You may have noticed my lack of presence around the blogoshere the past few weeks. I really do apologize for not getting around to visit most of you lately. It’s nothing personal. I truly value all of my readers and wonderful blogging friends I’ve made since I began this journey. I’ve just kind of had a bit of the blues lately. November is a difficult month for me. It is the month of both my dad’s birth and his death. They say that time heals all wounds, but that really is a bunch of crap - at least for me.
…
…
Ever since my father passed away two years ago, the Holidays just haven’t been the same. We buried him the day before Thanksgiving. As you can imagine we found it hard to find much to be thankful for that year, much less do anything to celebrate. Last Thanksgiving, we tried to get into the feasting mood. We really did! But, it just didn’t work. I half-heartedly threw a meal together, but that empty chair at the head of our table was too painful a reminder of what we had lost.
…
…
This year, my family is trying a different approach to “Turkey Day”. We’ve decided to bust out of Dodge and are taking a Thanksgiving cruise to the Caribbean. So, by the time you read this post, Mr. SGCC, Mini SGCC, my mom, brother, sister-in-law, the twins, my niece and other assorted relatives will be heading off into the sunset, with pina coladas in hand for a week of tropical therapy, and hopefully some fun in the sun.
…
…
Even though I won’t be cooking my own Thanksgiving dinner this year, I thought I’d leave you with some recipe ideas from the SGCC archives. Some are old standards and some are new favorites. Each are delicious. I hope you enjoy them!
…
…
Filed Under: Baking, Celebrations, Cooking, Holidays
Happy Thanksgiving From My Table to Yours
Happy Thanksgiving to All
Don’t Let This Happen To You!!!
On November 21, 2008 at 1:51am, canarygirl said...
Susan, I’m so sorry for your loss. It just never really does get any easier, does it? A cruise sounds like a fantastic idea to lift your spirits!
On November 21, 2008 at 2:41am, Snooky doodle said...
I m sorry for your loss. It s always painful to lose a love one. Hope you ll enjoy the cruise and have a better thanksgiving than your last ones. Bon voyage. Thanks for the delicious recipes
On November 21, 2008 at 3:44am, Nina Timm said...
Susan, the hurt will go away, I know, but for now…have a wonderful time!
On November 21, 2008 at 3:48am, Manggy said...
Hi Susan,
I hope in time the pain will be transformed into just an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the time you were able to spend together. You guys are in my thoughts… I hope you truly enjoy the cruise
Meanwhile, the pumpkin cheese pie never fails to put a big grin on my face
On November 21, 2008 at 4:24am, Maryann said...
Have a wonderful time, kiddo!
On November 21, 2008 at 6:08am, The Short (dis)Order Cook said...
Big hugs to you (with a good dose of good-natured envy). I think it’s great you’re busting out of a sad rut and doing something fun for Thanksgiving. Enjoy a stress-free holiday. Have fun and tell us all about it.
On November 21, 2008 at 6:09am, joanne @ frutto della passione said...
I hope you and your family have a relaxing and restoring vacation. I think that going away together is a wonderful idea. Have a wonderful time.
On November 21, 2008 at 6:39am, Kim said...
We busted out one year from the traditional stay at home gatherings and went on a Crusie to the Islands. It was rather nice and a welcome change. Sorry for your loss and I wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving.
On November 21, 2008 at 7:26am, Gretchen Noelle said...
Oh Susan, I do hope this time away is wonderful, refreshing and turns out to be just what you need. Memories can be difficult and holidays without loved ones can be especially hard.
On November 21, 2008 at 8:43am, squawmama said...
Susan my sweet new friend… I am so sad to hear about your dad… It really never gets easier but soon you will be remembering the fun days… Memories are what keep our love ones close to us… I hope you and your family have a relaxing vacation. I think that going away together was a wonderful idea and maybe it will heal you all just a little. Have a safe and fun trip…
(((BIG HUGS))
Donna
ps… thanks for the recipes
On November 21, 2008 at 10:33am, Bellini Valli said...
The holidays are a time for sadness for many. You will come to work through it in your own time and learn to enjoy the holidays again with those you love.In the meantime enjoy your impromptu holiday on the high seas. Love to all:D
On November 21, 2008 at 10:33am, CookiePie said...
