Black Friday ...

And I'm not going anywhere near the "Maul" until 2011. No way, no how. No sir! You couldn't PAY me to hit the Maul ... okay, I may make an exception - IF I find a job in a store in a Maul. Otherwise, forget it!
So, Alien gave me a Thanksgiving gift ... she and Loser are done. Really done this time. She even called Single Son the night before Thanksgiving to come over as support because Loser had just got to her house to get some of his stuff and she didn't want to be alone.
Now that she's on her own, I did tell her I would help out where I can with the kids. She HAS to get back into school, and find at least a part time job ... that she doesn't NEED a man in her life (they only complicate things - or at least the types she and I attract do anyway) ... she has to think about herself and two babies first and foremost.
It was nice to have her with us for Thanksgiving instead of with his mom as was the original plan before the big break-up. Butterball is walking! And I mean walking ALL over the place. He loved running all around the house. He was a little shy around everyone for a bit, but he warmed up. He even went up to Brother Deere and had a baby-talk conversation with him (surprising when you consider most kids do not like Brother Deere - why I don't know, but it's always been that way).
I got pics, but I borrowed Single Son's camera yesterday. I couldn't find the spare batteries for my camera, I hate when that happens. But that's what I get for leaving the camera packing until the last minute, right? Now to get Single Son to get them off his camera and onto my computer. And he better not delete the pics I took of him (he's threatening to).
But all in all, it was a good day. No major arguments, no lectures or putting someone on the hot seat.
The turkey was good (a bit dry), as were the sides. Typical Thanksgiving fare - green bean casserole, waldorf salad, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, gravy, and dinner rolls. Followed by pumpkin pie and some type of cake (I passed on both).
Alien had brought a table mount high chair for Butterball, but it didn't work with the table my folks have (besides, no space for it, the table for eight was full) so he was on my lap then Alien's lap for a bit until he decided he wanted down!! Butterball was a hoot going around to everyone at the table and begging for a spoonful of food. With his eight teeth he did well with the turkey (cut into small pieces), loved the mashed potatoes, and went totally ape over my mother's waldorf salad.
The eight diners included myself, Alien, my Folks, Single Son, Brother Deere, Aunt Silly and Uncle Pain. Notice the absence of the Wrecking Crew, who opted to dine with his father instead.
Definitely one of the lowest key Thanksgivings we've ever had, but a great feast all the same!
It was made better when you consider that Alien is done with the Loser. I realize she's said that in the past, but a detail I didn't say earlier was that Loser is now dating Alien's former best friend (former as of the day she found out they were seeing each other). He even had the nerve to bring her to Alien's house to gather his stuff! Single Son made her wait outside (in the cold).
Pictures will follow once Single Son gets them to me.
Hope ya'll had an enjoyable Turkey Day, too!