monkey wrenches and all flights grounded...

 I didn't make that trip to the airport to pick up Paul last evening after all.  All flights on the east coast, then in the continental U.S. were stopped for several hours.  He was stuck in D.C., and is flying out today.  He's coming into a different city, so Suzanne is picking him up.  

Jonathan was headed on a trip to Arizona to hike with one of his Norwegian friends, and one of his Dutch friends.  He ended up leaving this morning, his friends were in NYC and Chicago, and they will all meet up in AZ as planned, just a day later.

(That's Jonny on the far left with the green jacket...he was interviewed for the local news:))

This fine morning, I made two pumpkin pies.  First the butter crusts, I make them by hand with a pastry cutter (which is old with wires sticking out, I need a new one!).  I like the food processor when making multiples, but it's a pain to get out then clean for just making two pie crusts.

They are in the oven, and the house smells absolutely heavenly.  Whether or not you are a pumpkin pie lover, the aroma is mmmm.  

The turkey is all prepped, in the pan ready to roast, all salted and seasoned, in the foil tent.  I have such good memories of my mother making that tent and putting the turkey in the oven, I miss her so much.  

I will make some red-skinned mashies (potatoes), and a big pan of stuffing with celery and onions.  We have cranberry sauce, and some rolls.  Maybe I'll make a veggie too.  

Why a turkey right before Thanksgiving?  Well, for starters, it was less than eight dollars for a 15 pounder.  Add that to the fact that it's SO good, and I can't wait, and it's getting chilly outside, and it sounds so lovely to have the house smell like turkey.  I think it was Sonja who mentioned last week that she was ready for a mini-Thanksgiving.....

I was home absolutely all alone last night.  Char and Cam spent the night at Jon and Rosi's house (they had a Harry Potter party...).  I thought Paul would be here with me, but no sir, he was not.  

Out by the mailbox this morning, the leaves are mostly down, it's that desolate time of year, dismal forebodings...but very cozy in the house.  

The pies are almost done, the turkey is in the oven, I just vac/mopped the floors.  I need to peel potatoes, chop onions and celery, and get the stuffing done.  Evelyn and Nate and baby Bridget, Sonja and Oscar and Kaia Jean, and Suzanne and Zech and maybe Winnie the Labrador will be here, with Paul, because they're picking him up!  Char and Cam are home now too.  

Ah well...you have a really nice day!