We went for the turkey and now have a daughter!

Yesterday, our family gathered for a wonderful Thanksgiving at my son's home, and it truly was a delightful celebration! My amazing daughter-in-law, Sara, and her sister, Cassie, put in so much effort to make everything perfect. Sara's perfectly brined turkey was a hit, and the feast was abundant - with way more food than I could even try!

They generously sent us home with plenty of delicious leftovers plus desserts! Which we will enjoy tonight for dinner. 

I thoroughly enjoyed everything, so I happily invited Sara to prepare our Thanksgiving meal each year if she’d like, and she agreed! 

I’m excited to take on Christmas in return! 

It was especially awesome that I wasn't expected to do anything - 

Being the matriarch of the family has its rewards. 

I’ve always wanted to host my own Thanksgiving, but my mom preferred to keep the tradition at her house for both Thanksgiving and Christmas, with absolutely no consideration for my family and me.  All I wanted was a little compromise - where I could begin to make my own traditions with my boys. 

I knew there would be one day, I would pass the torch - and happily take that step back - when my daughter-in-law was ready, so they could shine and celebrate their beautiful traditions as a family.

What a lively scene it was, with my sons chatting so loudly, each trying to outdo the other! Their banter never fails to bring me joy - my only regret is that Michael wasn't there as well.  Navy has this hilarious routine about baseball players at the plate that always leaves me in stitches. And don’t get me started on his take on the funny end zone dances in football - it’s pure comedy gold! He has one for basketball, too. 

The thing is, Navy only does this for family. 

And then reality shows up...

Recently, Cassie, Sara's sister, has been navigating the challenging journey of losing her high school sweetheart of 20 years, a couple of months ago. Her grief is still fresh, but she is showing incredible strength. There were moments when the weight of her emotions became overwhelming. 

It did not put a damper on the evening; instead, it fostered a closeness and connection. My husband warmly hugged her and welcomed her, saying she was now part of our family. 

We went for the turkey and now have a daughter! 💕

It was so nice to see Laydee having a good time! She looked adorable in her leather boots, which helped her navigate the wooden floors with ease. Seeing the Grandcat Harry is always nice, although we never did catch a glimpse of Ed. He prefers the peacefulness away from the noise, so it's understandable he chose to hide. 

The thankfulness that blossomed in November shouldn’t go away with the leftover turkey. As the month ends and Advent begins, we enter a time of waiting - not just any waiting, but hopeful waiting. The world looked forward to the Messiah, and now we look forward to His presence in our daily lives: in our homes, our families, our joys, and our struggles.

See you in December! 

Debby

 

Seasonal Reminders

"Oh, Black Friday, your reputation is clouded by frenzied crowds - 

marred by the stench of hypocrisy."

 

I can honestly say I have never participated in the shopping frenzy on that day, because I spent those long, backbreaking Fridays working at Macy's, which completely extinguished any lingering desire to chase a few measly discounts.

 The behavior of so many shoppers was particularly disgusting, and I'm happy it cured me of ever wanting to partake in such a practice. The sense of entitlement, rudeness, and impatience often made what could have been a nice occasion feel like a bizarre spectacle of the human condition. 

I'll never forget my first Black Friday at Macy's. The anticipation in the air was palpable, my heart racing as I felt the rush of energy as we prepared for the biggest shopping day of the year. My manager looked at me and said, 

 "It's Greed in Action."

As we approach the season of Peace, let's REMEMBER who we are celebrating! 

The birth of the Prince of Peace - not the Prince of chaos and greed. That's the other guy!  

It's perfectly fine if Christians want to engage in Black Friday shopping, which can be a fun family activity, but it's important to be mindful, as it can be a slippery slope for many. It’s crucial to do so with wisdom and discernment, ensuring that our choices reflect our Christian values during this special time. We can make choices that reflect our beliefs, keeping the experience meaningful rather than just transactional, and it stands as a powerful testament to young believers facing their own struggles.

