Yes, Eden, I'm having the party this year. It's on the 17th-anytime after 6 PM. You're all invited. So far the idylls in attendance will be Deanne, Monique and Martie. Now that Thanksgiving is out of the way I can start working on the menu and agenda for the party. We went tree shopping today and I came to the conclusion that furniture will be moved out of the livingroom so I can have my usual tree setup although I still may get a smaller one for an empty corner of the breakfast room. All the fake trees come pre-lit now which was a huge selling feature to Tom but I just couldn't get excited about forking over $200, $300, $400 for something perfectly fine that we already have. Deanne, I think people tend to hold back compliments when they're jealous and based on your catty bathroom experience that may very well be the case. No garden work got done here today but I did buy a bag of peat moss at Lowes so I can start packing away the canna and dahlia tubers I still have in the garage. Maybe I'll drag myself out to do that some night this week. Martie what does low blood pressure have to do with being thin? The reason I ask is because although I don't try to gain weight, I've always been on the thin side and also have low blood pressure. Recently I've lost about 5 pounds just by eating better and exercising. Since I don't need to lose any more weight I probably should watch carefully to make sure I don't. Cynthia, lol on the Victoria Secret pornologues. It's too late for me though. One of the reasons I started ordering stuff from them was because they offer just about every pair of pants they sell in a 34 inch inseam and a few of their styles fit me perfectly right off the rack. At first I was skeptical but I've been shopping their sales and promotional offers and so far everything I've ordered has been decent quality and well fitting. Years ago I tried their underwear and that never fit me well at all so I don't bother with that part of the catalogue. I always enjoy reading dialogue from people who agree to disagree but rarely have the time or inclination to participate. Composing a respectful, well organized message for an on line debate of sorts just takes time and brain power and energy that I don't have I guess. Being raised in an environment where everyone avoided confrontation and rarely expressed an opinion surely doesn't help. Wendy my cuttings did well in water all winter last year. So far this year I've let the water dry out a few times already so that certainly doesn't bode well for the months to come...lol. I can't believe this weekend is gone already. Back to work for me tomorrow, for better or worse. Time will tell. Sue

I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving. We traveled down to the Stephenville, TX, area for Turkey Day, where our extended family had the largest Thanksgiving gathering we'd had in several years, including 3 new babies born into the family since last Thanksgiving. It was fun and since the weather was so gorgeous, the older children got to run around and play outside all afternoon. The only downside to having Thanksgiving at someone else's house is that you don't have leftovers. I'm thinking about cooking a turkey and dressing tomorrow because I do like it, and don't mind having turkey leftovers for a few days. Larry, It is my most favorite holiday too. We had only Texans and Okies at our gathering though, so not nearly as diverse of a group as yours. I remember looking around the living room/dining room at one point and thinking just how grateful I was that we all are still here and were together for the holiday. I avoided all the Black Friday shopping nonsense too, which is one more thing for which to be grateful! Dawn

Thanks for the greeting Belle. Hope your day was yummy and cozy. We had a really nice time together and lots of yummy food too. Even slipped on our sweaters and took a walk afterwards--kinda chilly in So. Calif. I was really tired yesterday, not used to being on my feet so much and being so busy anymore! I still need to stash a few platters and bowls in the big cabinet above the fridge--wasn't feeling like climbing up on the step stool yesterday. Tollpeggy, I'm planning on doing my turkey soup today, that's my favorite way to use up the leftover turkey too. Also need to gather up all my fall decorations and get them stashed in their bins and back in the shed. Then it will be time to pull out all the Christmas bins--didn't I just do that???? Seems like the years roll by faster and faster! I've got lots of projects earmarked to paint, will need to get busy and "git r done". Sure wish I had a painting buddy to sit and chat with while I paint, that would make it even more fun. Guess I'll have to settle for putting on the Christmas cd's won't I? Enjoy your weekend. Luvs

I'm whipping up a dinner for 30 of my closest family members, LOL. We're doing the standard Thanksgiving fare plus some non-traditional family favourites. I've (with a surprising amount of help from my children) already made three pumpkin pies, scalloped carrots, sweet potato casserole and the stuffing, plus peeled the potatoes. Assorted family members are bringing rice rolls, perogies, taco salad, a ham, buns and pickles. I'm sure we'll have plenty of food. I love filling my home with my family! Happy Thanksgiving! Carrie