In Focus

How is it that next week is already Thanksgiving? Time is flying by!

I just finished securing Christmas decorations in the yard. The recent winds reminded me I forgot to tie some things down, especially since a neighbor informed me that part of my snowman was in her yard. The reindeer haven’t been fully cooperating, but hopefully, they will stay upright now, too.

Somewhere in the depths of my basement, I have an inflatable turkey. I may or may not find it and put it out for the week. 

I just finished programming the Christmas light show over the weekend which includes 13 songs, and now I get to start tearing into the decorations inside the house, including putting up the 14 Christmas trees.

I know you all think I’m crazy, but I like my festive-themed trees. So do the cats. Some of them know better to leave them alone, and the kittens are still learning that they are not to climb or chew on. That was an issue last year; the two kittens would climb to the top whenever I put up a tree. Sometimes, I would catch one of the cats sleeping in a tree—especially the house panthers since their dark fur hides them better. 

Otherwise, my Thanksgiving weekend will be nothing but eating and Christmas decorating. We don’t care for turkey and usually have a non-traditional meal. We like it better that way. As far as turkey intake...I hit my limit years ago. 

And I know someone needs to hear this: Don’t burn your house down trying to deep fry a frozen turkey.

Another tradition you won’t catch me involved in is black Friday shopping. After working retail for years, there isn’t a deal good enough for me to get up at 3 a.m. to go shopping. For those of you who do partake in the mad rush, don’t run over anyone, and please be nice to the employees! They take the brunt of the shoppers’ frustrations on a good day, don’t make it worse on the most hectic shopping day of the year. 

I plan to stay home in my pajamas, do some decorating, and eat junk food for four days. It’s just the break I need before the Christmas chaos ensues. 

I hope everyone has a happy and safe Thanksgiving!