Give Thanks

 So, my new route took us through Atlanta ... on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. If you have never driven through a big city, you won't appreciate how S L O W the interstate is on the day before a holiday. A good chunk of time was lost there, then coming out of Macon, there was a stalled semi on the side of the road that bottlenecked the traffic into one slow moving lane.

I had planned to hit a grocery store to make my cranberry salad. I didn't want to make it on Tuesday. It would keep fine in the fridge, but congealed salads tend to weep a little if stored too long. I needed some of the ingredients that were not in my pantry. But, I thought "No problem, I will be there in plenty of time to hit a grocery store". 

Things seldom turn out the way you plan. Well, in my world that seems to be the rule. Then I sent HeWho needs lots of details on a list, with my brother-in-law to the store. Instead of Mandarin oranges in a can, he bought a bag of cutie tangerines. I left off "in a can" on the text I sent his way. I know better!! Lots of descriptions are needed and sometimes a picture. Anyhoo, I was making the congealed salad in the RV late at night. 

My RV kitchen is even smaller than my kitchen at home. I sent him to bed to keep him from walking around and getting in my way. I have everything in this kitchen that I have in the one at home, even a food processor, but I don't have the benefit of a pantry full of staples ..... like sugar. I thought about crying, but instead I plunged ahead and left out the cup of sugar that was supposed to be tossed in the food processor along with the fresh cranberries.

What would the result be? As I pondered this, He Who was lounging in bed, offered to go door to door in the campground and beg for sugar. I vetoed this even as he pondered aloud about how much sugar he could actually get in a park with almost 300 sites. No, this wold not end well. I figured that the jello was loaded with sugar and I used the pineapple juice and the juice from the can of mandarin oranges (yes, we had to make a stop again at the grocery) instead of water, so how tart would it be?

I tasted the ungelled final product and puckered my lips. I put it in the fridge and hopped into bed and hoped for the best. After all, cranberry salad is not something everyone eats, being an aquired taste. Turned out okay, actually I think the whole cup of sugar would have made it too sweet.

My sister-in-law really loves Christmas and her house is fully decorated. But look, under her tree and meet her little dog, Beau. I hope I spelled that right. My little guy is Bo, because his name is Mr. BoJangles. This little guy is so mellow and sweet. My Bo snarled at him. Like Oscar used to do, Bo likes to assert his dominance.

This is Bingo and his owner, Hollis. Hollis is the son of my niece, Tara. He is the youngest in his generation of cousins and always steals the show.

My husband, Drew; our baby daughter, Adrienne; our older daughter, Jill; nephew, Tim; niece, Tara; and Drew's sister, Pam flanking their children. If Adrienne didn't have her glasses on, you would be able to see how much she resembles Pam. 

Three handsome men I love. Gavin is sitting next to Papa Drew and Gage is posing for his Gramma. He is single, ladies. Wish he lived closer to us. I am so glad he was able to come south.

A better picture of Gavin, but he is so enchanted with his phone, just like his Papa!

My sons-in law, Nick and Chad, both favorites of mine!!

My girls, Jill (Nick) and Adrienne (Chad). It must have been funny!

Sisiters-in-law Debby and Tara laughing at my girls.

Our daughter, Jill and her daughter, my granddaughter, Layla. 

As you can see, there was lots of laughter and lots of food. My cake turned out great, but it had a lot of competition on the dessert table. I lost count of the pumpkin pies, two pecan pies, one with chocolate, a Hummingbird cake ...... not to mention the sweet potato casserole in the kitchen with the sides that was so good and could have served as a dessert easily.

Lots to be thankful for.