Very dark and rainy and cold yesterday and raining again this morning. We have the heat on and a fire in the stove, so were not uncomfortable. The chickens are huddling together.

Work was not really good or bad. I was a little shocked to see a Christmas tree when I walked in yesterday morning (artificial). One of the Moms complained to me later in the day that we need a fence around it to keep her 2-year-old away from it. Hmm. Maybe it would have been better to wait a little...she was also sitting at my computer when I came back from lunch...good thing I "locked" it.

J. came to volunteer when I was acting director and applied for and got a position as Americorps participant. His term ended on November 20. We had requested a 2-month extension and turned in all the paperwork. He finally heard, in an email, "Congratulations on completing your service." We had assumed he would be approved and he is pretty upset about it. Not that he made a lot of money, but he had not been looking for another job, or finalizing his work.

We got a couple more $1000 sponsor checks and a $1000 bill for catering. I started working on the November reimbursements. Went home for lunch, because Ray didn't come in.

The oven repair man came and left before I got home. He told Ray that parts for Thermadors older than 5 years are hard to get. Ours is 7. We shall see. On these cold dark days, we would like to bake cookies, for instance.

Captain cut up and cooked the turkey carcass and added carrots and other veggies to make a big pot of stock. Today they will strain it and put it in the freezer, unless they use some to make soup.

Runoff election today for mayor and two judges. There are women candidates in both elections, but my lawyer friend Kent says to vote for the man. I guess I will believe him, rather than blindly voting for the woman.

We were all quite grumpy, mostly because of the weather and the fact that our holiday was over and our relatives were gone. So we had a drink and snack and played cards. Captain proposed a toast to people who are nice to you when you're grumpy. I found a recipe that used up our leftover pork and the chorizo, as well as some peppers and tomatoes. Then, Ray cut up some of the pineapple and I sauteed it to make dessert. It was yummy.

Watched a little TV and went to bed before 10. But I read a lot of the Help, an exciting book about the civil rights movement, as well as family and romance. It was midnight before I put it down...and then I woke up at 5. Darn!

We had another amazing meal at Bistro Niko yesterday--one of the 100 best new restaurants in the country (according to Esquire magazine). I am always thinking, "It can't be as good as it was last time," but it is. One thing is the service. I have started to feel like it is my private restaurant. We had the same server this time and I told him early on that we wanted gougeres. They usually say the same thing: "they aren't on the menu, but I'll put in the order--it will take about 10 minutes." So, right off, I know something others don't. This was Sunday, so they were offering brunch: 11-5. It was a different menu (no shrimp), but there are always loads of things I want to eat, almost everything. They had a great squash soup, which Bonney and the Captain had, and a real French onion soup that my Mom got--large servings in tureen/crocks. Nicky ordered one of the French pizzas for his appetizer. They are on a very thin, almost cracker-like crust. This one was supposed to be flambee, but they must have done it in the kitchen or something. That was probably the only disappointment. It has some smoky lardons on it and was tasty, but just okay. Meanwhile, the bread is of course to die for, chewy on the outside, soft in the middle. And we had a great beaujolais. Several times, I just closed my eyes for a minute to savor a bite of something and make time stop. Ray had a salad. I am always amazed at how a salad can be exquisitely delicious. Perfect dressing, perfect ingredients. No asking you what dressing you want on your salad--they know what is right. Hank had salad nicoise, Ray and Vanessa had chicken paillard--flattened and sauteed, with asparagus and a bit of salad and grape tomatoes. I had hanger steak and frites. OK, the French fries were very good, but maybe not the best I ever had. I ordered the steak medium, because I knew it would be very rare. It was delicious, tender and tasty. Captain and Bonney had the duck--they raved about it. Nicky had a lamb sandwich and I can't remember what Chris had. All pretty much cleaned their plates, except Vanessa. Shee couldn't bring herself to ask for a box, although Ray would have. A second bottle of wine...The service is so awesome. The minute you finish the bread, a new basket appears. Your wine and water are constantly refilled before you need it. But no chatter of course. He seemed to genuinely enjoy waiting on us (who wouldn't? we were clearly having the time of our lives). Ah, dessert. Two baba au rhums (not quite rummy enough according to our tasters), a tarte moelleux au chocolat (a molten chocolate cake (exquisite), a creme brulee, and I had a lemon mousse with blueberries and a sort of meringue with the burned sugar top they put on creme brulee. Sigh. Wonderful. We had plenty of time and admired the kitchen, which is glassed-in for our pleasure. One guy was mincing chives all the time I watched, another parsley. There was a man removing poached eggs from a big bath. Even the bathrooms are pretty nice, and the background music, jazzy but not too loud. Ah...until the next time, Bistro Niko!

