Cue Winter

Thanksgiving is near and winter is here. There's a "feeling" in the air outside... the sort of quality that comes along with hunkering down with warm afghans (blankets, not the dogs) and drinking tea. I've released the puffy orange coat from the closet cave and even though it's tight, it should fit for most of the winter.

We ordered "Turkey Day Dinner for Two" from Whole Foods so we don't have to cook. It comes with turkey breast, smashed potatoes, green beans, apple crisp and some other goodies. If I never have to cook another turkey as long as I live, I'll be a happy woman. Why should I do it poorly when others can do it so well? So I plan on getting up early, watching the Macy's parade on TV and then watching the dog show to follow. I will then turn my oven on and warm up my gorgeous, pre-made, $42.99 Turkey Day Dinner for Two. Perfection. The only thing better would be to be in California with my family, chaotic and loud and just like you see in Thanksgiving-esque movies.

I've not been enjoying my daily subway rides lately... usually I like to watch the parade of humanity and I like that part of being in New York is riding the great societal equalizer, the subway. But lately it seems like it's been annoying, screaming school kids and bad smells. Vomit on the train floor and people with bad attitudes who refuse to take their feet of the seat so I can sit down. I think I am overly sensitive, but I just am not into the daily grind of it all lately.

I am, however, into the idea of going to see the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and going ice skating in Prospect Park. I am into the idea of Christmas-looking (not shopping) and generally making the best of the city during the Holidays. We are going to try a new thing this Christmas - we are not buying gifts for anyone (except some kids in the family) and instead are donating our entire Christmas budget to two charities that mean a lot to us. I'll go into more detail later, but one deals with Gulf Coast Recovery and the other with (of course) animal rescue. If you are interested in matching our donation to one of our selected charities, let me know!

Cheers!