WBRepo-Ship of Thieves-Remember the Magic Pt 15

[CustardTart]

It will certainly be interesting with that many people. I may have to rethink the menu next year and take it up a notch.

We used to have a Boxing Day tea party every year. It started with 8 people the first year and grew to about 180 the last year we did it. That kept me busy cooking for few weeks.

Having 16 people for dinner really doesn't frighten me too much. It just requires a little bit extra planning.

We have a service for 12 with our good china, and a service for 16 with the less good china that I got on sale in 1975 in Macy's. Still it is china. The silver (OK the plate) I think is a service for 18 or 16 I can't remember.

Unfortunately no crystal. We may have to start washing out and saving jam jars.

I think our table linen takes us up to 12 with the same pattern.


It must sound very formal, where in reality our Thanksgiving dinner is extremely informal. We certainly don't like people to dress up. Coming in pajama lounge wear would be perfectly appropriate.

For us it's all about having a wonderful time with friends. I also believe in preparing fine dishes, but then again, I did study to be a pastry chef.

Oh one ofter thing you will never find at an Eastwood Manor Thanksgiving ... a family argument.

I hope our potentially swelling throng for 2010 isn't going to be too much work, Ian. As much as I want to be there, I would hate to stress you and Sukie out. Please be firm with us all and set limits - early/late dining rotations and BYO refillable mugs... Seriously, tell us to get a grip if it feels like it's snowballing...

Neither John nor I really like staying in people's homes, however kind, friendly and homely they are. I never know when to go to bed, get up, how much to help etc etc. We have two lots of friends we stay with and now know them well enough, but I would rather a hotel and visit and go back there.

We're the same!!! Tho' we broke our own rules and stayed on my Ma-in-law's sofabed last NYE - disaster!!! I like the privacy of a hotel room, not to mention properly laundered bedlinen - I'm sure M-i-L had just sprayed ours with Febreeze!!!

 

[iankh]

I hope our potentially swelling throng for 2010 isn't going to be too much work, Ian. As much as I want to be there, I would hate to stress you and Sukie out. Please be firm with us all and set limits - early/late dining rotations and BYO refillable mugs... Seriously, tell us to get a grip if it feels like it's snowballing...

Don't worry Karen, I'm not shy about expressing my feelings. In all honesty preparing a meal for 16 people is not all that much different than one for 8 or 12. I usually make too much food anyway. The only thing I might consider doing differently is omitting the brussel sprouts with crushed garlic, fresh basil and toasted pecans. It's done in a heavy cream and has to be made at the very last minute. But is is Oh so good. Even people who say they don't like brussel sprouts can't stop shovelling them down!

The only other thing I would probably do is make an extra dessert, and also probably think about making appetizers and nibbles.

It would be wonderful to have a big "family" Thanksgiving. We don't celebrate Christmas, so this is a very big holiday for us. Oddly enough, it's even bigger and more important for Sukie. I think it's odd because unlike me, he didn't grow up with the holiday. Though I have to say that Eastwood Manor Thanksgivings are much more special than the ones I grew up with with my family.

It would also be wonderful to spend a few days with folks in our home city. For people staying downtown you could not be closer to the shopping for "Black Friday."

I'd also want to make dinner reservations at some restaurant for all of us for another night.

You know, I did forget to tell everyone about another Thanksgiving tradition at Eastwood Manor. The guests do the washing up!

 

[EllaEnchanted]

let's just stop and not have anymore in the service for now, ok?

I think of your boys when I think of mine . It's such a big gift to give our country. I'm so proud Funny story Lee mentioned on FB that Taylor's group won an award for Chant, I think she called it. They made a dance and song to Beat It. Taylor chorographed it. That's just SOOOO him

This is so funny Nan. I asked John about it because he's a Navy veteran. He said that Taylor's platoon was doing a Chant or Chanty which is an old navy song sang to maintain rhythm while doing work chores, i.e. hauling lines on a ship. Very cool. Glad he won with his choreography.

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Deb - I really thought Karen would respond. Just can't understand her not doing. After all you aren't asking her to have Ray go and live at her home are you? Poor Ray, perhaps he doesn't realise much now if his mind is going but he must have gone through some sadness there previously.

Marilyn, I really thought Karen would respond by making excuses as to why she couldn't come and visit. I never thought she would totally ignore me. Well, that's it then. We know exactly where she stands now. I never asked her for Ray to go live at her home. I never asked her for a dime for the past two years. I only asked her to go visit him. That's it. Nothing more. All I can say is that my mother raised me better than that. I'm done with her now. I'll just let her know the day that he passes and that's all. She'll show up for that with her hand out for any of his possessions and whatever money she thinks she is entitled to. It makes me sick. How do people live with themselves? Oh well, it is what it is and I can't change it.

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Good Sunday to all. I've got to work today (at home) and so I am not at my WW meetings. I have a sub in for me for this week and next week.

I just can't lead the meetings because I might have to jump on the phone at any minute.

--------------------------------

I can't believe we're talking about Thanksgiving 2010, but then why should it surprise me, we're planning cruises that are even further out than that.

I can't believe how fast time is flying by this fall. For me it's largely due to my being so busy at work.

