NY Times article said it all...glad this was one of the first things I heard on T'day 2025 :)

This Thanksgiving, Everything Is Going to Be All Right - Give thanks for friendship, for family, for whatever it is you find yourself doing today on this strange secular holiday that binds so many of us together in the presence of food and drink. You’re good. She’s good. They’re good. On Thanksgiving, we’re all good....Second, you’re not going to change anyone’s mind about anything today. That’s not what the holiday is about. There’s no need to argue. Pass the gravy. Tell people about your favorite show or novel or song. Talk about snow!...Third, you’re not going to change anyone’s behavior, especially if that person is a full-grown adult. Put ashtrays outside the front door if you have to. Stock Diet Mountain Dew for your cousin who drinks it. Allow your uncle who won’t stop talking to continue to squawk — it’s one day a year. Say it with me: Of course you can watch the Packers game!...Above all, and once more: Give thanks as you move through the day. Say it aloud to all who are present. We can talk about the complicated history of the holiday later: its roots in colonialism, its roots in gauzy nostalgia, its roots in our shared American narrative. Today, be grateful. And hug your people tight.

This was a good reminder as I went from I-95 travel day Wednesday to Thanksgiving Thursday.  

The day - work up at 4-ish (today 5:12 a.m.).  Sister #4 - later in the a.m. made french toast casserole for breakfast.  And the eating began.  We did get a walk in.  Sisters actually allowed me to assist in cutting up potatoes and onions. Sister Schubert rolls and canned cranberry were ready when their time came. They I stepped away from the kitchen until dishwashing after dinner started.  The 2 p.m. dinner became closer to 3:30 p.m.  I am not sure what the issue was but I suggested a walk before dinner and sisters 4,6 and gentleman caller went with me.  Brother and SIL left shortly after dinner.  The rest of us played a new game - Just One.  A collaborative game versus competitive...took a bit for me to get used to but OK and we said we would give it another whirl tonight.  

Not sure what the activity for today will be.  Out and about somewhere.  I usual wander around the mall in DC lost some of its appeal with the news of the week.  Will see what sister #1 decides.  

2,4,6 sisters will take off in the a.m. and I am pretty sure that regardless of time, I will try to get back to apt on Saturday.  We will see how the trip to sister #4's goes.

Lions lost so son and is dad's celebration but I know son is very glad that Eminem has taken over the Detroit Lions halftime and merch work!  And he and Jack White took over the halftime show yesterday.  I keep telling son that Eminem needs to do a Detroit "theme song" like Alicia Keys and JayZ did.  :)

If your heart isn’t in a task of some sort then give it a miss. Most likely it is the universe telling you that this particular pursuit is no longer worth it and you would be better off using your talents for something more positive.

You'll operate at peak performance as the moon moves through Pisces, darling Libra, blessing you with an emotional and energetic boost. Your intuition sharpens as a result, helping you stay organized while anticipating what comes next. Focus on closing chapters and putting final touches on projects when the nodes of fate stir this afternoon. Use your lunch break to check in with your physical needs, ensuring your body is fueled correctly to end the work week on a high note. You could feel yourself crashing once Luna squares Mars this evening, and you may need to reschedule plans so you can fully rest up. 

Just because you're stressed now doesn't mean that you need to be stressed tomorrow, or the rest of the day for that matter. There are steps you can take to soothe your troubled soul. Stop, close your eyes, and relax into some deep breaths. You'll be surprised by how refreshing these few moments can be. Why not try it?

This holiday has been kinder to my soul than I had anticipated.  No answer to some of my questions of this year, but I will take the NYT article "mantra" into the days ahead.  Sister #4 is already talking about plan for 2 (moi),4,6, niece #4 and husband plan for Christmas... :/  Will see where that all goes.  

Waiting for pics from sister #4 from yesterday - send to son, Paraguay friend, and a few others.  However yesterday went and however the balance of the day goes - Have a good Friday.