Loving Carolina Thanksgiving

As you probably know, I spent Thanksgiving by flying back to North Carolina and spending the holiday with Nola, Gregg, and Jennie.  It was a last minute desision but certainly something I felt important to do.  I was lucky enough to be able to book direct flights both way on the days I wanted to travel for a semi-reasonable price.

I flew into Raleigh after work on Wednesday night.  In fact, I got in about 11:30 but still had to get my checked luggage.  Nola and Jennie were sweet and offered to pick me up which was greatly appreciated.  We were late getting out of Salt Lake because it started snowing and it seemed to delay everything.  By the time we got de-iced and going down the runway, we were already an hour late.

Jennie and I stayed in the Cary Holiday Inn.  For me it made sense because Nola's guest room is up some pretty steep steps and I am just not doing well with steps right now.  Thursday, I went ahead and slept in a bit but Jennie was sweet and agreed to come pick me up when I was ready.  She had gone over to Nola and Gregg's earlier to work on her food prep and make homemade rolls.  When I got to Nola's house, everyone was busy at work in the kitchen.  Nola made some fantastic hors d'oeuvres for us to have before dinner was ready.  I got busy peeling and cutting whatever they needed for dinner. We all agreed it was very nice having all the support to get dinner done and on the table.  We all have our own skillsets.

Fall has found Raleigh.  It was beautiful.

Dinner was absolutely delicious.  We had a great time visiting and catching up.  In true Thanksgiving style, we were all ready for a nap when we were done.  We pondered going shopping but couldn't think of a single thing we HAD to go out for.  Jennie and I headed back to our hotel for the night after Jennie did a monumental job of cleaning the kitchen.  I felt like a slug as I gave into  my need for a post turkey nap.

Nola looks very serious about her knife cutting!

Yummy!

Gregg enjoying a leg like a viking!

Cooking selfie

Our feast

Friday, Nola and I both had to work.  I headed over to Nola's house with Jennie with my work laptop in hand.  Jennie worked on her sewing projects.  Gregg hurt his leg but enjoyed watching football.  I worked although things were pretty slow at work and Nola had a busy day in the office.  Jennie and I did get to meet Nola for lunch which was nice.  I made dinner with the left over turkey.  I made sour cream enchiladas and some guacamole.  It is a pretty tricky way to use turkey without feeling like you are eating left overs.  We did go out to JoAnns to the Black Friday sales in the evening.  It was much less crowded than we thought it would be.

Saturday, Jennie and I pushed ourselves to head over to Nola's earlier as we planned to sew all day.  We had set up a plan to make fabric purses all day.  But it wasn't long before we all realized we were tired and not very motivated to get started.  We watched some TV shows, had left over snacks, and we went to a movie/lunch at a place called CineBistro.

CineBistro is a great concept theater that is taylored for a high end movie experience.  They have a full open bar in the lobby.  You are escorted to your large reserved recliner lounger for your movie of choice and given a menu.  I picked Fettucine Al Forno with Chicken.  We all decided to share a piece of cheesecake for dessert.  It was so yummy and a fun way to watch a movie.  I wish they would open a location here in Salt Lake!

The bar at CineBistro

Ready for yummy food and the movie

My lunch - so good

Banana cheesecake

We did get started on our sewing project but didn't get very far.  It seems we are great at planning but underestimate the time it takes to get things done.  I hope Nola and Jennie don't feel stressed with getting them done.

Before I knew it, it was Sunday very early morning and time for me to fly home.  Nola graciously offered to wake up and take me to the airport at 4:30 am.  I was fearful that the airport would be crowded and indeed it was.  But I made it with time to spare and landed in Salt Lake by 10:00 am!  That is one early flight.  It was very bumpy as we flew through the storms across the nation but nothing too terrible.  I came home to a quiet and empty house.  I was exhausted and spent a big part of the afternoon taking a nap.  The kitties were happy with that plan as they are way behind in snuggles.

Airport line to drop off a bag.

Security line snaking through the closed off area and down the airport to the doors.

It is really hard to come home from such a great visit.  I really enjoy North Carolina and spending time with the family.  I think Nola and I will get together in April in Salt Lake.  After over a year of traveling around to Idaho and back and various other places, I finally unpacked my entire suitcase and put it back in storage.  It is weird to think about no travel plans coming up.  Maybe 2017 will present itself with new opportunities.

Thanks Nola, Gregg, and Jennie for including me in your holiday weekend.  I loved every single minute!