Big snow in the northwest corner of CT. Ten percent chance is already five inches and growing. Happily we’ve kept power when other parts of CT have lost theirs. That knowledge sends me off to the kitchen to continue Thanksgiving prep.
Trying to do a little each day so I enjoy it. I’ve found that varying activities that have to be done by Thursday, keeps them much more enjoyable. The cranberries are cooked and chilling in the refrigerator- always better after a few days.
Accidents in the kitchen are a fact of life. I found some cooking tips that might be of use for that partially frozen bird, dry overcooked turkey or stuffing. Thin gravy or gluey/lumpy mashed potatoes. Maybe if you know you have a resource, it won’t happen? I just found out my sister isn’t bringing the dread mashed potatoes….I’m substituting with baked mini potatoes -unless I cave and try again.
Early Thanksgiving
When you’re stressing over food prep, you might consider history. As I recall, childhood Thanksgiving studies highlighted happy native Americans celebrating with the colonists. My sister had the temerity to suggest that in the early days, it didn’t always work out too great. Be thankful you didn’t live through the catastrophic Jamestown Starving Time of 1609-1610. Eighty percent of the population perished from disease and starvation. A failure to properly grow crops, form partnerships with the Indians and subsequent lack of FOOD led to an extended period of cannibalism. Yikes.
Winter is great for garden planning
Check out the gates I photoshopped. What do you think? I call it New England Eclectic.
As we just finished the hardscape for the new garden it’s time to consider how to close it off from the driveway. Neither of us wants a solid wall. For some reason I’ve been thinking it should be black metal. Last week, we returned to a wonderful Asian resource in Great Barrington to scope things out. We bought a beautiful painted Indonesian door there a few years ago. This time they were closed. Interestingly enough, my husband spied a large metal gate outside. We took photos, it’s about 5.5’ tall and 10’ wide. The opening we have is about 13’. Pretty perfect. I hope to return and make a deal. I’m afraid I’ve fallen in love. Big sale end of November before they bring in more goods.
We also stopped at an incredible antique glassware shop from the Gilded Age (1880-1920). Called Elise Abrams Antiques in Great Barrington, MA. Look here for really special antique glass and place settings. Costly, but a really wonderful, knowledgeable business owner –well worth the shop. 
Paola Pillows on Etsy
I’m slogging away setting up Paola Pillows on Etsy. You’ll love the new pillow prices.
We’re bringing pillows to a holiday stroll in Washington, CT at the Pantry. Great place to stop for lunch and gifts every day but Sunday. And we’re doing the annual Festival of Trees benefit for Oliver Wolcott Library Saturday, Nov.26th in Litchfield.
More about the Paola Pillow story here
Music to relax by
As always, music helps me chill. My son sent me this link the other day. (Thanks, Dan) Guitar music of almost any kind is the right antidote for stressful times. I love the sound of his guitar. Travis Bowman is an acoustic guitarist/harp guitarist from Little Rock, AR. He says he was influenced by blues guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan. Much less aggressive but a welcome listen. Hotel California (Eagles) – Harp Guitar
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