This Thanksgiving was quite different for many people as the effects of Covid-19 and the increasing high number of cases warranted changes in many people’s plans. Since we have not lived near family for many years, we are accustomed to having our own version of Thanksgiving and making it uniquely ours. In many ways, this year Thanksgiving was really just a Thursday. Bill was off of work for the next few days and we decided to be good citizens and stay within our usual bubble. Our general plan was to hunker down as a family, play games, watch movies, cook a few meals together and decorate for Christmas.
The boys were off of school Wednesday and they puttered around the house, playing games and taking it easy. I ran a few errands and went to the grocery store so that we had basic essentials at least until Friday. Bill’s schedule was light enough that he was home for an early dinner and family movie. I prepared Pumpkin Tian, a recipe I had queued for years, and we watched East Side Sushi. This flick left us feeling upbeat and held all parties’ attention. The tian was deliciously rich and satisfying as well.
Thursday morning our house woke up slowly and quietly. It was nice to start the day with a workout and conversation with Bill. I began a crocheted Christmas hat commission using a random ball of bonus yarn someone gave me. Since crochet is not my dominant skill, I was pleased to make good progress. Overall, it was a fairly low key day. Walker worked on college application essays with Bill who also solved some sound issues on my laptop (bless his heart!) and Mason filled up his video game cup.
For dinner at the behest of Mason, rather than me slaving over meal preparation, we ordered an abundance of Chinese food with the intention of having the traditional problem of leftovers. Last year we had Korean food so perhaps Asian food is our new turkey tradition.
Friday morning Walker scooted out early to meet friends for a hike. He seems to gravitate back toward Camp Ondessonk and the Shawnee National Forest on any given day. Bill pulled out the house Christmas lights and chipped away at that task while I worked on unboxing decorations inside. We had decided not to put up outdoor lights but then we reconsidered thinking this year everyone needs a little extra Christmas spirit, ourselves included.
Saturday morning the sun was out bright and strong. It was in the low 30s when Bill and I began our walk up Lincoln toward Wesselman Woods. We are quite familiar with this stretch of road but every time we catch a new detail. For example, this house at Vann Road and Lincoln had a new sign out front. I have noticed the house’s signs before but what I love about them is their kitchy homemade feel and positive messages.
It wasn’t long before we were back on Alvord Boulevard.
We walked north until we reached the Lloyd and then we crossed over using the pedestrian bridge.
Once on the other side, we walked up Alvord, headed east on Franklin and entered the park. We looped around the exterior of Wesselman and rather than returning on Alvord, we walked back on Boeke to Lincoln. We had our customary pit stop at McDonalds at Green River Road. Thankfully the restrooms were open despite the fact that the restaurant has closed its dining room due to Covid.
We walked a total of eleven miles and were home before lunch.
That afternoon Bill ran a few errands and Mason visited with his friend. We received our Misfits order which included purple top turnips and watermelon radishes. I love that this box is exposing us to seasonal vegetable varieties that may not be available in our local grocery stores or produce that I may regularly overlook.
After Mason’s buddy departed, we watched the Mandalorian while eating dinner carried in from Wasabi. We ended the evening with Mass.
Bill and I have had long conversations about virtual versus in-person Mass attendance. We were late to return to the physical church because we felt strongly that congregating in large groups even socially distant was unwise. However, a few months ago we decided that if we were going to permit the kids to socialize outside of school with friends that we should return to Mass and take precautions. We would simply choose the one with the least attendance which at St. John’s is 7 AM. However, with the increasingly high rate of Covid right now, we feel more comfortable going virtual again.
Bill and the boys did a quick YouTube search for live Masses and we “traveled” to the Philippines to San Roque de Manila Parish. Mass was celebrated in English. The officiant gave a really wonderful homily and we would definitely return there again.
Sunday was mostly a transition day and a space where we all caught up and geared up. We woke up without alarms and took care of simple business. There was a fair amount of computer time for many parties. Mason played video games, I worked on my dear blog and Walker and Bill worked on more college essays. This weekend’s included University of Manchester, Carnegie Mellon, Cornell, Kings College London and Stanford.
We picked up the house and Bill figured out why our vacuum was not working properly. He cleared the hose with a giant puff of air. (The man is a genius. He seems to be able to fix everything lately.) I also finished the crocheted Christmas hat. It’s not quite the same as was intended but I am pleased with it all the same.
We wound down the weekend with dinner from Red Lobster and an episode of Diners, Drive Ins and Dives called Filling Up on Philly. Monday, here we come.
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