Dorothy, I agree with the others, it is heartwarming to read your account of the visit! And a new doorbell in the process! That will be handy.

How was this week for people? Did Charmion complete the travel circuit and was a big load of china delivered to the nephew? MaJoC I took more time to look at your link - that would be a lovely puzzle to work. There are only a couple of the past ones I've finished that I'd consider doing again (except I donated them or sold them on eBay). The one I just started this evening is a village overlooking the Aegean sea.

Our family gathering was different; I'd baked enough for nibbling that they decided that would do for their eating here today because when they left they were headed to dinner with other family members. I didn't make pancakes or hash browns, but had a large ham steak that I cut up and fried for those who eat meat and for others there was smoky gouda and pecan cheese on crackers. Along with cookies, breads, and some fruit. Dorothy, your frozen foods sound like they were the perfect way to feed people (and lasagne is one of those foods that benefits from freezing and then being brought back to the table fully baked and bubbling with cheesy goodness.)

I left a jigsaw puzzle unfinished as an activity and it ended up just the core family group (my ex, our daughter, and me) prodding the last pieces into place. It was a quiet conversation and since COVID I've used this to do a mental cleansing of the palate when I'm working and need to decompress. That, or sewing or gardening.

We exchanged more cash this year than in the past because we had so little time to prepare (or order from the tardy wish lists). The younger people in particular found that appealing. "I hope this is your size" is always a clever note in a card with a $100 bill.

We usually watch a movie after a meal and opening gifts, but didn't have time this year. I'll choose something to stream this evening to honor that family tradition.