November 2009 Newsletter 2009 Number 113 No. 552

Happy Thanksgiving!

Do you know that I decided to Christmas-ize my office NOW. I've just put up the gold tree with a huge Santa, elaborate in green gown and bling, and his brother, elaborate in red gown and bling, standing beside it. Because there's so much Christmas stuff, it will take a while to find the peacock ornaments and the tree skirt. Stockings are hung at the fireplace and, you'll not believe this, but let me confess that I've already wrapped about one hundred presents. I add everyday to the stacks in my office, so it already looks magical. I'll tell you, the gradual placement of Christmas stuff is lots more fun than blamming it all out in one week, not so overwhelming.

I got back from Dahlonega, Georgia, this past Sunday night, late, very late. Unfortunately, the kittens didn't care that I crawled into bed at two a.m. They were wide awake, patting my face, telling me of their imminent starvation at 6:00 a.m. The Dahlonega Literary Festival was loaded with very nice people, other excellent authors, fun panels, and a workshop for wanna-be-published writers. My workshop was at the end of the day. When I walked in it was to see a dozen blank-faced brain- overloaded people, so I scrapped the formal workshop on clean writing and instead I simply gave them writing advice and answered all their questions on the business. All of them survived the long day. The only downside of the Dahlonega Literary Festival was that I traveled home on Sunday and MISSED all the football games.

We're having family for Thanksgiving, as usual, and I can't wait -- pumpkin pie with a scoop of Cool Whip on the top is the best, but right up there is a slice of turkey breast slathered with cranberry sauce, goodness, not to forget the sweet potatoes with marshmallows baked on top. Oh my, and the fluffy whipped garlic potatoes with the gravy-- did I mention the green beans with French crispy onion rings? And the little crescent dinner rolls? I'm salivating. Can't wait.

I wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving -- Catherine Coulter