About Me

My photo
I am a retired English teacher and department head, the mother of three grand mother of four, and have been married to the same man for 52 years. I subscribe to Dr. PM Forni's concept of Civility. I was born in South Philadelphia and grew up in the 'burbs. I love soft pretzels and cheesesteaks, the Phillies, the Eagles, and San Diego. I love being Mom, Aunt Kathy, Nona Kathy, and Teacher. I spend a lot of time in my gardens in the spring and summer, and in the winter I plan what I'm going to plant. I also am an avid reader and photographer.

Translator!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

And We're Off!

I've been forgoing any blog time because we've been a bit busy.  Forgive my absence.  I'll catch up with you all in a few days.

It's 6:56 AM.  Those of you who know me also know that this is the middle of the night for me, BUT I need to add (sanctimoniously) that I've been up since 4:30.  Problems sleeping?  No, I'm just excited.  Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday and frankly for the past two days I've been a cookin' fool.  And today will be no different.  My mom is here helping me.  She's ironed the napkins -- told her this wasn't necessary;  they're paper.  Kidding... 

I've strayed...no, not that way:  no pies this year.  Instead, I made pecan bars and pumpkin bars.  Same filling recipes as their pie counterparts, just with a shortbread cookie crust.  Today I'll make the apple crisp.  Thought these would be a nice change.  I also made the gravy and the cranberry sauce both a lá Ina Garten from the Food Network. 

Also on today's docket are cornbread and traditional sausage stuffing, brining the turkey breasts, the broccoli casserole, and peeling the potatoes and just sticking them in water.

My brother is expected here any minute.  We'll take him to the airport as he's on his way to Mississippi to meet up with his financée.  They are off on a cruise where they will stop in the Cayman Islands AND GET MARRIED!!!  We're very happy for them and we love Debbie a lot.

Son, DIL, Daughter, the two grand daughters and Richard and I went last weekend to cut down our Christmas trees.  The first day the farm was open -- a perfect time as there were no crowds -- and we found three trees very quickly.  While there, a CNN reporter asked if he could film us.  They're doing a segment on Christmas tree purchases.  He said that this was a wonderful respite for him as he was used to covering wars.  Our daughter told him to stick around.  If it airs, it will be this weekend.

Going down to make some coffee.  Blessings, dear friends,  Kathy

12 comments:

Purple Flowers said...

Best Wishes to you and your family for a fun-filled Thanksgiving day (and evening too).
Congratulations to your brother and soon to be sister-in-law on their marriage. May they have many happy years together.

I am thankful to have met you!

Jules said...

Hiya Kathy!! Don't you just love today?? My favorite day is the day BEFORE Thanksgiving. Cooking, chopping, preparing, planning, drinking Bloody Mary's....... I'd better get started, especially with the drinking :)

Enjoy your family and your holiday. I'm thankful for your friendship!

Linda said...

You remind me of my mother. Nothing excited her like Thanksgiving. Hope you have a wonderful day.

happyone said...

Sounds like you have everything under control and have done a lot ahead of time. Everything sounds delicious.
A very Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! :-)

Kimberly said...

Thanksgiving and July 4th are the holidays I get most homesick. We will have turkey and some of the trimmings tomorrow, but it's a busy school, work, and football day here, so we'll save our big celebration for Sunday with some friends. Enjoy your day!!

Lena said...

Your desserts so sooo good. Nice to change it up!

I am loving all the preparations as well.

Have a GREAT and Happy Thanksgiving.

I am thankful I found you in the blogosphere, I always enjoy visiting here.

Cobalt Violet said...

Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Have a wonderful time with your family!
Many Blessings to you Kathy!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Kathy, Congrats to your brother... Sounds like a neat place to get married... How special!!!!! Too bad though that he didn't take the entire family with him.... ha

Glad your Mom is there. I know you will have a wonderful dinner tomorrow... Your pumpkin rolls and pecan rolls sound like a nice change.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Hugs,
Betsy

Cheryl said...

You are in your element! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Kathy. Wish I could sit at your table :)

Linda Reeder said...

How do you make gravy ahead? Don't you need drippings from the turkey?
With our change of plans, I am now hosting a small gathering for Thanksgiving. I am excited to be doing the cooking and table decorating and all this year. We're just hoping the weather cooperates and out guest can arrive safely. It's still very cold here.

Mage said...

Oh, what fun it all sounds. Have a glorious day and tell us all about it tomorrow. :)

cri said...

Kathy, you are right! Only a mad girl like could buy Ikea's food.
I promise: this is the first and the last! I love pizza, spaghetti!!!
Kisses, Cristina