You should know by now that we're all obsessive compulsive planners at heart. We love that this trip is only a year away....most others that we're planning are further out. It just makes it that much more special when the time to do it comes after all the anticipation. John and I have already looked up tourist attractions....we want to do the Shedd Aquarium, the Willis Tower Skydeck and the Navy Pier. We'll probably do the aquarium and the pier on Friday day. We'll do the skydeck on Wednesday night after checking into our hotel. That leaves Thursday day available for checking out Lincoln Square. We want to do the neighborhood tour. We don't care about the parade. We usually watch the Macy's parade on TV, but we have never had a desire to go see it in person. We'll skip it next year. That also leaves Friday night available to go out to dinner with everyone and maybe do a pool party afterwards at our hotel. We'll see as time gets closer. But yea, we're obsessive compulsive planners alright.

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Don't worry Karen, I'm not shy about expressing my feelings. In all honesty preparing a meal for 16 people is not all that much different than one for 8 or 12. I usually make too much food anyway. The only thing I might consider doing differently is omitting the brussel sprouts with crushed garlic, fresh basil and toasted pecans. It's done in a heavy cream and has to be made at the very last minute. But is is Oh so good. Even people who say they don't like brussel sprouts can't stop shovelling them down!

The only other thing I would probably do is make an extra dessert, and also probably think about making appetizers and nibbles.

It would be wonderful to have a big "family" Thanksgiving. We don't celebrate Christmas, so this is a very big holiday for us. Oddly enough, it's even bigger and more important for Sukie. I think it's odd because unlike me, he didn't grow up with the holiday. Though I have to say that Eastwood Manor Thanksgivings are much more special than the ones I grew up with with my family.

It would also be wonderful to spend a few days with folks in our home city. For people staying downtown you could not be closer to the shopping for "Black Friday."

I'd also want to make dinner reservations at some restaurant for all of us for another night.

You know, I did forget to tell everyone about another Thanksgiving tradition at Eastwood Manor. The guests do the washing up!

That's an excellent tradition. I'll be happy to be on clean up duty after the wonderful meal that you cook for us.

 

[granmaz]

Marilyn, I really thought Karen would respond by making excuses as to why she couldn't come and visit. I never thought she would totally ignore me. Well, that's it then. We know exactly where she stands now. I never asked her for Ray to go live at her home. I never asked her for a dime for the past two years. I only asked her to go visit him. That's it. Nothing more. All I can say is that my mother raised me better than that. I'm done with her now. I'll just let her know the day that he passes and that's all. She'll show up for that with her hand out for any of his possessions and whatever money she thinks she is entitled to. It makes me sick. How do people live with themselves? Oh well, it is what it is and I can't change it.

I don't know how they live with themselves - they can only be selfish thoughtless people(I know I am being kind here) and as I believe the saying that what goes around comes around they will get their just rewards.

 

[EllaEnchanted]

I don't know how they live with themselves - they can only be selfish thoughtless people(I know I am being kind here) and as I believe the saying that what goes around comes around they will get their just rewards.

From your lips to God's ears.....I couldn't agree more!

 

[iankh]

I don't know how they live with themselves - they can only be selfish thoughtless people(I know I am being kind here) and as I believe the saying that what goes around comes around they will get their just rewards.

I agree with you Marilyn.

There are times that I find there are things I don't want to do, but I have to ask myself how I'm going to feel about myself afterwards. It's always better to do the right thing, and it always feels better to have done the right thing.

 

[iankh]

You should know by now that we're all obsessive compulsive planners at heart. We love that this trip is only a year away....most others that we're planning are further out. It just makes it that much more special when the time to do it comes after all the anticipation. John and I have already looked up tourist attractions....we want to do the Shedd Aquarium, the Willis Tower Skydeck and the Navy Pier. We'll probably do the aquarium and the pier on Friday day. We'll do the skydeck on Wednesday night after checking into our hotel. That leaves Thursday day available for checking out Lincoln Square. We want to do the neighborhood tour. We don't care about the parade. We usually watch the Macy's parade on TV, but we have never had a desire to go see it in person. We'll skip it next year. That also leaves Friday night available to go out to dinner with everyone and maybe do a pool party afterwards at our hotel. We'll see as time gets closer. But yea, we're obsessive compulsive planners alright.

There's certainly no shortage of things to do in Chicago. Lincoln Square will be very sleepy on Thanksgiving Day but bustling on the Friday afterwards.

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Here's a great link to all the Black Friday ads. I'm watching for a couple of items....a flat screen HD TV for the kid, a notebook laptop to travel with and a special item for my sweetie that I can't write down because he reads these boards. hahaha.