In the morning, we all went to the Fellowship, where we announced that Adrian is coming! It was an audience-participation service about things that make you mad. The Captain got up and yelled into the mike about not being timid. Don't worry so much about being polite, but tell them it's not okay when they park in the handicapped spots or litter. The choir sang a song written by Amber, composed of complaints. "Litterers, no-turn-signallers..." pretty fun. Then we headed to Atlanta in our two cars. After lunch, Bonney & Hank's car headed to the airport. As far as I know, they got on their two planes and all went well. We drove back to Athens--and by we, I mean Ray, who limited his consumption of wine. Captain and Vanessa dozed in the back, and I  may have slipped off for a moment myself. As we came into the house (6:30), the Captain said goodnight. I put on my pajamas and watched a little TV, but I think I went to bed before 8. Vanessa and Ray stayed up a little longer, although she was sleeping sitting up when I saw her last.

Sorry, the pictures didn't come across yet. There might be some on Facebook.

Gabriella and Emily from Charleston

Here are some pictures from last weekend at the Mountain. It is a beautiful and spiritual place; it makes me cry just to look at them. They are especially for Molli, who loves it there too. My iPhoto is still crashing when I try to transfer pictures from my iPhone, which is very frustrating.

Yesterday morning, I headed to the farmers market with Bonney and the Captain. We stopped first at Janna's to say hi to Mark and Francesca, who were leaving after their Thanksgiving visit. Ana was there and we met Cameron, although he didn't have a chance to say much. He seemed very nice. When we got to the farmers market, there was nothing there. Apparently, they were closed for Thanksgiving. boo-hoo.

Bonney and her family took an outing to play Frisbee golf, which I would have enjoyed. But I needed lunch and a little quiet time, so I didn't go. I took Vanessa to the drug store, because she had to get her prescriptions refilled before they closed at 1. We picked up a few groceries at Bells' rather than brave the possible game day traffic and go to Kroger. We stopped at Nancy's on the way home to return a few things we had borrowed, like a hot mat, pick up some things they had left (beer), and make sure all was tidy. Then home for lunch (still lots of leftovers and turkey). My Dad took the turkey apart and froze the bones and the last of the meat for future soup-making.

Meditation Rock

Ray enjoying the day

sunset

Ray giving a geography lesson

Ray telling jokes at Coffeeho

The boys helped me start supper, chopping onions, pepper, garlic and sauteing in olive oil. Then some of us got a Risk game going, while Bonney and Vanessa peeled shrimp and the Captain peeled tomatoes. We started on drink and snack and declared Nicky the winner of Risk. I was trying to defend Europe, which is not always the easiest option.

After supper, a long game of Dictionary, one of our favorites, and chats with Amelia and Molli for everyone.

worship service (where i announced in Joys & Concerns that Adrian got his visa)

ancient trees

from the tower

It's a bit cold in here this morning. I even turned up the heat to 68 and it's helping some. Too bad I didn't lay a fire yesterday.

We had pancakes yesterday morning and managed to hang around doing nothing. Hank, Chris and Nick went to Sandy Creek for a walk, even though it had rained and was a little damp out. They had a nice time and stopped for lunch on the way home.

Meanwhile, the 5 of us went to Lanier Gardens, where we had lunch and it was pretty good. Then we had a tour of the facility and it was quite nice. If it weren't for all the old people... The rooms were pleasant, if small. The subsidized rooms are not as nice as the full price ones, naturally, but the dining hall land most of the amenities are shared. They even said my Dad could have a garden plot. He said it was not as bad as he had feared and we had to agree. Bonney and I are looking forward to when we can move in! It is a large place, with lots of long corridors and little rooms and alcoves for sitting and reading or playing games.

We came home again (after stopping to get some stamps) and rested up a bit before playing Monopoly and drinking Scarlett O'Haras. I won! It was a very unusual game, because I got a lot of property up front, partly because I rolled doubles twice. The most important bit of luck is that I landed on all three properties of the light orange group: St. James, Tennessee, and New York. So I was able to buy a monopoly without any dickering and build on it early in the game. I never had any trouble buying houses and hotels and dominated from the beginning. I have to admit it was kind of fun. We ate leftovers as we could. And then spent some time looking at old pictures. Eventually, the Captain and Vanessa went to Nancy's and we watched a bit of TV--the Wizard of Oz was on, for one thing, and we enjoyed some Eddie Izzard too.

I love watching the day break. We had a heavy shower just as I got up and it's still very overcast, so darker than usual at this hour. I have a house full of sleepers, which is another thing I like. At this time of day, the day has potential.

