Saturday Meanderings

I cannot believe the Thanksgiving holiday is next week. Will you be hosting, cooking or just participating? It’s one of my favorite holidays because it allows us to be together, sharing food and laughter, not requiring presents or dressing up! Welcome to another Saturday Meanderings post where we chat about all good things this week. Grab your favorite beverage and let’s get started!

A New Approach to Thanksgiving this Year

We’re trying something new this year. Since this will be our first Thanksgiving with two of our three children away, we decided to host a Friendsgiving on Sunday. We’ll have a lively group of fourteen—neighbors, friends, and a mix of people we love. Julianna is traveling, and my son has used up his vacation days at work, so he’s staying put in Chicago. Thankfully, sweet Elisabeth (currently holding the title of “favorite child”—ha!) will be here to celebrate this new version of the holiday with us.

Today I’ll be busy in the kitchen, prepping as much of the food as I can ahead of time. The turkey will go in the oven on Sunday, just before everyone arrives. We’re tweaking our usual menu ever so slightly (you can find our favorite Thanksgiving menu here), but we’re still keeping the beloved family classics. After all, it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without my husband’s famous pumpkin pies and his legendary drunken sweet potatoes—there’s quite a story behind those!

We will be eating out on the back terrace and even though rain and chilly weather is predicted, we will be under cover and have the outdoor heaters ready if necessary.

To seat 14, I need two tables. With the help of some pretty paper rolls from Hester and Cook, I am hoping there is a cohesive and festive look to the table. Here’s an example of what I am using and will share the final tablescape next week.

Thoughts about the Holidays this year

As our children grow and step into their own lives, long-standing family traditions naturally shift. Even if I don’t feel like I’m getting older, the world around us is changing—and with it, the shape of our holidays. Rather than feeling sad or wistful about what has changed, I’m choosing to embrace the opportunity to create new experiences that bring joy in fresh ways. Life is far too short to cling to what once was; instead, we can rise, adapt, and discover new traditions that fill this season with meaning.

This Thursday, on Thanksgiving, Scott and I are giving ourselves permission to slow-roll through the day. Think cozy jammy pants, the parade and dog show on TV, maybe even take-out Italian food. Add in plenty of snuggles with Finn and Donovan, and it sounds like the perfect kind of simple celebration. Whatever the day brings, our hearts are full—with gratitude for our beautiful family, our wide circle of friends, and for all of you who show up here week after week. I truly gobble up your comments and thoughtful insights. This unexpected little community has become such a supportive, joyful space, and for that, I am deeply thankful.

It’s Been Rainy and Chilly

What unusual weather we are having~rain nearly every day, even some snow in the outlying communities. Our skies are moody, dark and colorful, when and if the sunset peaks through. Sweater weather has definitely arrived and it’s time to get the fireplaces going again.

Here are some weather related photos for your enjoyment.

Getting Lots of Little Projects Done

I don’t sew very often, nor can I do anything more complicated than a Halloween costume or an A-line skirt. This week I did make 3 sets of café curtains for the kitchen window at my daughter’s sweet rental home. We decided back in September to make seasonally themed curtains, starting first with a pumpkin fabric.

Doesn’t it feel good when you complete a project that has been niggling in the back of your mind for weeks? Now she will have curtains for winter, spring and summer. A fun idea to change things up in a rental property! Fabrics from Hobby Lobby.

Years ago, I bought this incredible stone statue of St. Raphael—four feet tall, two feet wide, and weighing approximately a gazillion pounds. I’m still not entirely sure what possessed me to bring him home, but he is undeniably fabulous. With no clear idea where he belonged, we set him against a nearby palm tree, where he has lived ever since.

Finally, this week, we moved the exceptionally heavy fellow to his new home on the north side of the pool house. Now he sits gracefully among the new Ollies (those darling small olive trees/shrubs), cleverly concealing the exterior pipes I’ve wanted to hide for years. Doesn’t he look wonderful there?

Being the patron saint of travelers (among other things), it seems appropriate St. Raphael is protecting our pool house, where we host many guests.

Cutting Roses Again

This cooler weather is the best medicine for our rose garden. It’s interesting on how the new blooms are big and hearty and I am finally able to cut them again for bouquets around the house.

This very fragrant bouquet of mostly pink roses is a joyful addition to the kitchen.

However, not only did I love them, but so did Donovan. Even though he is NOT allowed on the counter, he broke the rules to munch on the rose petals and leaves.

Annual Turkey Drive

Each year our neighborhood raises money to buy turkeys to support the turkey drive by our local police department. All turkeys donated go to St. Mary’s Food Bank for distribution to families in need over the holidays.

This year we exceeded expectations. Fortunately, the price per pound is down from last year, and the $1700 raised bought 127 turkeys from Walmart! With two vehicles filled and a very long paper receipt, we dropped them off at the precinct.

Thank you to our wonderful neighbors for making this generous donation possible! And extra thanks to those men and women in blue who protect our community.

Local Christmas Market

If you are looking for holiday inspiration, you may want to check out the Highland Yard at Merchant Square in Chandler. Throughout November, they have over 40 vendors with antiques, vintage treasure, home decor, and all sorts of artisan goodies.

The address is 1509 N. Arizona Avenue in Chandler~it’s in a separate building behind Merchant Square (which is an extensive thrift store). Also, they have a very good barbecue restaurant with delicious freshly baked cookies. Elisabeth and I went this week and I bought some pretty new and vintage glass ornaments.

From the Internet

Are you looking for some different side dishes for your Thanksgiving dinner? Elizabeth from Pinecones and Acorns shares delicious sounding recipes for caramelized onion potatoes au gratin, pumpkin Mac ‘n cheese and more. See her wonderful post here.

Dried Orange Ornaments

If you are looking for natural elements to make holiday ornaments, check out Wendy at WM Design House’s post on 13 Creative DIY Ideas using Dried Oranges. Lots of great information here!

I tried my hand at making a dried orange garland in 2021 since we always have a plethora of oranges from our orchard. You can see the tutorial here. I love the simplicity of using dried fruit in holiday decorating.

That’s all I got for you this week! Today is food prep day for our Friendsgiving dinner tomorrow afternoon. Looking forward to lots of good smells in the kitchen. Have a beautiful weekend and stay safe out there!