Thanksgiving week 2024

 I love Thanksgiving. Or more accurately, I love Thanksgiving week.

Usually, I love it because I really enjoy making food for people. And the week of Thanksgiving is always filled with food prep. But this year, I loved it even more because we went to Virginia the weekend before the holiday.

Levent and I drove down to Harrisonburg on Friday and got to town in time for my nephew's musical, Oliver Jr. He had a minor speaking roll and was one of the cast members. It was so fun to see him shine in this way. (He's such a little gamer. So it's not often we get to see him sing and dance). I was very proud of him.

The rest of the weekend was filled with the usual Virginia things. We went out for brunch on Saturday morning (because that's what we always do, but it was also to celebrate my Dad's birthday which had been the Tuesday before). Leah and I went around to some of my favorite shops in Harrisonburg. Levent and I hung out at my parents house one afternoon (while everyone else was at another showing of the musical). I helped my mom decorate for Christmas and Levent helped them with their IT issues (as per usual). We watched a lot of sports with the Baker's. It was a really nice weekend.

We came back on a Monday. So I also only worked 2 days the actual week of Thanksgiving, which was also a highlight - the not working part that is. We celebrated Thanksgiving with the Millers and once again I am so happy to be able to celebrate a holiday with family without having to drive some place else.

We had our meal around mid-day and then hung out, went on a brisk walk, did a simple puzzle and ate pie and had cocktails. (The only down side was that Levent was sick, which was a real bummer).

This year, my contribution to the meal was rolls (which were actually leftover in the freezer from Canadian Thanksgiving), corn pudding, apple pie, ice cream and salted caramel sauce and cocktails. Thankfully, everything turned out this year. (Last year I had quite a lot of issues with my pies. But I think I am getting better at making them!)

The rest of the weekend was pretty chill, especially since Levent was still sick. But I made the most of it. I took Friday off (because it's a literal crime that we don't get that day off as a holiday too) and used that day to decorate for Christmas, despite the fact that it was still November. But with Thanksgiving being so late this year, the timing felt right. I also zipped to my favorite antique store in Columbus just to get out of the house (and to do my weekly therapy assignment of driving on the highway). 

I did not buy this hotdog ornament but thought it was really funny

I did buy two brass stocking holders though which I adore (and need to polish)

Having Christmas lights really brightens up our basement apartment. I love it so much.

The rest of the weekend was filled with watching sports, going to my favorite Columbus bookstore to buy a puzzle (for Small Business Saturday), working on that puzzle, setting up my new shelf Dad built for me and baking some Christmas cookies to keep in the freezer. (I also finished my cousin book club book finally - Dracula. It took me ages).

Overall, it was a lovely holiday weekend. And now I am pumped for Christmas. Although, I will say, at this point, I am just really looking forward to taking more time off work. lol

Cheers!