She's up to something...

"For whom the bell tolls...." I will tell you that there are some changes coming. Remember back in the early fall I said I could feel change coming but I just didn't know what it was yet. Well, now I know. You will know soon too. Doesn't that sound ominous? It's not really. Not ominous.
It's not one change, it's going to be a series of happenings. It makes me nervous and excited all at once. But I can't tell you yet because I don't have anyway of knowing who reads this blog and if the information got into the wrong hands before the appropriate time, well, that wouldn't be good.

So for now let's talk about the Turkey Day. On Thanksgiving Day my Boo and I went to his parents house for dinner. His lovely mom always cooks for an army even though only four people are eating. She got a new wedding band because her's had to be cut off her finger...she
outgrew it. I can't rememer how long they've been married but it's something like 40 years, she's due for a new band. She was so excited to show it off. The dinner was amazing as usual.

On Friday I did not go out shopping with the deal hunters. This is the first year I haven't gone since I don't know when. I just wasn't feeling it. There wasn't anything I needed.

Saturday Boo and I went and purchased a treadmill which is being delivered and set up on Friday. We're trying to be healthier. Or prevent bad health I guess. I figure a treadmill is less expensive than a heart attack in ten years. Right?
Meanwhile, I put my turkey in the oven for roasting. I tried something new this year, I brined it the night before. So I drained off the brine, rinsed the bird then stuck it in the oven. Several hours later my family showed up for dinner. We always have a good time and this year was no different. Boo and I have a Wii game system and everyone really enjoyed it. I hate video games, always have. But the Wii is different. It's great for all ages (they even have them in nursing homes!) and you have to be physically active to play it. For hours my family boxed, bowled and golfed in my living room. We sat down to a fantastic dinner, I cooked peas, corn and rolls in addition to the bird (which was so juicy and moist thanks to brining!) Mom made stuffing and mashed potatoes; my sister-in-law made green bean casserole, mac and cheese and cranerry cheesecake bars. I also contributed a homemade apple pie. Delish!
So glad we ordered the treadmill.
I'll keep you up to date on the big happenings, when the bell tolls, you'll be the first to know!

Mama Said

I'm sick today. Probably from all the holiday happenings...got me all run down. That's what my mom always used to say to me..."You're going to get run down and sick if you keep going the way you are!" Maybe there is some wisdom there someplace. Although, this is the same woman who asked me the most ridiculous question the other day on the phone. Here's how it went...
Me: "Well, I bought our bird for Thanksgiving"
Mom: "Do you know how to cook it? You just need an hour for every four pounds"
Me: "I was just going to go to butterball.com and check out their instructions"
Mom: "WHAT?! Do you think the internet is smarter than me???" (deeply offended and serious)
I of course said, "No, mom." I was thinking to myself, what a crazy question.

Just so you know, I've been on the couch all day wrapped in multiple crocheted afghans and my little dog Mya has been right here by my side. Oh, except for the two hours I had to drag myself across town to doctor my horse. The barn owner called to tell me my horse, Dixie, had come in lame last night. So, together he and I soaked her foot in hot water and epsom salt. I gave her some bute (horsey Tylenol) and put her back in her stall. If she's not any better tomorrow I'll be calling the vet.
I do love my critters.

Thanksgiving vs. Day of the Turkey

I feel like a child that can't focus on school because I'm so excited about an upcoming event that doesn't have anything to do with school. My brain has left the office. I'm ready to be cooking and eating and bustling in the kitchen. I'm ready to watch the Macy's parade and eat coffee cake on the couch.

Boo and I will travel to his parents on the day of the turkey (that's what it's known as in Mexico). Not really. Anyway. We'll go early and take a vegetable. His mom is going to help me sew new buttons to my favorite sweater because Mya chewed the old ones off. I'm pretty sure I never learned about sewing buttons in Home Ec. class. Thanks for nothing Mrs. Pearson. But I learned how to make a mean pair of "jams"!

I digress.

On Saturday my familia will join Boo and I at our home. I plan to just make a big turkey breast instead of the whole dirty bird. We'll also have other basics such as green bean casserole, corn, mashed potatoes, peas (because I love them) and rolls. I am toying with the idea of having a relish tray too. I do plan to eat in moderation because I am scheduled to be in a bathing suit in February.

We just booked our honeymoon and I am probably going to pee my pants with excitement! We're going to Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Woo hoo! More on that another time.

Let's talk about Friday. To shop or not to shop? This is probably the craziest thing I do for a deal. I love deals and bargains. In my old age, however, I've gotten more selective. It's not a deal if you're buying something you don't need.

So, I will peruse the store ads and if a bargain snares my attention, I will be up before the ass-crack of dawn to go hunt it down and drag it home. I actually persuaded Boo to go with me to Kohl's last year, this year he is wise to my ways and plans to sleep in. That's okay though, I move more quickly from store to store when I'm alone. A lonely hunter. Stealth and cat-like I will move through the shadows of the parking lots. I will shield my eyes from the agonizing burn of florescent retail lighting before natural light emerges. And bravely I will prepare myself with a Grande sugar-free vanilla Americano.

And that my friends is why I am on vacation in my mind. In fact I'll share this photo of my horse. She is expressing her feelings about vaction too.