We feasted this afternoon as was befitting the fine tradition of Haus Wanderstamm. Way too much food, we all ate too much, and entered into food coma shortly thereafter. Then dessert. Way too much, but so worth it. I continue the proud family tradition of having my mouth open in photos... ah well. On a more serious note,

I am thankful for much good food, and the good health and happiness of everyone that consumed it.
I am thankful for my family (both sides!), and miss that we were not together today.
I am thankful for my wonderful husband. I love you, kurlon.
I am thankful for my friends, both near and far (far... Hoobiewan, are you still reading these ramblings? I think it's my turn to email, and I've been a horrible slacker... You're invited for New Year's again, I think. :) ).
I am thankful for my closest friends, who have become another part of my family.
I am thankful for ROCK BAND, and the feeling of awesomeness that comes with it, and the fortune that has smiled on us all that allows us to be able to play silly plastic instruments whenever we want to.
I am thankful for my good life, and the direction it is going in.

May our good fortunes continue. Happy Day, everyone.

And if anybody is crazy enough to leave their homes for shopping tomorrow, good luck... I'm staying right here.

and fortunately it's allll liquid.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I would like to offer my sincere thanks to whatever blood sacrifice or other offering was made to whatever being it is that controls the weather this week. I don't even want to think about how much snow we would have gotten out of this storm (which is still going... pouring down rain, still). I don't have to; the news reports that the mountains have over a foot, and it's still coming down. Coastal areas are flooding. I drove across several inches-deep pools and rivers of water on the way home from fencing tonight. There may have even been some hail thrown in every now and then for good measure.

I am thankful for 51 degree temperatures at 11:00 PM in late November, during a precipitation-based weather event.
I am thankful for the ground being above 34 degrees, so said precipitation stays liquid, and not glassy frozen horribleness.
I am thankful for good tires on my car.
I am thankful for a basement that does not leak.
I am thankful that we are not one of the 35,000 still without power, and that ours came back on after only an hour and a half of darkness.

Now to see if the turkey has thawed sufficiently to get it into the brine... we shall see. Turkey may have a bath to encourage fewer ice crystals...