My daughter and son-in-law, and grandchildren live some states away from me. Bless them, they made the drive, and we celebrated Thanksgiving together a tad bit early. It was extraordinary! It was so much fun to be together.

One day my daughter and I splurged and had pedicures while her fabulous husband took their two children to a nearby playground. We opened all of our Christmas presents together– because we won’t be able to be together at Christmas. What fun!

My daughter & son-in-law prepared a feast for our Thanksgiving dinner. But after all the work they put into that feast, I thought it might be fun to go out to eat the next day — which we did, to what I consider the best restaurant in town — Don Tomasso’s. We had a fabulous time, and the little ones loved it too!Now perhaps you should sit down. My daughter and son-in-law worked hard to get their vehicle packed so they could head home, where they will celebrate Thanksgiving with my son-in-law’s family. Before they left, however, we discovered that everything in the refrigerator and freezer had come to room temperature. Timing is everything!

The Good Lord blessed them with safe travel and all of us with a beautiful visit and outstanding food. As to the refrigerator and freezer, I had to throw most everything away. All of the meat and frozen food had thawed and was at room temperature. I called and got a service person to repair the fridge, but it won’t happen for nine more days.

It has been quite an adventure, which ended with me getting to empty these bottles and jars yesterday. In the bigger picture, this was merely a bump in the road.

After that depressing discovery, I needed a change of pace. I went upstairs to watch a show while I tackled the laundry. You’ll never guess. I think after the initial shock, I exclaimed with an expletive.

My washing machine, filled with my clothes, started to run, but rather than turning, it just made a grinding sound. I had to get a step stool to reach the plug on the wall behind the machine to stop it. The door is locked shut, and I can’t retrieve those clothes until I locate a repair person. I know who had serviced it before, but I could not reach that company and had to leave a message.

On this Thanksgiving, I will remember the wonderful visit of my daughter and son-in-law’s family with great love and pleasure. I will savor the memory of the delicious Thanksgiving meal my son-in-law and daughter prepared. I remember the phenomenal wine they gave me and the exquisitely tasty peach pie my daughter made. I will remember the gleeful joy of our early Christmas celebration and the fun we all had opening our gifts. I will especially treasure the spectacular Christmas gift that my four-year-old granddaughter embroidered for me with a Saguaro Cactus.

My wish for you this Thanksgiving is that you have a wonderfully festive day spent in the company of friends and family and that you save room for some pie!