The morning after (A.K.A. Black Friday)

Thanksgiving dinner at my house was, if I do say so myself, pretty durn great! I'm not necessarily talking about the food, which was just fine but very traditional and certainly not one of my more imaginative offerings. It was the company that made it fun, a nice diverse group of folks, some of whom had never met before but also many longtime friends. And the weather was warm enough that, after demolishing the turkey, dressing, oyster casserole, gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, cranberry/raspberry sauce and pecan tarts, we were able to sit out on the porch until it started to get dark.

This morning, when I had to get up at the crack of dawn for dialysis (actually, well before the crack of dawn), I was most thankful for those who helped me clean up last night. The kitchen was put back together just like new before the final guest left. Usually I don't ask for help and don't want it, but last night I just didn't feel I had the stamina to clean up that mess and still get to bed early, so when one guy wanted to stay a while "just to talk", I put him to work. He didn't know what he was getting himself into!

This morning, on the way to the hospital, I swung by a few of the big box stores just to check out the crowds. At 5 a.m., the Sears parking lot was jam-packed, and the line stretched from the door all the way to the road. Target and Office Depot both had long lines, too. Frankly, Black Friday is the LAST day I'd ever consider going shopping. No way -- no crowds for me!

I'm very excited about getting back to Afton Station tomorrow. On Wednesday, I finally formalized my winter hours by posting them on the Route 66 Yahoo Group, which is the clearing house for everything that happens regarding Route 66. I've decided to remain open on weekends (both Sat. and Sun.), but close on weekdays unless called in advance. If I can't stand not being there more often, I can always go up there at the spur of the moment.