The New Black Friday. . .

I don't think anyone was too comfortable with the term Black Friday... I think they thought it to be negative... money-mongering, depressing... a Pall on the thoughts of the first day of holiday shopping... Everywhere you look, the term, "New Black Friday," (QVC) or "Blue Friday" (Sears or Target?) and "Not another Black Friday" are being tossed about... I am happy to say it doesn't matter to me one way or the other. I am one who has always tried very hard to stay home the day after Thanksgiving. I don't really like crowds, and I'm not a true bargain babe... I buy what I want if I can afford it.... at the time. I am a merchandiser's dream: an impulse buyer.... Even if I KNOW it will be cheaper in a couple of weeks, I rationalize that that two weeks will be WORTH the little extra it costs... I am impatient, I guess... and I have the charge cards/bank accounts to prove it! haha..

------------------------------------------------

But I digress... Today, the cold sunny landscape through my windows refreshed my spirit... I looked out at the last roses of summer, the beautiful begonias still ablaze with glory... and I thought I would burst in bride... "I" planted those... I even purchased the rose bush called "Quietness" to gift my mother for Mother's Day..... and as much as I hate to admit it, "I" am eagerly awaiting another chance to do gardening/flowering even a bit better than this year... Oh, no... Not the artificial hanging basket queen!!! Maybe, like the H1N1 flu, it shall pass... We can only hope (and promise not to tell my MOM!!!)

---------------------------------------------------------

We put the roast in the slow cooker with loads of aromatics, vegetables, soups and white cranberry juice... Mom stirred up her cinnamon-kissed pumpkin pies, which are now cooling on the kitchen table.. The dining room is set for our guests to arrive in about two hours... Casseroles are awaiting the proper times to be popped into the vintage gas oven... and my salads are crisping in perfect little bowls in the refrigerator... I baked two loaves of homemade bread at eight o'clock this morning, and I think I'm ready except for the final bake and touches... Is there anything more blessed than having the privilege of cooking all day and knowing your loved ones are coming tonight? Thank you, Lord!!!!