Got my hair trimmed in the morning. At first, I was dismayed, thinking it's too short, but it actually looks pretty good. After yet another trip to Shop-Rite (see later), I then spent most of rest of the day preparing for Thursday. Made the birthday cake for Alison and will frost it today. It's a delectable chocolate and I'll make mocha icing. Chopped the celery and onions for the stuffing and made the apple cranberry relish. This recipe is new to me; contains just chunks of apple, cranberries, sugar, and apple cider, cooked together. Boy, it's good--very tangy. I'll also have the old-time canned cranberry sauce.
I thought Shop-Rite was mobbed on Saturday, but yesterday topped that. However, I got most of the rest of the stuff I need; may have to run over to Acme for a few items--there's gotta be something I forgot.
Alison e-mailed to the effect that Mike's brother, David, will come after all, so I'll set another place. The Bakers will have lunch with Mike's mom in the assisted living facility at noon, then head down here. A. also asked if we could eat at 4:30, instead of 6:00, as had been planned because she and Joel have to work on Friday. Of course, I agreed.
Today, I have plenty to do, including washing the bathroom rugs and vacuuming,* and doing more of the food preparation; will make and bake the pumpkin pie, and complete the stuffing. I also need to get a birthday card for Alison AND a card and gift for my Mike**, whose birthday is on December 5.
*The cleaners were scheduled for last Friday, but I told them to skip it until next week. It's just a hassle to have them here, partly because of Pat's problems. It would have been the week before Thanksgiving, anyway, which wouldn't have helped with sprucing up for it.
**As opposed to Alison's Mike, of course!

Walked with umbrellas again yesterday--but walked. Afterward, I made pie crust (I have the best, most manageable recipe, which includes vinegar and egg), rolled part into a pie pan, and froze it. Will fill with pumpkin and bake tomorrow; I'm still considering pecan.
Met at 2:00 with the rep from Ocean County Library for the "Conversational English" course. There were 3 other women there, 2 from LBI, and Jackie, who's one of the directors at the Tuckerton Seaport. I was pleasantly surprised to find she'll be my partner when we meet for the weekly sessions. This makes sense in case of the illness or travel of one leader.
Jackie and I will meet at the Tuckerton Library ("my" Little Egg Harbor branch already has enough volunteers). We won't start until February, partly because the library is getting new carpet and partly because our "clients" (or "students," or whomever), haven't been made aware of the service yet. I'm not sure what day or time we'll meet--could be Saturday mornings or early evening on weeknights--Jackie and I will decide that and either is okay for me.
I was impressed with the presentation of the volunteer director, Marilyn B., who gave a very clear and concise explanation of the program, along with well-done printed materials. This service is intended for anyone whose first language is not English--no questions asked about their immigration standing, which suits me fine. I assume most of the participants will be Latino, considering there seems to be a fairly large Spanish-speaking population around here, but there may well be others. Looking forward to February,when we'll begin.
Today, I'll make the apple cranberry sauce, chop the celery and onions, get some of the cleaning done, take the tablecloth to be ironed, iron the napkins, and pick up the rest of the ingredients for various dishes. Jen will bring a veggie dish and Alison the string bean cassorle and an apple pie.
I sent e-mails to the family about our Christmas gift exchange and was happy to hear back they all want to participate. Will have Joely draw the names for the ones absent on Thanksgiving.

When Susan and I were walking yesterday morning, we remarked on how good it is to start our days that way. Also, we marveled that very often, the weather holds early, even if it turns on us later.
That happened yesterday: It was brisk, but sunny, at 7:00, but got windy and rainy later. I went out again only twice on short errands. I felt the urgent need to get my cranberries, and I wanted loose ones. I knew Tucker Tom's has them so that's what I got them (want to make apple/ cranberry relish). Later, I picked up a few things at the dollar store and Shop 'n' Bag.
Made a loaf of banana bread and put it in the freezer. Watched some of the Eagles game with Pat. Talked to a few people on the phone. In other words, lazed around a lot--I don't mind that once in a while.
Ellen called last night with big news: She contacted a broker, who told her--tentatively--the mortgage for which she can qualify. It's more than she thought, but she is at the top of the salary line, so seems legit. Also, she has no debt at all, having diligently paid it down a few years ago.
Alison's news concerns a job, but I don't want to go into specifics until--unless--it comes through. In her case, the new position is hers, BUT whether it can match or come close to her present salary is the sticking point. She won't know for several weeks.
This afternoon, I'll meet the woman from Ocean County Library to "interview" for the volunteer job leading discussions with ESL people.
Still haven't made the decision on whether to keep the coat I bought or not.