Yesterday went well. The food was excellent. It's always good, but for some reason this year, it was just outstandingly delicious. Fairly ordinary things, well prepared. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, squash, sweet potatoes, creamed onions. Hank made a salad, but I didn't have room on my plate and then I was too full. Three kinds of pie with whipped cream. I only had room for one piece, but hopefully there will be some left for today. My father will want it for breakfast, and I might, except I am planning to make pancakes, mainly for the boys.

Watched a couple hours of the parade, but lost interest after that. Most of the Broadway stuff was at the beginning--that's what I love. The dancing from Memphis! And a show featuring Green Day's music.

Started out with cooking the onions, then the sweet potatoes. Peeling them and slicing in a dish with salt, sugar, and butter. Saved one for Hank, who has his with olive oil. Chris made the cream sauce for the onions. Vanessa added the crumbs later. Nicky peeled the white potatoes.

My mother stuffed the turkey after breakfast and then she and my dad took it over to Nancy's to cook. Some people again took long walks. They came back for lunch and we started a Cancellation Hearts game. Sent Chris over to check and baste the turkey between hands. Later, we decided to move the card game over to Nancy's, so we could keep checking the turkey and bake the sweet potatoes and onions. Ray did a third load of dishes and I took a quick bath. By the time we got there, the turkey was done. So we brought him home and left a few people there to bring the casseroles when they were ready.

Turned on the potatoes, set the table, Vanessa made the gravy, I heated the squash in the microwave. Casseroles arrived, Captain opened the wine. Meanwhile, of course, football on the tv whenever no card playing. We even paused it sometimes.

Sat down before 4 with lots of good food. Wish I could tell you the Captain's prayer: "Dear God, if you exist, we know you will forgive those of us who don't believe in you...thank you for this food and this family..." Drank the last bottle of Chateau Ventenac and it was still great. One thing I am thankful for...that trip to France...also my trip to Spain with Amelia a year ago...really great. Time to think about my next one.

After supper, finished the card game. Hank won, with 2 points. My husband led the queen of spades, my mother played the second queen, and I was forced to take it with the king, my only spade, making my score pretty high. But Chris had three really bad hands, after a good start, and went out first.

Then, Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy and two episodes of Big Bang Theory, when I began falling asleep and went to bed. Captain and Vanessa headed to Nancy's a little before me, about 9:30. Then I woke up before 5 again. Gotta get straight.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Unfortunately, the relaxing and sitting around portion of my holiday is yet to come.

Bonney and her family arrived about 10 Tuesday night. Their flights were fine, no invasive searches. In fact, the X-ray machine was down in Albuquerque, so they walked right on. No problems getting their rental car or following Ray's directions here. We sat up talking a little, but I went to bed about 11. I dozed until Ray came to bed.

I woke up yesterday a little after 4 and lay awake, excited and anxious to get busy, until almost 5:30, when I would have gotten up. but then I fell back into a light sleep until after 7, so that was good. Nicky was sleeping on the fold-out love seat in the loft, so I took my computer downstairs. Before too long, my Mom got up and started making lots of bacon and eggs. We had picked up a few bagels at Publix, so I toasted some of those and poured juice, while gathering recipes for pies.

I threw on some clothes and walked the dogs, then came back and ate breakfast. It was a pleasant temperature out; it had rained some the day before.

Bonney and I took my Mom to the YMCA and went to buy some more groceries. When we got home, Ray took the Hugheses on a long walk around Kenney Ridge with the dogs. He had to come back partway because Zoe couldn't keep up. Cameron did great though. Mom and Dad and I had some lunch. I rested on the couch and looked at cookbooks. I was sleepy. Mom and Dad finally headed to Nancy's, Bonney and the boys went too.

They had hoped for some eggs, but there were none. So we had to head out to the store again before we could finish the pies. I took Hank and Chris and Nick to Watkinsville to the peach stand (which had apples from North Georgia), but it was closed! Long way to drive for nothing. The sign said Reopen Saturday. I was bummed. Then we went to EarthFare and bought eggs and a few other things. And next door to the liquor store to buy Southern Comfort for Scarlett O'Haras and beer.

We got home with our eggs and the squash was all peeled and cut up, the crust was ready. Mom made the pumpkin pie filling (the recipe I picked turned out to be pretty complicated, requiring beating the egg whites separately). The oven was preheating and we were just about to put it in, when, "pop, fizz." and bright sparks in the oven, then darkness. Ray checked the circuit breaker, but nothing. I made a couple calls, but Mr. Appliance did not answer or call back. Sigh. It's like a movie--your oven dies at 4:58 the day before Thanksgiving!

