What a warm and festive Thanksgiving it was, truly a family affair.  My back was killing me the next day, but it was worth it. My turkey turned out better than ever and that was good news because I tried roasting it a new way this time, just basting it and forgetting the roasting bag. The skin was golden and crispier than with the bag and it looked wonderfu. *Doing happy dance*  Nothing ventured, nothing gained. My sister in Kentucky called long distance and we all got to talk on the phone to her, she had a lovely holiday, too, she told us. I sent Jacki and Greg home with turkey, stuffing and potatoes, but I still have leftover stuff up the wazoo! LOL So I'm going to pass it on to a friend and she knows someone who hasn't much money and would love Thanksgiving leftovers. I love leftovers but I want to get back on my healthy diet.  Actually, I didn't eat any sugar this year and I still enjoyed great desserts, so I'm pretty pleased. In fact, I lost 2 pounds--he he. My sugar free pecan pie turned out delicious, I kid you not. And my sister and niece made sugar free apple and pumpkin pie. We still had lots of yummy sugar desserts for those who wanted to indulge in them. I also made guacamole for later with Tostitos chips and that was healthy and delish, too. (My brother-in-law, Matt, really was enthusiastic over the guacamole so I sent some home with him, too).

We played a game, "Movie Mania" at the dining room table after the dishes were done, so no one fell asleep. My cat, Babydoo, enjoyed the day, too--although we shut him in my bedroom during dinner--he loves company. I and my family are so blessed that it was wonderful to give thanks for the bounty and our blessings.  Something we should do every day of our lives.

And now it's on to the holiday rush. However; I have done most of my Christmas shopping ahead of time. I will be making some neat stuff up for friends and only have my niece to shop for. Nowadays, we just put all the names of the nieces, nephews and we sisters and brothers in a bowl and choose one each. It was getting so crazy at Christmas we spent hours just opening gifts and it was just not necessary. I also give to my closest friends and my out-of-state aunt with no close family, as well as a cousin I've grown quite close to over the past years. I like to have a few extra things around to hand out if someone drops by. A lot of my gifts this year will be home-made, but can't tell what they are here--some of my friends actually read this blog from time to time...

I'm definitely going to try to do things in a relaxed and leisurely way this Christmas--for once--at least that's the plan.  To enjoy the holiday instead of getting hyper-dyper and stressed out.  You know, actually write out my Christmas cards early and send my packages early instead of late.  I love making up gift packages to send out of state but I hate shipping them. No excuse, either, I can ship easily from the family business, just have to get my butt over there. *sigh*

Well, I sincerely hope all of you had a safe and happy Thanksgiving Day and probably over-indulged in turkey and pie. Hope you had Tums ready *giggle*.