Fur Ball

Just in case you were wondering, Louie is doing just fine.

It took him approximately two minutes to completely take over our house, and our hearts. Yes, he can be a handful. He gets on the counters, drinks from our milk glasses, and attempts to hang from the curtains from time to time. But if you cuddle him just right, and pet him gently, he calms right down and curls up next to you and purrs very, very loudly.

Did I mention that he still has three brothers without a home at our Beltrami Humane Society? I know I told my entire family who was assembled here for Thanksgiving Day. He spent most of it wrapped in a soft blanket being handed around the living room to everyone who wanted to hold him, sleeping the entire time. I imagine he was quite thankful.

Winnie is adjusting. It helps when she has a warm pile of laundry to curl up in.

And if you act like you aren't looking, you might catch them doing this.

Cats put on such a good show of being tough, but they really aren't. Who wouldn't love this guy?

Oh yeah. Spooky. He isn't quite ready to have his picture taken yet. He's still getting used to the idea of another man in the house.

Giving Thanks

My Thanksgiving table is new, the chairs are new, the house is new. There will be new shiny wine glasses and new dishes to eat from. But the traditions, the love, and the family, are all very, very old.

Some families go around the table and say what they are thankful for. We don't do that, never have, never will. Some of us are shy, some of us would be embarrassed, and some of just don't want to. But this year, I want to.

I am thankful for:

my parents, for taking Riley and I in when we had no where else to go.

my brother, dad, and nephew, and everyone else who helped to build our home

my friends, who love me just as I am

my work, people who have a smile and words of encouragement for me 8-5, Monday-Friday, and then some

my divorce, for making me see how miserable my marriage truly was and giving me the courage to move on and have a life so much more full of joy and laughter than it ever was before

my blog, where friends and long lost cousins comment on what I write, and make me truly enjoy sharing my day

my neighbors, who have welcomed us into our new space

and most of all, I am thankful for my sister. Never will I be able to express to her the love she has rekindled in my heart, the strength she has awoken in me, and the will I have to live each day as if it were my last.

This year especially, I am so thankful, and I love you all.

Alternative Dessert

I love pumpkin pie. The firm yet tender crust, the creaminess of the filling with that sharp hint of spices, the chilled whipped cream cascading over the top.

But I'm not going to make pumpkin pie this year.

Sorry.

Instead, I am going to make what I have dubbed Upside Down Pumpkin Pie. It's actually more of a cake, with no real crust, but once you taste it you won't really care what I named it.

Here's the recipe. I need not say anything else, other than that you should be sure to eat it warm, and have something on top, whipped cream, ice cream, or both. It IS Thanksgiving.

Upside Down Pumpkin Pie

4 eggs
1 16 oz. can pumpkin pie filling
2 t. pumpkin pie spice
1 t. salt
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 can evaporated milk
1 box yellow cake mix, unprepared
1 c. chopped pecans (optional)
2 sticks butter, melted

In a large bowl, combine eggs, pumpkin, spice, salt, sugar, and evaporated milk, blending well. Pour into an ungreased 13 x 9 baking dish and sprinkle the cake mix over the top. Sprinkle on nuts, if you so desire. Drizzle the butter all over the top, making sure to hit all the nooks and crannies; DO NOT STIR! Bake at 350 degrees for 45-60 minutes, checking at 45 minutes. Dessert is done when it is almost set, but still has a little wiggle to it. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream, or both.