Thanksgiving stuffing

Thanksgiving was deliciously fun and emotionally draining all rolled into one day.  We visited my Grandma in the Memory Care Unit.  The Alzheimer's has reduced her to someone barely recognizable.  We loved on her anyway.  After so many years of her life being poured out on her family, I feel it's just a small token of reciprocation.

We then went through my grandparents' home, claiming what material possessions of theirs we wanted.  It was a constant reminder of stuff--how we collect it, how we treasure it, how we use it (or don't use it), and how we tend to have more than we need.  And for what?  That day...just in case, we would need it.  Like we would ever even remember having it.  I have been constantly reminded of this as I move back in with my 'rents.  

This made more a more conscientious black Friday.  We had a blast nonetheless.  We got free Krispy Kreme donuts, took shots of half and half, tied balloons to the back of our car, and bought a 1-pound box of Sugar Babies (we handed these out the car window to my aunt in the Kohls' parking lot).  

My aunt Facetimed my cousins, but refused to show them where she was.  So she spun the phone around the store away from her.  After she asked us if we were coming to Penneys.  And showing us the sale signs.  My sister got all of her shopping items for free (she was a randomly selected customer) and we got great discounts.  We were slightly disappointed we did not witness much drama and chaos, but after reading the weekend headlines, I feel a little better.

We did our own Turkey Trot and my dad and cousin just registered for the Indy Mini (my cousin's first 1/2 marathon).  

A summary of the things that were great about the weekend:

962.  Growing closer and closer to my family as time goes on.

963.  My family are all slowly becoming runners.  And I love it.

964.  A conversation between my dad and cousins.  They were attempting to book airline flights on in infamously unreliable carrier in hopes that we would score free tickets for being bumped.  It may have required a several hour drive to the nearest airport, but they decided it was worth it.  They even came up with a slogan.

965.  My aunt's new house remodel is nearly complete.

966.  Having a mom and aunt who plan all the meals (and cook) for family get-togethers.

967.  Sunday School yesterday.  The kids were learning "Joy to the World."  The song leader asked if they had heard it before; one of the kids said "I haven't been coming here that much."  The song leader quipped "We have a copyright on that one."

968.  Free Thanksgiving dinner.  Every year, a Mexican restaurant near my grandparents' house has a free dinner served to anyone.  It was a perfect solution to our transient Thanksgiving.

969.  At least I'm not this guy.

I could go on and on, but I will save that for a different post. :)