It feels wonderful to be back! The past week has been incredibly quiet on the digital front, a welcome pause from screens and schedules. I spent barely any time tethered to my computer, allowing myself to truly disconnect and recharge. Now, I’m thrilled to finally be here with a full, heartfelt recap of everything that unfolded during this rejuvenating period. It was a week filled with unexpected delights, cherished moments, and a profound sense of gratitude that I’m eager to share with all of you.

I’ll do my best to keep this post both engaging and concise, although there’s so much to tell. Truth be told, I’ve been awake since 2:30 AM this morning for an early work-related event, and my brain is slowly but surely turning to mush from the sheer lack of sleep. Despite the early start, I absolutely wanted to connect with you today and provide a peek into my Thanksgiving week festivities. It was a time of genuine relaxation, a much-needed break that allowed us to create new memories and appreciate the simple joys of life.

In all honesty, this past week has been wonderfully filled with an abundance of relaxation and, quite humorously, not nearly as much time spent in the kitchen as one might expect during a major holiday. Typically, my culinary adventures are a central theme, but this Thanksgiving, the focus shifted towards unwinding and enjoying quality time away from the usual hustle. It was a deliberate choice, allowing for a slower pace and a deeper appreciation for the moments unfolding around us, rather than being engrossed in complex meal preparations. This deviation from the norm proved to be incredibly refreshing and truly embodied the spirit of a holiday devoted to rest and gratitude.

The timing couldn’t have been more perfect, as Connor had just completed an intensely demanding month of classes in medical school. His dedication and hard work were truly admirable, and the relief of finishing such a challenging period was palpable for both of us. We seized every opportunity presented by his well-deserved time off from his books and studies. Our days were filled with delightful little adventures: lingering over breakfast at local cafes, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the joy of unhurried conversation; tackling a few long-overdue apartment projects, including our infamous *operation spray-paint-ugly-thrift-shop-mirror-black* which transformed a forgotten relic into a chic, modern accent piece. There were also peaceful afternoons spent reading on the balcony, soaking up the crisp autumn air and the quiet hum of the city. Just the other day, we ventured down to a local footpath for a refreshing trail run and a leisurely walk alongside the historic C&O Canal, admiring the scenic beauty and the serene waterways. The weather in Washington D.C. was absolutely fabulous all week – unusually mild and sunny for late November – and I made sure to take advantage of it as much as I possibly could, embracing every moment outdoors.

And as for Thanksgiving itself? Every single year, my family has a cherished tradition of heading to the home of close friends for Thanksgiving Day. It’s a wonderful annual ritual, a time to celebrate togetherness, laughter, and an abundance of delicious food. Truth be told, I am usually barely involved in the extensive food preparation, happily delegating the more complex dishes to our incredible hosts. My main, and most beloved, contribution is typically the annual *pumpkin* and *apple* pie-making. This year, however, was a little different. Due to various family members being abroad or scattered throughout different parts of the country, I found myself as the sole attendee from my immediate family. Despite this, it was still an incredibly warm and festive gathering, filled with the same joy and camaraderie as always. The familiarity of our friends’ home, the comforting smells, and the welcoming atmosphere made it feel just as special, if not more so, given the circumstances. It truly highlighted the enduring power of friendship and tradition during the holiday season.

Our annual Thanksgiving feast is delightfully non-traditional, often featuring dishes that playfully diverge from the classic turkey dinner. For instance, roast duck has become a beloved staple, taking the place of turkey with its rich, succulent flavors, a testament to our hosts’ culinary adventurousness. Over the past couple of years, we’ve also embraced other amusing and memorable additions, such as the infamous Tofurkey – which I can only describe as essentially a tofu cannonball! While it might sound unconventional to some, these unique elements are what make our celebration so distinctly *ours*. Despite the less traditional fare, the atmosphere is equally as festive and fun, if not more so. In fact, it is one of those rare and precious times that I don’t pay an obsessive amount of attention to the food itself, but rather immerse myself in the company, the vibrant atmosphere, and the flowing conversation. The debates, the shared stories, the boisterous laughter – these are the true ingredients of our Thanksgiving. It’s wonderfully laid-back and casual, a quality I absolutely adore and find incredibly refreshing during the often-stressful holiday season. There’s no pressure to perform or impress; just genuine connection and comfortable celebration.

Beyond the delicious food and wonderful company, Thanksgiving is, of course, a poignant time to pause and reflect on everything I am profoundly thankful for this year. And naturally, that sentiment extends wholeheartedly to every single one of you, my incredible readers! Your comments on the blog, your consistent readership, the thoughtful feedback you provide, the encouraging emails I receive, your engaging tweets, and the genuine sense of friendship you offer mean so incredibly much to me. Each interaction provides a spark of joy and a renewed sense of purpose. Knowing that my words resonate with you, that my recipes inspire, or that my personal stories offer a moment of connection is a truly invaluable gift. It motivates me to continue sharing, creating, and building this wonderful community we have together. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your unwavering support and for being such an integral part of this journey. Your engagement transforms this blog from a personal endeavor into a shared experience, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

P.S. Get ready, because I have a truly significant amount of exciting news to share with you all in the upcoming week! Seriously, stay tuned – this is something I’ve been sitting on for quite some time now, practically bursting at the seams with anticipation. I’ve been meticulously planning and preparing, and I absolutely cannot wait to finally spill the beans and reveal what’s been happening behind the scenes. You won’t want to miss it!