My watch indicates that I have no events scheduled for today, which is a welcome change of pace. We’re having leftovers for dinner, chili from last night, so I don’t need to worry about cooking either. That means the day is pretty open for coding and studying cybersecurity. It actually feels good to have a calm, unhurried day to focus. My concentration seems better today, too, and I’m hoping to make some solid progress.
With the extra free time I had while we took the car to the dealership last weekend, I finished The Truths We Hold. I especially enjoyed the family photographs at the end – they made the book feel more personal and heartfelt. I’ve also picked up The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue again. I say “again” because I originally started it back in 2021, but I had to begin from the start since I’d forgotten parts of the story. I can’t believe I set it aside for four years before returning to it! I usually try to finish books within the 21-day library loan period, but this time, I’m determined to finally see this one through to the end.
Do you want to hear my plan for Thanksgiving? It actually starts the Monday before, though the shopping will be done earlier. I need to make a gluten-free pie crust for Alex this year, so I’ll prepare that about a week ahead so it’s ready to go. And of course, the turkey will need to start thawing in the fridge.
On Monday, I’ll make the cornbread for the stuffing. I’ll cut both the cornbread and French bread into cubes and let them dry out before sealing them in ziplock bags. I’ll also prep and chop the vegetables, bag them up, and cut the pecans for the pecan pie so they’re ready to use. Lastly, I’ll grate all the cheese needed for the mac and cheese. I can also roast the pie pumpkins and puree them afterward.
Tuesday will be a rest day – mostly because I’m taking a break from making cranberry sauce from scratch this year and going with the canned kind instead. But if anyone decides they want homemade cranberry sauce, Tuesday would be the perfect day to make it. I’ll also check all the equipment and dishes we use for Thanksgiving to make sure everything’s ready. Oh! And I can make the lumpia filling so Alexis can wrap them on Wednesday.
On Wednesday, I’ll bake the pies and dinner rolls and prepare the brine for the turkey. I’m also wondering if I can get the sweet potato casserole and mashed potatoes made that day too, so we’d just need to bake them on Thanksgiving.
Then comes Thursday – the big day – with the turkey and all the sides. I just remembered that Chris will be here, too. I wonder if he’s planning to put together a charcuterie board again this year. That would be something he could do Thursday morning.
Now I’m just hoping everything goes according to plan. For the moment, I think I’m going to make myself a cup of hot tea and settle back into my studying. Then I may read for a bit.
