ANA OF CALIFORNIA * THANKSGIVING

Ana of California by Andi Teran - It's been awhile, but finally here's a book to recommend to all readers of all ages. From the first sentence to the final moments, Ana's mysterious past encourages the reader to want to know her. The question is, do the new people with whom she lives also want to know her? They have their own stuff, secrets, and stories not shared. It's a beautiful story and I don't want to write one more word because I want the story to unfold for you the same way it did for me. It's just not as good when you know what's coming, you know?

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving 2015. So many memories of Thanksgiving past and all the places we've celebrated are in my mind today. I don't remember if we ever had one at Schoolcraft, but we probably did. How about Chandler Park Drive? I know for sure we had them at College Drive - year after year with the turkey and gravy and stuffing which I sometimes loved and other times not. I do remember pine nuts in the stuffing and not appreciating them the way I do now. We celebrated on Rougewood - kids table which was always the worst because what would my brothers have to say that could be more interesting than whatever the adults were talking about? When I finally graduated to the adult table, it was too late, and I didn't like being there either! November 25 was my dad's birthday, (today he would be 96 years old) and November 26th my aunt's birthday although after my dad died she told us that actually her birthday was the same as my dad's and that she was reclaiming it (88). Whaaat?  So were there birthday cakes too? I don't think so, I think we just did two days in a row or something. Then there were those that I skipped or left town for, because you think the one at home will always be there forever, right? I think there were one or two in Connecticut, and certainly in Florida, and probably in Puerto Vallarta. It's my mom's favorite food and pretty much my least favorite. I remember getting full on the Fritos and french onion dip before dinner, then having a little dark meat and mashed potatoes and a roll with butter. Pumpkin pie was store bought so uninteresting as it still is when store bought. And what is the deal with mincemeat pie. Really?Tomorrow is the first Thanksgiving I'll celebrate without my son, my favorite person in the world. We've had many a Thanksgiving here in Wilmette, but I don't think he has the same memories of Thanksgiving that I do, as a holiday or as a thing. I tried, but I don't think I succeeded. Probably didn't try hard enough or with enough thought. I'd decorate with a fall theme - we have these sweet Pilgrim and Native American figures I bought years ago, and I'd have fun setting the table and getting ready, sometimes including him and sometimes not. Steve would make most of the food since none of those foods are my thing. I'd do the appetizers, bread, salad and dessert. He would do the turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and vegetable. His mom often brings one of those as well. Peter is in LA with a teammate for the weekend, probably having a great time. He's growing up and I'm excited for him to have fun times and new experiences. Today I'll make a Pumpkin Chiffon Pie to take to my sister-in-law's house tomorrow and if all goes well, it will be delightful - light and fluffy with notes of pumpkin and cinnamon. I'll post pictures on Pinterest and Instagram if I can get it to look pretty enough. And maybe I'll get out that ancient mid century modern chip and dip and buy some Fritos and make some french onion dip....