Kiddo who was sick in the airport is home at her apartment, snuggled in and sipping tea. All is well.
For me the plates aren’t a pain b/c my china can go in the dishwasher. But my crystal and silver…hand wash only. We didn’t have a big group this year so it wasn’t a big deal, but if I had a large group I might orego the crystal and silver - plus I don’t have enough of those for a large group anyway. I have a lot of nice china though and Thanksgiving is one of the few times a year we use it.
@intparent so glad your daughter made it home. I can’t imagine how hard it must have been trying to travel with a stomach bug!
We think it is something she ate. Maybe an allergy to a spice in the 5 spice dish she ate last night. We shared everything and I feel fine. So once she got rid of it, she was shaky but okay.
Okay, so that #goblue thing didn’t go so well. At least I had solidarity on this thread. Sigh.
Meanwhile, the Badgers might have destroyed any desire I could have in the future to watch college football on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
Truly painful to watch @garland. We self-medicated with the champagne.
Wine.
I personally would rather play an extra fun board game or two with the family than have “fun” washing the dishes. 
Even without dishes, there is plenty of clean up.
To each his own of course. “Good dishes” , “china”, special flatware - all means nothing to me - it’s just a means to putting food on something! As long as the plate can hold the food (and gravy) we’re good!
I hosted friends for the first time in a few years. One of the joys (not) of the downsize is looking for the pieces of life that are rarely used, if well packed in basement bins. Like the Thanksgiving table cloth and good silverware. After a time consuming search, it was good to find them again.
Friends and I have had this holiday together since before my almost 30 year olds were born. One of mine attended, with offspring of another. It was nice, so easy and familiar, and filled with lots of ribbing of participants and stories we had all heard before. I was exhausted…but all do add to the menu and a foreign student friend did all the cleanup, thankfully. It is a lot of work if caring about making from scratch, as I do, but good to carry on the traditions set years ago.
Our Thanksgiving was quiet - perhaps too quiet. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday and I’m used to larger, more lively celebrations. There were only 6 of us, including SIL’s mother. She’s very introverted so conversation can be a challenge. SIL is having some challenges at work and S is trying to get over a break-up. I am emotionally exhausted from all this. Today I fell dead asleep on the couch for 4 hours.
One of my sisters suggested switching to paper plates and plastic cutlery for my holiday meals. Absolutely aghast, I reminded her we weren’t raised that way, and if my grandchildren spend the holidays with me, and there isn’t a fancy holiday table set with china, silver, crystal, how will they ever have that experience? It’s a memory I want them to have. It’s important to me they know this sort of dining exists even if they decide it’s pointless and use paper plates when they grow up. And it’s okay with me if that’s their decision, since it will be an informed choice.
That sister hasn’t ever helped me in the kitchen with cleanup or anything else in the more than 30 years of holidays she spent at my house. Nor has she offered. So it’s not like paper plates would make her life easier. She’s already playing the board game or whatever as as soon as the meal ends.
Getting the Spode Christmas tree out here, too. A present from my now deceased mother when my own children were toddlers. A holiday tradition. I’m going to take photos of the decorated table and plaster them in some photo albums for my great grandchildren since I won’t be around to set a table for them and want them to know what olden times looked like.
Sorry… too late to edit. That should have gone on the “say it here…” thread.
On a more positive note, we had a lovely thanksgiving, though I’m obviously still aggravated with sis.
@garland sorry, feel like I put the whammy on Michigan! My Irish aren’t exactly letting me enjoy this game either!
Sad to say that after a lovely Thanksgiving with me and an active Friday, 10 minutes after I spoke with him about our dinner plans, my gregarious, active, world traveling, dancing, social butterfly Dad had a stroke. I’ve been by his bedside in ICU ever since save for a couple hours here and there to sleep. It’s very touch and go, but he comprehends everything but just can’t communicate. I’m still thankful to have this wonderful man in my life up to this point and and am praying for the best resolution to this awful situation. Appreciate every moment with your loved ones.
@Nrdsb4, I’m so sorry this has happened. Sending good thoughts to you, your dad and your family. Don’t wear yourself out.
Oh, hugs @Nrdsb4. So sorry you are having to deal with this.
@Nrdsb4, sending you much love. Am so sorry to hear this.
I’m sorry about your dad, @Nrdsb4. I too hope for the best possible resolution to the situation.
We took a long drive to Ohio…and will head home tomorrow. The long weekend was terrific…with family and friends. And terrific food because after all…it’s all about the food!
Got to see Ohio State for the win against Michigan! Two Cavaliers wins too. Now…if the Browns can win tomorrow, it will be a sports sweep here!
Long drive home tomorrow, but so worth the time! Glad we came.
I’m so sorry @Nrdsb4