Think On This

A dear friend of mine recently made the move to the land of magnolias and mint juleps.  I was thrilled to have a kindred spirit from my past nearby, even if the drive was about 1.5 hours away.  Needless to say, due to life and circumstances, 7 months later, I still had not managed to make it up to see the new “place”.So, schedules finally meshed this week and the great trek north was schemed and planned.  Oddly however, my friend, now a new Southerner, was greeted to a very lovely ice storm right before our grand visit. Trees snapped in half, electric lines were down, power and water went off, ice completely turned normal cars into molded popsicles and cell phones and land lines were found to be inoperable.

When the fated day arrived, she and her clan found themselves heading south to my house. Where I was more than happy to provide shelter, heat, lights and hot showers. Obviously, as we munched on pizza and caught up on the news, we chatted about the dismal economy and their newly acquired survival skills.  Bringing up water from the creek, boiling it, and more. Since there is a river at the end of my road, I proudly announced I had access to a water source too.  All I would need were those tablets to make it drinkable and a fishing rod to catch my dinner if worse came to worst.

As we navigated the aisles of the store to load them up for the days ahead, it appeared they were more planning a camping trip to the wilderness then returning to their newly built home.  While filling up their propane tanks and water containers it was all I could do to not go home and rethink my own “worst case scenario” battle plan. 

Pulling back into my driveway after getting them on their way, I reached into the mail box.  Bills greeted me and I snatched at the one that was for my electricity. That little piece of paper had about put me in the poor house the month prior, and I was hoping it had all been a big mistake.  How on earth could one person, that is not even home, triple her wattage usage? It was beyond me. But a phone call to the utility company assured me rates had gone up and yes, I now owed them $700 plus dollars. The newest bill matched the last ugly one as well.  I reminded them I kept my heater on 65, if not off, and that, again, I wasn’t even home! But for some reason, they just wanted their money. Oy vey.  

With that, I headed over to the heater, and turned it completely off.  Even though temps in my area are in the 30s (and under), I had been inspired by my hearty friends and their visit. I knew I too was up for that challenge.  So, heading downstairs, I retrieved my kerosene heater, wiped it down, and fired it up.  Why hadn’t I thought of that sooner? So, now I sit here writing all toasty and warm in one room of the house.  If you don’t hear from me in the next few days, all I can say is, it might be the fumes.  (You might want to send out the posse. Just kidding.)

All in all, here’s to the pioneer spirit, and old American ingenuity. I might just fire up the hibachi in the morning and whip up some breakfast in the kitchen while my dog hunkers down in the living room finally convinced I have completely lost  my mind.

Ciao.

S.

As I looked out across the yard after stuffing myself like the Thanksgiving turkey back in the house, I began to count, 1,2,3, no wait 1,2,3,4,5…8 dogs?  It had been quite a houseful. But I had no idea that many canines were wandering the property as well.  We had managed to juggle 5 kids, 2 teens, 3 senior citizens and 22 adults into the kitchen while jockeying for position to load up our plates, but this latest revelation exposed just how full our Thanksgiving truly was. 

Seven car loads had made their way to the feasting destination. When we all had finally arrived we gathered around a plethora of selections. There was ham, and turkey with dressing. Mashed potatoes with two kinds of gravy. Cranberry sauce, salad and rolls. Broccoli, sweet potato, and corn casseroles. Two kinds of dips with chips and crackers.  Asparagus and Green Bean casseroles. 4 kinds of pies of pies and coffee along with a huge tray of cookies and fudge. And every morsel was homemade. (S’mores by the campfire topped off the evening). As we held hands to pray my uncle did not disappoint as he choked back the tears of gratitude while we all bowed our heads. 

Of course the centerpiece of the house was the omni-present TV screen which faithfully flashed the latest football game. The welcome airwaves took us late into the evening culminating with the big game for a certain set of alumns. Conversations ranged from memories of family times together, to catching up on the latest news, to the usual banterings about politics. 

All in all, I would guess the above was a pretty typical Thanksgiving in America.  At least in the heartland it seems.  And it really doesn’t get much better than that. As we made our way home in the beautiful fall air, the Starbucks stop at the half-way point seemed the perfect ending to a very perfect day. 

Yes, we felt very blessed.  And I hope you found yourself at the end of your day feeling much the same. I am most grateful for this country that I live in and for the people who left their native lands and trekked the stormy waters to make it their home. Here’s to many more Happy Thanksgivings to come. And May God Bless America, yet, again. 

Best, S. 

If feels like just a bit ago that I pulled off the freeway in Arkansas to get that much needed Starbucks fix. I was traveling home from my holiday visit with the family when that very cool home store also caught my eye. As a female who likes to live up to that part of the species, I just had to go in.  I was not disappointed.  Crossing the threshhold of the retail center I was welcomed by those wonderful 75% off sale signs and well, you know, as a girl, there’s something genetic about a price tag that low.  You just have to repsond. So I dutifully did.  A few moments later I was hauling two 4-foot, silk Amaryllis plants to my car.  When I reached the already overstuffed vehicle I was greeted by my very pitiful dog who was peering at me through the back seat window.  At this point, there had been very little room if any left for him when we began the journey. And now, I was going to try to put eight more feet of whatever it was into the car with him.  The look on his face was, “So, are you planning on tying me to the roof, because as of now, my back right leg is already in my left ear.”  I stood there a moment wondering if that wasn’t such a bad idea, but then I knew a better solution was in order.  Just what, I wasn’t exactly sure.   Nine hours later we pulled into the driveway. My hairy hound unfolded his furry body and limped out of the car while I began to strategize the unloading procedures.After 45 minutes, the deed was done.  The boxes and bags now waiting my attention at the doorway loomed ever larger.  It took about a month, but I finally succeeded in finding room for each of the precious items I had hauled all the way from Texas. (Along with the very pliable pooch, of course.)Then, this morning, I found myself back in that same storage area thinking, “I just got these in here, and now I have to take them out?”  It was quite a stressful moment. But is quickly passed.  When I pictured the house in full regalia, and the counter tops full of wonderful ingredients awaiting those precious recipes, the pain disoved into peace and contentment.Yes, it truly is the most wonderful time of year.  And that is exactly what I plan to do.  I will create Thanksgiving and Christmas in my home and make it special.   It’s up to me.  No one will arrive on my doorstep, decorations in tow, and set up the house.  That’s my job.  And a welcomed one at that. With that, during this next week, all of the stash will make its way up the stairs and into the living areas of my home. A job I certainly will enjoy, to be sure.So here’s to thankfulness and merriness for at least the next 40 or so days.Chat soon.Stephanie