A few moments to spare this morning to sip coffee and watch an episode of Nigella Feasts. As she makes the breakfast, I have time to think about the last few days. Our trip to Indiana went well. The drive out felt easy. We tried to stop in one town and found every hotel room was taken so we drove on, finally stopping around 1 am in DuBois, PA and got back on the road around 10:30 am. In the morning, we made fast work of the rest of the Pennsylvania and headed across Ohio. As we watched tractors crawl across cornfields that stretched out in both directions, we joked around, listened to music and a podcast. We were talking so much when we got to our exit in Indiana we drove right past it and had to get off at the next one a few miles out of the way. In a way, it was worth it. The sun was beginning to set. The darkening sky was marbled with swirls of pink and orange with nothing standing in their way but the occasional silo, farmhouse or church steeple. After taking in that magic, we arrived at the cozy home of Sweets' family. The evening was full of catching up and fun. We played Scrabble and Uno for hours. It was at this point that I learned this family plays to win. Dirty, even. Next time, I'll know to take off the kid gloves. Or I'll keep getting my butt kicked! I was up until about 3 am watching Sweets' mother make pie crusts. In less than two hours, I could hear his Dad getting dinner underway. Let's just say there wasn't much sleeping that first night. Isn't that often the way before a holiday?
Then aunts and uncles, cousins and friends began pouring into the house. A new chihuhua puppy, too! The dinner was informal. Everyone ate when they wanted. The "kids" ie anyone of my generation ate on the sun porch. We feasted on succulent turkey breasts, ham, macaroni and cheese, baked beans, mashed potatoes, escalloped corn, sweet potatoes topped with marshmallows, apple salad, deviled eggs and more. After dinner the boys started playing Risk. I retreated to the kitchen and chatted instead. This also gave my close proximity to a buffet of pies. They had to be sampled, right?
After an excellen night's sleep we had an excellent breakfast. I hovered over the stove learning how to make over easy eggs from Sweets' mom and breakfast potatoes from his dad. (The secret is Yukon Gold potatoes.Shhh.) Then I got to go downtown for a little ladies only time. We stopped in an old timey candy shop with the original soda fountain. Sitting at the counter, we giggled and sipped Green River drinks which taste like liquid lime lollipops. Then we browsed the antique center where I picked up some vintage postcards for only 25 cents each. When we got back to the house, Sweets was waiting for me to go visit with friends. We went to see "Casino Royale" which I liked much more than I thought I would. I haven't seen too many Bond films to judge but I think Daniel Craig did an excellent job portraying a strong, modern man with a hint of vulnerability rippling just below his musculature.
The next day, we had another big breakfast and started the long trip home. It took almost twelve hours. We stopped for Starbucks in Ohio, dinner in Pennsylvania and a few other times. By the time we got to Pennsylvania I was ready to be out of the car. That state takes forever to cross. I was very happy to cross over into New Jersey. Even happier to collapse into bed.
On Sunday, my mother invited us over for another turkey dinner. She made some of our family favorites that weren't available at Sweets' home. It's funny how so many memories are wrapped up in food. I travel a good amount and rarely feel homesick, especially on such a short trip. But I realized missed my family, drinking from Grams' blue depression glass goblets and eating string bean casserole. Most of all I miss Grams. I spent some time on Thanksgiving morning fighting back tears remembering Thanksgivings in the past with her.
I really must get into gear and out the door here. I've been dragging since last night. I wish I had a wee more time to sleep today.
