For the past couple of weeks I've had a vague feeling of unease. That annoying "I've forgotten something" feeling that I just couldn't figure out and couldn't shake. Today, after glancing at my calendar, I think I know what I have "forgotten". Thanksgiving!!

It hasn't really been forgotten, of course, but it has changed considerably from what I'm used to. No running crazy through the grocery stores, no frantic pie making marathons, no buying extra drumsticks to make up for those inconsiderate turkeys who only grew 2 legs naturally...

Now that the kids are grown and scattered themselves across the country, my biggest stress for the holidays has become where to find the smallest turkey ever grown so that my husband and I aren't still eating the leftovers on Christmas Eve...

Naturally after 30 years of it, I miss the hustle and bustle of a full house, but I'm discovering the benefits of our empty nest too.

I don't have to share the eggnog, I can watch the entire parade without guilt and I don't need a week to recover from all the "fun".