Today I'm just resting and taking it easy. We had all of Avi's family here on Thursday. I thought we'd be 23 people (with a few friends), but we were "only" 20. My sisters-in-law help a lot, though, so it really wasn't that bad. But then we had a replay on Friday--not with the whole group, but about 12 of us--cuz it was my mother-in-law's birthday. At least we got rid of some of the left-overs. I've never gone shopping on black Friday, and now after hearing the news about that guy in Walmart that got crushed to death from the crowds, there's no chance I'll ever go. What an awful way to die.

It's quiet here now as the boys have just headed back to Portland and Taylor is in her room talking on the phone with a friend. Usef Islam is on the stereo, Jack is napping in a chair and Dave is researching cameras. I was knitting but I got distracted and here I am! We sent some food home with the guys and hopefully the desert thing is about over. Overload!!!!

Taylor and I went to a knitting specialty store today for their big sale but we all avoided the whole black friday experience. Tonight will be quiet I imagine. left overs for supper and a movie from Netflix. I think we'll watch Hairspray. (the new one)

Happy days .................

Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone!
We just got back from my brother-in-laws house in MA. He made an amazing meal...and of course, many many desserts...I don't need to eat for a week. Neil was excited with a big screen tv and surround sound...It was like sitting in a movie theatre..anyways, I have decided that 2 l/2 hours in the car with tired cranky kids is really not that exciting!
I think that people are decorating now because Thanksgiving is so late this year.

I too like to take my holidays one at a time. I will do some Christmas decorating as weather allows after this weekend. I like to start with winter things like snow men and hold off on Santa till we're closer to the actual holiday. It'll be interesting to see what my new neighborhood looks like.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone wherever you are, whatever you choose to do. - Pat

Karen, I heard from Kellan. He very nicely gave me permission to use his art work. It's a very cool, wintry piece.

We have friends from P.I. stopping by tomorrow afternoon for a visit. Our first official visitors! then tomorrow evening in dribs and drabs we will have 4 more family members come for a few days. I'll be pooped by the time Friday night comes but it'll be the good kind.

My son Rafi said it sounds like college dorms for old people! That pretty much captures it.

Here in ME the Assisted Living Facilities are primarily not nursing homes and not afiliated with a hospital. The one you describe is very much like where both of our mother's lived for a while. Lovely private little apartments with optional dining areas that look much like a gracious dining room in a hotel somewhere. Many local entertainers and functions are held for the edification of the clientele. Many are still driving heaven help us and have garages and storage facilities. They're pretty nice. For me the biggest downer was not having your own "front door". Though the place my grandmother lived in for years in Milton, did have "front door"s to all the apartments. Very nice.

Yesterday our poetry group met in the Assisted Living Home where one of the women now lives. I couldn't believe how nice it was--a cozy, warm, nicely furnished house. She had her own room with a little garden outside. I said I'm moving there when I get to that age! It's so different from the nursing homes I've seen, which always seem kind of shabby, depressing, and stinky. They arranged a room for us to have our meeting in. We had a huge table loaded with refreshments. Some of the group met a little earlier so they could have lunch there, but I passed on that cuz I was imagining nursing home food like tasteless chicken, boiled potatoes, and jello......

Karen, I just checked out your son's site, too. He has an amazing imagination. I showed Avi the site (cuz he does graphic arts on shirts), and he liked the drawings, too.

Don't worry, Patti, I'm not sitting here grading you all on your spelling!