Thanksgiving was better than I expected. From my mother's description, I expected showing up to a dreary, mauldin lunch that would include moi, my grandmother (who's not always here and now these days and who my mother takes an odd delight in arguing with), my father (who despite of his mesothelioma seems to be doing better than anyone) and my mother (who's been throwing herself a pity party in true manic exhilaration).
As it turned out, Dad had asked my brother to come in the afternoon before going to dinner with his wife's family. By the time they left, my uncle, who no one was planning on seeing, phoned and brought his family to the house. So there were plenty of morale-raising buffers around for me.
When their family left, I said goodbye soon afterwards and took advantage of the invitation from Joy and Cam to come to their Thanksgiving dinner for friends and family. I thought I would be arriving late, but I got to their house just as the men were lowering the turkey into the deep-fryer. So the day ended on a good note.
Last Night
I went to the Stomp & Stammer anniversary party at the Echo Lounge. Great bands and it was wonderful to see old friends I'd been out of touch with both on and off stage. The headliner was the original lineup of The Nightporters. It was interesting to see how the years had been to everyone. The entire set was being recorded and filmed for DVD release later.
Today
I met my sister-in-law this to morning to look at the house next door to Chaz and Sandy that I'm so desirous of. Most of the little bungalo is in decent shape and has great potential. The Kitchen will have to be completely re-built from the sagging floor up. As we were leaving the realtor came up to check on the house, since it had been broken into Thanksgiving night. While it's ridiculously overpriced, he swore he had very little to do with what the owner insisted on asking for and said we should please please make an offer of whatever we'd be willing to pay for it. Now I just have to phone the mortgage agent, figure out how much the renovations/repairs will cost and convince my father it would be a good idea to allow the condo to be sold and the money rolled into a healthy down-payment on the house. I know I may not be able to work out home ownership, but it's something I must try to do. I'd never forgive myself for not trying for that house.
