welcome.

If your region has a Kroger or Kroger-owned chain, you probably have access to Graeter’s. Because Cincinnati protects its own.

Oh Cashmere that is rough and Jen’s husband too.

Happy moving to Calli!

Glad you got there safe meara and safe travels to all traversing this week.

Tom, you are welcome to come to my house for Tday. We are five (plus Mac who will be upstairs in his room) so far and I have a bed you can stay over on if you want to come down Wed and/or stay through Fri. I didn’t think to initially invite you because of your family nearby, but henceforth all holidays you are welcome with us for chaos and community.

I can’t believe it is Monday again and work is a thing. Mac moved out of the living room and up to his bedroom on Saturday for the 2nd 3weeks of no weight bearing on his foot. He also had his second shower in 3 weeks. I’m very thankful for both. I spent the bulk of yesterday in my beloved recliner in the living room.

My house is an absolute mess, so the next two days after work will but putting all the things away, then cleaning all the space downstairs and in my room (the rest of the house can remain a mess. In fact, getting things presentable may include moving piles and doom bags of things to the basement for future me to deal with).

you are welcome with us for chaos and community.

I love that phrase so much. Perfect. Someone paint it on some reclaimed wood and hang it up at the threshold to the b.org commune! With appropriate attribution, of course, as we do.

msbelle, thank you, and if I had more advanced warning, I would have accepted your offer. But I already committed to showing up at work on Friday, and Amtrak is mostly sold out (and crazy expensive).

Ok, well keep in mind for December. I’m thinking of a 25th snacks only type of thing and board games, maybe puzzles. We don’t really do presents and have no traditions anymore.

Sorry for all the stressful event, Cash.

This weekend I got my flu and covid vaccinations, did a load of laundry, did a bunch of vacuuming, replaced the front struts on our Honda Civic, went grocery shopping, and did the usual cooking. The vaccines made me run a fever most of the weekend so I got pretty tired out.

Not going anywhere for Thanksgiving but have a turkey breast now defrosting in the fridge. Planning to roast it on the grill. Plans for Christmas got scuttled as well. We're trying to buttress our savings with the prospect of broad tariffs, mass deportations, and big cuts in government spending looming. None of those are likely to be good for the economy.

I have my doubts about big cuts to government spending, that's always a lot easier to say than to do, but Trump seems pretty determined on the tariffs and deportations. Not that it still couldn't fizzle out, but I am concerned.

Hugs to those with stressful holidays.

I also love the (good) chaos of a loving community.

My friend runs an LGBTQ support non-profit nearby and I am researching starting one in our county for young adults, teens and families.

The only thing I think I can control is how much I try to protect and support vulnerable people in the coming years.

msbelle, I totally empathize with Mac. No weight-bearing is INSANELY annoying and boring and makes everything twice as hard to do. I have definitely gotten some humbling experience with mobility.

With cost cutting and worrying, We are focused on experience and safety and sanity. flea, good for you for keeping your boundaries.

David, are you familiar with the Sandwiches of History YouTube channel?