It's easy to get caught up in the greed and consumerism in this world.  It seems we are a gluttonous culture - everything to extreme excess, from overeating to overspending on items that we don't really need and food we don't really need to eat. 

We really do need  Jesus, don't we? 

We still can't help ourselves.

So, let the season of peace embrace every part of you, always remembering who you belong to. 

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will. 

Romans 12; 2 

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.  

Colossians 3; 2 

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 

Galatians 5:16-17

 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Matthew 6:33

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Hebrews 10:24-25 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

2 Corinthians 5:17 

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

Philippians 3;20

Thankfulness for the Yesterdays and the Blessings of Today.

It's Thanksgiving! Time to gather together and express our gratitude for the many blessings that adorn our lives - the good things to be thankful for...

However, amidst this reflection on joy and abundance, let us also consider the moments that, at the time, were less than. These wondrous life experiences, though painful, shape us in unexpected ways that always lead to a deeper appreciation for all that we cherish today. Throughout our lives, both the good and the not-so-good, we will encounter pivotal moments that shape us, enabling us to grow stronger and more resilient. These experiences, often challenging, mold us into the individuals we are today so that we can better serve our God and uplift those around us. 

After all, that is really what it is all about.  

Amen? 

I vividly recall one Thanksgiving that became a turning point in my life. I had just returned from the hospital with my newborn son, while my first husband lay sprawled on the living room rug in a drunken stupor. This stark contrast to the holiday's warmth was tough, but thankfully, I had the foresight to stock up on two Swanson's frozen turkey dinners. 😏

I felt weighed down by a mix of emotions as I navigated those two days.  With my three-year-old, Michael, I grappled with the harsh reality of the situation. 

This is my life - I chose this man. 

It wasn’t merely that my husband was unresponsive; it was the crushing sense of disappointment that hung over what should have been a day of thankfulness. Self-pity crept in like a shadow, and I battled against it, reflecting on the echoes of the past, the harrowing memories of his alcoholism, and the toll it had taken on me. 

After that Thanksgiving, four more years passed and another baby boy was born into our family - in that haze of alcoholism - helplessness and heartache that became a heavy anchor.  Thank God for Alanon! It was a completed cycle in which my self-pity slowly transformed into resolute self-care. At this point, I had successfully established my business, giving me complete  independence from him.  Meanwhile, he had become a frequent absent figure in our home, often disappearing for long stretches.  One day, when I knew he was coming home, I took a deep breath and finally mustered the courage to pack his bags, meticulously placing his stuff on the front porch. When he came home and found them there, he fell into the familiar alcoholic pattern of desperation, pleading with me, promising he would quit drinking for good, but his words, like so many times before, fell flat and carried little weight in the face of reality. 

God had intervened. 

As I reflect on it all,  I find myself filled with profound gratitude for the way God reached out to me. I cherish the fact that my sons look up to me as their "hero," a reflection of the courageous stand I took during challenging times. Even though we know who the real Hero is. 

I am so thankful for the remarkable man God brought into my life about 12 years later, allowing me to experience a marriage that embodies the beauty and blessings of a divine partnership. It’s a stark contrast to the desperate times I once faced, moments when I felt isolated and burdened by shame, hesitant to share my struggles with others.

I’m sharing this not to elicit your sympathy, because amidst those trials, I was always able to find those glimmers of joy, especially in the laughter and innocence of my little boys. I recognize this path as a part of my story, where the guiding hand of God carried my little family through the flames of adversity. I share because all the glory goes to Jesus!  

As I gaze at the Thanksgiving table spread before me, my heart swells with gratitude, not merely for the creamy mashed potatoes swimming in rich, savory gravy or the pumpkin pie but for my two wonderful sons, and Michael in Heaven  - my thoughts drift to the profound grace and favor that God bestowed upon all of us throughout those years.  

I see that Divine touch that fills me with thankfulness for the yesterdays and the blessings of today. 