I never go to the stores physically. I get online at midnight and go to their sites and click. Then shopping is done and I'm free to go out and drink champagne with Deborah and Michelle and Barbara and John on Black Friday. YEAH!!!

http://www.blackfriday.info/sales/

 

[CustardTart]

You should know by now that we're all obsessive compulsive planners at heart. We love that this trip is only a year away....most others that we're planning are further out. It just makes it that much more special when the time to do it comes after all the anticipation. John and I have already looked up tourist attractions....we want to do the Shedd Aquarium, the Willis Tower Skydeck and the Navy Pier. We'll probably do the aquarium and the pier on Friday day. We'll do the skydeck on Wednesday night after checking into our hotel. That leaves Thursday day available for checking out Lincoln Square. We want to do the neighborhood tour. We don't care about the parade. We usually watch the Macy's parade on TV, but we have never had a desire to go see it in person. We'll skip it next year. That also leaves Friday night available to go out to dinner with everyone and maybe do a pool party afterwards at our hotel. We'll see as time gets closer. But yea, we're obsessive compulsive planners alright.

Sounds like you already have great plans, Deb!!! I need to think about what we'd like to do - other than ride on the L!!!

That's an excellent tradition. I'll be happy to be on clean up duty after the wonderful meal that you cook for us.

Same here!!! Yes, this Tart's prepared to be a scrubber...

I don't know how they live with themselves - they can only be selfish thoughtless people(I know I am being kind here) and as I believe the saying that what goes around comes around they will get their just rewards.

I totally believe that, Marilyn!!! For a whole raft of reasons, I am most definitely not my M-i-L's biggest fan, but I couldn't treat her in such a way that would make her (or more importantly, my dear husband) unhappy...

 

[EllaEnchanted]

I agree with you Marilyn.

There are times that I find there are things I don't want to do, but I have to ask myself how I'm going to feel about myself afterwards. It's always better to do the right thing, and it always feels better to have done the right thing.

Well said, friend. Our moms must have known each other for teaching us this. My mom was born in Brooklyn, ya know....big fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers. When they left, she became a Mets fan.

The way I judge is that I have to sleep with myself everynight and I don't want nightmares. I have acquaintances that used to tell me about all the "bad" things they did at work to get ahead....then the next conversation would be about how they have recurring nightmares about people chasing them. I decided that I could never live like that when I was a very young adult.

 

[EllaEnchanted]

There's certainly no shortage of things to do in Chicago. Lincoln Square will be very sleepy on Thanksgiving Day but bustling on the Friday afterwards.

Thanks for that info. I'm forgetting that it's a holiday. duh. I will have to rethink the order of our plans. We definitely will save Lincoln Square for Friday then. I can't wait to check out your neighborhood.

 

[iankh]

Here you go planners. The virtual L:

http://www.centerstagechicago.com/virtual-el/

 

[iankh]

Thanks for that info. I'm forgetting that it's a holiday. duh. I will have to rethink the order of our plans. We definitely will save Lincoln Square for Friday then. I can't wait to check out your neighborhood.

Here's where I'd like us all to go for breakfast the day after Thanksgiving. Of course it's in Lincoln Square, about 2 blocks from our house.

http://www.pannenkoekencafe.com/Home_Page.html

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Sounds like you already have great plans, Deb!!! I need to think about what we'd like to do - other than ride on the L!!!

You actually want to ride the L??? Does Chicago have a secret about their subway system that I'm unaware of? It is an elevated subway....yes? It's not the monorail....now that I will ride. What's so special about the L?

Same here!!! Yes, this Tart's prepared to be a scrubber...


We'll have fun doing it together. You wash, I'll dry and we can get a tall person to put away....oh sweetie....!!!


I totally believe that, Marilyn!!! For a whole raft of reasons, I am most definitely not my M-i-L's biggest fan, but I couldn't treat her in such a way that would make her (or more importantly, my dear husband) unhappy...

Exactly!!! We have a saying that is.....Love me, love my dog. Meaning that because we love Sandi (John's daughter) we HAVE to love Joe (Sandi's husband).

We saw Sandi and Joe just before the Tortola cruise. We had a very pleasant visit with dinner and drinks at poolside at our hotel. We try to keep everything nice nice for everyone involved. Even though we would really like to poke Joe's eyes out. hahaha.

Is anyone watching Survivor....ya know the guy Russell that thinks that he can control everyone....that's Joe....sounds like him, it's the way that he thinks and even looks a little like him too. That's why we dislike him so much. Except that our Joe doesn't have the money that Russell has. Ours is just a fool. But gotta be nice to him because Sandi loves him.

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Here you go planners. The virtual L:

http://www.centerstagechicago.com/virtual-el/

ahhh, the mystery is solved....I can now go play at each stop and see what I want to see. What fun!!! Thank you so much.

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Here's where I'd like us all to go for breakfast the day after Thanksgiving. Of course it's in Lincoln Square, about 2 blocks from our house.

http://www.pannenkoekencafe.com/Home_Page.html

I am SO THERE....my mouth is watering. I'll have to save lots of points and eat half....then walk for the rest of the day. It sounds divine! I'm getting so very excited. I have everything bookmarked and can play a lot in the next year. Thank you Ian.

 

[CustardTart]

Here's where I'd like us all to go for breakfast the day after Thanksgiving. Of course it's in Lincoln Square, about 2 blocks from our house.

http://www.pannenkoekencafe.com/Home_Page.html

Would love to go there, Ian!!! We used to be regulars here but haven't been for ages. So, fab choice...

I've studied the menu and I can create my fave mushroom, pineapple and cheese pannekoek!!!