Finally got on the stick about preparing for Thanksgiving. Went to Shop-Rite and got a free turkey--an 11-pounder--and most of the ingredients for the sides. We're having 9 people, but Joely won't eat much and Tristan is under 4 months old, so I think he'll leave some on the platter. I've had birds of 20 pounds and bigger, but I prefer reasonably small ones, partly because they're easier to handle and partly because I have the idea they're more tender. Incidentally, this is a fresh turkey, but in the refrig, will be okay until December 1--and it'll be in our tummies long before that.
I was really nuts to go to Shop-Rite on Saturday. It was so mobbed you'd think people were stocking up before a blizzard. Naturally, the weekend before the holiday--Rosemary, what were you thinking?
I plan to do a lot of baking soon: banana bread, pies, and a chocolate cake for Alison's birthday. Must get her a gift, too. I'm thinking of a gift certificate from Home Depot or Pier One, so she can get something for the new addition.
I put out the Thanksgiving decorations to go with the two berry wreaths I bought. Have just a few, including a big turkey made of straw. Also got out my Thanksgiving gravy boat and related items. Years ago, I bought dessert plates with turkeys on them and I always use them, too. The house already looks very festive.
Barb H. came over in the afternoon to show me pictures of her and Ray's Hawaii trip. Lucky them, they were on Maui and another island for two weeks. Boy, I'd love to go back.

Went to Hamilton Mall yesterday and saw a jacket at Land's End. It was more than I wanted to spend--$139--but I reasoned I'll be wearing it everyday in the cold weather, so I bought it. It's one of those puffy kind that makes you like the Mifflin Tire man or the Pillsbury Doughboy. Not my favorite look, especially in light of my weight loss, but it's really not bad.
Now I'm not sure I want to keep it. It's very warm and Land's End puts out quality stuff, but it's snug enough so I probably couldn't wear a sweater under it. On the other hand, it's so warm I probably wouldn't need a sweater. But on the other other hand...
Damn! I'm always so indecisive! If I keep it, I may regret it. If I take it back, I may wish I hadn't. Guess I won't take off the tags, and will just stew about it before I make a move.
Had a nice talk with Betty. She's baby-sitting for Finn and Claire overnight. Boy, anybody who has taken care of a 6-year-old and a 1-year-old that long knows what she's in for. Good luck, Sis!
Was pleased to get a call from brother Frank in Alameda. He asked for our mom's recipe for her modified Chex mix, which we call "Nana Mix." My boys love this, too, and I always make it for the holidays. It's much spicier than the usual bland stuff. Both of Frank's daughters are expecting soon, always a nice bit of news as the Byrne descendants increase and expand. As Betty pointed out, there have been--I think--8 or 9 grand- and great-grandchildren born to the famlies of the four younger Byrne sibs in the past six years! As to how many descendants, plus spouses, there are of our parents, some of us have tried to figure that out, but it's difficult, for various reasons. Maybe I'll take another stab at it one of these days.

After Weight Watchers yesterday, I completed a number of errands in the driving rain. Then, my long-awaited DVD of "Cabaret" finally having arrived on Wednesday, I sat down and watched it while Pat went to the bay.
That's one terrific movie! It was such fun to romp around pre-war Berlin, decadent and sinister though it was (or maybe because it was decadent and sinister), with Liza and her pals. After, I looked it up on the Internet and discovered it's thirty-five years old! Good lord, that crazy, adorable Sally Bowes (she'll always be Sally Bowles to me) is 61. Where does it go?
Had a nice beef stew simmering all day in the crockpot. Pat had several helpings and I enjoyed a modest amount, too.
Alison called and we discussed Thanksgiving. Yoicks, it's less than a week away--I'd better start planning and buying. She had some other big news (no, nobody's pregnant) that I won't mention until it comes to fruition--I fervently hope.
Think I'll list some of my favorite movies. Besides "Cabaret," They include, but are not limited to:
"Chinatown"
"Citizen Kane"
"Since You Went Away"
"The Godfather"
"The Godfather II"
"Paths of Glory"
Hmm...I know there are many others, but just don't recall them at the moment. Must get ready for my walk, so will leave this for now.
To all you multitudes who read this: Why not put down your favorites movies, too, either as comments here, or on your blog?

Had a neat day at Sister Jean's Kitchen. We served spaghetti and sauce with ground meat and meatballs (they made a big hit), fish until it ran out, then chicken, and collard greens until they ran out, then string beans. Along with two teachers, there was a group of kids helping from St. Nicholas School in Egg Harbor. They were about 12 or 13 and clearly, had been there before--possibly they come monthly--because they readily lined themselves up to act as "runners," carrying the filled plates to the customers. How much better this is than kids plopped in front of the T.V. or computer. Better for the kids, I mean.
I was at the spaghetti station. I could have used tongs, but was told grabbing the pasta with my hand and putting it on was easier, and it was (of course, we all wear gloves). Only slight drawback was that, once I got to the bottom of the steam tray, the stuff was damn hot and I had to be quick about it.
As before, it was very intense for a few hours. The dining room opens for lunch at eleven (breakfast is from 7 to 10), a religious service is conducted, and the hot meal is served at noon. Doors close at 2:00--I think, but am not quite sure.
Sister Jean will serve Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings on the actual day and, I understand, the St. Nick students will be there. If I didn't have eleven people coming, I would be, too.
I'm going to propose to the Women's Club that we make Sister Jean's the object of one of our cash gifts. I'll approach the new officers in January, as we have our Christmas luncheon instead of a meeting in December
Got home about 3:00 and, in comparison, did little of consequence the rest of the day.
Later: I'm back from Weight Watchers and down another pound for 45.6 pounds off. Current weight: 154.