A few things related to the last two weeks:


~ A Thanksgiving I shall forever remember. Had to-die-for food, mostly prepared by sister little, and enjoyed it in the company of my most favorite people. Played Risk for the first time, got hosed. I suck at world domination; however, trying for it is so much fun! Asia was mine! For two turns. Also: the fireplace was busy (see photo above). The weather was gorgeously chilly. Saw lots of fall leaves, despite the calendar date. Visited Paper Source on NW 23rd, finally! Scooped up papers, letterpress goodies, and a couple of stamps. Unfortunately, I could not be persuaded to not shop Black Friday (I've taken the last few years off). And then there was the glorious victory to cap off the weekend. Good times.

~ Jane. She's sick, like D. Sergei. Only we're not sure how seriously yet, and maybe we caught it in enough time to avoid surgery. I would insert an emoticon here, but I don't know if I want to make a smile or a frown.

~ I finished two books over Thanksgiving: Cherry (Karr, 2001) + Twenty Fragments of a Ravenous Youth (Guo, 2008). Both = awesome. Now, finishing Monsters of Templeton (Groff, 2008).

~ Saw A Midsummer Night's Dream performed a couple of nights ago by a small theater company - it was fantastic. Lord, what fools these mortals be!

~ Made first major appliance purchase: a new washing machine. The thing about new appliances is that they smell like new cars. I'm into that.

~ Just starting the dizzying pleasure of Christmas gift-gathering. And making cards, perhaps some food, and a couple of really good dinners.