November 30, 2013. Ridgeland, Mississippi. The Tree.

We have learned a lot over the years about buying a Christmas tree.   At the beginning of our marriage, Ken and I would shop for a tree together.   I soon learned to stay at home and let Ken chose the tree.  He was picky/careful about his choice, at least in the early years.   It was his habit to buy the tree immediately upon arrival at the lot at Miller's Fruit Stand in Kensington.  The trees were fresh so he kept the tree in a pail of water in the backyard. until we were ready to decorate the tree, which was right after Thanksgiving.  He also discovered that the tree is more easily transported when still wrapped, so that was what he always did.   "Modern trees are all cultivated and trimmed so you don't need to inspect them", said Ken.  Our trees were always beautiful so I was happy.

This afternoon, Christina, Molly, Ken and I went to buy their Christmas tree.    The trees at the lot were all the same type.  When we asked, we were told they were Douglas Fir trees.  To us, they looked like Spruce trees, but they were well shaped and well trimmed.  And they were cheap.   In Texas,  in San Antonio, we looked at modest sized trees for $200. and more.    The tree we bought was $50.  Amazing.    Christina brought their tree stand with us so the good folks at the store attached the wrapped tree to the stand, making it easy for us to bring it into the house and water the tree.  Yes.  We used Ken's trick of buying a wrapped tree.   Christina wisely chose a 6 foot tree and we looked for a wrapped tree that was fat.  We did everything right.  The tree fits perfectly into the corner of the TV room.  Molly was thrilled.  Tomorrow, we decorate.  It is very exciting.

November 29, 2013. Ridgeland, Mississippi. The Countryside.

The day was lovely.   The sun was shining and it was 55 degrees, so late this morning we took a drive in the Mississippi countryside.     First we had to stop at the drug store.    It will not be easy to get enough medications for us during the five months we will be gone in 2014, but we are working on it.   After a short drive, Ken decided to have lunch so before we left Ridgeland we had lunch at Newt's, a favorite of the big girls.

The countryside around Jackson is not dramatic.   No big hills or valleys, but it does have small hills.   The development north of Jackson is dramatic.  Every back road has houses.  It is only east of 55 toward Canton that you see farms.   The new houses are big too so this will not an area we could afford.    Further west, you hit the delta, which is absolutely flat with rich black soil that will grow anything.  We like trees and pastures so we will not buy in the delta.   The cost per acre is high too, which is another reason we would not buy there.

Coming home, we drove along the Natchez Trace, which runs right beside the Reservoir.  The water was perfectly still so we saw many many ducks and geese.  It is a wonderful drive, right beside the water.    Our circle trip was perfect.

November 28, 2013. Ridgeland, Mississippi. Thanksgiving Day.

Everyone says the same thing.  "Thanksgiving is the nicest Holiday in the year".    I believe them too.   You have no decisions, except what kind of rolls to serve with the turkey.  

This evening at dinner, we started a new tradition.  Instead of one person asking the blessing before dinner,  at Andrew's suggestion, we all gave our own thanks silently and individually.   Interestingly though, we all said Amen together.    I suspect that practice will continue and will become a tradition at their Thanksgiving feast for their family.

Tonight at dinner, Christina made changes to the menu.  We ate cheesy potatoes.  And we did not eat stuffing.    Instead of pumpkin pie Christina baked an apple, pear, cranberry crumble.   The meal was delicious.   Of course we ate turkey, smoked by Andrew.

The kitchen help has been doing a good job.  After dinners, Christina sits down and relaxes while the girls and I clean up after the meal.   I really can't help myself, but I play games to see how fast we can get the job done.   The girls are good sports.  Even Molly helps to clear the table.  

In one month,  Ken and I will join with the Buckley family to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Dave and Irene.   We are being taken on a Caribbean Cruise.   Now for this Thanksgiving, I gave thanks for my family, both immediate and extended.  Hurrah for Families.

November 27, 2013. Ridgeland, Mississippi. Eggnog.

