Author: Kathleen

Posted on

Evening Sunset

I find when life piles up and I can’t deal with one more problem or issue …… I take to the pavement, and nothing beats an evening walk to end a trying day. Don’t get me wrong I enjoy my morning hikes throughout the neighborhood, but there are so many people about ……. dog-walkers, other walkers, kids going to school or lawn crews removing the last remnants of fallen leaves.

Walking in the night air this evening the sun went down …. quickly, and while scanning the sky there was an absolutely gorgeous sunset emblazoned against the clouds. The brightest of colors circling the atmosphere as the sun set was a phenomenal display.

As I navigated the streets I could see my neighbors working on their holiday displays. Quite a few houses were already stunningly decorated with each block looking like the Vegas Strip.

“There’s a time of the day
When the sun is going down
That’s the golden time of day”
Golden Time of Day by Maze and Frankie Beverly

Stay stylish,
Kathleen

Posted on

Thanksgiving Rituals

My mom was a true believer in tradition and at Thanksgiving would recreate the same atmosphere each year for the family to enjoy. Throughout our childhood that meant paper decorations of turkeys and gourds placed on handmade mats or perched on a bed of fall leaves with the occasional basket of fall fruit on the buffet.

Dinner was roast turkey, cranberry compote, broccoli casserole and candied yams. Desserts were pecan pie made with Karo syrup, along with sweet potato pie (a tribute to mom’s hometown, Memphis) and the requisite pumpkin pie for my brothers. She kept many of these traditions and would occasionally adopt new ones when family or friends would share recipes.

Plans for dinner were done well in advance to have the necessary ingredients available, along with ensuring the time to prepare the meal. The was no room for error or popping in the grocery store for last minute items so, the weekend before Thanksgiving mom and I would draft and re-work the menu {by hand}, a practice I still utilize today.

On Thanksgiving Day, my parents entertained throughout the house, but dinner was always served in the dining room using the good China, beautiful crystal and silverware. Mom would place her silver salt & pepper shakers with candles around the table to contribute to the elegant atmosphere. Various wines would be served throughout the meal, while the children enjoyed mom’s delicious homemade punch.

I relish these customs that have been passed down, and have learned to cut back on most of the work by cooking fewer items, and using less formality to get dinner on the table. The protocols are still intact, but less has definitely become more.

Have a most enjoyable holiday,
Kathleen