I like to keep track of things during the year and two of my major non-cooking hobbies are movies and books – both of which lend themselves to list making.  I keep lists of these things throughout the year so I can see what I’ve seen and read and I figured I’d share those lists here as a Fun Thing To Do at the end of the year.  I know it’s not quite the end of the year, but it’s unlikely that I’ll finish another book or see another movie.  If you’re curious about the movies, click the link to read more!

This Thanksgiving is officially in the books and, I’m quite happy to say, it was a success.  We had a fantastic time with my parents.  We ate and chatted on Thursday.  We ate more, chatted more, and saw the new Muppet movie on Friday.  Then we ate more and chatted even more on Saturday before they headed home.  Much fun was had by all.  :D

We had a few new additions to the Thanksgiving menu this year.  I opted to ditch the old desserts and try something new with Molten Chocolate Cakes.  We didn’t get to them on Thursday, since we were all full, but my mom and I made them Friday and they were enjoyed by all.  Definitely a keeper of a recipe and perhaps even a new tradition!  I also made Baked French Toast for Friday’s breakfast which was a new recipe for all of us and it was greatly enjoyed as well.  While it might not be a keeper for Thanksgiving, since I like to try new things, it will definitely be a keeper in general. 

The turkey was our best yet.  Last year I felt that we overcooked the turkey (or first heritage one) just a little bit so I switched the rotation times from 30 minutes down to 20 minutes.  The result was a perfect, juicy, awesome turkey.  Total perfection.  I didn’t get any pictures of it, since I didn’t take any pictures this Thanksgiving, but it totally trumped Turkey 2010. 

Our Thanksgiving wasn’t all perfect, sadly.  On Monday the 21st we had to say goodbye to our beloved companion of 12 years.  Rest in peace, Möbius, you were the best dog in the whole world and we’re so thankful for everything you added to our lives.  Sorry we couldn’t share one last turkey with you. 

This is another one of those posts that doesn’t have too much to deal with food directly, but it has to do with enjoying our backyard which is where we grill, and grilling is certainly a food-related topic.  Just like our amazing table has enhanced the overall food experience, so will our grand landscaping project. 

Today I’d like to take a moment to deviate from the usual food related articles to tell you all about Art’s awesome sister. 

Many years ago, she taught herself how to crochet and knit with the aid of books.  Her hobby grew, as they tend to do, and she has recently opened her own Etsy store to sell her amazing creations.  I’m the proud owner of a few, and I’d like to share them with you. 



If you play Mario, you’ll recognize this set of mushrooms.  She started making them for her Mario-loving daughter and I thought they were just about the coolest thing I’d ever seen.  I have dreams of decorating my Christmas tree completely with these mushrooms.  (I love the evil looking eyes of the poison mushroom.)



This is Cthulhu, all cute and crocheted. 



Cthulhu is, of course, dreaming in R’lyeh but, in the meantime, you can enjoy his likeness in lovely green (or any other color) yarn.  I sort of want to buy a hundred of these and plant them all over my house in unexpected places. 



This is a custom ordered scarf and hat which I asked her to make for Art, who shaves his head and needs a bit of warmth in the cold winter months.  The yarn is lovely, thick, warm and cozy. 

And those are my prized possessions from A Lil’ Loopy.  If you get the chance, please stop by her Etsy shop and send some business her way!  She’s happy to take custom orders and she’s very easy to work with – her collection is expanding every day. 

Happy birthday to one of the coolest sisters-in-law I could ever hope for!