The first drink of eggnog signals to me that the Holiday Season has begun.    It is the sign in my mind of future fun. At the grocery store this week I bought a quart of eggnog.  It will be the first and last eggnog I will buy.  When I put away the groceries, I poured myself a small glass and cherished it.  I never put liquor in the eggnog so I can enjoy it any time of the day.    Tonight I drank another small glass, but the second glass did not taste so good, perhaps because my first glass was too big and made me queasy.

By the time my quart of eggnog is gone, I will have completed my enjoyment and I will drink no more eggnog this season.  But it is so evocative of the holidays that I love the first drink,  but I want no more.  Last year on Christmas day, Katie served eggnog and it was delicious.  It did not taste the same as when I purchase eggnog at the grocery store and I enjoyed Katie's eggnog.   Hers was light and frothy and was served with a dob of ice cream.  

Some foods and drinks are specific with the event.  Eggnog for me begins the festivities of the season and I love drinking my first glass.  The season has now begun.

November 26, 2013. Ridgeland, Mississippi. The Chores.

Kate, Mary Frances,  Molly and I are taking over the clean up in the kitchen, starting tomorrow and continuing until Sunday night.  This is our Thanksgiving Holiday gift to Christina.   We will try to keep her out of the kitchen after dinner.  This is not easy.    Immediately after dinners, we all retreat to the living room to chat.   Soon, Christina will offer us a glass of water and when she returns, I discover that  while in the kitchen, she has put away the food and loaded the dishwasher.  But this Thanksgiving holiday will give her a break, whether she wants it or not.

Of course, Christina is better at cleaning than me.  Ken says that sometimes, the pots and pans need dry cleaning, as sometimes I miss dirty spots. Must be my eyes.   She will probably spend every morning re washing the pots and cleaning the counter tops.    But after dinner, the girls and I will escort her to the living room while we take over the kitchen.   Christina will be cooking the meals of course.  The girls were delighted with the scheme, especially Molly.    I am not so sure about Christina, but she is a good sport, so we will have fun and give Christina a break.  The holiday season has officially begun in the Dickie family.

November 25, 2913. Ridgeland, Mississippi. Rain and Shopping.

I thought the day would be perfect for shopping.  The weather was cold and rainy so sensible people should have stayed at home.  It turns out that everyone went to the stores, including me.   But I was successful with the shopping, even though I was gone four hours.

Last evening I made a list of every task needing attention.    By the time we leave on December 28th, every task must be checked off the list.   In addition, tonight I remembered tasks I had forgotten to put on the list, such as order nuts for gifts, so my list is growing.    Thinking is so much more difficult than doing, so when the thinking part is done and you have made your list,  I always feel relaxed and confident.  Now I just must do it!!

We have never lived in a place that gets 52 inches of rain a year.    Today it has rained all day.  Starting at 2:00, it has rained hard and it is still is pouring.  Fortunately, Ken and I are snug as bugs in our little condo, so we don't mind.  It just seems so unusual after spending two months at the ranch.     They do not pray for rain in Jackson.   The conversation at the grocery store is to ask when the rain will stop?   They are not complaining, just observing.   It is fascinating to note the difference from one place to another.  Of course, when you see the lush foliage and large trees in Jackson,  you know they have an abundance of rain, and I never complain either.  I love the green look!!

November 24, 2013. Ridgeland, Mississippi. Cold Weather.

Ken and I do not like cold weather.   The dry cold air is difficult for him.   Today was a lovely sunshiny day but it was cold.    The temperature never went higher than 40 degrees F.  Tonight it will be 34.   Of course, all our cold weather clothes are at the farm so most of the time we feel chilly.  We have no winter coats here in Mississippi, nor good warm boots.   And of course, soon the temperature will moderate so we won't need the warmer clothes.  There is no need to buy more warm clothes.  We will just wait.

Our plan is to sell the farm in the spring.   After it sells, we will either buy a country property or a bigger condominium.  We definitely will bring our cold weather clothes south so we don't need to freeze the whole time when it is cold.   Our condo is so small we could not possibly house any more clothes or shoes.  In the meantime, we will grin and bear it.

One month today is Christmas Eve.   Lots to be done between now and then!!