Thursday, November 23, 2006

Thanksgiving 2006

As I sit here Wednesday evening it feels strange not to be getting ready for tomorrow’s Thanksgiving dinner. No pies to make, no last minute cleaning frenzy, no guests to count. This will be the first Thanksgiving I’ve celebrated alone. I’m not sure what I’m going to do – some laundry, a few other chores, watch the Thanksgiving parade and football games. Veg. I’m not used to this … nothingness. We’ve always celebrated the holidays with food, laughter, games and companionship. My niece and nephews didn’t invite me to dinner, but I wouldn’t have gone anyway since I’m pretty much through with them. They didn’t think I or mother were important enough to visit this year, so why should things change on this end. I was invited to a cousin’s house, but to be truthful, I don’t really want to celebrate Thanksgiving (or Christmas) this year. I’m making the effort – I’ll put up the Christmas decorations, but it will be just the cats and I. I told Bebo to spend Thanksgiving with her family – every year she has been with us at Thanksgiving; it’s time for her to join her parent’s and sisters, etc. We’ll spend a little time together on Christmas, but she has grandchildren to visit too. Christmas, I don’t even want to think about that. When my father passed away in October of 2000 it was different. We still had mother and my brother Howard. My sister was healthy as was my other brother. Now, Cathie is in a nursing home and David’s health is bad; he won’t be able to come down for the holidays. Everything changed with Howard and Mom’s deaths; the dynamics are screwed. When I was growing up the entire family got together for the holiday’s – Aunts, Uncles, cousins – the entire shooting match. As we grew up, cousins married, started their own families, moved away. I’m not trying to bring everybody down, wasn’t what I’d planned to write; this is my reality now and I just have to get used to it.

Hmmmm, gotta be something else:

This is a new scam being pulled mainly on women who are past the age of giving a running pursuit. What happens is when the intended victim stops at a red light, an almost nude, good looking, tanned, muscled young man comes up to her car and pretends to wash the windshield.
While he is doing this, another handsome athletic man opens the back door of the car, jumps in and insists the woman drive off with him to some lonely spot, where he has his way with her. They are very good at this!

They got me three times Friday and five times Saturday.

I couldn't find them on Sunday.


I’m Thankful for each and every one of you.

31 comments:

Fannie said...

I wish you could spend the holidays with me and my family. I assure you we would love to have you. I just hate for you to be alone during this time. Things are difficult enough any time of the year but holidays are the worst. You will be in my prayers and my thoughts are with you. Should you ever need anything at all, you have my e-mail addy. Give me a shout anytime, OK? Just know that you are never far from a lot of your friends thoughts. We love you.

Fannie said...

I forgot to say that I loved the last part of your post. Now tell me where they are operating so I can be on the lookout for them. I might get lucky and find them. You never know when Lady Luck will smile on you. LOL.

Brandy said...

Oh, I too, wish you could be here with my family. I talk about you so much that my Dh is now asking after you, as well. Daughter does, too. I am thinking of you in this difficult time. I am praying that your heart heals. I am hoping that your future brightens and I am thankful for your friendship. You are a joy to know. If there is any way I can return one tiny bit of the friendship and warmth you have given me, please tell me how.
{{Much love and hugs on their way to you.}}

Christa said...

Holidays make you remember lost ones more especially the first one. ((((Hugs))))
Here we celebrated Thanksgiving last month. I'll be catching up on computer stuff. I never really had time to be on it yestday. My sister took me shopping during the day(I got some books, I got Jill's The Rancher's Surrender and 2 Donna Kauffman among them) and then when my bil came home from work we went out to dinner. We didn't get home until 9. Today my sister drove me back home.
I know I go back up on the 8th to help her prepare everything for her Christmas party on the 9th.
I'm going to bed now because I'm tired and I'm getting up at 6:30.

Anonymous said...

Actually, Bailey, I felt better being alone at holidays than I did with scads of family around. Especially in Germany. I didn't have to worry about anybody. Many asked me if I didn't feel lonely and I had to admit that I really didn't. Of course that was somewhat earlier in my life already. I can remember what a disaster the first Christmas back from abroad was.

Before I accepted and forgave my brother for the way he had treated me, I didn't really feel like being alone with his family for my birthday earlier this year. My nieces and nephew here don't give a hoot about me either. So I know what you're talking about and how sad it is.

But don't let it spoil your Thanksgiving. We all still have things to be thankful for. Did you go to the link I gave you? I think that's really what it's all about when you think you have nobody there for you. I have no idea what we're doing for Christmas as a family. Most years we've still got together somehow. And my sister-in-law's family always invites me for Christmas dinner. The big group is usually big enough to allow for conversations with a few people of like mind. Most of the time I choose to spend alone.

I hope you enjoy Thanksgiving as much as possible. Just take it easy and cuddle with your cats. You've got a whole family there. I sometimes think that they can be better company than people. You can just do what you and the cats want to do. Hope you have a blessed day still saying thanks though there probably doesn't seem to be much. But I'm certainly very thankful for you because you can usually bring me that laugh which is really so necessary for everyone. I really admire you for that. Thanks so much.

I'll keep praying that this coming year will bring both you and me the things we need to enjoy life more. We've both waited a long time and you especially have had a lot of changes and leave-takings this past year and a bit. That's very hard and it will take some time to recover from that. Too bad we live so far from each other. While I was in Mexico I really did wish that you could have been there.