Just as the disciples shared their experiences with Christ, we are invited to recount how God has woven His presence into our lives. It's okay to reflect on the painful moments that tested our faith and became catalysts for our victories, totally revealing the transformative power of divine grace in each of our journeys.

Debby

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https://al-anon.org/

Chewing on the Hodgepodge

 

Join in here 

1. Do you feel like you have a 'full plate' at the moment? In what way? 

No. 

It’s okay to say no and let go of the non-essential, which allows me to focus on what truly matters.

How did you learn to cook? 

1. I learned from my mom by watching her cook. 

2. In high school, I took two years of home economics, and cooking classes prepared me for when I left home at 18. 

3. Then came the Culinary School of Hard Knocks, where I learned through trial and error. 

If you have children, did you teach or encourage them to cook? 

My sons were more interested in eating than cooking. My middle son, nicknamed "Foodie," turned his love for food into a career as a Dietitian. He started working at 16 at Round Table Pizza, and has since held various food-related jobs, including several years at Safeway. He’s a good cook who loves experimenting with new recipes. My youngest son enjoys barbecuing and preparing meals for his wife after her long shifts at the hospital. 

Do you like to follow a recipe or is your cooking style more 'let's wing it'.  

I enjoy at times, diving into new recipes and getting creative in the kitchen. Winging it often leads to delicious surprises, but I wish I could remember the exact measurements for my unique creations! 😕

3. Last time you bit off more than you could chew? Elaborate. 

In my younger days as a single mom to three energetic boys, I felt the pressure to do it all. I juggled my daycare business, sold Avon, and crafted to support us, pouring my heart into being their provider with absolutely no help from their father. 

Oh well - what doesn't kill you, only makes you stronger. 

4. When did you last say 'the more the merrier' and mean it? 

Just a few weeks back at our monthly church potluck, we had an overabundance of desserts (very little main dishes and salads), and I sarcastically remarked, “The More the Merrier!” as I was the one receiving the sweets to put into the kitchen. 

5. Write an acrostic using the word T-H-A-N-K-S. 

T - Trust in God's abundant provision.  

H - Cultivate a vibrant hope in Christ

A - Abide deeply in Christ

N - Nurture a grateful heart

K - Show kindness to others as a beautiful reflection of God's love within us. 

S - Find your strength in the Lord and smile. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

 

Though miles may lie between us, 

We are never far apart in heart. 💖

Happy Thanksgiving!🍗

Debby 

Tuesday 4 - Thanksgiving

 

 Welcome, welcome to 

Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 

What are your Thanksgiving Days like?

We're enjoying perfect sunny weather! It’s the ideal time to enjoy the outdoors without being stuck inside cooking.  I'm looking forward to our family dinner at my daughter-in-law's house this Friday. 

On Thursday, I invited our two single adult kids to join us for a cozy lasagna dinner. It will be nice to connect and share a meal! We'll see them the next day as well. I never have my fill when it comes to my boys. 

1. Do you celebrate with family, friends, or by yourself?

Family and whoever needs a family. My middle son has brought home the homeless to our table many times. 

2.  Do you watch the Thanksgiving Day parade from Macy's in New York City?  The appearance of Santa at the end signals the start of the Christmas season.  What does the day hold for you?

I don't watch the parade. 

For me, the day after marks the joyful start of Christmas! It’s our tradition to bring out the Christmas tree, pack away Thanksgiving, deck the halls, play festive music, and transform our space into a cozy Christmas home.

3. What foods are the hit of Thanksgiving Day for you?

I absolutely love mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, and pumpkin pie! My family enjoys our meals, but we don't overindulge - we never have. We truly savor every dish! I make it a point to avoid leftovers, so I happily box them up to share. However, I always keep a few slices of turkey for my husband because he loves his turkey sandwich. 

4.  We say grace before and after meals. Is grace a part of your Thanksgiving meal?

It is a part of every meal at our house. 

