Miracle of miracles, i drove the 3 hours south to dad's for the holiday, and back, without hitting any traffic! Now that I'm really thankful for.

We had a very nice visit and lots of time to catch up on all the family news. Altho my dad and K. usually eat out and aren't much for cooking, they managed to drum up a very good traditional dinner.

And i got to meet the new addition to the household, a really cute dachshund puppy named Bailey. He joins 2 cats and they all more or less get along. He's really a ball of energy, though, loves to play and loves to chew. In fact he destroyed the heels of a nice pair of black leather shoes I carelessly left on the floor. My dad insisted on reimbursing me for them. the dog gets walked about 6 times a day, so hopefully this will translate into improved fitness for both my dad and K.

The trip cost me about $37. That's $31 for gas (pretty much a full tank needed for the round trip with my Honda) plus tolls. It was worth it. First ever Thanksgiving with my dad. I'd like to do it again.

Back at home by Friday afternoon, I wisely decided to avoid any holiday shopping that weekend. Well, i did make a trip to Agway as they had a sale on birdseed. On Saturday i celebrated T-giving, Part II, with my mother and sister locally.

Otherwise, i was quite content to continue raking leaves in the yard, do a 50-minute walk to pick up the Sunday paper, do my bird count and get the holiday decorations out. Nice way to spend a few days off.