So take care and know that I think and pray for you with love.

Anonymous said...

Honey, I don't really have a family, so it'll be just me and the kittles too--which I'm ok with. ;-)
You've got my addy if you just feel like talking, ok?

And I, missy, am VERY thankful that I met you!

Christa said...

BTW I think it's too cold for them to be doing that scam here. I couldn't find them either.

Michele said...

Wow, that scam is making the rounds! They were over here during the summer. But there was more than one..you might have seen their pic going around?

I missed them too - a friend took a pic and showed me what I was missing *wink*

I can empathize Bailey , with your plight.
My uncle lost his wife (my godmother) two months ago. They'd been married for over 50 years. He and his son (still single!) are coming over to my Mom's house today. My uncle is lonely and at loose ends too. I third, or is that 4th, the wish that you'd be able to come too. You'd be welcome.

Cyber Hugs aren't tangible, but they are well meant, Bailey. I hope you have a peaceful Thanksgiving.

Anonymous said...

Just wanted to check on you before I head out to Furr's. I've been having more email/internet problems, but I think (after 1 1/2 hours with tech support yesterday) the new address I sent you is finally up and running.

Love you!

Meretta said...

And I am thankful for you, Bailey. Want to come visit me? Bring warm clothes! We're at -29C (-20F) with the windchill this morning. (((hugs)))

Anonymous said...

*hugs* sweetie. When you're again ready to celebrate the holidays, maybe you could find other singles who have nobody and get together with them.

Sandy J said...

I am so glad I 'met' you also, Bailey. You have brought fun and joy into my cyber world and I thank you for it.

In the last few years, holidays just make me sad and I couldn't tell you why. If it wouldn't be for the two sons I still have living with us who insist upon decorating the house - inside and out - I am not sure if it would get it done. My dh loves having and being around lots of people, but he doesn't have to do all the work and he likes crowds where I do not.

BUT, having said that, I have so much to be thankful for and you are definitely on the list, Bailey.

Anonymous said...

I understand how you feel. I wish we lived close enough that you could join us for dinner. One of the things I am so thankful for this year is your friendship. You will be in my thoughts and prayers today. Sending hugs your way.

Now, could you give me a hint as to where I might find those two scamers?

Anonymous said...

Wish you were closer, we've got a spot for you at the table.

Siobhan said...

Happy Thanksgiving, sweetie. It will be a sad one for you without your mom, but know that you have a lot of friends who are thinking of you and wishing you well. (((Hugs)))

Denise McDonald said...

(((EVE))) at least football is on - and Tampa sucks so it should be ok...

Denise McDonald said...

darn it - spoke too sooon - c'mon Williams block!

Lis said...

*hugs* Well even though our thanksgiving was last month, I'll say I'm very thankful to have you as a friend.

Hope your day's a good one. Enjoy the football game :)

Toni Anderson said...

Eve--all the holidays will be difficult the first time. I'm hoping for better things for your future. A little quiet respite isn't so bad, though I wish you had someone to share it with.

I'm thankful for you too (and U2 the band, but really you too :)

Denise McDonald said...

well, heck - I spoke too soon of speaking too soon - GO COWBOYS

we stayed home today - we managed to repeat the anual traditon of the kids being icky sick on holidays - only two this time so that's an improvment =0

Joely Sue Burkhart said...

I wish we lived closer -- I would love to have you over for the holidays! Hugs, Bailey. On the bright side, Dallas is looking very, very good today.
Joely
Off to drive around and find that scam. Shhh. Don't tell That Man.

Scott said...

Will you admit it yet?

Bailey Stewart said...

Scott - you'll get your answer on Sunday.

Everyone else - thank you for making me feel special today. It's been hard, but y'all are terrific.

Now, I have to get back out there looking for those scammers.

Bailey Stewart said...

Scott - 'cuz it's a long one. That's why. (I knew you'd say something along the line of "why wait until Sunday?")

Scott said...

That's all right; I'll be waiting!

Anonymous said...

I hope you're enjoying your Thanksgiving no matter what the circumstances. I keep forgetting that everything bad that happens to us still leaves a lot of room for us to give thanks.

Anonymous said...

Hugs, Bailey. The first 'special' days are the hardest but it does get easier to deal with.

See, this is why you have to move to the UK. I could've taken you out to lunch or some stately home to wander round, and then cooked you a really scrum meal - we don't have Thanksgiving here, but I'm quite happy to try making pumpkin pie!

Thinking of you. And you know where I am if you need me. Even if people aren't close to you geographically, you're still close to their hearts.

Unknown said...

Oooh, well I never. Blogger's letting me in. Better late than never.

I wish you were closer, too. I've never tried pumpkin pie.

As Kate says, it will get easier.
Sending love and hugs. You know where we all are.

Bailey Stewart said...

Kate and Shirley - thank you. But I'd skip the pumpkin pie - not my favorite. Now, a cherry pie? I'm there babes.

Anonymous said...

They say the first holidays without a loved one are especially tough and will never be quite the same.....that said I hope this is the last holiday you spend alone. Maybe by next year your life will have taken a completely different turn and there will be someone there to share things with you. I wish you the best....you have a lot of folks pulling for you.

Rene said...

I can imagine how tough Thanksgiving was. Wish you lived out here, you'd have had a place at my table. Or at a t.v. tray in front of the big screen, whatever you prefered.

BTW, doesn't Drew look fetching holding a clipboard?