The Lights Flickered

As a mom I always told my kids when the lights flickered it was someone in heaven telling us they were looking in on us. I know this is probably just an old wives tale but on 2 occasions I remember remarking to the kids about a  light flickering. Shortly after my brother in law died  we had a family room lamp that would go off for no apparent reason. And the same thing happen after my father in law died. So when amidst all of the food preparations on Thanksgiving day the kitchen light flickers we all laughed and talked about John checking in on us. Now, I admit,  my kitchen light has had a flickering problem that I am sure is an old neon light ballast that needs to be replaced, but the light hadn't had a problem in months. And it was only a problem when you turned the light on. Thursday the flickering occurred while the light had been on for several hours.

We all enjoyed remembering and including our thoughts of John in the festivities of the holiday. Of course as a mom when everything has returned to "normal" I still am pondering the thoughts of John. If in fact there is another dimension, be it heaven or space or whatever,  I would like to think we can check back in. And I would be happy to have John see that we have all moved on in our lives. That is what he would want. The family and friends that filled our house this weekend were wonderful. We ate spectacular food prepared with love. We watched football. We were happy. But what makes me sad is that John wouldn't see all of the little moments that we still so badly miss him. Of course even as I write that I know he knows that. We love you John, we miss you. Happy Thanksgiving....thanks for checking in on us. We are doing OK.

Black Friday Fun

No shopping for us but Jessica, Michael, and I met Jesi and AJ at Bass Pro to see Santa Claus. AJ gave Santa his requests and was off to see the train display.

Thanksgiving Pictures

We had a great Thanksgiving Day. Lots of work, but fun when everyone pitches in to help. We skyped with Mom and Dad in Florida where the temperature was 90 while we shivered in the low 40's here in Ohio. Our evening dinner included all of the traditionals and yes I did find a rutabaga. There are NO leftover rutabagas for today. First time ever!! Steve has continued to tweak his recipe so those of us non lovers of rutabagas have finally agreed that they aren't so bad. Unfortunately it is his loss now. Jesi, her sister Beth, and AJ joined us for dessert and after dinner festivities. So much fun so much to be thankful for.

Tuesday before Thanksgiving

The preparations have begun for the annual feast at our house. The turkey was not thawing very quickly in the refrigerator so I took it out this morning and have started the quick thaw method. We will brine tomorrow and so I also made the vegetable stock for the brine solution. The kitchen is beginning to smell like the holidays. A trip to the grocery store today should provide all of the other essentials. Of course I have not found the required rutabaga yet but I am confident that it will be out there today. We have a full table with family and friends. Jessica is due in later today and Mike will be coming up after work tomorrow. They are both looking forward to Mom's traditional preparations which include making an apple pie while watching the Macy's Christmas parade. We still remember what a wonderful Thanksgiving we had in New York for Mike's 10th birthday trip. It doesn't seem like it could have been 16 years ago.

Thinking of everyone this Thanksgiving and wishing safe travels.

I loved this blog

Well I am making a committment! I have referred to the blog history three times this week and so I am thinking this is not the time to stop posting. Of course the reasons for posting are different, but I have really enjoyed looking back at certain events and being able to find the "real" details. Like I think it was a year ago and in fact it was 2 or even 3 years ago. I started the blog never thinking about it having a life of its own. Now it has. Stay tuned for more postings.