Happy (almost) Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving - almost! I just thought I'd post a photo of my front door greeter. He's a remnant of the old Main St. Mercantile days and I wish I could remember the name of the crafter that made him. I don't know if you can see the little sign on front - but it says "Eat Beef". Just a small reminder of family reunions out on the farm! I'm sure some of you will remember:) It won't be long until it is time to decorate for Christmas. When I walked the subdivision I see some neighbors already have some decorations in their yards. I hope we can get some lights up again this year. It's not Dennis' favorite thing to do but he was so wonderful to climb up on the ladder and string a few along the eaves last year - maybe again ? It does make the house look so much more festive - especially since we don't get much snow here to make it look like winter ( not that I'm complaining about that!).

I finally got the quilt assembled! Now just to get it quilted. I've found a lady in Louisville that does long arm quilting so I'm taking it to her on Monday. I've never attempted to machine quilt one this big so I think its best to have someone else do it. I can't wait to get it back. Hopefully she can get it done before Christmas! I've got another project started - but can't say any more than that about it!
Today was Thanksgiving dinner at Dennis' office. Every year they have a big pot luck dinner for all the employees(over 100) and usually I send baked turkey breasts and gravy but I guess they are having the meat catered this year. So my contribution was this Mandarin Salad Oriental. It's one of my favorites so hope they enjoyed it. It's a good thing I've still got some old Tupperware left! If you still need a salad for Thanksgiving dinner, I'll share this recipe with you.

Mandarin Salad Oriental
1 3 oz. pkg. ramen noodles (oriental flavor)
1/3 c. sliced almonds
5 T. Sugar - divided
1/2 c. veg. oil
3 T. White vinegar
1 T. chopped fresh parsley
1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
1/8 t. hot sauce
1/2 head iceberg lettuce - torn
1//2 head romaine lettuce - torn
5 celery ribs - chopped
3 green onions - chopped
1 - 11 oz. can mandarin oranges, drained

Remove flavor pkt. from soup mix and set aside. Crumble noodles in a shallow pan and bake at 350 for 10minutes or til toasted. Remove from oven, cool.
Cook sliced almonds and 3 T sugar in small nonstick skillet over med-low heat, stirring constantly about 5-6 minutes or until sugar is dissolved and almonds evenly coated. Remove from heat and set aside (I eliminate this step and just toast the almonds without the sugar)
Whisk together flavor pkt and 2T sugar (or 1 T Splenda blend), oil & next 5 ingredients.
Toss together lettuces, celery & onions. Drizzle with dressing. Add noodles, almonds and oranges, toss. Best if served immediately.

Enjoy !