Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Running out of propane

We're in Kenai, Alaska for Thanksgiving week. We stay in my sister and brother-in-law's motorhome, in their driveway.  They have four cats and my husband Art is allergic to every one of them. The motorhome is quite comfortable. Except it's heated with propane, and the temperature outside last night got down to -4, and the propane tank emptied during the night, and when we woke up this morning it was 32 degrees in the RV.

We're glad we're here anyway, though. I laugh a lot with my sister, and Art loves making Thanksgiving dinner all by himself, no matter whose kitchen he's working in. We brought four suitcases with us on the airplane yesterday, plus a carryon, and two and a half of them held fresh fruits and vegetables not available in Alaska. Art took them out and laid them on the table and my sister Alyx took a picture and posted it on her Facebook page.

We're having Thanksgiving today, Wednesday, because my brother-in-law Virgil works at WalMart and his hours tomorrow are 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. That will be our leftover day, plus we've been invited over to my cousin's house for dessert. Once Art finishes with the turkey, he'll start in on his famous biscotti to take to the dessert.

My sister and I are seven years apart in age. We haven't always been close. That's happened since our mother passed away four years ago. We're now both doing things we love - she's in her second year of nursing school and I've taken up mediation. We were talking today of the family we came from and what we've accomplished. We're grateful to all the people who came before us, no matter how dysfunctional or difficult they were!

Thanksgiving blessings to you and yours!




19 comments:

Ms Sparrow said...

Wow, you DO get around! I'm glad you're have a good time with your sister. Happy Thanksgiving to you and Nurse Ratched!

Meryl Baer said...

It is wonderful you and your sister have become closer in recent years. Enjoy turkey whenever you eat.
Maybe next year you guys can get together in a warmer climate!

Meryl Baer said...
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DJan said...

4 below? Yikes! It does sound like fun, however. I just had yet another dinner together with family. I am enjoying thinking of you having time with your family while I'm doing the same. :-)

Linda Reeder said...

That's cold, but at least it isn't raining!
We may get a break tomorrow. I've done lots of pre-cooking tiday, and tom has done lots of washing up. there will only be six of us around the table tomorrow, but you still got to have all the stuff. right?
Happy Thanksgiving!

Rosaria Williams said...

Oh my, what a real Thanksgiving you are all having!
Blessings to you and yours.

Grandmother Mary said...

Ah yes, dysfunctional families! So, good for you and your sister for pursuing your dreams. Happy Thanksgiving and stay warm!

Rian said...

I have to agree with Ms Sparrow... you DO get around! How wonderful! Sounds like you're having a very enjoyable and 'different' Thanksgiving. Try to stay warm!

Lynilu said...

My sister and I were close in many ways, but 13 years difference in our ages made it difficult at times, especially when she tried to mother me! In the last few years, we were closer than ever, and I'm so glad. She died two years ago. My three brothers do not make up for one sister. :') Enjoy your sis.

Tom said...

You brought 2 1/2 suitcases full of fresh fruits and vegetables on an airplane? Last time I flew on a plane, they charged us $30 per bag. They must be worth their weight in gold! However . . . it's worth it if it helped you reconnect with family.

Linda Myers said...

We travel enough to be MPV on Alaska Airlines, so we're entitled to two free check-in bags. Otherwise we would have eaten frozen or canned.

Galen Pearl said...

Ah, yes, I have spent time in the frozen north, when the inside of my nose froze when I breathed in! Sounds like there is plenty of heart warmth to keep you toasty. And hopefully some more propane!

Dee said...

Dear Linda, 32 degree...brrrrr! I hope your sister and brother-in-law had another propane tank ready to use. It's wonderful that Art is such a good cook and likes to prepare this special meal. And it's also quite wonderful that you and your sister are closer than you once were and that you can be grateful for your family no matter the dysfunction. Truly those are gifts at this Thanksgiving time. Peace.

MyMaracas said...

A motorhome in a driveway in Alaska with an insufficient propane tank? You must realllllly love your sister. LOL

Glad you had a great holiday!

Jenn Flynn-Shon said...

Hope you had an amazing day with your family. Always nice to spend time with them over a holiday, especially one that reminds us just how lucky we are to have them in our lives. Hope you two didn't turn into popsicles, I'm shiverring just reading this post!

Usman Mehboob said...
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Deb Shucka said...

Sounds like a perfect way to spend a Thanksgiving! I love the new relationship you have with your sister. My adult relationships with my brothers are similar and I consider them at the top of my list of blessings. And how lucky for you that Art loves cooking the turkey. :-)

Chatty Crone said...

You know I do the exact same thing - I just pray to God for an answer. And sure enough I call them God Winks - somehow in someway HE answers me - well most of the time. Hello. sandie

Heidrun Khokhar, KleinsteMotte said...

So glad to hear that you have had a great Thanksgiving. Walmart is getting too powerful in making new rules and it's hurting many!!!