Turkey, Puggles, and 26 Acres

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. It carries all the joy of Christmas without the pressure of gift-giving. For me, gift exchanges often feel fraught with impulse buys and disappointment, but Thanksgiving condenses everything I love—family time, great food, and joy—into one special day. And let’s not forget the leftovers!

This year, we went back “home” to Austin. We stayed at a lovely RV park just five minutes from my son Bear’s house, which was incredibly convenient. Since he lives fairly centrally, we were able to get around easily. Our first night in town ended with dinner at the rig with two of the four kiddos, a cozy start to the week.

The next day brought big news—we closed on the land! We are now the proud owners of 26 acres. It hasn’t fully sunk in yet, but I suspect it will once things start happening out there.

Later in the week, we went out to eat with Duckie and the Little, and then came the big dinner. Bear and his darling girlfriend of five years hosted, and they did a wonderful job. Her family joined us, which made the evening even more festive. There’s not much better than seeing your child in a healthy, mature relationship with someone you genuinely like. Considering they’re not yet 25, it’s remarkable to see the home and life they’ve built together—including my Grand Pugs, who always provide comic relief. Daisy doesn’t do well with most dogs, but those little puggles, each weighing less than her hind leg, run her ragged. It’s hysterical.

Duckie took charge of the cooking this year, and she was spectacular. She’s been my sous chef for years, so handing over the reins was special for me. She literally did every single dish on her own, and I couldn’t have been more impressed with how everything turned out.

The day after Thanksgiving, Duckie and I did a little shopping before heading back to Bear’s house for some gardening. He’d been babysitting plants for me, so we got those squared away. He was also babysitting my car, so I loaded the newly potted plants into the Jeep and decided to bring it back with me this time since we plan to stay put for a while. Well, forever, anyway.

Saturday morning, we packed up the rig and said goodbye. Strangely, Austin didn’t feel like home this time. Since we’re technically undomiciled, it’s almost like we don’t belong anywhere—yet. The drive north was brutal: wrecks stalled us in two cities, pouring rain slowed us down even more, and there may or may not have been a wrong turn or two along the way (but I’ll never tell).

It was a rejuvenating week with family, and that’s what I’m thankful for. I didn’t take many photos—just one of a $600 Christmas tree. I suppose if you have the kind of house that tree would fit inside, you don’t worry much about a disposable object priced for the limited few.

Tomorrow begins an incredibly stressful six weeks at work, while Rob will be organizing things on the land to make it habitable. As soon as we have electricity and water, we’ll move the rig onto the property. A new chapter is beginning, and I can’t wait to see where it takes us.

Next Up: Gardens, Jeep Rides, and Grand Plans - how family, plants, and a little grit set the stage for the next chapter.