I wish you all a blessed and thankful Thanksgiving Day. 

Debby

Thanksgiving Leftovers

I hope this message finds you all feeling grateful and satisfied after the feast!

Another Thanksgiving has come and gone, leaving behind cherished memories and delightfully full hearts.

As I reflect on the gathering, I am reminded that there will never be another Thanksgiving quite like the one we just experienced. This realization deepens for me with each passing year.

As I was carefully setting the table I felt wanted to show you my mom's cut crystal glasses from 1960.  These glasses are delicate, However, their fragility was painfully evident when my stepdaughter accidentally knocked one against a hard surface, shattering it into pieces—there goes another one! 

I attempted to capture a close-up photo to showcase  these glasses. 

Though they aren’t Waterford Crystal, which is often revered for its luxury, these were lovingly given to my mom by my dad when they were still in his 20s. It was what he could afford at the time, but they hold a sentimental value that far exceeds their monetary worth.

The BACK STORY

My mom grew up in a challenging environment, raised by a single mother who had faced the harsh reality of being disinherited along with her baby daughter. As I posted on my Thanksgiving post, my mom cultivated a deep appreciation for manners and etiquette, not because she came from wealth—quite the opposite. Her mother, my grandmother, had once enjoyed a life of comfort in a family that valued social graces, believing that those lessons were essential for any young woman. Disowned somewhere around 1934, when my mom was born, in the height of the depression,  my mom grew up in stark contrast to her mom's upbringing —living in dirty, cramped boarding houses and struggling with poverty.

However, my grandmother and my mom carried themselves with dignity. In spite of their circumstance, my mom was still taught about the finer things in life. 

My dear father always did his best to fulfill my mother’s deepest wishes and dreams, a testament to his love for her. 

Years later my mother was fortunate enough to inherit a collection of cherished family heirlooms from her beloved great-aunt following her passing. These precious items, rich with history and sentiment, have since become keepsakes that I now cherish and hold dear.

Okay, Back to Thanksgiving...

We had a wonderfully vibrant gathering filled with laughter and joy. Whenever my two sons come together, it's like watching a comedic duo in action; their antics and playful banter keep us all roaring with laughter. It was heartwarming to witness their camaraderie again, especially since they had experienced a bit of a rift earlier this year—the first time such a thing had ever happened! It truly saddened me to see them in silence, as they navigated their way through this unusual distance. There was no singular event that caused the strain between them; one son simply needed some space to gather his thoughts, and the other, out of respect and love, gave him that space. Yet, it weighed heavily on both of their hearts.

They have always been the best of friends.

In these moments, we are reminded of the importance of unconditional love. We respect their right to take a step back from each other and trust that, as adult men, they will find their way back to the bond they cherish.

Yesterday was a start...

Here is my wedding china, now over 49 years old.  

I've always enjoyed the sunflower pattern. 

My favorite flower. 

With their age, I’ve grown more relaxed about caring for them, placing them in the dishwasher. Yet I can’t help but think that one day, these dishes may end up in a thrift store. I might as well use them! 

I remember my mother’s words—she often foresaw that I would eventually discard my treasures, just as my sister, Donna, did with her belongings, choosing to donate rather than keep. But oh, how wrong she was about me! I love the old stuff that has been passed down to me. Heck, I'm in the last house my parents lived in (not my childhood home) 

Once I depart from this world, I won't be able to witness what happens to them -  which gives me more reason to bring them out more than just special occasions.   But in their frequent use, a piece is bound to suffer—perhaps a break or a chip will betray the careful handling. Still, each imperfection only deepens the piece's character, and those little flaws are just part of their journey.

Out My Back Door 

Beside the vibrant pomegranate tree, sat the little bunny that my mom had in her garden back when she lived on a street called Thumper Drive. Thanksgiving was a beautiful, sunny, and mild day.

