holiday shopping......

ok, so the thanksgiving holiday weekend looms.......and our plans are set......a gathering with one of my spouse's brothers and one of his sisters...and assorted children, grandchildren, and parents........the age spread of my spouse's family is broad.....my sister-in-law has a child younger than my brother-in-law's grandchild.......and we, happily, have only children and no grandchildren.....we are not ready for that yet......my spouse's other siblings, and my brother will be elsewhere.......all of my children will be in attendence.....though i am aware that this may not continue to be the case........with children away at school or in relationships......one can not always get home for the short holidays.......i can recall having to work one thanksgiving holiday when i was in college.....i was in tears over the loss......and then there was the first time i had thanksgiving with my spouse's family.......in 1980......wow......such a long time ago......i was also somewhat tearful....as they did not do things the same way.....no mashed potatoes, and no pickled pearl onions/olives/sweet gherkins........no lima beans........that means that i have not celebrated thanksgiving with my side of the family in nearly 25 years.........and i digress.....because i am really blogging about shopping.....which is the traditional post-thanksgiving pasttimes for millions of americans......but not for me.....as i am nearly done...and what i lack can be gotten in a late afternoon sweep of danville stores.....even the stocking stuffers.....which my children must suffer until i am feeble and in the bed permanently............