The good news is that Mom and Dad are staying at Nancy's. Nancy has an oven. Mom finished up the apple pie as well and took both over to her house, with the Captain and some whiskey and snack items. Hank and the boys followed soon after. Bonney was finishing up a second pumpkin pie (on a wheat-free crust) and Ray was cracking pecans. We also were making supper. I had made the rub for the pork--garlic, fennel, salt, and pepper. Ray cooked it on the grill (that was the plan even before the oven died). Bonney made polenta--mmm, good. In fact, she was making it when I left for the other house with the second pumpkin pie. The first two pies were in the oven, so I left it on the counter and went to sit down with the crew. They were watching, How I Met your Mother; not my favorite. And I had neglected to bring anything to drink. So, after about 1/2 an hour of stuffing my face with potato chips, crackers, and cheese, and stealing an occasional sip of my mother's drink (straight whiskey), I drove back to the house to see how it was going. On the way, I passed Bonney. Ray was still cracking nuts. I got some green beans out of the freezer and put them on to cook. (the burners still work), got out plates and silverware, and sat down with the stuffing bread to watch a little TV. Ray took a break from the nuts and brought in the meat. By the time I was done with the bread, people had started arriving back at the house.

Dinner was fine, but it was near 8 o'clock and I was beginning to feel exhausted and overwhelmed. My mom did the onions and herbs and butter for the stuffing. I took a turn with the nutcracker and sent my parents back to Nancy's to cook the second pumpkin pie and chill out. Bonney was working on the pecan pie, but we still needed a few more nuts. I was pretty useless at that point. We finished off the apple crisp with ice cream...and I headed to bed about 10 or so. Nicky moved down to my parents' bed. Slept pretty well, but got up too early.

I just remembered I promised my Mom Bonney and I would put the turkey back in the fridge. She will probably be here before anyone else is up--not sure if I can do it myself. Also, the dogs are very trustworthy, but it is possible they found it irresistible. BRB

Whew! the turkey is unscathed. The windows were open in the breezeway, so it was a little cool in there. I put it in the fridge out in the garage, and there is one pumpkin pie in there. Oh, boy. The kitchen needs a little work, however. And the freezer was open all night, just a crack. We noticed yesterday it kept being open. Needs some rearranging to close properly and stay closed. Now anytime you close the fridge, it pops open. If you don't notice and close it again...

Still dark here, but time to get dressed and get moving soon.

Vacation! I am really looking forward to a few days off, almost as much as having Bonney and her family here.

I work part-time, with no paid leave or other benefits. This means that, in general, I can take off as much time as I want, if my boss agrees. So far, she has always said yes. I feel a little unneeded. I would like her, just once, to say, "can you come in for a few hours in the morning?" or something like that. On the other hand, because I have no paid leave, it is good for the bottom line if I don't work. And maybe she likes to be nice. Anyway, we have Thursday and Friday as holidays, and I threw in today for good measure.

Yesterday, I demonstrated to Meredith, Kerri, and Nora how I do the grant reimbursements. It is tedious and time-consuming, but not really difficult. It went pretty well. Kerri showed us the big notebook with all the information for the night staff. Meredith called it cross-training.

I worked through lunch and left about 1:30, stopping by the bank to make a deposit. I also stopped at Normal Hardware and bought a curtain rod.

Ray put up curtains in the Zen/bamboo room. They are blue and white--I made them for Amelia's room in another house, when she was old enough to want to "decorate" her room. It makes it much more like a bedroom.

We packed things into plastic bins and cardboard boxes and Ray lugged them downstairs. He also vacuumed the bedrooms within an inch or their lives. I made the beds, including opening up the loveseat upstairs (which is a bed). Got out towels for four. Dusted some. Needless to say, this is an endless job--although we did a lot, our room, my study loft, and the downstairs did not get done.

The chickens were out for a while and resisted going back in their coop. It was coming on to get dark and I worried that they would roost in the trees or somewhere in the yard and be vulnerable to predators. 

Vanessa and I made chili and apple crisp. Bonney doesn't eat wheat, Hank and Nicky are allergic to some legumes, the Captain doesn't eat beans and spicy foods much. It was hard to come up with a menu. But apparently kidney beans are okay for the allergic, we put a small amount of chili powder in and the Captain had a small serving. With a dollop of sour cream, it was excellent.

Ray and I headed to the UUFA at 7 for a special one-time choir rehearsal for the complaint choir. Anyone who wanted could send complaints to Amber, which she set to music. Deb H. played guitar, Diana the bongos, and a couple people have solo lines. It's very funny and fun to sing. "Everybody is on their cell phone..." it starts. We will sing this Sunday.

On the way home, we stopped at Publix and bought a few things we knew we needed for our guests, mostly four big cartons of yogurt, and cream cheese so Bonney can make her wheatless pie crusts. Carrots and fruit.

Ray and I were both pretty stiff and sore.

The weather is peculiar, too warm for this time of year, cloudy and humid. But it's not cold.