I hope everyone had a safe and happy Thanksgiving, and for those of you who braved Black Friday shopping this year, I hope you found everything you were looking for.

We had Thanksgiving at my grandparents' house for the first time since Hurricane Michael destroyed their home in 2018. It was also our first big holiday without PawPaw. It was familiar yet so very different. It was our usual bunch, family that we see on a regular basis (half of us work or live together). We divvied up the cooking and everyone brought what they make best. After we ate, we took our traditional walk down to the lake and nearly melted it was so hot.

About mid-afternoon, Alexis and I went back home to celebrate my birthday with Chris. He had to work the night before Thanksgiving so he slept while we went to Granny's. We grilled lemon pepper pork chops, squash and zucchini wrapped in tin foil, and bread. I had a baked potato and Alexis and Chris had sweet potatoes. We were going to have a fire and roast marshmallows, but it rained.

We did not do any Black Friday shopping, even online, but I did start making my lists. I'll do a lot of my shopping next week. As much of a last-minute shopper as I usually am, I'll probably be ordering more gifts than I usually do so I can't wait this year.

We ate with Chris's parents Friday night. He went hunting on Saturday, and Alexis and I had a movie day. It rained on Sunday, so we stayed in. I got caught up on laundry and made sure all of Alexis's stuff was ready for school. I also got some writing done, which is something I haven't dedicated time to in awhile.

This week I'll be shifting my focus to the January issue. December deadlines are always a little earlier, so I'll be busier at the beginning of the month than the end.

Have a great week!