THIS Mom waded through enough pots and pans and dishes last night that she didn't face anything but a clean sink and counter and easy access to my tea kettle this morning. Nose is a little stuffy from a couple of dairy hits yesterday, but the condition is manageable.

My cooking yesterday was interrupted with the arrival of an injured stray pitbull (not my dog, who was an injured stray pitbull in May). Poor guy had gashes around his neck and was dragging a leash that had been looped on itself around his neck. Three of us spotted him at once, I from my kitchen window, a neighbor driving up the road, and the county sheriff. The neighbor caught him, we consulted as we patted the happy sweet natured neutered dog. I called the Humane Society and after hanging out in my pickup camper shell for a couple of hours, I drove to the Humane Society to meet the emergency staff and drop him off. They say his gashes are from a collar that was criminally tight and was embedded in his neck. They do not return dogs to owners who allow this to happen, so this happy boy should have a new good home after he heals. My good deed for the day. I got home and resumed my cooking--the only thing I didn't get made in time for dinner was the dish of stuffing, but I made that later and it awaits plates destined for the microwave.

We're not stirring from this house today. Not to go near any commercial establishments, at any rate. I have a book due at the libary. Let the shopping fools go bend each other's fenders in the stuffed-to-capacity parking lots, or rear-end each other at the freeway exit ramps that backed up onto the highway. I've shopped all year and have very few things to pick up now. Time to start packing and mailing things stashed in my closet.

The dogs have been fed, I've had a nice big piece of apple pie for breakfast, and am nursing along a cuppa hot tea. We'll go work in the yard this morning and I'll have my son rake leaves and throw them on top of the compost. I don't have to cook dinner for a couple of days (at least!) and will probably make my son's day by fixing him an open-face turkey sandwich for a late lunch today. His sister will grouse that she missed them, but she's at a friend's house. First time the kids came in and saw me eating one of these they said "Ewww!" but I gave them each a taste and they devoured the rest of my dinner before my eyes. Now they politely wait through all of the Thanksgiving tradition, knowing that the fresh homemade bread, turkey and gravy is just a day away.

Let "Black Friday" take care of itself. We'll enjoy our own company.