Friday we celebrated my new freedom with a visit to the papusaria in Hermitage. I love eating good cheap Salvadoran food. We met Kris’ friend from work Kevin and his wife Erin and had a nice time catching up a little. Owen had taken a very late nap and we had to wake him up in order to leave. He whined nearly the entire trip to the restaurant. We were a little afraid we were going to have to take the little chap home and lock him in the closet so we could enjoy our dinner, but he straightened up as soon as we got him to the table.
Saturday we went to Sam’s as mentioned in the previous blog. I got a great nap…also mentioned below and then I made a quick trip to Publix for a few things. I really needed milk to make potato soup which I hadn’t made in ages. It was so good and I wish I had made more of it. We each ate a hearty bowl and then Owen was off to bed and Kris and I settled in for the night soon after.
Sunday was such a nice day. The weather warmed up a bit and after church Owen and I walked to the car as slowly as he possibly could. Kris had a lunch meeting he had to go to so Owen and I rushed home as quickly as possible with a stop at Wal Mart to get supplies for that evening’s Sunday School class Thanksgiving party. As soon as we got home we ate the last of the potato soup (mmm!) and then I put Owen down for a nap. I had 1 hour and 45 minutes before it was time to leave and I needed to make two pies and a large pot of corn to take to our party. I made the crusts and then the pumpkin filling, got that in the oven just in time and set the timer. I rolled out the crusts (top and bottom) for the apple pie and set it aside while I peeled cored and sliced three large apples. I mixed up the filling extras and got the pie ready put it on the bottom shelf of the oven and started cleaning up. I got the kitchen workable again (not exactly clear, but workable) then sat down to put my feet up. I almost completely forgot about the corn. I decided to give myself about 5 minutes and then got the corn on the stove. 3:00 was my deadline and I didn’t exactly make it, but Kris was late getting back from his meeting so it all worked out. By the time he walked in the door I had all the food ready and in a cooler to keep warm, Owen was up from his nap and his clothes were laid out for him to change into, the extra chairs needed for our gathering were by the back door ready to go and I was changed out of my flour coated clothes and into something presentable. Kris loaded up the heavy stuff, helped me change and dress Owen and we were out the door.
The party went really well. We met at Johnny and Sencery Clemente’s house in White House. It’s a bit of a drive but they are very close to the interstate so it’s not hard to get to at all. Our class is a bit small and a fairly young group so my expectations regarding a Thanksgiving dinner were not too high. It was all delicious however. There was a big juicy turkey, stuffing, corn, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, cranberry sauce, rolls, gravy, salad, pumpkin pie, apple pie and this chocolate brownie dessert that was really good. There was nothing on the table I could resist. I had small helpings of it all and though very full, didn’t feel like I had over done it. The Clemente’s house is pretty small but we all had enough room to eat and talk and really enjoy ourselves. It was a nice time and I hope a boost for our class.
When we got home I got a message from Joey’s parents saying that their babysitter had backed out on them. They didn’t ask me if I could keep him but they asked if I knew of anyone. I gave them a few names of people who might help out at least temporarily but I also suggested that maybe God was pushing Ann out of the work nest and calling her to be at home with Joey. It’s really none of my business and I don’t know what financial situations they are dealing with, but I know how rewarding it is to be home with Owen and I know that deep in her heart it is her desire to be with Joey. Sometimes it takes a step of faith to do it, but it is worth the struggle and the sacrifice. Pray with me for Ann and Samson…I know that eventually God will bring this about…wouldn’t it be great if it were sooner rather than later?
The Thanksgiving dinner sounds lovely. I always like trying out other people’s special dishes, and it is especially nice when it’s all good. 🙂 Hope it all works out for Joey’s parents. As I was reading, I was slightly nervous that you’d write about agreeing to take him on another week while they figured it out. Glad I was wrong. (whew.) How’s the quilt?
I will pray that they do what God wills for them. It is hard financially but sooo worth it.
“I love eating good cheap Salvadoran food”
I meant to comment on this sooner. I just found it sooooo funny. Like Salvadoran food is common. And I have no idea what a papu-whosit-whatzit is. Enlighten me! And in Hermitage, too? Seriously, where have I been?! 🙂
Tisra – I think Kris and I have talked about Las Americas quite a bit. It is also a Papusaria. Located on Nolensville Road it is near enough to Kris’ office that he eats there almost regularly. It is very tasty Salvadoran food the Papusa being the highlight. Papusa’s are fried corn flour cakes filled with cheese, pork or beans or a combination of those. While driving through Hermitage a few weeks ago I noticed a small sign that said papusaria in the plaza where the Dollar Store is…it’s on the right just before the Post Office if you are headed toward Donelson. Anyway…we’ve been wanting to try it and it is not quite as good as Las Americas but so much closer and nicely comparable in low cost eating.