We sure had a great time last night. Ray and I probably would have stayed a lot longer, but Vanessa was more than ready to come home. She says some peculiar things sometimes. When we got in the car, she said, "I wasn't sure if it was going to get better or deteriorate." I certainly understand that she was tired--it was 11:30 when we got home! We started playing Fictionary (also known in our house as Dictionary), where you make up definitions for words--booger dance, gobstick, lampong--about ten, after dinner about 8 followed after a break by pie. The Captain said it was the worst pie crust he'd ever eaten. I think that is an exaggeration, but I like our pies better. Deb V. always makes the pies. Laughing and playing with friendly, smart people--that's about as good as it gets. John O. had to get someone to read one of the definitions for him, he was laughing too hard to get it out. Francesca was ringmaster, and there were lots of clowns.

I made rolls and whole wheat bread, Vanessa and Ray made the sweet potatoes--all home grown. We have one whole pan left. There was turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, acorn squash (with maple syrup and butter and rosemary), two kinds of cranberry relish (plus canned for the V. boys). Artichoke-spinach casserole, quinoa with green beans and dried cranberries, stuffing. I'm sure there was more. Deb V. also made wheat bread, with walnuts and raisins, yum. She has a bread maker. We talked a good bit with Michael and Alice, who have recently moved to DC. I want to be more like her, understated and calm, but right. Tom and Deb V. sat at our table too. Captain and Vanessa sat with Bertha--and Francesca and the V. boys. Harry is going to be playing Romeo in UGA's Romeo and Juliet in February. We all want to see that. One of the fun things is we will talk all day about who said what and what we liked and didn't. Both Molli and Amelia called to wish us all Happy Thanksgiving. My phone died while I was talking to A., so M. called Janna's house--she knew where to find us!

Other than baking yesterday, I watched the entire Macy's parade. This is the first time we've had DVR, so I could pause it while cooking and then fast forward through the commercials--or any boring parts. I did a little vacuuming and took a bath. While I was in the tub, Janna called to say, "don't come at 4, don't come before 5." So we played cards until 5 and we got there about 5:30--we were still the first ones and there was a lot more last-minute preparation before we could eat. Tom V. was allowed in the L to carve the ham and turkeys. Alice (who is a nutritionist) was occasionally allowed to consult. And Janna began to get panicky at one point--how do we make this happen every year?? gravy, mashed potatoes, everything ready at once. There were 22 people, I think.

Sigh of contentment, followed by wistful thoughts of how she now has her children to do things with for the next few days, while I do not.