Tuesday, November 23, 2021

Pies and Preciouses


 Lily texted me this morning to say that Maggie was snuffling and had a little fever and did I still want to come over to stay with the kids for a little while?
Jesus Christ. This old brain of mine had completely forgotten that we'd discussed this on Sunday. As in- day before yesterday. 
I told her I would be fine and I will be. Hell, I've been around August and Levon and they've had what was probably the same thing. So off I went at noon to hang out with my Hartmann grands who needed an official adult to watch them in-between Lauren leaving for work and Lily getting home. Driving over there was a treat because it's so beautiful here right now. Gorgeous skies and leaves putting on their fall colors. 

Owen promised Lauren before she left that he would make lunch for all of them and he did. He made ramen noodles and I was so proud of him when he told Maggie- now you drink the broth this time. It'll be good for you because you're sick!
And she listened to her big brother. 
While they were eating, Gibson and Maggie tried to teach me how to play Labyrinth and then Owen chimed in and even with all of their help and reading the instructions, I was still a bit vague about it. I finally said, "Let's go outside, it's too pretty to stay indoors." They all agreed that that was a fine idea because Maggie was accusing Owen and Gibson of being wrong in their stupid rules and they were telling her she was cheating and, well...let's go outside! 

It was cool out and Maggie said she wasn't cold but I knew she had to be so I took off my moth-eaten cashmere sweater and buttoned it around her and she loved that because it was so soft. She did so much swinging. 


Gibson had to show me how brave he was by sticking his feet in the above-ground pool they got this summer from Lauren's parents. 


Sorry I got the light all messed up. But you can see how blue the sky was. 

So we had a good time and then we went back inside and Maggie let me cuddle her and read the Little Golden Book of "Heidi" which brought back all of the emotions I used to feel when I read that dang book in its entirety over and over as a little girl. I almost had to swallow a sob today when I got to the part where Heidi gets to return to the mountain, her beloved grandfather, Peter, and the goats. 

And then Lily got home and I came back to my house and made two pies. 



To the untrained eye I am sure they both just look like pecan pies but the top one is a chocolate pecan pie, made from Granny Matthew's recipe, so tattered and faded that I can barely read it now. The lower one is a new recipe from the NYT's cooking app and it's a maple-honey pecan pie. 

Somehow I thought I was going to get a lot more done today than I did but hell- I have a whole 'nother day to get busy. I'll get the turkey and the pork out of the refrigerator in the garage and let them sit in the kitchen all day and they still probably won't thaw but they won't be quite as frozen on Thursday. I have to make my cornbread for the stuffing and boil eggs which I really do not have enough of for all of our deviled egg needs because my hens have been slacking. The pies alone took seven. Eggs. Not chickens. I should tidy up the house. Jessie asked me the other day if I wanted her to come over and help me do a little cleaning. I was completely mystified by her offer. 
"Clean?" I asked. "For who? For what?" 
Hopefully we'll be eating outside but I suppose I could do a little fluff and stuff, as Lis calls it. No matter what I do or don't do, it's going to be complete chaos within five minutes of everyone getting here with so many toys scattered about that no one will even be able to see the dust. 
That's my theory, anyway. 

It's been a very nice day all around. Mr. Moon has recovered nicely and THAT ordeal is over with and I got to play with some of my babies and I do not hate Thanksgiving. It's all about family and food and that's pretty much my life so it's all good. 

Talk to me Thursday and you may hear a different story but for now, it's all pretty sweet. 
Oh hell. I forgot to buy rum. 
Sigh. 

Love...Ms. Moon

28 comments:

  1. Is a pecan a kind of beetle? Those two pies look like beetle pies to me. Poor things!

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    1. Yes. A pecan is a beetle. An insect. We here in the south of the USA love our bug pies!

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  2. The endless whirl of the life of Mary!