I managed to send each guest home with leftovers, and we had enough for my husband to make lunch yesterday. One of my sons, along with his wife and stepdaughter, stayed until 11:45 PM. It was well past midnight before we relaxed enough to go to bed. Thanksgiving 2024 is in the books!

Back to the real life...

Until next time

Debby

 

Thanksgiving Pasts

These gleaming pieces of silverware were handed down from my parents and grandparents and their ancestors on my mother’s side of the family—a tangible link to generations past. As I sifted through the collection, a wave of nostalgia washed over me, and I couldn't help but imagine the hands that held these delicate utensils, now in need of a good polish, covered in unsightly stains. Each piece seemed to carry whispers of family gatherings filled with laughter and the clinking of dishes, especially the soup spoons and a myriad of appetizer forks designed for olives, shrimp, and elegant hors d'oeuvres. It struck me how times have changed; these days, we often reach for simple metal forks instead. Even plasticware! 

It became clear to me why my mother had such a strong appreciation for proper etiquette and the art of setting an exquisite table. She embodied the spirit of Martha Stewart long before that name became synonymous with gracious entertaining. As I carefully arranged the tableware, a sense of familiarity washed over me; I instinctively remembered where each fork, spoon, and knife belonged.

When my husband inquired, “Why do you bother?” I paused, knowing he had a point. My family wouldn’t notice the intricacies of my table settings, and yet it felt like an integral part of who I am. Even though I only engage in these elaborate displays during special holidays or for the rare occasions of entertaining, I find it impossible to set a table any other way. My mother’s lessons linger with me, guiding my hands as I create a beautiful setting that honors the traditions of our family, no matter how quaint it may seem.

While they may be visually appealing, their beauty really seems to be their only merit. Personally, I find no practical use for them. I have always gravitated towards materials other than silver, as it leaves an unpleasant sensation and taste in my mouth that I cannot tolerate. 

You might be curious about whether I set a lovely table for my gatherings. 

The answer is no, not really. 

My approach is quite basic and simple. These days, it seems that few people actually care about table settings anymore. 

However, I do take some time to present the food in attractive bowls. I pull out my new flatware, which I specifically purchased for special occasions. I also showcase my beloved wedding china – the beautiful set from my first wedding that has gracefully aged for 49 years. 

Additionally, I have some exquisite crystal pieces from the same era, along with my mother's elegant crystal water glasses and goblets, which I reserve for serving sparkling cider. 

Once everything is washed and cleaned, the treasured items are returned to the china cabinet, ready for the next special gathering, unnoticed and unappreciated by everyone but me.

As the clock ticks towards 3:30, a sense of anticipation fills the air, knowing that the family will begin to arrive around 4:15. In the kitchen, the husband busily peels potatoes. He’ll take charge of carving the turkey. Everything is prepared and just waiting for the time everyone gathers for Thanksgiving 2024. 

Fall Photos in my front yard. 

 

Happy Thanksgiving. 

Until next time,

Debby

The Day Before Thanksgiving Hodgepodge

Join here 

1. Talking turkey...are you cooking the turkey this year? Does ham belong on a Thanksgiving day menu? When it comes to gravy do you pour it over your whole plate, skip it altogether, or land somewhere in between? Cranberries-homemade or jelled right out of the can? Do you look forward more to the main course, the savory sides, or the desserts? 

I’m cooking this year. 

I love good homemade turkey gravy - however, no giblet gravy for me. 

I’m somewhere in between regarding gravy placement. 

I always used to make two different kinds of cranberries—homemade and one can of the jelled stuff because that is what my boys liked best.  Now I've given up—my sons still prefer the jelled stuff, and I don’t eat it that much anymore. I failed as a mother! LOL  😏

I used to enjoy it all - but now my favorites are simple. Mashed potatoes, gravy and stuffing. 

2. Holiday movies...tell us your favorite and what it is about the film that makes you love it. Is it the film itself or a memory it stirs? 

