I like to cook, but I'm not cooking diddly-squat this Thanksgiving except a crockpot of chicken vegetable & noodle soup for the evening meal after the feast.

My guy & I like to get away on Thanksgiving at our cabin on the lake. This year, his mother is joining us. Mom may not have all that much longer on this earth, and this could be our last Thanksgiving with her. The three of us agree that the best thing to do at this stage in life is the buffet dinner at the state park lodge, which is just up the road a few miles. The Lodge has a wonderful scenic view of the woods and lake.

Throughout the holiday weekend we'll read books, talk, build a fire in the wood stove, play cards or Scrabble, take walks and/or watch a movie on television, depending on the weather. Later on Friday, other relatives will join us in our backwoods getaway.

I love quiet holiday traditions. The kids can have all their noise and fuss at the in-laws. Us old farts are going to do the slow and easy stuff this year. Well, I should qualify that. My guy has a 33-year-old austistic nephew joining us on Friday, which is a lot like having a 3-year-old on board. I'm looking forward to some special times, as always, and I feel certain Mom will find a way to make us count our blessings.