In All Things Give Thanks...

I almost declined the invitation to join a few of my new roommates and their friends at a cabin in West Virginia for the Thanksgiving weekend. I had visions of cooking a Cornish game hen for myself and spending the holiday alone in my new home, wallowing in self-pity, missing my family, wondering why I had moved so close to the holidays. But, I didn't. I accepted and am so glad that I did. It turned out to be just what I needed.


My new friend Joni made an amazing apple cranberry pie and a pumpkin cheesecake. She also produced some yummy slushy punch and a red jello/pudding/whipped creamy fluff that made our Mormon Thanksgiving complete.

Niki organized the weekend, found the cabin, planned the menu, did the grocery shopping. She was a fabulous hostess. (flowers courtesy of Tim with impeccable timing as the FedEx man dropped them off at my house about 30 minutes before my ride came. They are now in full bloom and brightening up my bedroom.)
There is a joke going around that I took this picture during the prayer. I promise that I did not, but if I had, what does that say about everyone's irreverence? Too excited to eat the feast we prepared. I should mention here that Leanna's kitchen/cooking schedule was perfect. Everything was ready with hot rolls coming out of the oven right at 5pm (the designated eating time).
After dinner entertainment. I think it was all some of us could do...sit on the floor and stare at 1,000 puzzle pieces. But we finished it in a day. Pretty amazing accomplishment I'd say.
One of the best parts of the weekend was the snow we woke up to Friday morning--about 8 inches blanketing the backwoods of West Virginia. Begging us to get bundled up and play in it. Kim (roommate), Mike, Niki (roommate) and Pete.Me as a human snowball. Now I know what they mean when they say Utah has the greatest snow on earth. This stuff was heavy and icy and after two or three sled runs the slope turned into luge. About half way down, I fell off and rolled into this. It was pretty much just like it is in the cartoons.
Just what I needed: a peaceful weekend with no internet access (except gchat on my phone) so no need to worry about the job search, making new friends, eating good food and playing in a little snow.