the ocean

As traumas go, having to go to a different buffet restaurant than the one you are used to for Thanksgiving is definitely not at the top of the list, but it did make things a little weird. Our normal Chicago spot got out of the game this year (no doubt due to Biden's War on Thanksgiving) so we had to go to a place my sister found out in the suburbs, which might as well have been on Mars. The food was fine and all, but we were in a banquet hall seated at rickety round tables that seemed likely to collapse at any given moment. Also, the buffet lines were insane and there were separate lines for the salad and carving stations. The end result of which was that I loaded up on mac and cheese (which was admittedly amazing) and called it a day. The kids had fun loading up on sugar and pretending they were puppies, though, so I guess it was a win.

After the big luncheon, we went out to Ian's parents' place, since they have relocated to the northwest suburbs from Minnesota. They are in a seniors-only community, which is kind of the dream. They have classes, entertainment, and a clubhouse with a very credible club sandwich. Plus you can drive your golf cart anywhere you want. It does give a little bit of a wife swapping vibe, but I'm sure that's optional. Anyway, we were just there for dessert and the rebroadcast of the Macy's parade, which gave us an opportunity to realize that we didn't even recognize the names of half of the pop stars featured. Ariana Madix singing The Cardigans I knew, though. It was like that one was aimed straight at my heart.

So yeah, Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! I'm laying low today so as to avoid being crushed in a flat-screen-TV fracas, but that is something to be thankful for in and of itself.