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  3. gorgeous pies! Lovely day.....hope Maggie feels better soon. Thanksgiving prep in full swing with you! I took my rock hard cornish hens out today to spend the day in phase 1 of thawing. tiny as they are, they take time too! Thursday is not only Thanksgiving, but hubby's birthday falls on the same day this year. Got to have a nice small dinner prepped for Birthday man! Pie will be baked early morning, hens stuffed, and it will all be enjoyed. Maybe just us two, or perhaps my bro will join us.
    Wishing you and yours a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving. the love is what we are thankful for, every single day
    Susan M

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    1. Maggie was in good spirits. She'll probably be fine.
      I hope that your Thanksgiving and husband birthday celebration is joyful! You are right about the love. That's it right there.

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  4. That’s a pretty pair of pies! Happy thanksgiving! I’m cheating this year and buying a butterscotch tart. My neighbors have gifted us a pecan pie every thanksgiving and Christmas, They are one of the many things I’m grateful for. May your holiday be filled with laughter and joy.
    Xoxo
    Barbara

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    1. Butterscotch tart sounds in no way like cheating to me! What sweet neighbors to bring you a pie.
      Enjoy tomorrow, Barbara. I wish you all the best!

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  5. Those pies look divine. I hope Maggie recovers quickly, and everyone enjoys the holiday. Happy Thanksgiving.

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    1. I think it will be a very fine day. Thank you, e. And Happy Thanksgiving to you, too.

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  6. Your pecan pies look delicious. There's nothing like a slice with a cup of coffee the day after Thanksgiving.

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    1. I'm always way too full after dinner to have dessert so yes- pie later is best!

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  7. Kids run so Hot that even when their little Cheeks are flushed by the Cold they swear they're not Cold. I recall one of my Grands, when they were little, asking me why they had to wear a Coat just because I was Cold? *Smiles* Those Pies look yummy!

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    1. Owen and Gibson asked me yesterday why grownups are always so cold.

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  8. Those pecan pies look wonderful. I am a fan of anything with pecans and sugar. I made some pecan tarts for Christmas but they were all eaten before they made it to the freezer.

    Hope you have a wonderful day.

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    1. Pecan tarts...mmmmm...
      Have you ever had pralines? Oh my god.

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  9. OMG ... my most favorite of ALL the pies in the world: PECAN PIES
    Here's hoping the bird and the ham are roasted to perfection and your Thanksgiving day is filled with the richness only the day can provide!
    Love & hugs from S. CO ... will look forward to reading how the day rolled out for you!

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    1. Thanks, Marcia. I really appreciate that. I think it should be a very good day here. And happy thanksgiving to you!

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  10. Gorgeous pies. It was cool out, enough for a cashmere sweater and the kids are wearing shorts. Difference is age I guess. I haven't had a chocolate fudge pecan pie in decades. Somewhere there's a family recipe for one. And I'm with you...for who? For what? Made my cornbread yesterday. Today I'm doing all the prep for the dressing chopping vegetables, frying the bacon, cubing the bread. And making the cranberry sauce.

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    1. Jessie brought her vacuum cleaner over today. Haha! She even vacuumed some rugs for me.
      I actually got my stuffing made today. A first!

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  11. I just have to make the stuffing and sweet potatoes this year but I do put pecans on my sweet potato casserole. Yum! My stuffing is gluten-free and dairy-free but actually delicious!
    My sister is hosting at my house and a cleaned a little but not much. Everyone is too busy having fun and eating to notice, I hope! :)

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    1. I always put pecans on my sweet potato casseroles too. So good.
      I bet your stuffing will be great!
      And yeah- what's the point of cleaning before a party? The place is just going to get trashed.

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  12. Well, that sounds like a pretty terrific day. The pies look fantastic and the kids look happy, so what more could you want?

    A children's book that still makes you choke up as an adult is a sign of a good children's book, in my view.

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    1. Exactly- good pies and happy kids! Life is good.
      I don't know if "Heidi" was that great of a book or not but it sure was sad in some parts. I think I resonated with that sadness. Which is...sad.

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  13. Oh how sweet of Owen to take such good care of his little sister! And those pies???? Oh my goodness, they look divine!

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    1. He is an EXCELLENT brother.
      I think the pies will be good.

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  14. I forgot to buy alcohol as well. I hope they have enough where we are going. I did make a pineapple upside down cake. I won't be completely empty handed. Happy Thanksgiving

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Tell me, sweeties. Tell me what you think.