Stress-free Zone I've had 6 holidays since this cancer thing started and I'll remember them all, even Memorial Day. I'll remember how different each holiday felt... after diagnosis... before surgery... during chemo... I'll remember Thanksgiving this year and how I got a break from raditaion for the holiday! Mostly, I'll remember how truly thankful I felt, with family and the end of treatment nearing. I'll also remember the holiday, as the easiest Thanksgiving ever. The kids came home... and it really did feel like we were in some kind of stress-free zone! Prep With only 4, it was easy to fit everyone in the kitchen. All pitched in the night before, doing last minute prep. On Thanksgiving morning, there was time to sit around and drink coffee and eat pumpkin bread. There was no rush to get the turkey started. No fretting over finding the right table cloth. No fussing over polishing silver. I felt different this year. I felt too relaxed to stress over details. Miss Lola Scott brought Lola and she even seemed to be aware of the stress free zone. She had her own goodie to nibble on, while we feasted at the table. Balmy Weather A crisp day would have been festive, but we made use of the ideal temps. There was time for frisbee and dog walks. The air felt heavenly. Leftovers It felt wonderful not wasting food this year. Before the kids headed home with leftovers on Saturday, we experimented with Stuffing Waffles! This was Don's idea and I'm sure it will be a tradition now! The stuffing got toasty in the iron and the heated potatoes, meat and cranberries were topped with gravy. Perfect! Cozy Cabin Dining On Friday night we had a special dinner outing at Rainbow Lodge. We arrived early to see the grounds lit up in festive lights and we lingered over meals of trout and wild game. Posing with Kids Don took a photo of me with Heidi and Scott before we left the restaurant. As we drove home I realized I'd missed our chance to get a Christmas card photo of the 4 of us. But then I thought, "Am I even doing Christmas cards?" I like this new relaxed approach to holidays. I'm going to have to give the card idea some thought!
2 Comments
Christy Cody
12/6/2016 05:37:06 am
I love seeing these pics of your Thanksgiving Beth! Can imagine there was fun in your kitchen. Makes me remember many thanksgivings ago when we were lucky enough to be guests of the zientys! Love your joyfulness in spite of the year you have had.
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Beth
12/9/2016 03:17:56 pm
Christy, Don and I were just looking at photos of that Thanksgiving! And we were the lucky ones... having you so close by! Miss you guys!
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Not-So-Happy List
Cancer, Covid & Coronary... I started this complaining list/blog, in May 2016. I posted 200 gripes about my breast CANCER and then I was done. On March 13, 2020, I started venting all over again, when another disease (starting with a C) interfered with my life. This time it was the invasion of COVID and it affected every person. I ranted for a year, until I got my COVID vaccine in March 2021. CORONARY Artery Disease was the reason I restarted this blog on September 26, 2021. This time it was my hubby Don, who was dealing with a worry that started with the letter "C". Coronavirus and Cancer, Coronary Artery Disease! All are evil, but none can totally get me down... if I vent! I usually end up feeling a little more positive at the end of each post! Navigating This Mess! The most recent post is at the top, from coronary posts in 2022, back to cancer posts in 2016. To find past posts, look below the "Archives" section, to find "Categories". Archives
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