  Is there anything more gratifying than cleaning your house? I borrowed my moms 800 dollar vacuum and went to town on the place (I dont have a vac of my own). Then I moved the dinning room table to make it more user friendly for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. I decorated the table with some things given to me way back from Kerri. Bleached the grout, ajaxed the sink.
Bleached my whites in the laundry. Swiffered all the floor space. Watered the plants and repotted those who needed it. Then of course, I mailed letters, bills, and got the mail (finally). About the only thing I havent done is taken a shower. When youre up to your elbows in cleaning, it makes no sense to do anything about your own filth until youre done.
And anyway, I was sweating in my for-a-purpose workout. So I pulled out of my downward trajectory and into a one-stop event of making up for lost time. I still want to get to some more little bits for cleaning, but I realize I might be better off relaxing after vacing the stairs by holding it at weird angles. My back was already groaning after my bike workout this afternoon. Its a Friday night. No, Im not planning on going out. Unless its to get a pint with Bryan when he gets off of work later on. Instead, Im planning our feast, what Im dubbing, The Thanksgiving Day Festival of Gluttony.
Whats on the menu so far? Well, my scallop dish is all set. I bought the caviar, the scallops, and the cr fraiche this afternoon. Also will be my Dads family tradition of parsnip mashed potatoes. A 3-1 ratio of potatoes to parsnips. And of course, plenty of fresh mashed garlic. I think Bryan is going to make a pork tenderloin with a blueberry compote. He did it before, and it was fabulous. Also, a mache salad with raspberries and feta. Thats a favorite salad of mine, but I may ask that the ingredients be bought and brought by someone else who can better afford things.
Just a simple raspberry vinaigrette to go with it. Bryans making a cranberry chiffon pie. Weve all had it before, its light texture and mild sourness. Its delicate. A better fit for the lighter fare. Im buying a bunch of veggies like zucchini and onions, mushrooms and peppers to skewer and put atop a fired up charcoal grill. I love my cast iron beast. So hot, so good. Luis may or may not decide on his tried and true stuffed tomato recipe.
Meat in abundance like proscuitto and ham and ground beef jammed into broiled tomatoes. So good. Maybe some bruschetta while were getting things cooking. And hell, whatever else the gang wants to eat. Maybe Ill get some champagne to go with my scallops; its the best pairing. Oh yes, all dishes will come with their own bottle. Ill have to get Vato something special for putting up with the four of us being in his space. Maybe a bowlful of grilled chicken. Or cook up a pheasant for him. I dunno yet. But hes my date, so he gets to eat well too. Maybe a big spliff of catnip. Time to shower. You know, I sure wish I could have had Kerri come on down to join us. For once having me cook, she just sit and eat.
But one, its too over. And two, she never eats and I dont think shed appreciate our efforts. Dating a chef sounds good on paper, but when she wont eat a thing, it sucks. Sorry, it suckED. And you know, theres no way Id ruin my favorite holiday with more heartache having to see her. (oh, and Im now learning that the heartache is being misinterpreted; its actually anger. ) 
