Thanksgiving is that one glorious day of the year when tables are piled high with food, every dish is slightly more indulgent than the last, and overeating is basically a tradition. But then comes the next day—and the mountain of leftovers that seem to stretch on forever. You could just go for a classic reheated…
Holidays
Friday Conversations: The Unexpected Guests at Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and as usual, things around Shady Pines have gotten a little more… lively than expected. I had this year’s holiday all planned out—menu finalized, grocery list printed, and roles assigned. Ma was on dessert duty, Uncle R had turkey honors, and I was prepared to glide gracefully through the…
The Quintessential Comfort of Apple Pie
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and you know what that means—it’s officially pie season. While everyone in my house has their own dessert opinions (Ma is already lobbying for something “different” this year), Uncle R has made it very clear that skipping my apple pie would be a crime against the holiday itself. So…
Why Thanksgiving Is My Favorite Holiday (Hint: It’s the Food)
Every holiday has its charm, but if you ask me which one sits firmly at the top of my list, the answer is easy: Thanksgiving. It’s the one time of year when it’s not only acceptable but expected to plan your entire day around eating. Forget the presents, the fireworks, and the champagne—give me turkey,…
Christmas Movie Bucket List 2025-2026
Since I was doing a Fall Bucket List I thought I would do a Christmas Movie one as well. I am actually starting this one this month (November 2025) and will work through it until the end of the year. Any movies I don’t get watched this year I will pick up again next November….
Thanksgiving Prep: The Art of Delegating (and Avoiding the Kitchen)
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that Thanksgiving has a way of sneaking up on you. One minute it’s pumpkin spice season and everyone’s still debating how early is too early for Christmas music, and the next—bam!—you’re knee-deep in grocery lists, table settings, and last-minute cranberry sauce emergencies. Now, I love…
Happy Fourth of July 2025
Y’all, can you believe it’s already the 4th of July? It feels like we were just putting away the Easter decorations and brushing pollen off the porch rockers, and now here we are, gearing up for fireworks, cookouts, and all things red, white, and blue. Independence Day has always held a special place in my…
Father’s Day Without Him: 25 Years Later and Still Missing My Dad
Father’s Day always finds me a little quieter, a little more reflective. Even after 25 years, there’s still a tenderness that rises when the calendar turns to June and the world starts talking about dads. You’d think time would blunt the edges, and in many ways, it has. But there are some losses that settle…
Happy Easter 2025
Hey y’all, and Happy Easter! 🌸🐰🌷 I hope today is filled with joy, love, and a little bit of chocolate (or a lot—I won’t judge). Whether you’re spending the day at church, gathered around the table with family, or just enjoying the signs of spring, may your heart be full of gratitude and hope. Easter…
April Fool’s Day: My Best (and Worst) Pranks
April Fool’s Day is one of those holidays that you either fully embrace or actively avoid. Me? I’ve dabbled in both. Over the years, I’ve pulled off some truly epic pranks, but I’ve also had a few that went horribly wrong—some funny, some slightly embarrassing, and at least one that required an awkward apology. So…
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