Off Topic: Giving Thanks.

Thanksgiving_grace_1942Well, we here in the good old US of A just had our day off, and no doubt some of us are up to there in turkey and trimmings. Personally I’ve never been a big fan of the bird- I think I’d be more thankful if the Mayflower kids had done lobster or fettuccine carbonara, but that’s just me. I hung out at home being lazy, ate two Hot Pockets, re-read the latest Armisted Maupin “Tales” book and had a glass of water with a whisper of Trader Joe’s scotch (not bad stuff when mixed.)

I cannot say that this has been a banner year in my life- there have been changes that I would have preferred not to make. But on a day where we should examine our fortunes and give thanks for what we have, I can recognize that even with some reversals, I have been very much blessed. I have a job and a home and dear friends both “real” and “cyber” (I put that in quotes because in some cases it’s equally valid and many have crossed over.) I have my health and my hair. I even got to spend some time with Musette, Patty and March on the bus for our scent event and at Roscoe’s as well as most of a week the wonderful Portia- if you have the chance, import her to your hometown. I was amazed at how she would charm the most stony LA person into butter in her hand, including a notoriously flinty LA restauranteur.

I’m also thankful that due to my perfume twin, I still have a decent supply of Muscs Kublai Khan, which I am wearing this Thanksgiving evening. I can’t wear scent to the office, but at home all bets are off..

How was your Thanksgiving? For what did you give thanks? Most importantly, what did you eat? Let us know in the comments.

Image: Wikipedia

  • FearsMice says:

    Thanksgiving was quiet this year, with just my sister and my mother. I’m especially thankful that my mom is still able to leave her assisted living facility for short periods, so that we could enjoy Thanksgiving dinner together at my sister’s house. The meal was pretty traditional, but the tangerine chess pie for dessert was outstanding!

  • Laurels says:

    Thanksgiving was quite nice. A good part of my extended family got together, and I’m thankful that there were no huge arguments, and nobody died. We had a more varied assortment of food than usual, with a greater number of cooks. I made a brown-sugar-and-cranberry glazed ham, and a parsnip purée.

    • Tom says:

      That reads so delicious- I’d love to read the recipes. Ham is so overlooked these days and it can be so delicious.

      • Tom says:

        And Parsnips! I love them, but doubt anyone but you and me now what they are.

        Next you’ll get me talking about Brussels Sprouts

        • Musette says:

          Haw! I love the living HELL out of some parsnips. And Brussels Sprouts make my eyes roll back in my head, in sheer ecstasy!!!

          xo

          • Tom says:

            I went to a friends house to have dinner and watch a football game (didn’t see that one coming, didja?) and they served brussels sprouts as the veg, roasted with turkey bacon. Absolute heaven.

        • tammy says:

          Parsnips, rutabagas and turnips, OH MY. Love me some root vegetable. And Brussels Sprouts, properly roasted.

          Ham is definitely NOT overlooked in the South! 😛

          We’re having our family dinner this afternoon, and will be having two kinds of ham along with the traditional bird ( one bought, one shot), some venison, prime rib and whatever what else anyone may have caught recently. We had some wild boar and elk last year.

  • poodle says:

    Hubby went to his sisters and I went to my mom’s. It was the first Thanksgiving for my dad in the nursing home so it was a bit of a downer although since he almost died around Christmas we are thankful he’s still here. There were other issues though and those put a damper on the day. No matter, there’s still plenty to be thankful for. I’ve got a good husband, a nice home, wonderful pets, a job (not a good one but at least I’ve got one), and all my perfume friends.

  • foxbins says:

    It’s just me to cook for too, Tom, and I’m not crazy about turkey so I made lamb chops. I did buy a pumpkin pie and had some for breakfast as I couldn’t wait for dinnertime.

    I realized this morning as I looked at the Black Friday ads that I really don’t need anything. Yes, there are things I want (including some perfumes) but my needs are more than adequately met and for that I am profoundly grateful.

  • Lisa D says:

    I did the low key version as well, Tom, and was thankful to be able to call up the family (who were gathered for the usual cacophonous shindig), send my love, and then settle back down to a relaxing and quiet day. I’m not a big fan of turkey, so the boyfriend made me meatloaf and mashed potatoes – it was deliciously retro, in the way that only 50s comfort food can be.

  • Pklagrange says:

    We had a small gathering this year, but still a lot of work. I’m grateful for Friday (no shopping for me) and turkey leftovers. The dogs got their run & I’m sitting here listening to my husband play the piano. A lot to be grateful for.

    • Tom says:

      I’m not big on turkey, but I adore turkey leftovers. Weird, huh? I also adore anyone who plays the piano. You do have a lot to be grateful for. Best to you.

  • Maren says:

    Tom, hanging out and reading a good book was kind of the mood I was in going into Thanksgiving, just have some good quality down time with me, husband and dog.. But I was at the big gathering with my daughter, son-in-law and all his family with the traditional dinner. I love the traditional turkey day dinner with leftovers so I’ll be cooking my own dinner today. Anyway, we got thrilling news, found out I’m going to be a grandma for the first time! Was wearing Chanel no. 22 on what will now always be a very memorable day with much to be thankful for.

  • Musette says:

    Tom, I’m so glad that things are upticking 😀 for you! I give thanks for that! I also give thanks that I am typing this SITTING DOWN! which I’ve been unable to do for the past 10 days. I’m grateful to be able to walk, also a crapshoot these past 10 days. Grateful to not be screaming in pain. Grateful to still have my spine, which seems to be grateful to still have me!

    all in all, feeling pretty grateful!

    We had a traditional T-day dinner. I seasoned and El O lifted. I was even able to do the dishes! Who’dathunk I’d be grateful to do dishes!!! LOL!

    I wore Dia extrait. Been wearing it most of this week. It’s the one on my nightstand, so there ya go!

    xoxoxoA

    • Tom says:

      Having had a minor version of those back issues (do you have numbness in your hands?) I can relate.

      I’ll be extra thankful if we can do a 2014 LA event!

  • Tom,
    We had a ball didn’t we? I can’t wait to come back, see your new digs, shop the fragrant hotspots and eat till we are bloated and uncomfortable.
    I am grateful to you my friend, and for you.
    Portia xx

  • Martha says:

    We ate a Honeybaked Ham yesterday. I made “from scratch” green bean casserole (it was rather labor intensive, but much better than the usual). I am grateful for my job, my health, my real and cyber friends, and the roof over my head. And, I’m grateful that Parfum1 was running a 21% discount on select fragrances – my purchase of MdO Vanille hurt a little less when I pressed “confirm”. Miss Ann had kindly shared some of her MdO Vanille stock with me during the Oct. perfume godmother event and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about that fascinating scent. Who knew I would enjoy smelling like a freshly stubbed out vanilla cigarette?

    • Tom says:

      Martha-

      Green Bean Casserole is so overlooked- when done well it’s a delight. Glad you had a nice holiday.

  • Ann C. says:

    We had a traditional dinner, turkey and all the trimmings. This year the turkey was moist and delicious, which is always a blessing.

    I am grateful for many things this year, especially my husband. He retired a couple of years ago, and now I come home to dinner on the table shortly after I get home from work. He also does all the shopping and runs most of our errands. I wonder how we ever managed to get it all done in a weekend.

    Happy Thanksgiving!