Since our holiday party I have been in a bit of a fog…part dreamy, part wiped out.  But of course, I am still eating and cooking. And when I’m not, I’m at someone else’s place sitting, drinking and eating.  The day after the party and last night were two such times that I played the guest and not the host, which is so nice.

Sunday, Tracy and Isham put together the most amazing dinner that required Eric and me to only get off the couch, change out of pajamas, and mosey across the street. Nope, no driving involved.  There we found roast pork with a cherry/raisin chutney, cheese bread and the most decadent mashed potatoes I have ever eaten. I believe they contained butter, cream cheese and sour cream. Oh my goodness, they were tasty.  Joining us were Tracy’s friends Mark and Wesley, who are flat out hilarious and the dinner conversation took such odd twists and turns that I can honestly say I can’t remember having a more unusual or lively visit. It was terrific, meeting new friends was terrific and Tracy & Ish are super terrific to have us all over.  It was nice to eat real food. Not party food or pizza.  Of course, I forgot my camera, but I will stop doing that. Sorry, Sweeties!

Last night found me at the glamorous new loft of bestie Clint for cookie making.  Clint and I had not caught up in ages and we just didn’t feel like getting our hands dirty with messy cookie dough, so Clint pulled some containers of pre-made cookie dough out of the fridge and we just scooped, baked and ate. And ate. They were yummy!  We visited, toured the loft, decorated the tree and generally enjoyed each other’s company. Clint has been globe hopping lately – freshly back from St. Thomas and off to Memphis for Christmas – I was lucky to spend an evening with him.  Pictures? Nope, not last night either. I have got to snap out of it!

Today, I will be having lunch with buddy Tami at Bocado. Promise to report in full and take photos.

xoxo, Patti

Thanks, Everyone! We love you!

Table Set With Goodwill Candelabra - You Can Find Anything There!

Need Place Cards? Grab Some Leaves and a Sharpie!

John and His 19 Lb Turkey Before Frying

Rolls Fresh From The Oven. Should've Waited to Bake These...

Holly and Danny Enjoying the Brisk Weather

Best Friends

Eric and His Fried Friend

John Presents the Bird to the Papparazzi

Holly and Patti Cutting Up in the Backyard

The Boys At the Sideboard

Everything is Better Covered in Gravy

John really went all out. He picked out the turkey, made collard greens, oyster dressing, squash casserole, a sweet potato pie, a pecan pie – it was all incredible. My offerings included yeast rolls (I really have to work on that recipe), sausage raisin dressing, green bean casserole, mashed sweet potatoes. Tracy and Isham brought mashed potatoes, spinach casserole, cranberry relish and a pumpkin cheese cake.

Yup, that was a lot of food. But after dinner Holly and John headed the clean-up (are my friends the greatest or what?) ala The Big Chill and after that the boys played Wii bowling while the rest of us sat at the table and visited.

I am so very thankful for all my blessings.

I’m thankful for you.

Happy Black Friday Darlings!

xoxo, Patti