F R I D A Y

 This week has flown by, for sure.  A few days it seems I have been more busy than other days, but still, even on the slow days, time has gone by.  Oh wait.  I think it usually does this time of year, right?  The holidays are coming up, we have so much to do, and it's rush rush rush to get it done.  And yet, there are so many times to many of us, that time stands still.

Like when you are waiting for a specific moment to surprise someone.  Or you sit in a doctor's office waiting a test results.  Or you took a test at school and with baited breath, wait to hear the outcome of it. Time seems to just stand and not move at all.

I am usually more busy this time of year, I think, for I am thinking ahead to the holidays.  Thanksgiving. Christmas.  New Years not so much, as we don't do much anymore.   Even the responsibility of Thanksgiving has been slowly been taken out of my hands.  And I'm ok with that.  Sometimes I still do the turkey and all the trimmings for Thanksgiving day,  But this year, my daughter has (as of today), bought a house that has TWO ovens (I am so jealous!  Now she and my youngest son both have two ovens!!) so she is willing to put the turkey in one and we can put other things in the other.  She mentioned the other night that she still wants me to make the dressing and giblet gravy.  No problem.  I can pull everything together here at home and take over there before cooking - cause we will need turkey broth to put in it!  Although there is canned turkey broth now.... and I think I may have some broth in the freezer from a turkey I baked not long ago.  I can thaw it out and use it.   Mmmmm turkey, dressing, and giblet gravy sound so good right now.

My plan is to still cook Thanksgiving dinner the day after Thanksgiving.... will need to check with the middle child to see if they still want me to do it.  I started it a few years back because I see them so seldom and it was one way I could see most of them at one time.  Plus the fact I hoped it helped the daughter-in-law not to worry about dinner after a long day at work.  I love to cook so it is always fun for me.  Before I make the plans and buy the food, I reckon I need to check.  Will get that done this next week or so, I imagine.  

Currently I am planning to work that day since I am working from home, and this year they have given us the option of working - or taking 8 hours vacation time, which is what we were forced to do before.  They wouldn't let us work.  This year we have the option.   I forgot about the dinner to start with and told my boss I'd work cause I do not go out on Black Friday to shop.  I have no idea what to get anyone this year anyway.  The men have been pretty much getting the same thing for a couple years now  - I have no clue this year what to get them either.  Then after I said yes, and realized what I usually do on that day, I started having second thoughts about working... but, then, it won't be too much.... not many want to work on the day after Thanksgiving so it will be a very slow day.  AND, I can easily put the turkey in the oven and let it bake all afternoon.  I don't think it will be a problem.  I'm home anyway.  And I save 8 hours vacation time.  I'm trying to save up cause you never know when the urge to run away for a few days will happen.  Yeah, right.  

A nephew's girlfriend manages cabins in the Smokey Mountains.  The link is www.smokeymountainsdreamvacations.  I went online and looked at the cabins and I want to go.  Don't know if we could afford it cause I didn't ask the rates.  Fly into Knoxville, Tennessee, then it is less than an hour away.  The photos are absolutely amazing and they are taking reservations through next year.  My argument with myself is that hubby doesn't like to hike.  He doesn't like long walks.  He likes to do things, but what is there to do, except go visit my nephew about 1/2 hour away?  I mean, I'd love to go visit Jason don't get me wrong.  But like on our vacation this year up in Sedona.... we sat in the cabin we had and read and I crochet.  We went up to Flagstaff once I think.  I don't want to pay $$ for airfare, then $$ for a beautiful cabin.... and sit in it.   By myself, I'm fine doing that.  And I enjoy sitting and doing nothing... but if I'm going to do that, I'll sit at home and save my $$.  I love taking retreats - which we really have not done in a few years.  That's when we'd find a nice place to go to and just get away from TV, and put our phones away.  Spend the time reading, walking, praying, writing, and just spending time with God.  I miss those days.   Vacation this year was somewhat a retreat... we had no TV and no radio.  But we did have our cellphones.  And I still had to cook all the meals cause no restaurant was nearby.  Not counting trying to get out of the campground.  Some of you will remember those posts.  Anyway - check out the link above.  It could be a romantic getaway for two of you.  Did I mention these beautiful cabins also have a jacuzzi? :-)

I had to make a trip to Mesa yesterday, then Phoenix, then back to Mesa, and finally home.  I was so tired when I got home.  My big toe was throbbing from being on my feet most of the day.  The only thing that interested me was sitting down.  But before I could do that, hubby informed me he hadn't eaten much all day (because no one fixed it for him?) so 'do you want to go out to eat?'.  It's easier to just do it than argue I just want to sit down and put a pizza in the oven.  So we went out.   This morning he is getting ready to meet up with his friends at a restaurant for a Bible study.  I will have quiet - except for Sheeba - for a few hours.  But I have to work anyway so will be focused on the computer.  I worked in the morning at the office, but the afternoon had my computer off.  AND, I did not set it back up when I got home so have it to do this morning as well.

Friday.  I actually look forward to these days, now that I'm home.  Hubby leaves for a few hours and I have less interruptions.   I love the quiet of the day, when I can focus and get things done.

What are you focusing on this day?   Is it bills that are looming before you and you don't know what to do?  Is it a test at school in a subject you are struggling in and you know you just have to pass it - to pass the class?  Perhaps it is a project you started and you want to get it finished this weekend.  For me, today is work, of course, but the weekend I am hoping to focus on an afghan I'm making for a Christmas gift for my boss.  I've finally reached halfway so am hoping to get it finished.

Whatever your plans are, whatever you do, do it as unto the Lord, cause He cares so much for you.

Blessings!