Friday Things #550

1. Dominic and I got back from New York late on Wednesday night, and I’m so happy to share that his scans were clear and he remains in remission 🙏🏻 Thank you so much for continuing to pray for him and our family, and offering up good thoughts and well wishes; we appreciate it so much ❤️

2. Over the last 10 days, we’ve gotten most of our Christmas decorations up. When do you normally decorate? We used to do it all the day or weekend after Thanksgiving, but the last handful of years, we’ve started getting things up in mid-November. I love being able to enjoy the decorations and lights just a wee bit longer; it brings us all so much joy!

3. Speaking of Christmas, when we were young (probably babies), my mom made needlepoint stockings for me and my sister, and my aunt made them for my cousins, too. I have seen pre-made needlepoint stockings, but recently saw someone post on Instagram their mother or mother-in-law working on them (she said she got the kits at a local craft store in Texas). Has anyone done this recently and have links for it? I might tackle this for next year!

4. Currently working on this Thanksgiving Day parade puzzle; it’s going to be a race to see if I can actually get it done by Thanksgiving 🙃

5. I love this >> Matchmakers Connect Teens and Elders

6. It snowed for the first time this week, so it’s time for a batch of homemade hot chocolate mix to store in the pantry for winter!

7. I had no idea that Pizza Hut’s Book It program still exists… such an awesome memory from childhood! I still remember filling out the books I read… the buttons… the personal pan pizzas!

8. So many of you have asked about the brace on Duke’s leg in recent photos and if he is okay and what happened… back at the beginning of the year, Duke appeared to strain or partially tear his ACL. The vet didn’t think surgery was necessary and recommended a custom brace, instead. So he’s been wearing it since late spring; they said after about 9 months dogs are usually good to go without it. He’s otherwise in perfect health and still gallops around even with the brace on!

9. Wishing you and your loved ones a very Happy Thanksgiving full of great food and good company! 🧡

10. TGIF! The queen also wishes you a Happy (and relaxing) Thanksgiving :)