tis the season ... gobble gobble!

what? summer has ended already? some days it's still 90 degrees out. today, though, it's downright cold! Tinsel town is hanging its tinsel, so I'm trying to get used to the idea that thanksgiving is THIS week! i'm going to buy a turkey tomorrow ... that's one day before my favorite day of the year -- one in which i usually plan a menu a month in advance... though really, let's be honest: turkey, potatoes & gravy, sweet potatoes of some sort, a green item or two, cranberry relish (see below), pumpkin pie, stuffing ...

some friends from nyc might come for dinner. also my uncle joe from long beach. he might bring a friend. the first friends i mentioned may have invited some people. so we'll entertain between two and six people. i'd be jus fine if it were just the two of us. i always am. there's something really swell about being with the one you love on holidays, something private and personal ... something, lasting.

next week he's going to see baby, who does not have a name yet, because baby is in the production process right now. doctors induced yesterday, i think around 4:30pm, est. no word on whether baby has left the cocoon, but i imagine it will be any moment now. i wish i was there. sigh ...

looking on the bright side, it's been a real fun month. just look:
horseback riding
driving around in a convertible
great movies (this month's favorite: No Country for Old Men ... no kidding, as good as the book!)
finding a great new coffee/furniture! shop (Marie et Cie, Valley Village)
brunches galore! (the alcove, b&d, fred's)
taking in the tree at the grove ( a little cousin to my mammoth friend in rockefeller center)

now it's off to work, but before i go i leave you with the top not so secret recipe for my cranberry sauce -- it really is something!

paula's flirtastious thanksgiving day cranberries:
simmer 1 16 oz bag cranberries on low until soft
add natural sweetner (agave syrup is good)
add 6 oz can of mandarin oranges (drain syrup or juice)
put half of cranberry orange mixture in food processor. blitz.
put blitzed portion and original portion together
add chopped pecans and orange zest
and if you'd like, a dash of cinnamon or zest of vanilla (depends on my mood)
voila!

eat turkey slowly. make as many healthy, fresh veggies as carb-heavy sides. drink copious amounts of wine, and always laugh at your in-laws' jokes. that's my thanksgiving advice. oh! and be thankful!