Gravy In A Jar

This holiday weekend felt a lot like the picture above. Warm, leisurely and happy. Although Wednesday night's frigid rain had me worried, I sauteed some scallops, crawled under a blanket and slept like the dead. I felt so much better when I woke up Thursday morning. Thanksgiving day itself turned out to be lovely. An orphan this year, I spent the day at my friend Miranda's mom's house with their family. They moved out to Montpelier a few years ago and their house feels like a home away from home because Miranda and I grew up together. We ate like champs (apparently I make a mean corn pudding) and capped it off with a lovely walk around their backyard (giant field) just as the sun was coming out. 

I managed to get up all of my Christmas decorations like planned so the house feels cheery and I'm feeling pretty festive. Got in about 60 miles on the bike and finished most of my to-do list. With a lot of my friends and family out of town, I was determined to not sit around and at least use the time to be productive. Hopefully it will mean less stress as December gets in full gear. I may have squeezed in an Indiana Jones movie marathon along the way as well. All in all a really nice weekend. 

I always get a little sad though around the holidays now. Our family is pretty small, with my Dad gone even smaller, and we never had many formal traditions growing up, just that we'd eat together on holidays. Looking back I wish we'd had more, but hopefully in the future I can start more of my own. In lieu of a real home base or family dinner, I try and rely on little things that make me feel nostalgic. 

Macy's Parade on tv....

Gravy in a jar...my favorite....I'm a woman of simple tastes....

Grabbing the turkey leg before anyone else can get it.......

Pie, green bean casserole, stuffing.....

Falling asleep on the couch watching a movie....

I hope you had a wonderful holiday as well. 

Pics are, as ever, a mash-up of my camera, iphone and others Hope you enjoy!