THANKSGIVING THOUGHTS FROM THE SW 
 
Nov. 4, 2009 11:27 am 
Updated: Nov. 16, 2009 6:44 am
 

I have always loved Thanksgiving.  It’s less hectic for me than Easter and less commercialized than Christmas.  It’s a time for good friends, family and of course - FOOD! 

This year I have much to be thankful for – a very patient husband, a new kitchen, good health and, among other things, new friends.  Yes, that’s you I’m talking about!  When I started posting on the Recipe Exchange this year, I had no idea what adventures I would have online. 

We all say this, but it is true:  “Who would have thought that we could become so fond of people we really don’t even know?”  Our family and friends think we’re nuts when we talk about these people with the funny names:  Janpie or LaughingMagpie or luvs2cook… Granted, we’ve had a few weirdos and some strange conversations and the site has it’s glitches and our computers dump us off at the most inopportune times, but really, where else could we have so much fun, share so many laughs and tears and even sometimes, recipes?  And now we have the gift exchange to look forward to.  How exciting to anticipate getting a package from a “friend” on AR RE!  And the quilt?  An impossible dream comes to fruition.

Before I was an AR addict, I was an online shopping addict.  Do you know how much $$ AR has saved me?  My hubby thanks you, AR et al, from the bottom of his almost empty wallet!

Wishing you all the best Thanksgiving ever –
Sincerely,  swchef
 
 
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Comments
Rhianna Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 4, 2009 11:35 am
I wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving also!
 
Cat Lady Cyndi (cyndi gephart) Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 4, 2009 11:37 am
Awwww swchef, that is so very nice and so very true! I feel the same way. I am super excited about the gift exchange, never participated before. I was just out on my lunch hour picking up some things :) I can't believe I've been a member on here since 2005 and it hasn't even been a year that I have used the recipe exchange. Never knew it existed. I really enjoy the company of everyone also, everyone is considered my "AR" friends. Yes, it's pretty bad when some family members remember names of some of you all! LOL! I wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving also! Hugs~~~Cyndi :)
 
witchywoman Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 4, 2009 11:38 am
what a great blog! I did the same thing with the online shopping beofre I found this website!
 
swchef Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 4, 2009 11:44 am
Yo -Witchy! We're lucky t have each other now! What did you decide about the traveling band job?
 
Trishie Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 4, 2009 11:52 am
Aww Pheebs, it is funny how we have made good friends with strangers!! We don't "Do" Thanksgiving over here but even if we did Christmas is my all time favourite! I love the preparations, baking, shopping, decorating and I love the day opening presents and having our big Christmas Dinner, and St Stephens's Day (the day after Christmas) is THE BEST DAY, sitting around in my new jammies & slippers, picking on leftovers, eating chocolates, drinking a nice bottle of white, watching the same movies on TV as last year, all the family huddled on the couch havin a great time, BLISS!!
 
swchef Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 4, 2009 11:56 am
Ain't holidays grand!
 
Dog Fish Head aka Fabius 
Nov. 4, 2009 12:01 pm
Did I tell you I am packing my bags? I should arrive Turkey Day Eve. Who else can I bring?!!!!! Want to see that new kitchen in ACTION.
 
Cindy in Pensacola Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 4, 2009 12:14 pm
Hope your Thanksgiving is great! I do love the AR site, it's the first thing I look at in the morning and check out all the new recipes, reviews, pictures, etc. It's great!
 
luvdemsaints 
Nov. 4, 2009 12:20 pm
Amen Sista! I am making new friends everyday. What a great site! Happy Thanksgiving!!!
 
swchef Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 4, 2009 12:54 pm
LOL Dog Fish - I'll be watchin' for ya!
 
Kerstin 
Nov. 4, 2009 1:11 pm
I just found AR a few months ago and find myself on it all day during the week. I've always found the help and answers I've needed from y'all. I enjoy making great friends daily! Hope you have a great Thanksgiving. This is my first gift exchange and I'm super excited about it! I can't wait to get my package in the mail next week (still need to pick up a few items)
 
patricia3096 Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 4, 2009 1:26 pm
Couldn't have said it better Swchef. My favorite is still Christmas because I used to go crazy decorating. Not so much anymore but still some, which I don't do on other holidays. Happy, happy holidays to you to
 
*Cozycook* 
Nov. 4, 2009 1:50 pm
Happy Thanksgiving Swchef, I'm so happy for you that we've all been of lots of help to you!! &hearts This is an amazing website and the people on here are true angels!! have a HAPPY HAPPY thanksgiving!
 
amandamae Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 4, 2009 1:53 pm
Ah yes! I love this time of year. I wish I had November and December off from work just so I could spend all day in the kitchen!
 
sueb 
Nov. 4, 2009 3:24 pm
I love Thanksgiving! It's my favorite holiday! Too many other holidays are commercialized!
 
