Thanksgiving 2012

Well, it's officially over. And so is Black Friday. Did any of you venture out for bargains? Believe me, I was tempted but ended up shopping online since it was so darn cold! We headed to our friend's house about 45 minutes away for a small Thanksgiving gathering. I made banana split cakes as dessert, our friends from Brazil Joao & Regina brought the turkey they had prepared, and Josiana (also from Brazil) and her husband Manuel (from El Salvador) provided the side dishes of rice, salad, etc... along with the place to gather! It was lots of fun and we had a great time, good food and conversation. Hoping your holiday was good too! The next day, Black Friday, I stayed home all day and cleaned house lol. In between doing laundry and dishes and all the other "fun" stuff (NOT!) I checked out online sites for good deals and found a few that I took advantage of. There was no way I was standing outside Walmart for hours and not getting what I came there for, especially since I hate cold! Now maybe if I lived someplace warm, I might be tempted, but these old bones can't take the cold very well. Now that it's almost December, the rush to Christmas is on. While I've gotten a few things, there are some things I just can't get. If money were no object, sure, I'd go for it. But even though my family will get a few things from me, I'd much rather give than receive-so I'm buying for the kids only this year as they really aren't at the age where they understand so well about what Christmas is all about. (well, my grandsons at least, my almost 11 yr old understands quite well, and isn't really asking for much because she has seen so many people without the basic necessities on our trips to Guatemala.) I'd much rather spend quality time with family and friends, eat a good meal, and watch the kids open any gifts they might get. So I am leaving you with a few images of our recent Thanksgiving Day meal & get together. Enjoy the upcoming week, I am off to California next weekend for MLS Cup and I can't wait!

The leaves have fallen from the trees, there is a chill in the air. Yes, it is almost Thanksgiving here in Maine. Work has been busy, but I enjoy being busy-and thankful of course that I still have a job since the employment situation here in the US still isn't wonderful. I haven't taken photos in what seems like forever... shh... don't tell hubby but I misplaced the camera! Guess I'd better find it before we head to Los Angeles for MLS Cup on the 30th! He will definitely be wanting photos of the game and the trip! I've got a few things planned for Thanksgiving, but won't be celebrating it at home-we will be heading to a friend's house for turkey Brazilian style (stuffed with bacon and all kinds of meats, and I love BACON lol) and we will hang out with friends from Brazil, El Salvador, and of course Guatemala :) I do feel guilty though about leaving my mom alone, but she hates turkey and usually makes herself something at home since she doesn't want to go anywhere. Then comes the fun of Black Friday and planning out the evening... Geez, is it only me thinking this or does Black Friday come earlier every year?!! I do have a couple of things I want to get, so if I am lucky enough to get them, great, if not...oh well... on to the next. Life is too short to be fighting over the last Wii at Walmart :) Thought I'd leave you all with a photo of hubby with his three granddaughters in Guatemala... they are getting so big and growing so quickly, just like my 2 grandsons here in Maine. "Our" daughter is almost 11 herself, and she loves being an Aunt to 5 little ones! Wishing all my readers, friends, and of course the curious that stop by from time to time a wonderful Thanksgiving! Make it special, smile, and make lots of good memories!