Pix from Downtown GVL Today

It was cool and drizzly. Since we have not yet had our first frost the hydrangeas and some other flowers were blooming at Falls River Park. The picture of hot pink shutters that framed the Christmas wreath showed an interesting contrast.

Dressing for Germany

In a little over a week I will be leaving for Germany, and I have done little to get myself ready. Ho hum . . . My anxiety level has been nil compared to my solo trip to France last year, but one of the benefits of anxiety is that it can prod me into being prepared. My traveling partner Kathy is an experienced traveler and has been to Munich and Salzburg several times, and I am relying on her. Still I am responsible for getting my own appropriate clothes. Expecting cold and slushy weather in Bavaria in the middle of December, I have known for some time I will at least need a new pair of boots and a down jacket, the recommended attire. Today I had some time to shop.

On this busy shopping day following Black Friday, I went to a locally owned Outfitter place that was abuzz with athletic young people who seemed to know all about hiking and cycling clothing. I had no idea what I was looking for, but I knew I had to get something warm and get it fast. The sales girl, the knowledgeable proprietor in fact, was wonderful and taught me many facts about fabrics, how close they need to be to my body, what to layer, how she hoped I wasn't taking anything cotton (all I wear), and how not to look like an American tourist, or "target," she explained further. I tried on a lightweight down jacket that wrapped me in warmth as soon as I put it on. She swore it was not too tight, in fact it was stunning and made me look eighteen again (so I made that up). It is an atypical look for me, which is a good thing, but mainly I hope it will keep me from freezing. It also squeezes into a tiny bundle and will be great in my luggage, making room for shopping purchases. I also bought a long underwear type top that fits like another layer of skin. Together they cost a pretty penny! Now I have only to get some traveling shoes, hopefully some really cool boots that I will love, and I will be ready to go.

Stuffed and Filled

It was a lovely thing to have my sweet children around the table for Thanksgiving dinner. Dinner went well, and I did say I would have a picture of Trip’s famous pie that we look forward to each year. After fifteen years, I hope he isn’t getting tired of making them. I think he got the recipe from a Libby’s ad that year but we want to believe he invented it himself. It is rich and delicious.

After finishing in the kitchen I came upstairs for a relaxing round or two of Spider Solitaire that would force me to sit for a while. I found this note next to my computer, left there from a grandchild. It is the little things that make holidays and life worthwhile.

Tradition Rules on Thanksgiving

I think I became a cook by default. Having four big boys to rear and feed, I had to. It was a bit hard at first, but I knew the basics thanks to my mother. She was a great teacher about kitchen necessities such as cleanliness, nutrition, portion sizes and making sure the plate looked pretty, but she was not one of those old fashioned Southern mamas who loved to be in the kitchen. It worked for her since she didn't have many mouths to feed, but that was not my lot. The first cookbook I owned was given to me probably more as a curiosity rather than a sensible usable reference. It's recipes seemed to be from the previous century in states further south than the Carolinas. I soon learned it wouldn't do. As I started buying semi-cooking stuff like Hamburger Helper and Rice A Roni, and by reading the list of ingredients on the back of the boxes, I slowly learned to cook. I was memorizing the New Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook when my first baby was born, and I continued to read with my free hand as he was nursing. Eventually, through much trial and about forty pounds of error that never left my body, I got the hang of it all. Now after all these years I believe that cooking is over-rated, and that simple natural foods are really the best. But on Thanksgiving, it is back to tradition. For my family that means turkey and dressing, sweet potatoes with browned and crusty marshmallows, mashed potatoes and gravy, veggies of some sort (whole green beans amandine tomorrow), and probably my favorite, rich and cheesy squash casserole. The girls will bring salads, and Trip will bring his delicious pies. I must get out my camera for the meal this year.

Coping

My co-worker Mandy led a group with some of our patients one day recently while I was gone, and she had written their responses to the question of how they cope with problems on a big easel. I thought their answers were pretty good, kind of in an “out of the mouths of babes” way. Here they are.

Take care of myself.
Hang in there.
Big Lots is fun.
Take children to the park.
Sleep.
Pray for strength.
Laugh and have a good time.
I will pray for anybody.
Chill out.
The problem will take care of itself.
Learn to say no.
Take care of one thing at a time.