This is probably the longest period of time I've let pass without blogging, so now I'm really playing catch up. I've missed it but the longer I go, the easier it seems to be to pass the opportunity by to do some reflection. There are times when it's almost physical for me to reflect and think about the things that are going on in my life, which isn't actually much. My need for a simple life is great though. If distraction persists for longer periods of time, the more difficult it becomes to get back on track and submit to the needs and desires for the enjoyment of living - just being.
We've been in the middle of a big push to get our front deck done with the help of the youngest son. He's done a fabulous job with little input from us as far as construction is concerned. Designwise, I gave him my vision and he more or less ran with it. I couldn't be more pleased. He's about 3/4 of the way finished and gave it all he could, working in the dark, before the snow started falling Friday night. Argggggggg! I am not ready for the snow, and right now it's falling hard - big flakes coming in different directions. It's funny, I'm looking over my neighbor's roofs and the snow is coming in a bit sideways. It's falling straight down in my yard, and next door, it's falling at an angle just opposite of the stuff falling on the street just below us. It's very pretty and tranquil - it almost seems like it's dancing to the music I have playing, swirling this way and that - but I'm just not ready for it. Maybe I just need to sit and realize that it is there for me to enjoy and relish if I so desire. Everything has a meaning and the meaning I place on it can help me through the day, the hour, the minute, if I so choose to allow the experience to bring me joy instead of fueling disappointment.
I am glad I went out yesterday and did all my Thanksgiving food shopping. I've purchased an organic turkey from our local butcher and it better be good as it cost me three times as much as a regular big box store turkey would! I also bought a turkey breast from Safeway and I plan to brine both, so we'll get a comparison and also more turkey for sandwiches. I was in a bit of a panic at Safeway while looking for fresh sage in the produce section. Last year all the grocery stores ran out and, of course, I had waited until the last minute to purchase it. So, this year I was bound and determined to get my sage. I immediately headed over to herbs and could feel my heart sink as I rummaged through the plastic packages looking for the "Fresh Sage" label. None. Fortunately, the produce guy saw my distress and asked me what I was looking for (I had totally decimated his tidy rows of packages). I said, with the look of horror in my eyes, "SAGE," as he wheeled his little produce cart toward me. As he got closer, he said, "How many would you like?" I was ecstatic as I cannot do without my crisped sage leaves on top of my yams - no marshmallows here. I felt like Fagan with his fingerless gloves clutching my sage bundles and gently tucking them into my cart - I think I began humming If I Were A Rich Man as I snuck away. Deep fried herbs are a delicacy and sage is right up there in the must have category. This year I'm going to try browned butter and crispy sage leaf gnocchi if I'm not too rushed with the rest of the feast. I do have several dishes prepared. I made four miniature loaves of bread on Sunday, broth for the turkey gravy, and pureed the roasted sugar pie pumpkins. I'll probably get the pastry for the pies done today and maybe even the stuffing and yams. That way, I'll just have to cook and mash the potatoes, put the turkeys in the oven, stir fry the brussel sprouts and cook the green bean casserole. I'm sure I've forgot something, but it'll come to me. Looking forward to staying home and an intimate dining experience with my very favorite people. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
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