Thanksgiving is over, and Christmas is right around the corner. I spent a good part of yesterday writing out Christmas cards. It's something I normally do every year on Thanksgiving, after the meal is finished and the dishes mostly done. But this year, the day after Thanksgiving was good enough. After all, I usually don't start sending them out until December 1. Monday will be here soon enough.
Actually, I'm kind-of looking forward to New Year's. It seems that this time of year, so many of us proclaim that "I can't wait until this year is over!" for a variety of reasons. And yes, some years seem to warrant that sentiment. Death, divorce, all sorts of reasons give rise to that can't wait sentiment.
This has been one of those years for us. My son-in-law, B., died in July. Then my step-dad. I can't really say that Jim and I were close; we never met in person, and had only talked briefly on the phone from time to time. But that's beside the point. Then my roommate had a car wreck that warranted a week-long hospital stay and a short cast. During this time, between his family and his actions, I discovered things I'd really rather not have known. My sons J. and M. and I had pegged roomie as a storyteller. We just didn't know the full extent of it.
We finally had to tell him he would have to move, and it had nothing to do with the stories. There were several reasons factoring into this, none of which really need to come out here. Suffice it to say that for a while, things were a little strained.
During this time, my sister called numerous times. Mom was fading rapidly. She finally passed away November 11, never having made it to Oregon with my sister. Although my sister and I knew it was coming, it still hit hard. While I'd been closer to Dad, who passed away in 2007, Mom was our remaining parent, the last wall between A. and I and the future. Now A. and I are the last remnants of our birth family.
Then, last week, roomie moved. He was supposed to be out earlier, and had tried to make his stay longer ("Would it be possible to stay until December 1?" he'd asked; I responded with a firm, "No."). But when last Saturday came, we both seemed okay with it. Maybe resigned might be a better way of putting it. But it looks like it's going to work out nicely for both of us. And it was very much needed - again, for both of us. Now the extra bedroom can go back to being an office/studio/thinking space/library/whatever, at least for the time being. M.H. and G. might have to move in, and if so, that'll be their room. We'll have to wait and see.
Back to Thanksgiving...M.H. had Thanksgiving off, so she and G. came over for dinner. The flip side is that she has to work Christmas day, which stinks. Actually, I feel much stronger about stores that remain open on holidays and that don't pay their employees accordingly (i.e: at least time-and-a-half or more for working holidays), but I'm using my "nice words" this morning.
But as for dinner: Two years ago, M. and I had gone to their place for Thanksgiving, a day filled with memories that I hope they'll love as much as I do. Since M.H. had to work last Thanksgiving, and the bus ride of the year before had complicated things, we'd both done the Thanksgiving-at-home routine, touching base in the morning to exchange Happy Thanksgivings.
This year, I managed to get a couple of pies made, then stuffed the turkey and put that in the oven. Then I headed out for a walk.
We live a few houses away from the back entrance to one of our city's parks. It has plenty of space for riding horses, playing Little League games, walking or running, as well as a playground and plenty of picnic tables and grills throughout fields and woods. Walking through the horse trails became a holiday tradition for me years ago, after I'd stopped driving cab, and during my better-half's last few months driving. It's always a great way to unwind, as well as feeling like I've earned a big meal. Also, I've seen changes in parts of the wooded areas over the years, as well as seeing houses go up around the park. It usually takes me an hour or so to head out and back; by that time, I'm usually ready to put my feet up before putting the finishing touches to the meal.
When M.H. and G. showed up, it was almost time to take the turkey out of the oven. No problem there. But while my stuffing usually gets good reviews, this year I changed things a little; let's just say that the stuffing was definitely memorable, but not in a great way. Some of the stuffing had been cooked inside the bird; that, of course, ended up at the bottom of the pan, along with part of the turkey, in a liquid-y mess. The stuffing that was baked outside the turkey was too crisp on top and basted waaaaaay too much below that crisp top layer. When it got chucked, there was a slight pool of yellow margarine at the bottom of the bowl. Actually, it would have buttered a medium-sized movie theater popcorn. Like I said: Memorable, but not in a great way.
M.H. and G. brought over some mac and cheese that M.H. fixed at our place, along with some rolls and some homemade chocolate chip cookies that G. had baked. They'd also brought along a few other things we needed. (Thanks!) (Also: G., if you're reading this, another batch of those cookies would make a great Christmas present! That's a not-so-subtle hint; they were really good!)
After we ate and talked for a little while, M.H. and G. headed back home and I started rounding up plates and glasses and bowls and pots and pans and got to work.
We still have the month of December to get through, including Christmas. But as long as the New Year rolls around, we'll make it.
Note: You can also check here for some of my other Thanksgiving memories.
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