Day Before Thanksgiving Family Time

My sweet Mister has family here in Dallas too and sometimes it is hard to work out spending time with both sides over Thanksgiving.  With Jen's group in town, we can't really get away so invited Mom H. and his sister Michelle over for a pre-Thanksgiving dinner.  No turkey, but a wonderful Holiday Ham, with Lemon Thyme Rice, Iron Burnt Green Beans, Salad, Fresh Bread and Strawberry Granita for dessert.  Most of the day was spent in the kitchen, but I loved the time there.

When Jen's family arrive, they have an extra as they are hosting a foreign exchange student this year.  Welcome to the family Leon.

Holiday Ham w/Pineapple

Since I am working on the Strawberry Granita recipe today, I thought I do the ham one as well.  This one is an old Taste of Home recipe and you are supposed to do it the night before.  Ooops --- hopefully 7 hours in advance will be enough.

Take one fully-cooked, bone-in ham (12-14 pounds), spiral cut or thinly sliced and place it into a roasting pan.

Making Strawberry Granita

I'm making Strawberry Granita as dessert tonight and haven't shared this recipe before.  Once upon a time I sold Pampered Chef and it is one of their tried and true simple to make ones.  Wow, that is awful grammar but I'm leaving it as is.

Gather all your ingredients or as Mister would say, "Make sure your mise en place is at the ready."  To make enough for 12 people, you will need 2 1/4 cups water; 1 1/2 cups sugar; 3/8 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 pound strawberries, hulled; 3 tablespoons lemon juice; 6 tablespoons vodka (can use a currant flavored, but I use plain); additional sliced strawberries, vodka, and mint for garnish (not shown).

Pioneer Days on the Way Home from Retreat

The retreat center is closed up and everyone has started their journey home leaving Mister and I at the house all by ourselves.  My car is loaded and ready for our own trip back to Dallas so with a quick farewell to the place until February, we point our car north homeward as well.  On the way down, my sweetheart had spotted a "fair" type event going on and we are in luck as it is still well underway.  It is Wardville Pioneer Days at the Chisholm Trail Museum and, after parking, the first building we come to is the old county courthouse.

Inside are volunteers who tell the story of the building and how many parts are original and this great man also knows a ton of history about the area.  We stay and listen for quite awhile,learning everything we possibly can. 

Fall Splendor

This afternoon, I glanced out the window and saw the setting sun as it touched the leaves in our messy yard.  I WISH the camera saw it the way my eyes did and hope you enjoy it too.

 

Zoo and Family Fun

Hello Fall!  We are off for a fun-filled day and the first thing I notice is the changing of the oak tree in the backyard. 

Loy Krathong Festival - Round Two

It's 4:30 p.m. and I have just arrived home from 3 days in Houston.  My sweetheart says, "Are we going to the festival?"  Well, of course we are.  Let's get going.  It started at 4 and goes until 8 and is open to the public.  What festival are we talking about?  Loy Krathong at the Buddhist Temple.  I LOVE this festival and the entire premise behind it.  I am not going to go into all of that again as I did it in a post a few years ago but just know that it's great.  (OKAY, for those who want the info --- click on this LINK from 2014)