I hope you and your family have a wonderful, safe trip, and that your memories of your dad bring you comfort. Happy Thanksgiving!
On November 21, 2008 at 1:18pm, The Food Hunter said...
Sorry for your loss. My dad died 10years ago, the day before Thanksgiving. It’s still hard. Enjoy your cruise!
On November 21, 2008 at 1:20pm, Karen said...
Have a wonderful cruise. With your Dad in your memories, I think he will be along with all of you enjoying family time.
On November 21, 2008 at 1:51pm, Tanya said...
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m glad to hear though that you and your family will be doing something different to celebrate. What a fantastic idea! I hope you all have lots of fun (and get a tan!).
On November 21, 2008 at 3:19pm, Lori Lynn said...
That sounds like a terrific idea. May being together as a family, the sharing of memories of your father, and the balmy Caribbean help make this a special holiday for you Susan.
Lori Lynn
P.S. I like that Oyster Stuffing Recipe. We always have oysters, but I have yet to make a stuffing.
On November 21, 2008 at 3:43pm, Belinda said...
Oh, Susan, I’m so terribly sorry about the loss of your beloved dad. And you know, I agree…time doesn’t exactly heal all wounds at all. It merely eases the acute sense of pain a bit in a very gradual way. The loss of someone so close leaves a huge void, and it would be unnatural not to feel as you do, especially at this time of the year.
I’m sorry that my return to blogging finds you in such sad circumstances, but I’m so glad that you are taking off and getting away for a change of scenery. And in the mean time, it looks like I have tons to catch up with in your archived posts!
On November 21, 2008 at 4:56pm, Cookie baker Lynn said...
I hope you all have a wonderful time together. That sounds like a fabulous way to break away from painful reminders. When I was in a grieving period a wise friend told me that the grief period is at least 3 years. Those painful reminders will eventually dull and not be so sharp and stabby.
On November 21, 2008 at 8:53pm, Jennifer said...
I’m so sorry for your loss and what a devastating effect it has had on your life and the lives of those in your family. I lost my Dad 15 years ago, when I was 20, on Christmas Eve. I completely relate to the loss and that it is magnified a bazillion times during the holidays. I, again, send you the most heartfelt sympathy.
It’s wonderful that you’re flying the coop this year. You might need to do this every year, start your own tradition. It will make the grief easier to bear, not only on you, but on your family members, too.
Have a wonderful and relaxing time and know that next year, you’ll feel a little better, and the next year, a little better than you did the year before. Take good care of yourself and have a Happy Thanksgiving. I’m thankful for being able to read your blog!
On November 21, 2008 at 9:27pm, Laurie said...
Susan, I’m so sorry for your loss - and even sorrier it happened so close to Thanksgiving. I hope you and your family have an incredible cruise. It was a wonderful idea to break out of your ordinary routine.
On November 21, 2008 at 10:50pm, Mary Coleman said...
He may be gone, but he lives on in you and your family. Have a great trip, raise a glass or two to him and hug each and every one around you.
On November 22, 2008 at 10:31am, Elra said...
Susan,
I am so sorry for your lost, I know exactly how you feel, I do! because I lost my father too. Life must go on…and enjoy your time as much you can with those who are still around you, care and love you.
Those list are really delicious looking, thanks for providing them for us.
Take care
On November 22, 2008 at 1:21pm, Sarah said...
Susan, I am so sorry to hear that Thanksgiving is a difficult time for your family and I commend your decision to take a big family cruise this year. I hope that the change of scene helps bring your happy memories of your father to the forefront, and that you and your family create many new happy memories together out there on the open seas. Best wishes (and a big hug) to you!
On November 23, 2008 at 7:32am, Katrina said...
Have fun on the cruise and Happy Thanksgiving! If you’ve never been, cruises are amazing-‘specially if you like/love food! What a good idea!
On November 23, 2008 at 11:53am, Kristen said...
Thinking of you!
I hope you find some joy this season and build some great memories on your family vacation. 9 years ago Thanksgiving my husband and I spent our honeymoon on a cruise ship and had the best time ever. I hope you and your family have fun!
