Thanksgiving is a time for family

This past week I had the chance to go home for Thanksgiving. It was my first time back home since moving down to Florida, so I was very excited to get back home and see my family, friends and four-legged animals. I was not, however, as excited for the cold. Leaving the 80 degrees that i have grown so fond of and going to 30, was not something I am going to look forward to again in a few weeks for my 'winter break.'

After my dad picked me up from the airport, I spent my first night back, relaxing at home with my two cuddly monsters who I missed so much. They jumped on me the second I walked in the door and didn't leave my side a second I was home. I get the impression that they missed me, especially Baily, who kept coming into my room to make sure I was still home. Katie also came over, and in traditional fashion, we hung out on my bed, caught up, and crashed early.

Turkey day came, and the first thing I did was head to the barn to see the love of my life. Mr. George Bailey is all settled in at his new home at Middlebranch Farm, way up in the Pocono Mountains. He has a furry coat, once that I have not seen in a very long time, and he looks like a real horse, with his short mane. He has also made some new friends, such as Figaro, who he gets turned out with, Cha Cha, his next door neighbor, and the three mini ponies across the barn. All in all, he seems very happy, in turn making me very happy.

For Thanksgiving, or Thanksgivikkah, as it was during Hanukkah, the entire family, minus Sarah and Papa, came over to celebrate at our house. We had the traditional turkey, cranberries, stuffing, ham, as well as latkes. YUM. After dinner, we had a Chinese gift exchange which ended up being very funny, with my family vying for the best gifts. However, I believe that Matt ended up with the best, a beta fish from my mom. We also played a more traditional spin on dreidel and played the dollar game. After a very heated game, Sami ended up winning $36. It was a very interesting Delin/Stettner/Glennon gathering.

On Friday, I took a ride out to Millstone and even though it was only about 20 degrees, still rode. I walked Simon and then rode Fred. After hanging out at the barn for  a few hours in the cold, it was off to the nail salon with mom, then drinks with the girls.

On Saturday, after brunch with Grandma and Grandpa, I took another ride out to see George. Just a quick trip, but enough to see my boy again and say hello. Then I hung out at Bubby's for a bit. Papa isn't doing well at all. He recognized that I was there, and said he was proud I had an article published, but then went back to sleep. He isn't eating or drinking either.

On Sunday, Bubby called hospice to come to the house, so I ended up spending all day at their house hanging out until I had to leave for the airport. No one knows how long Papa is going to hold on. He just isn't fighting anymore. Coming back to Florida and leaving their house was one of the hardest things ever, knowing I might not ever see him again. Family truly is the best thing ever and I'm glad I had a few days at home to spend with them.