Vickie and Ya'll, We ate out on Thanksgiving before! Our first "Empty Nest" year we were 'moving' and ate rotisory chicken from the super mart with Stove Top Stuffing. One year my Mom passed away the day before Thanksgiving. Out of four daughters, non of us felt like cooking so we all went to Cracker Barrel (The waitress will never know how much sadness was in our hearts or how greatful we were that they were open for business. Never complain about working Holidays. It's just God's way of saying it is your turn to bless others this time.). The food was a great comfort and much better than the hospital cafeteria had been. I was truly Thankfull for Mom's peace that year. Another year we went to a resort called Fontana here in North Texas. The food tables went on forever and I put it in park over at the dessert table and blamed it on 'Peri-MENTAL-paws' cravings. There was just 3 of us that year and it was so much cheaper than cooking. Afterwards we walked around the golf course lake until I got over my sugar rush. Hubs didn't want to put me in the car until I was ready to crash out and sleep on the way home. :) Just make sure that "outside the box" doesn't mean Jack-in-the-box!! LOL Although I am getting to the point that anytime I dont have to cook is "Thanksgiving"!! LOL Not totally true. Last year I cooked for my husband's extended family. His (93 yr old) Paw Paw got to have Thanksgiving with his sisters. They were very blessed and it brought tears to our eyes to see it. This year Paw Paw is unable to get out much so the timing was perfect. God is so Good. Happy Thanks-Giving! Susie

Well, you have a "new" family that really cares about you. I hope this continues to bring comfort as you struggle with what you cannot fix. And, any of us would gladly send you fabric we no longer have a need for if you only holler. Sharing is what makes us all feel we are helping others. Hang in there. Linda

Nice post, Deedra! Hope you have a wonderful time visiting with your family. I'm looking forward to spending time with extended family tomorrow at my cousin's house. Really looking forward to cuddling her 18-month old who is a living doll. :-) Safe travels and much happiness on Thanksgiving to all here! Enjoy the special day!

oh, yea, you get 10% off for being a member of the garden. Speaking of botanical garden membership: Most gardens have reciprocal garden entry fees. You can save a lot of $$ that way. I went to Selby in Sarasota and I got in free with 1 guest. I got in free at Farichild in Miami. You get the idea.