On November 23, 2008 at 1:41pm, Nicole said...
I am sorry this is such a hard time for you and your family. The cruise sounds lovely though. Have a wonderful time. I am sure that’s what your father would want for you.
On November 23, 2008 at 9:08pm, MaryBeth said...
I hope you have a wonderful trip. I do agree with you on the ” it will get better” I have been waiting 2 years for the hurt of my father’s passing and it has not gotten any better yet. Last year in the mall at Christmas time I started to cry my head off when the lady from Hickory Farms offered me some smoked cheese, It was my dad’s favorite. I see you too have made Paula’s trifle, I have created my own version of it and it will be on my site tonight.
On November 24, 2008 at 4:02am, Lisa said...
Oh i get you - my own dad died suddenly at 48 ten years ago, and christmas was the pits for years after! Its my favorite time of year now though, because it was his favorite time and the memories that were so painful are now so wonderful!
Happy Thanksgiving!
On November 24, 2008 at 7:54am, bren@Flanboyant Eats said...
aw, Susan, keep your head up and be glad in the moments you had with him. I’m going to committ to coming here more often. i so forgot ur a pro musician. and i think one of my fist comments was that we have so much in common.
On November 24, 2008 at 10:38am, nicisme said...
Sorry it’s such a painful time of year.
Hope you have fun on the cruise, it’s what your dad would have wanted.
On November 24, 2008 at 11:38am, RecipeGirl said...
Hey, I’m with you. I used to spend every Thanksgiving w/ my dad so it’s a tough time for me too. So sorry you’ve been blue.
Hope you enjoy your cruise immensely. I haven’t been to the Caribbean yet, but we’re leaving on a cruise to MEXICO this Saturday! Yay for cruising!
On November 24, 2008 at 8:07pm, Patsyk said...
Thanksgiving was my Dad’s favorite holiday to host and it’s not been the same since he left us over 7 years ago.
Enjoy your cruise and all of your family that will be with you! see you when you return!
On November 25, 2008 at 8:09am, Mary said...
That would be hard to deal with having the anniversary of the loss of your dad so close to Thanksgiving. I hope you have a wonderful and relaxing cruise!
On November 25, 2008 at 10:21am, StickyGooeyCreamyChewy said...
Hi Everyone! Thank you so much for all of your good wishes and kind words of support. We are in St. Lucia today, and it is beautiful! I’ll be off to do some shopping therapy in a few minutes. The cruise is lovely, but I have to report that the food sux! Not even worth taking pictures of. I’ll fill you all in when I have more time.
Hope your Thanksgiving preparations are going smoothly!
On November 25, 2008 at 6:45pm, Darius T. Williams said...
I’m going on a Caribbean cruise too - I’m leaving Saturday morning!
-DTW
http://www.everydaycookin.blogspot.com
On November 25, 2008 at 10:32pm, Sarah said...
On November 26, 2008 at 8:41am, alexandra's kitchen said...
Sounds like a perfect time to take this kind of a trip. Thanks for sending ideas anyway. I am in charge of dessert for Thanksgiving and am eyeing that pumpkin-mascarpone pie. Yum!
On November 27, 2008 at 4:43am, Núria said...
Susan… I just saw you are in a cruise, how wonderful!!!! Please if you read this comment on time and you stop at Barcelona’s port, get in touch with me!!!!!! I would love to meet you, share a coffe, a meal, say hello…
Maybe you choose a Caribean tour instead of a European … well just have fun girl!!!!!
On November 27, 2008 at 8:49pm, Jaime said...
i’m so sorry about your father
i hope you enjoy your holiday cruise! take time to enjoy yourself!
On November 28, 2008 at 10:00am, white on rice couple said...
*HUGS* I miss you Susan! But I’m so happy to see that you are enjoying yourself on the high seas.
What a great way to celebrate Thanksgiving and your family’s healing. *HUGS*
Is it all inclusive on the cruise? If so, have a couple of drinks for me, will ya?
On November 29, 2008 at 3:30pm, Andrea said...
I think your solution is a good one! Enjoy your trip, and best wishes for a happy thanksgiving to you. Hugs, Andrea