Miracle on 34th Street and It's a Wonderful Life. 

I have fond memories of my mom introducing me to the movies she loved as a child. She couldn't wait for us to see "It's a Wonderful Life," which was made in 1946 when she was just 12 years old. She was also 11 when "Miracle on 34th Street" came out. 

By the time I watched "Miracle on 34th Street" for the first time—probably around the same age she was when she first saw it—I recognized Natalie Wood. At that point, I was star-struck kid and knew all about the older Natalie Wood. 

3. A favorite way to give back and help others? 

I often feel that I don't do enough to genuinely help others during the holidays, and it makes me feel ashamed. While we participate in the Samaritan's Purse Christmas Box through the church, donate to the Marine Corps Toys for Tots, and contribute to the local Stuff the Bus campaign by bringing canned goods, these efforts feel too indirect. They don’t fulfill my desire to actively serve those who are less fortunate. I would love to volunteer at the local shelter, but when I checked, they already have their volunteers in place, and it’s nearly too late for Christmas.

Every year, I make Latkes using the recipe my friend Margie gave me (we used to fry them side by side at my stove for years), and I bring her a plate of latkes at the Care facility where she lives now. The smile she gives me is worth everything! 

4. Name a place or setting you encountered this month that made you feel grateful. 

I’m grateful for my church, the Bible studies I attend. I’m grateful I still live in a country where I can read and study the Bible and worship freely. 

5. Knowing what you know today, if you could redo yesterday what would you do differently? 

I'm sure I wasted my time on something insignificant yesterday - just can't remember what it was. 

6. Spill your own random thought here. 

I find myself a bit weepy during Thanksgiving, as I am sure many of you are, too. That missing chair at the table - gets me every year. 

Rain, Snow, Laydee, and the Dentist

I enjoy watching the webcams at Lassen Volcanic National Park, 

especially the ones at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center.

On this Thursday afternoon, I hope everyone is doing well as we approach the holiday. Our area received significant rain and snow over the past two days, similar to the storms of the past. We've recorded about 6 inches of rain at home, while the mountains have seen nearly 2 feet of snow. 

Some members of my Bible study group, who travel from the mountains, hit snow while driving down. What dedication! These gals know how to navigate the roads with their vehicles—better than I could do! The storm is not as bad as they are saying. Yeah, we're getting rain and snow—LIKE we're supposed to—that's how we "winter" in the real Northern California! I believe it was more concentrated in Oregon and Washington. 

On Tuesday afternoon, we noticed that Laydee's skin tag on her chin was leaking and causing her discomfort. Our vet only agreed to remove it if it ruptured or became infected. Unfortunately, our regular veterinarian was fully booked by the time we called at 4 PM, and other clinics couldn’t see her that day. My husband took her in the next morning at 6:45 AM, where the vet confirmed the cyst was infected and prescribed antibiotics. Surgery will be in December, which is disappointing due to holiday staffing shortages. For now, we’ll keep her comfortable and follow the vet’s instructions.

Yesterday, I had a dental appointment with a new provider who accepts my insurance. I had to take Backroads home because I-5 North was closed due to the snowstorm in the mountains, which left many semis parked along the interstate. Redding is usually the staging area the CHP uses to stop vehicles before they go over to the mountains.  

I’ll return on Monday for a cleaning and the first week of December to fix two loose fillings—no cavities, just preventative care. I received those fillings when I was 11 years old! 

The major part of my week is wrapping up, with grocery shopping tomorrow to bag my turkey. I’m looking forward to a week off since there will be no BSF or Isaiah Bible study next week.

I guess I'll start decorating for Christmas after Thanksgiving. November went by quickly, and I know December will, too. 

Until Next Time -

Debby

Revelation 5; 9-12

And they sang a new song, saying:

“You are worthy to take the scroll

and to open its seals,

because you were slain,

and with your blood, you purchased for God

persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.

You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,

and they will reign on the earth.”