I fear any suggestions might come across as Pollyanna-ish - it's a difficult situation to be in. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday and this year everyone is away so there will be two, possibly a friend joining us if her other plans don't materialize (they seem to be in doubt). If there was someone here in the neighborhood I knew who was going to be alone, I'd have them over, but I haven't come across any such news so far.

I am exhausted after my day of yard work. Knackered, as Liz would say. But it looks good, and if, as I suspect, this cold weather arriving is enough to push everything into a dormant state, I won't be mowing again for several months. I have been known to take the weed wacker out to trim tall weeds during the winter, but it looks like the growing season is kaput.

Cooking to freeze tonight. The jars of relish will be put in the pantry and out come the cookie sheets for freezing fried breaded eggplant rounds for meals this winter. And for dinner tonight as well, I think.