Checking In.....

Just a quick drive-by this morning.

The houseguests--Carlos' Aunt Gloria and her friend Luz Maria--have been here since Friday and having a lovely time. Gloria came for two, maybe three reasons. 

Carlos started playing trumpet with the Smallville Community Band and they were having a Winter Concert last Sunday. She's always loved listening to Carlos play, so she definitely wanted to see that. 

In addition, she loves Thanksgiving, but November in Smallville is too cold for her, so we told her we'd have Thanksgiving Dinner whenever she comes; and luckily, except for a trip to Asheville yesterday where we got some snow--our Smallville weather will be perfect.

Thirdly, and more importantly, tomorrow is Tia Gloria's 83rd birthday. So, our "Thanksgiving" will be for celebrating that. Around the way gays, Neal and David, as well as David's sister Barbara, will be joining the celebration.

Yesterday, also as a birthday gift, we took The Ladies to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville. They had never been before and loved touring the house and gardens, and, of course, doing some Biltmore Wine Tasting. 

Afterwards, we drove into Asheville and had dinner at the Tupelo Honey Cafe. Fried Green Tomatoes over Goat Cheese Grits, Mama's Meat Loaf, Southern Fried Chicken Saltimbocca with Country Ham and Mushroom Marsala Sauce, Stroganoff, Y’all, and because I cannot see Ahi on a menu without ordering it, Gingered Ahi Tuna Steak. Banana Puddin' for dessert and that was all she wrote.

All in all, a good day, and now we begin preparations for La Brouha's [Spanish slang for witch, not because Gloria's a real witch, but because she likes witches] Thanksgiving Birthday Feast.

Hope y'all are doin' well, and, after some more pre-planned rants and stuff, I'll be back, fresh, on Monday.