Post Thanksgiving Post

“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson

Thanksgiving was a flurry of activity, fun, and family. Angie, Mike and the grandkids, Dale, Crystal, and the grandpuppy. Mike's family too.
We spent alot of time in the kitchen. Frank was able to do his famous stuffing again this year and, of course, the turkey. It was wonderful as always.

We had 16 for dinner (10 adults, 6 kiddo's) and we managed to fit them all in and we weren't squished like sardines.

We are very blessed. It was a wonderful day with everyone. Angie was in charge of dessert and made individual pies (Cherry, Apple, and Pumpkin), they were amazing!

On Saturday morning Dale, Crystal, and Tucker headed back to Mitchell so she had a day to recoup before going back to work. Cooper started "recouping" early.

Now it's on to Christmas planning and preparing. It's a whirlwind until after New Year's!

P.S. They won :(

The boy did it again

Tonight was Milo's 2nd belt test. First one was for the uniform/white belt. This Taekwondo studio does half belts up to a certain point and then it's full color belts. Anyway, tonight he tested for his orange/white belt. I won't say he didn't struggle with a couple of things but he just kept moving forward like a trooper. Gramps went along with me tonight and we were so proud of the way he kept trying until he got it. It was his first board break too. He did that with the heel of his foot. He tried several times and finally they put out a different board and voila - he broke it!

He couldn't be prouder - and neither could we! He was first in line to have his board signed by the studio Master.

Winter is staying

“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.”
― Edith Sitwell

Usually we get a few snows and total melts before winter sets in. So far it seems to be different, most of the snow is remaining and it snowed again late yesterday just before dark. I shoveled off the back patio last night because I heard it was supposed to be super cold today and I didn't want to have to be out there that long. It was true - we had 4 degrees above the donut this morning!

I got the front cleaned off this morning and filled up the woodstove, that's about it, no dilly dallying this morning. Even Coop was hopping at the door ready to come in. I did take a shot of this sunrise but I opened the door and took it.

Yesterday was a beautiful sky too so I'll add that too.

Today I get to pick up my new glasses - I am beyond excited! Have to drop off the meat grinder at Ange's since they got some venison and do a couple other things and then back home!

Unofficial Minnesota Holiday

“Just because something is traditional is no reason to do it, of course.”
― Lemony Snicket, The Blank Book

Today is the first day of the Firearm Deer Season. It is something that is a long standing tradition in my family and has been something Frank and I have done for many years. Well, this year, for many reasons we decided to pass. The weather was misty, damp, and cold so it was a good day to stay indoors. We hope to get the deer report from other family and friends and wish them luck, and safety.

I made Chicken Wild Rice Hotdish, It's a fave of ours for Deer Season (hunting not required). Talked to Crystal on the phone for quite a while, her life is very busy. We also had a visit from our friend Dale.

Later, I worked on the Dog sweater for Cooper. I finished the back and now it's on to to the underneath portion. It's been a fun knit even though I flubbed and had to take out 7 rows. Crocheting is much easier to frog than knitting as anyone that has done both can attest to. I do like the look of it, will he wear it? Who knows.

Link to the pattern is here. I had to use the L/XL size for Coop - He is so long and lanky that I had to lay it on him to make sure it would cover him. It seemed adequate. And if he refuses to wear it I have a grandpuppy that it will fit as well so it's a win win!

Speaking of winning, we did not - They won :(

This and That, mostly rambling.

Today was an abstract day. I'm kind of freaking out about how fast the Holidays are creeping up on me, I am so unprepared.

I'm already tired of shoveling off the new patio. Why did we decide to have such a big patio again? I realize I could just shovel off some of it but my O.C.D. just isn't letting that happen. I will really enjoy it again in the spring :)

Had the eye appointment and they had a fancy scan to check for glaucoma and other eye issues, I got the clean bill of health there. Ended up having to order trifocals again. They assured me that if they aren't right they will keep working on them until they are. After the last pair of those I am skeptical but trying to be positive. They should be in in about 2 weeks they said.

I'm working on a doggie sweater for Coop, so far so good. I like the look of it, hopefully he'll like it and it will keep him a bit warmer. My buttonholes aren't the best in the west but they should hold on to the buttons. First time I've made them.

Tomorrow's Friday already, Can't believe it!