November Wrap-Up

Here it is, the last day of November. The family's been and gone, the turkey's been eaten and all of my Thanksgiving decor has been stashed away until next year. I have swapped out the dishes for my Winter plates in the kitchen and tomorrow, December the first, the true Christmas decorating will begin  here at Chez Goodneedle. I have watched Christmas go up a lot earlier this year, in our neighborhood and all around town, I know that people are at home and are eager to look forward to something brighter than what this year has revealed, for the most part. I have forced myself to hold out until December. I wanted to share this thankfulness turkey that our son and daughter in law had on their table on past Thursday, they hosted our family Thanksgiving meal together. As each family member arrived they could choose a "feather" to write what they were thankful for this year and place it in the turkey's tail. This turkey itself was purchased through an organization that provides meals to the hungry. Win-win! 

This was a portion of our feast, our son did the turkey on his pellet grill; it was spatch-cocked, juicy and perfectly cooked~ absolutely delicious! This entire center island was filled with pies later on. 

The girls read the thankfulness feathers after dinner was done and tried to guess who wrote which one.

The four cousins had a pre-Thanksgiving sleepover here the night before. This was story time before bed, including a dramatic reading of Turk and Runt compliments of Mason and Lucy Ann!

Mason's almost as tall as me now, my daughter sent this (12 yrs. later) pic collage after she returned home, I love it. It's a pure delight seeing him grow into a smart, athletic, kind and caring young man. 

I've dragged out my last year's Amaryllis bulb and am hopeful for reblooming. Time will tell. 

I've kicked off the season with a Peppermint Chocolate Chip milkshake, I try to limit myself to one a year. Again, time will tell;😉 in my defense I must say that these are my all time favorites (followed closely by Peach in the summer). 

Speaking of kicking off the season, you all know that I am a huge Home Free fan. This selection, Warmest Winter, the title song from their new album is a wonderful way to do just that. Click to listen, this is A Cappela at its best! You're welcome. 

Little Miss Lynnleigh began her decorating with a Christmas chain before we left her home last week.

I was able to get Lucy Ann's pillow completed; it's now wrapped and ready for Christmas giving. 

Donation quilts done during this past year are rolled and ready for distribution to the needy. I'm already working on next year's. My hope and prayer is that these will bring warmth and a bright spot where they're needed the most. Just like that, November's done! Sadly, no 'books read' list this month, I've been too busy to read enough that's even worth reporting on. Hopefully, there will be a return of dedicated D.E.A.R time in December, fingers crossed. 

Life is Good!