I don’t know about you, but I’m exhausted!

We returned from two weeks away (in France) and I had a Villager meeting the very next day at the Coconut Grove Sailing Club. On Saturday, we had the last University of Miami Home game. I wasn’t going to tailgate as it was a 12 p.m. game and then decided I could do homemade Egg Sandwiches with Mimosas. Fortuitously, a friend sent gourmet English muffins from Model Bakery in Napa the day before for my birthday, so these were the basis of the sandwiches.

I decided to scramble the eggs and use Canadian bacon and American (very melty) cheese. The English Muffins were toasted on the grill, slathered with a spicy Siracha mayo and served with sliced sweet onion. They were really delicious and a big hit. It was actually my favorite tailgate of this season. My great niece Grace was cheering at halftime, which made it extra special and UM won. We were, at this point, undefeated. Yea!

My birthday was the next day and my daughter A.J. offered to take me to lunch at Seasons 52. As I rounded the corner to sit down, there was my family waiting at a big table to surprise me and celebrate the big 65. I was totally surprised and it was a lovely lunch. Thanks to A.J. and Zeke for arranging it. I don’t normally like surprises (I told A.J. no more until I’m 70) but this was a wonderful one and much appreciated.

Thanksgiving was right around the corner and I’d volunteered to host it. I was definitely questioning my sanity, as I hadn’t even unpacked yet, while having 16 people over for dinner, but everything went well and, of course, everyone brought something. A.J. did the flowers and helped me set the table, which turned out beautiful.

I had only one rule- no talking politics, since we have family members on both sides of the aisle. I did ask a couple fun questions- stuffing or dressing, pecan or pumpkin pie and homemade or canned whipped cream? The whipped cream question had the most discussion. Homemade is obviously preferred, but canned (Reddiwip) works in a pinch. Cool Whip is not an option- Republicans and Democrats both agreed on this matter.

We got our tree (it’s huge!) the next day with Celine, even though she’ll never remember it. Zeke decorated it in record time- two days- and it took 4000 lights! Saturday, we got a new washing machine at 7 a.m., I played pickleball at 9 and cooked, cooked, cooked all day. Turkey Soup, Turkey Pot Pie, Thai Red Curry Turkey and Banana Rum Raisin Cakes (for the Villager’s Home Tour). We also cleaned and continued putting Thanksgiving stuff away all day.

By Sunday, I was totally exhausted and headed down to the Keys, where I still am. It’s quiet, peaceful, breezy and beautiful. The weather is chilly and I’ve been relaxing, taking walks, reading and Cyber Monday Shopping. Thanksgiving came late this year, so Christmas is just around the corner, along with the inevitable parties, shopping, wrapping and pressure of it all. I’m trying to remember the “reason for the season” and not get stressed out. I have to admit, it’s easier in the Keys, but I have to come back to reality (and Miami) eventually.

Mrs. Claus has to bake those cookies, decorate the tree and wrap those presents, after all. Ho ho ho.

Up Next: Dining in France