A Tradition in the Making

O.S. brought his camera and tri-pod over. We FINALLY got a pic of all of us at once!

One Little Mishap

O.k., so things didn't start out so good on Thursday morning.

I put the unwrapped turkey in the sink for a last minute thawing session and ran the sink over.

Wouldn't you think the water would've just gone into the other sink?

No matter. We had 18 people. (1 newborn and one yet-to-be-born)

It was a wonderful day. The only problem with being the hostess is one cannot be everywhere at once.

But, thanks to O.S.'s fiancee we got it all done and were ready when everyone got here.

Here's the pre-dinner snack table.

The Very Short Discussion

A day or two before Thanksgiving I was talking to my sister. We were discussing who was bringing what, etc., and making plans. Hubby and I hosted Thanksgiving.

Out of the blue she says, "I'm saying Grace."

Without a micro-second's hesitation I said, "Oh, no you're not! I'M saying Grace. But don't worry, I'll be sure to include all the things YOU have to be thankful for too."

It got real quiet.

For what felt like a LONG time.

Then I said, "Or we could BOTH say Grace."

Mind you, this is my one and only sister. She is less than a full year older than me. We are as close as two people can possibly be. (But truth be told, she always 'ran the show' so to speak when we were growing up.)

But, to make a short story shorter, she conceded.

Like a good big sister should.

I LOVE YOU BIG-SISTER-OF-MINE!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

My Dad made us all one of these. I decided since he matches my centerpiece and Fiestaware, I'd put it all in the pic!

The Colors of Fall

I absolutely LOVE the colors of Fall.

Scarlet Red, Shamrock Green, Tangerine Orange, and Sunflower Yellow.

Two of my wonderful co-workers got this centerpiece for us, as a housewarming gift.

Long story, but I've decided I want some COLOR in our house so these are the colors I've chosen.

I've even started a collection of dinnerware in these colors! Goofy, aren't I?

G Got One!

O.k., people.

Apparently this is something that makes a hunter very happy.

G got home last night and says, "Come on honey! Come and see him!" I was in my jammies and in bed but G was so excited! So, out we go to the garage.

The WHOLE darn deer was in the back of the SUV. Gutted, thank goodness. Ewwwwwwwwww.

G quartered it and did whatever else one does to prepare it for the butcher, while I was at work today. We're taking it to Yoder's (surprised at THAT name?) to be processed. They will make it into the BEST beef sticks . . . ummhhhh . . . I mean deer sticks!

The back straps are in the freezer. That's supposed to be the best part, or so I've been told.

I never thought I'd like deer meat, but it is one of the leanest meats I've ever eaten. And it's fresh. No steroids or whatever.

G wants to have the head and rack mounted. Sheesh! Do you know how much that costs? So, I said, "How many deer heads do you need?" Turns out he needs at least two. Already has one.

But, he loves it so much.

And fishing.

And golfing.

November 5th 2008

This is a very special day for me and one 'Long Awaited'

It's O.S.'s last official day of active duty in the U.S. Army. And although he is still committed to 3 years of inactive Reserves, I don't think we need to worry about a return to Iraq.

When he called me 5 years ago to tell me about his enlistment, I must be honest.....Iraq was the first thing that came to my mind.

But a worry no more.

For that I thank the Lord.

Sweet and No-So-Sweet

O.S. and his Fiancee.

L.S.'s pumpkin carving.