Thanksgiving Grocery Shopping Efficiently ~ Or Not

I was trying to be efficient, really I was. Having so little time, I thought that I might try to apply some of my work talents. As a Projects Manager, one of my responsibilities is to develop efficiencies , so I thought, "Okay, let's go at this efficiently. That's what you do all day at work." I pulled out all the special recipes, made up the first, "check the cupboard" list, then made the first draft grocery list, then organized all the items by grocery aisle, and drafted the FINAL grocery list. "Well done, Patty", I said to myself, just a wee bit too smugly (that should have been the tip off, but apparently I was too busy feeling rather - well - efficient, to be listening). Go to the grocery store, efficiently placing the necessary items into the basket, then come home to unload. My wonderful husband, as he's helping unload asks the critical question: "Where's the turkey?" Good question. Apparently, in my fervor to focus on the efficiencies I missed the bigger picture, which, of course, would be the main event - the turkey. Amazing. Fortunately, the darling husband was up to the task, and after armed with very specific instructions (not too big, has to be a hen, if it's bigger than 12 lbs., it has to be fresh or it won't defrost in time, and a few other critical pieces of information), we're ready to go for tomorrow's big meal. Ah, the joys of working a busy, demanding job with an hour and a half one-way commute, whilst still trying to pull off a big family holiday event. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone, and focus on the bigger picture, forget the efficiencies, and savor your blessings, your family, friends, and good food!!

Patty

It's Thanksgiving Already?

Oh my goodness, the season is here! It just sort of snuck up on me this year. Thanksgiving is just a week away. As my husband and I try to get ourselves moved out to Oceanside, I just haven't paid attention to the weeks ticking away. But here we are, now, my most favorite time of year has arrived. It's all about family, comforts, good food, reminiscing, and looking forward. This year will be the first year that my family will be without one of our kids with us ~ Katelyn, our youngest, will be in England studying at Newcastle University over Thanksgiving. I will have a hard time of it, not having her here with us, but Katelyn will have it harder, with no one to share turkey and stuffing with. It's just another day, in the UK. I'm hoping I can get started on a quilt for her, one that was featured in Quiltmaker's, "Quilting & Embroidery" Summer 2008 issue. It is called, "5 Little Monkeys":


Katelyn loves sock monkeys so I thought she'd have fun with this, and have a little bit of mom with her in England. "Quilting & Embroidery" is a great magazine for inspiration, for quilters who like to combine machine embroidery with quilting. I've always loved "Quiltmaker Magazine" and especially "Quilter's Newsletter" for quilting, and I think they've done a great job with their seasonal sister magazine.

Well, I figure if I get started on this quilt, and really get into it, maybe Murphy will come along and drop one of his big rules on us, and we'll have an answer on one of the two houses we have an offer on ~ and have had an offer on for two months, now, and I'll have to hastily pack up the quilt. The real estate market in Southern California is really difficult right now, so plans for being in our new place by the holidays just isn't looking like it will happen. So instead, we'll look forward to one more "white Christmas", instead of the possibility of swimming in our pool for Christmas.

Will report back on my quilt progress. And a few Christmas gifts I have on the docket to get done. Hope everyone has a gentle and loving Thanksgiving holiday out there! Stay warm and safe, for all those traveling to their respective families this Thanksgiving!

~Patty

Welcome to my Quilt Muse Blog!

Having enjoyed so many other quilters and embroiderer's blogs, thought it was time to put my random quilting and embroidering blog thoughts down in cyberspace. Hope you enjoy my blog, and look forward to chatting with other quilters and embroiderers!

~Patty