Fit&Healthy Mom Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 4, 2009 4:15 pm
Nice blog, swchef! I was also an online shopping addict before I found AR.
 
swchef Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 4, 2009 4:44 pm
I'll bet QVC and HSN hates AR!!!
 
yo.mags 
Nov. 4, 2009 5:36 pm
Thank You swchef for putting into words what many of us are feeling. Have a GREAT Thanksgiving. Mag
 
Avon 
Nov. 4, 2009 10:03 pm
Nice Blog SWchef! Thanksgiving is by far my most favorite holiday too. I really don't know why all the fuss leading up to the actual day seems rather stress free and enjoyable, compared to the Christmas stress less than a month later. I love that something like cooking and a common intrest in making something nourishing for our families has brought us all together on an almost daily basis. If one of us is missing, we have a world wide search and rescue at our fingertips. How awesome is that? I too am so looking forward to this gift exchange. Mine will be in the mail this weekend. It's almost done.
 
SouthernGma Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 5, 2009 5:10 am
Oh, I can so relate! Ebay has lost a good, did I say GOOD? customer! My husband gives daily thanks to AR because as he says, HE reaps the rewards! I've tried to explain how my new BF's "helped" along this fantastic journey!! So many blessings...
 
cocojo Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 5, 2009 4:58 pm
sw..i also have found it unbelievable people on my blog have been so wonderful and compassionate...it's a whole new world I have happily stumbled upon! Happy Thanksgiving...check out my last blog post for a good thanksgiving appetizer.
 
Corinna 
Nov. 6, 2009 5:33 am
This is my first thanksgiving that I am totally in charge of... Any really great stuffing recipes anyone could suggest ;0) Thank you!
 
ACE 
Nov. 6, 2009 5:50 am
I do Mixing Bowl as well as AR and I was a computer game addict. You saved my MR. lots of money too. Now I use it for cartridges and paper to run recipes. Thanksgiving is a great time for us too. Christmas is our favorite time. Have a great holiday season. Ace
 
Rachel 
Nov. 6, 2009 5:56 am
I love celebrating Thanksgiving too - even overseas. My favorite is at my parents' home cooking with my Dad in the kitchen, but in Israel I get together with my American/Anglo friends and we pull it off as a big potluck dinner. My favorite holidays are deff Thanksgiving, Passover, and Rosh Hashanah - yum!
 
SWEETJAM Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 6, 2009 6:04 am
SW- my husband calls this site food porn:) It is fun and I enjoy getting on here and seeing what people are up to and what's cookin!
 
swchef Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 6, 2009 8:45 am
Corinna - This is not a "stuffing" - as we never stuff our birds, but it is an wonderful dressing recipe. http://allrecipes.com/PersonalRecipe/60218920/Turkey-Dressing-Casserole/Detail.aspx The "packets" of G. Washington seasoning are inside the boxes it is sold in. If you can't find it, use about a teaspoon of poultry seasoning + a little salt.
 
janet7th 
Nov. 6, 2009 12:54 pm
sw, nice blog. Wonder who among us will be the first to log on on Thanksgiving and Christmas! I didn't join the exchange this time as cash is pretty short but I still look forward to hearing about what everyone got! Would love to join in next time! Hope you and your family and all of our AR friens have stellar holidays this year!
 
janet7th 
Nov. 6, 2009 12:55 pm
As for those AR abusers....every family has its blach sheep!
 
Janpie 
Nov. 6, 2009 1:28 pm
Very nicely said Sw..People look at me funny when I tell them I am exchanging gifts with 'strangers' but if they were part of this they would understand how not so strange it is! Happy Thanksgiving to you!
 
Keri Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 6, 2009 3:10 pm
Right back atcha, swchef! You're SO right...some of my most favorite people are right here on the AR RE. I haven't been able to participate in this exchange or the last one, but I'm looking forward to participating in the next one. Happy Thanksgiving!
 
sassyoldlady 
Nov. 6, 2009 4:48 pm
And a Happy Thanksgiving to all. I give thanks for my AR family, all ya'll!!
 
