The Thanksgiving extravaganza is over.......

.....and that's a good thing. As much as I love the family, it's good to have my house back to myself. I had to get everyone out so I could scrape the goo off the kitchen floor! Ten adults, five kids seven and under, four dogs, three cats, one baby boy and a partridge in a pear tree (just kidding about the partridge) makes for a very messy floor. And the noise! Did I forget to mention that the decibel level was that of an airplane! Well, it seemed that way at times.

There are barely any leftovers, thank goodness. We ate our second turkey dinner yesterday at noon and I sent what was left home with David's mom and dad. I even gave her the turkey carcass for making soup. I don't want to see another turkey for a while!

I'm taking Fannie's challenge to "wage a battle against embitterment and take part in 365 days of grace in small things" There is certainly a lot to be thankful for in my life, but sometimes I have to fight the negative side of me. I hope this will make me more thoughtful.

1. I'm thankful that my house is still big enough to hold our loved ones for holidays.

2. I'm glad that I can sit at my computer and look out at my chickens in the backyard at the same time.

3. I'm happy the sun is shining today.

I was visiting Laurie and she had a great post about TOMS shoes and the good work they are doing to help Ethiopian children prevent a terrible disease called podoconiosis. Please watch this YouTube video to find out more about how you can help.


And, finally, some adorable little people whom I just happen to call my grandchildren, plus one....Xan, their cousin.

Matthew is getting his first bite of cereal from Mommy.

 

Girls trying on their first (plastic)heels.

 

 

 

Got milk?

 

 

 

 

 

Matthew and Great-Grandma Phyllis

 

1-800-JENNY-20

"Hello, is this Jenny Craig?"

"Yes, this is Jenny Craig, how may we help you?"

"Well, I think my cat has a weight problem. Do you have a plan for cats?"

"What makes you think your cat is overweight?"
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'Nuff said.

Getting a head start

The cranberry salad and cranberry sauce are in the fridge. Two down and umpteen to go! Here are the recipes for those who enjoy cranberries.

CRANBERRY-ORANGE SALAD
1 12-oz. package cranberries (minus the icky ones)
1 navel orange (cut in chunks)
1/2-1 cup walnuts, or any nut you prefer
3/4 cup sugar
1 small package Cranberry Jello
1 medium apple, coarsely chopped

1. Pulse nuts in food processor a few times, then put into large bowl.
2. Process one-half the cranberries and one-half the orange chunks at a time, until finely chopped. Add to the nuts.
3. Add sugar and stir.
4. Dissolve Jello in 3/4 cup boiling water. I do this right in a 2-cup glass measuring cup. Cool quickly with 1 cup ice cubes, mixing until all are melted. Add to cranberry mixture. Chill for at least 2 hours. Will keep two weeks, refrigerated. If it lasts that long!

 

 

 

 

WHOLE-BERRY CRANBERRY SAUCE

1 12-oz. package cranberries (see above)
1 cup water
1/2 cup sugar, or to taste (I like mine tart!)
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
Zest from one orange

1. Sort and rinse cranberries and put in medium saucepan. Add water, sugar, ginger and orange zest. Bring to a boil; reduce temperature and simmer for 10 minutes. Let cool. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.