Saturday- November 20, 2021

Dear Marion,

  Last Sunday we trekked into the city to experience a little pre-Holiday cheer. It began with a request to shop at Macy's and then see where the day took us. As the morning unfolded, we found ourselves walking through Bryant Park with its skating rink and outdoor shops and further up Fifth Ave to Rockefeller Center to witness the arrival of the 2021 Christmas Tree. The 79 foot Norway Spruce arrived the day before from Elkton, Maryland and was already standing tall whilst many workers carefully built the scaffold. The 50,000 multi-colored LED lights will eventually be topped off with a 900-lbSwarovski star to complete one of the most iconic displays of Christmas. It was strange to see how empty the plaza was knowing in two weeks that will not be the case. A few of the stores we have enjoyed walking through were no longer there and construction was happening inside the base of 30 Rock around the iconic rink. It was a little disconcerting but change is happening and it will eventually be exciting to see the results.

 Thanksgiving(I believe) is such a cozy holiday and I have such fond memories of how special you made the day each and every year.  It has been more than two decades of preparing a turkey for me but this year will be different. I used to love the whole experience from planning the menu to setting the table and carefully choosing something I thought each person would enjoy. The early years occupied our guests with the Thanksgiving parade(when we lived in NYC) while I stayed home to attend to the turkey, Andrew juggled children, and partnered with cooking. One of my favorite things to do the evening before was to set the table with our favorite China, silver, and glasses complete with some interesting centerpieces and colorful linens to set the stage. Afterward, we would walk through Central Park to see ‘The Parade Balloons’ coming to life with all of the eager attendees' faces mesmerized and laughing with friends and newly made ones too(as this was one long line). As the years went by, it became more and more crowded, and I knew our time attending this special event would come to an end as all good things tend to do. 

 Nevertheless, no matter where I spend Thanksgiving or with whom, I think I will always love this holiday with all of its aromas, essence, and goodwill. There are no gifts to worry about, simply the pleasure of being thankful for a good meal and the company of those we are sharing the day. Not far from my mind are the loved ones I miss but feel thankful for their memory. I won’t miss cooking this year but I know your granddaughter often loved the whole specialty food shopping extravaganza that is unlike any other food shopping during the year. There is an artful rhythm that we developed to ensure the table and its results would be enjoyed. Food can be a wonderful way to express your love for those at your table, although admittedly I am more comfortable with the planning and setting than the actual cooking even after all of these years. 

  I picked up a new read a bit ago and this week found me opening its cover and enjoying their story telling. “ The Boys” by Ron & Clint Howard is comforting, interesting, and cozy just like I am anticipating this Holiday to be. The frenzy of hosting will not be wafting through the rooms in my home but I will be able to enjoy reading this story in the evenings. Sometimes an unforeseen change can pave the way for something new and unexpected. Walking along the path this week I saw the most beautiful groupings of color in leaves. Due to the winds, plentiful pilings of apricot, orange, and cream leaves created a pattern like salmon swimming upstream. Food again… some of us eat to live and some of us live to eat. While I may not have been this way in my younger years, based on our conversations, It’s not too difficult to guess which philosophy I have grown into.

 Words and phrases on signs and articles of clothing have grown in popularity and for some have always been a favorite. Walking through the festively decorated Macy’s punctuated by hopeful slogans and bags decorated with Christmas graphics you couldn’t help but feel filled with anticipation. NYC Christmas windows were not yet revealed just as the tree is still in its preparation but the expectation is in the air and inside the stores have laid their magic. As we strolled through the Bryant Park Market my eye was drawn to a simple tote and later to someone on the street sporting an inexpensive muslin or canvas tote with a long coat, jeans, and boots. Where was the expensive or elaborate purse or bag? I didn’t miss it. Thoughtfully dressed in a carefree style drew my eye to her and the bag with a slogan. Was it the shape or simplicity in design or was it simply her confidence and stride. Hmmm. Whatever path we choose and wherever it takes us, I am grateful and hope for a restful and belly filling Thanksgiving. I can already smell the sweet and savory aromas. Happy Thanksgiving.

Talk soon,

Forever Yours

Quote:

“I come from a family where gravy is considered a beverage.”

Erma Bombeck

1927-1996

American humorist, columnist, and author

Oh...one more thing... I love Thanksgiving so much there are two quotes this week.

Quote:

“It's not too much food. This is what we’ve been training for our whole lives. This is our destiny, this is our finest hour.”

Lorelai Gilmore, Gilmore Girls

2000-2007

American comedy-drama television series