We had a wonderful day, full of family, food, and fun. Full being the operative word. I believe I may have mentioned that we went up The Mitten to my Uncle Bob and Aunt Phyllis’ house. Actually, that would be over The Mitten. They are west of us. We were asked to bring broccoli salad and a dessert.

Here was our dessert. The Ab-Cat helped me the night before. We made Sinful Saltines (recipe stolen from Hoola Laurie) Scrum-tru-lescent Shortbread (recipe stolen from Miss Kris) and Peanut Butter Fudge ( recipe stolen from my friend Shari). I told Honey that I was ever so pleased, because everything turned out! Because sometimes, things I make look like I found them smashed on the side of the road. Taste good, but lacking in presentation. The stars and planets aligned for this one!

Mousey, Honey and Katie, were watching us play games. I think they were making fun of us. I don’t know why I think that.

My favorite part of the meal. There was not much left. I come from a family of very good cooks. Obviously, I am adopted.
I was sharing my heartfelt desire to be known for something that I make. You know, like a special recipe. My Uncle Bob pointed out that could be a bad thing as well.

We played “Apples to Apples” for a while. But it was only an appetizer to the main game. A little family game called Peanuts. Or otherwise known as GET OUT OF MY WAY !!!!!!!! Phyllis and I figured that this game has been a constant in our family since I was 14. And that is way more years than I feel like I need to share.

Everyone has their own deck of cards. And we all play at the same time. It can get loud. And rowdy. Some can’t handle it. Some excel at it. Some are good sports, cause they always loose. And some won’t even try, for fear of being eaten alive. Kari won. Her strategy was to say she had a “little headache”. We showed her no mercy. She whipped our tails anyway.

The Grandpa and The Grandma.

Ummel Bob and More Ummel Bob with their son, Michael. Mike was trying to help The Boy refine his Peanuts game. The Boy should listen to him. Mike has played the game his whole life, he can hold his own. We were missing their daughter Lindsay and her fiance Robbie. They live in Omaha. Sad face.

Mousey was very huggy. The Boy made a startling discovery. He LOVES dressing. I told him that it had been served every holiday of his entire life. He had never even tried it. He’s a ding dong.

Sister and brother.

I told you she was huggy. A Mouse and a Cat.

Much thanks to Bob and Phyllis! As usual, we had a great time.

This is Kari and her husband, Jeremy. You remember her, the one who had a “little headache” and whipped our tails at cards? They are good friends with Bob and Phyl. They are always a welcome addition to the family on Thanksgiving. They go to Germany at Christmas. That’s where her family is. Maybe someone else can win at cards now.

And this is to prove that The Boy was right. A month or so ago, we were at The Dollar Store and he wanted to buy a cane. Now why would he want that? And then he started telling me about Aunt Phyllis’ cane collection. I said I did not think she had a cane collection. Oh yes, she did, he said. I am sorry to say that I did not believe him. So here it is. I WAS WRONG. Happy now?
All told, it was a wonderful day!