Aluminum Christmas Tree - New and Old

     While leafing through one of the many catalogs that grace the mailbox at this time of year, I came across a very nostalgic item. Surprised was I to see  a new version of this aluminum tree on the market. Not very pretty nor very traditional and actually somewhat tacky, the original holds a treasured spot in my Christmas memories. As kids in the early 1960's, we enjoyed our shiny, sparkly tree for two or three years in the living room and then it was relegated to the basement rec room. The soft light of slowly changing colors spilled up the stairwell and was visible from our bedrooms; it was comforting but exciting at the same time.

    
     When I found a photograph of our tree in the family albums, I was surprised to see how small and narrow it appears because in my memory it is like the advertisement above. Whatever the case, it will be remembered fondly.

Kitty meets the coons

     Miss Molly Anna loves the changing seasons, not for the obvious reasons of temperature or precipitation, but for the boxes and tubs that are being emptied or filled with decorations. She climbs inside each one as if to claim it for her own and then hops out. The stuff that piles up on the dining room table during each transformation also has to be investigated. These two painted rocks inhabit the front porch during the summer and autumn months but have been brought in to pack away and make room for holiday accents. Miss Molly appears to have made a friendly acquaintance and all three seem to be posing with the same wide-eyed expression.



Mashed Potato Pancakes

     The day after Thanksgiving is replete with leftovers. The usual thought is turkey sandwiches or soup but I went in different directions this year. Today for lunch we had turkey salad (made with celery, onion and mayonnaise) and crackers, and for Sunday dinner we'll have turkey enchiladas spiced with chili peppers and jalapenos from the garden. Into the freezer went  the final few slices of white meat, leftover peas and onions, and enough gravy to cover - a convenient dinner to heat up quickly one evening next week after a long busy day at work - yummy over some toast points. One of our favorites isn't related to the bird however, but to the mashed potatoes. Just a scant cup mixed with egg, milk, flour and a few other ingredients produces crispy edged pancakes that complement an ordinary breakfast of eggs and bacon. The pancakes are good fried in butter or bacon fat, and there are never any left over.

Giving Thanks

     Every time I walk up to the front porch of my home, I give pause before entering, and especially so at Thanksgiving. Yes, it's a day for heavenly aromas from the kitchen, and for spending time with family, and even for football, but on this Thanksgiving morning I am alone and the house is quiet; a misty rain is falling outside and there is no bustle in the kitchen. There will be no children or grandchildren or siblings visiting today as everyone has other family obligations. Am I sad? Yes, I shed a few tears this morning but when I went outside to get the newspaper, the wreath that hangs by the front door chided, "Give Thanks", and I began to feel much better. That familiar pause was a little more poignant today - those two little words turned my day around. I can give thanks for so much that I have now but at times in my life were disparate: a lovely home, a good job, health and a family that I love dearly. So later, when Pop gets home from work and we sit down to eat our small turkey (with big helpings of stuffing), I'll get tears in my eyes again, but they'll be tears of happiness.

Leafy Days

     Raking leaves is considered a chore, but I take into account the fact that it's a reason to be outside enjoying the fresh air and a it's good way to burn a few calories. If a child or a dog is present, it can even be fun because leaf piles are irresistible!

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Pumpkin-Filled Sweet Rolls

     A gray, chilly, windy day does have its merit because of the incentive to play in the kitchen, turn the oven on and enjoy the aroma of something baking. First I pick out a new or tried-and-true recipe. Today I did a little of both; I used my standby recipe for sweet rolls but rolled it up with a pumpkin cinnamon filling inside. Pronounced yummy by all, a good bit disappeared before it was even cooled or glazed! I do believe this combination will become a November standard in our house.

Color Variance in November

     The absence of color early this morning was rather striking. A fog that through the window appeared dreary had much more character and became an interesting study in contrasts when viewed skyward from outside on the lawn.

   Later, sometime after sunrise, the fog disappeared and the remaining colors of the season became apparent . The blazing burning bush in the neighbor's yard was a splendid backdrop for my miscanthus - a valiant final effort by autumn's palette.