November To Do list

It is the first Monday of November, and I have a moment to create a list of projects to complete.  Already on my November list:
Celebrate my mother's 90th Birthday -  done.  We took her out for dinner on her birthday, and then Pat, the director of the Eccles Community Art Center had a celebration for her on the First Friday Art Stroll with cake, balloons, flowers, and best wishes from all the patrons that attended.

My annual stint replacement surgery - done, I am feeling fine.

The November Art Stroll - done.

Vote. - done.  I mailed in my ballot.

The second annual portfolio review for high school students - done.
Done, done and done.
Still to complete:
Change my closet from Fall to Winter clothes.  Although the weather is still lovely, I know that we will be needing sweaters and coats soon.- done
Finish reading "Nemesis" by Catherine Coulter
Write and Mail my Thanksgiving correspondence-- done
Finish a watercolor painting- done

For work:
Create a paper bag turkey for the Toddler Art class.- done
Finish putting together the winter class schedule. - done

Look for more creative pursuits and take longer morning walks while the weather is so lovely.

What plans do you have for November.
Oh, it appears that I will be assisting with the making of Thanksgiving dinner this year.

Thanksgiving Memories

Thanksgiving morning, the kitchen is filled with scents of apples, bullion, onion and herbs.  My mother is set begin the Thanksgiving Day meal. My niece arrives, herald by a greeting bark from Mollie.  The preparations begin.  My niece MandiAnne apprentice, watching and learning how to make dressing from my mother.  She cuts two apples, two onions, and four celery stalks, adds boxed herbal bread crumbs, then bullion and shortening.  My mother tells her that our dressing distinctive flavor comes from adding summer savory.  MandiAnne laughs she finds it funny that no one in the family measure ingredients.

Then to the turkey, MandiAnne whispers "uncooked turkeys are gross." She is really freaked out by the turkey neck and giblets.  The cooking, mixing, chopping, baking continues with congenial ribbing.

I set the table for the family, memories of childhood Thanksgiving dinner come to mind.  Dinner at my grandmother house with cards tables lined up with the dinning room table through the kitchen and into the living room.  The children's table in the small front bedroom.  Aunts, uncles and cousins passing sliced turkey, mashed potatoes, grandpa's indian corn and more.  Then later when the families got larger, we shared Thanksgiving day dinner with my aunt Phyllis at the farm.  And when her family grew, we started having them at home.

My brother and nephew arrive.  I have built a fire in the living room.  Its flames curl around the wood, then scent of its smoke mixes with the scent of the baking turkey.

While waiting for the Turkey to cook, we all create paper sack turkeys.>

Zack & Curtis' turkey

Mom's & mine

 MandiAnne's.  All different.  Which do you think turned out the best?

Dinner was served.  Mom put together a delightful meal.  Turkey, dressing, potatoes, gravy, vegetables, cranberries and rolls were pasted.  Later pumpkin pie was served.  

Then those with in-laws and ex-in-law left to attend other gathering.  Those that stayed did dishes.....  dishes  ...  dishes,   and more dishes.  Kitchen and dishes clean.  Turkey and left overs in the frig....

We sit by the fire for a nap.  After all we all know that turkey makes one sleepy.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving day!