T’IS THE SEASON . . . TO SHOP

My email has been loaded with enticements to buy:

“Black Friday”

“Small Business Saturday”

“Cyber Monday”

“Cyber Week”

 “Get it today”

“Last chance”

“Take a second look”

“Hurry – don’t miss out”

Frankly, I didn’t think the “Black Friday / Cyber Monday” deals were all that good this year, but to be charitable, perhaps times aren’t all that good for retailers, especially the smaller businesses. The deal is not that sweet at 10, 15, or 20%. 25% and free shipping is worth a look. I'm irked by the teaser, “free shipping,” which in the fine print turns out to be “on condition that you buy $65, $85, or $100.” That tacky practice reduces several “upscale” retailers in my estimation.

I like to buy what inspires me – something that will brighten my day when delivered, so I bought a little fabric and some sewing notions. And downloading is addictive, too, so I bought a few patterns.

I thought about buying a new holiday sweatshirt, but so far, I’ve resisted. I’m particular about the design I wear on my front. Dachshunds in Santa hats? No thanks. Penguins? Not a fan. Reindeer in white on dark green. Not pretty. Cardinals? Meaningless to me. And besides, though nothing replaces the variety we see online, I still like to see – and feel – before I buy. I like knit pajamas, so every year I buy a new set at the local nameless mart for about $12. They work just fine, thank you. Do they last? I still have all of them, including the first set I bought five years ago. And I also bought a shirt for $5.00 at the same nameless mart on which I’ll attempt to embroider a favorite design. If it doesn’t work – and it might not – I can repurpose the remaining fabric. It’s a plan!

Perhaps if I were buying toys, electronics, and gifts, I’d be more excited about the sales, but we no longer celebrate Christmas in that way.

 

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Cyber Monday Extended!

And it’s good to remember – there’s always another sale – always, even today. It's not over when it's over, regardless of what they say. KW

GET READY TO GET READY

A beautiful sunrise

We have a whole week and a day between Thanksgiving and the first of December. I love that – more time to enjoy Thanksgiving and more time to get ready for Christmas. And yet, as I look at the Halloween soaps and ceramics on my kitchen windowsill waiting to be carried out to the shed, I wonder if “more time” really matters. (I have now rectified this situation.)

Mike blowing leaves

My plan is that this week, still in November, I will quietly segue into Christmas – put this away, get that out; clean this; shop for that. But this weekend we continue to enjoy Pilgrims and pumpkins.

Speaking of shopping, we went to Home Depot Saturday. At the request of Big Mike the Contractor, we selected a new ceiling fan for the farmhouse dining room as well as new light fixtures for the kitchen. Then we went on to Winco, where grocery shopping was a pleasant experience. I find that the weekend after Thanksgiving is a great time to shop for groceries. I guess after the big Thanksgiving meal, people have plenty of leftover food.

My email is overflowing with offers from my favorite online retailers and even some that aren’t my favorites. My friend Chris, over at Miller’s Last Resort, said she put off buying a design pack she wanted with the result that she bought it – and other items – at a bargain. Unfortunately, I wasn’t so lucky. I was slow to make up my mind only to have several items I wanted sell out. (I just love the “Christmas Truck.” I guess a lot of people do.)

Frost on the rocks

Last Monday, I received an order of yarrow purchased at close-out prices. That bare root stock is going to be vulnerable now that it’s colder, but I couldn't resist the price. When I went to plant that afternoon, I discovered that the ground in the front beds where it's shaded by the house was frozen. I couldn’t dent it. I planted all five plants on the south side of the house where the afternoon sun is warm.

Bess enjoys the warmth of the sun

Sister Joni tells me that yarrow is invasive. I can see that now that I think about it, but I decided I don’t really care. It grows in clumps that are easy enough to remove, and we’re pleased when plants establish themselves and spread, both in town and at the farm. KW

GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE

I can just see Mother and Daddy now, bustling about the kitchen on Thanksgiving Day. Daddy took charge of the turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy. Mother made a variety of pies and goodies. The rest of us brought side dishes. Well, “the song has ended, but the memory lingers on,” and sometimes it’s so vivid that I think it’s still happening somewhere but without me.

Anyway, to my knowledge, my parents never made green bean casserole. From time to time, it appeared on the table, and I think Aunt Sara brought it. She didn’t cook much, but she would make green bean casserole (which doesn't require a lot of cooking).

So, here we are today, and son Clint suggested I bring green bean casserole to the blended family Thanksgiving dinner at his house. “I don’t think your mustard green beans will fly with this group, Mom,” he volunteered.

“REAL-LY!,” I said, half-incredulously. “I could cut down on the mustard. Or, how about Brussels sprouts?”

“Just bring green bean casserole,” was his reply.

“Okay, green bean casserole it is!”

Recipes for green bean casserole abound online, but for the definitive recipe, I went to the Campbell Soup site. Green Bean Casserole was developed in 1955 by Campbell Test Kitchen Manager, Dorcas Reilly. According to Wikipedia, the inspiration for the dish was to take advantage of the two things most Americans had in their pantry in the 1950s, green beans and mushroom soup. Well, it’s a simple recipe. I can do it!

Happy Thanksgiving! KW