Wow, another week has passed! Yes, this was a “short week” but I managed to squeeze more out of it. I’m feeling so good I’ve finally gotten back to unpacking (yes, I am still surrounded by boxes!) and reorganizing the space. AND keeping a thought towards making room for a Christmas tree soon!

So, while I just moved here in August, I’ve had some things in boxes for…8 years! Oh my goodness! I sold and moved out of my house (where I’d lived for 14 years) in October 2009, and some things have not been unpacked in all that time. So it’s always a surprise to open a box marked “Kitchen slash pottery slash metal things slash living room not vital,” because after all this time, who KNOWS what’s in there?!? It’s fun to see things again after so long.

This picture my daughter colored for me when she was little little, maybe 5 or 6? Thank goodness she signed her last name to it or I would never have known who it was from!

I found my old wedding album oh joy. Everyone looks so young. And pink. And poofy.

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And my niece and daughter…when she was still young enough that I could dress her as *I* wanted. I think I have this exact outfit now.

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Dime Savings Bank is very generously doing a campaign where they’re donating $10 to nonprofits when people post what they’re thankful for on social media along with the hashtag #DimeGivesBack and tagging the nonprofit of your choice. Obviously I’m supporting Nassau Suffolk Services for Autism, where I work.

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I couldn’t believe that Trader Joe’s had No. Fresh. Flowers. on Wednesday. Yes, I know it was the day before Thanksgiving, but still! I’ve never witnessed such a thing! For the record, I think Trader’s has The Best Selection of cut flowers at the best prices anywhere (except a wholesale market). They’re my go-to for flowers for the house and for gifts so this was a disappointment.

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On Thanksgiving Day I just hung out at home with the kids….

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Drinking tea and eating pie…

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Getting updates from my daughter, sister and nieces in South Carolina…

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From left to right: Niece, Grand-Niece, Daughter, Sister. Aren’t they all beautiful? I wish I could have been there with them. Maybe next time.

Late in the day we went for a ride (“IN THE CAR!” said Caleb excitedly)…

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To see the sunset.

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I had a friend over the next day for a post-Thanksgiving brunch. At 6pm.

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This morning I filled the kitchen with smoke…but look how pretty the light rays are coming through it from outside.

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And that’s my week! One holiday behind us, another one ahead. Have you started on Next Holiday Prep…whatever it might be?