Lisa 
Nov. 6, 2009 5:07 pm
Fall to Christmas are the best times of the year for cooking and staying cozy with friends and loved ones in the kitchen with great food. love this place! Lisa
 
Traci's Kitchen Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 6, 2009 10:47 pm
Nice blog SW.. Also so nice that you are as fond of us as we are of you!.. I love all holidays, especially the ones that center around food! :)
 
BIGMOMMA01 
Nov. 7, 2009 2:27 am
Love the holidays, we usually go to my sons, and enjoy the grand kids, as well as his good cooking, this year for christmas we are going to my brothers in Sacramento, Cali. Haven't seen each other for many years, something like 50+ years. Really excited about seeing each other, and getting reaquainted, Have to thank myspace & my nephew for finding me, love AR have gotten many great recipes from the site, I use to own my own bakery, and have worked in many restraunts, as a cook/waitress. when I lost all my recipes, I had for years, I thought I would never find any thing like the old family recipes again but AT has helped alot. Love ya all Blessings to you all. Happy Holidays to all!
 
Shee 
Nov. 7, 2009 5:35 am
WOW! What a wonderful post! I send you blessings for a fantastic Thanksgiving, and my wishes that God continues to bless you. Clearly, you deserve it, as witnessed by your numbers of new friends!
 
chlubas 
Nov. 7, 2009 6:01 am
Happy Thanksgiving to you also...I just joined and loving this site so far!
 
JourneysLady 
Nov. 7, 2009 8:40 am
That was so nice to say. Thanks for being my new found friend. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. Cheers, JourneysLady
 
swchef Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 7, 2009 9:19 am
Welcome all you newbies...the more the merrier and the better we all are for having you along for the ride.
 
laughingmagpie Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 7, 2009 9:19 am
Very well said, my favorite holiday is Christmas, from Christmas eve until Jan. 1. The shopping and running around is chaotic but occasionally fun
 
swchef Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 7, 2009 10:09 am
I do love shopping for others - kinda' hate shopping for myself anymore - as I am blessed to not need anything. But I love giving gifts!
 
steph_in_newmex 
Nov. 7, 2009 11:34 am
hello my fellow las crucen!! i am a reformed ebayaholic!!! thank you AR for keeping me from going bankrupt!!! happy holidays to you all!! (i took a quick break from making the veggie pizza squares from AR for a baby shower i'm going to today....)
 
swchef Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 7, 2009 4:01 pm
Hi Steph - good to 'see' you here!
 
stephanie 
Nov. 7, 2009 5:42 pm
hello have a wonderful and blessed thanksgiving...
 
Patty Cakes Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 7, 2009 8:35 pm
You are a woman after my own heart! I truly do love the people on this site as well. I am thrilled that when I have a problem,??, comment, or Ya Me, that there is someone who will say Ok, I hear what you are saying and I am here for you! That I really do appreciate that. Carlos is my Best friend, I have trouble making or should I say, keeping friends in the "real" world. This, I have accepted, I am not looking for a pity party, when I need one of those, I will yell:) I just want to say to anyone(Sorry, highjack in progress, SW)who is reading this, Thank you for the kindness you ALL have shown me. Thank You for your friendship :) SW CHEF, I hope you have the Best Thanksgiving EVER!! Take care, Patty
 
smallbitesbigworld Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 8, 2009 6:28 am
What a nice sentiment. I am new to AR, but not new to cooking. I, too, am a teacher. I used to live in Cruces and can't wait to return there someday! Hatch chilis-yum!
 
PrincessJenna 
Nov. 8, 2009 9:21 am
Awesome blog SW. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday as well. And you expressed my feelings about AR and "our" crew perfectly.
 
stabe01 
Nov. 8, 2009 12:56 pm
This is so my fav website!!!! Your blog was great to read! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!!!
 
Kitchen Witch 
Nov. 8, 2009 5:42 pm
What a wonderful post! Wishing you a happy Thanksgiving from Seattle...cheers!
 
ANASTASIA F 
Nov. 8, 2009 9:30 pm
Hello from Greece!!! Have a nice week!
 
Anna Marie 
Nov. 9, 2009 6:15 am
God bless you, swchef.
 
redneck gramma 
Nov. 12, 2009 2:03 pm
Well put Swchef, I told my DH that your kitchen was done and he looked at me puzzled-can't imagine why. Men just don't get things.
 
swchef Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 15, 2009 12:28 pm
Thanks friends!
 
~*Morgan*~ Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Nov. 16, 2009 6:44 am
:) That was wonderful.. you nailed everything right on the head.. It IS amazing to think of this family as we do.. and people DO think we are crazy who are not involved.. lol .. luckily my husband finally understands and is actually very happy for me.. saying this is just what i needed..(with being away from friends and family) he is even getting to know some of the names i talk about...lol Happy Thanksgiving ..for we have lots to be thankful for!! xoxooxo
 
 
 

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My Profile
swchef
 Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)
Home Town: Columbus, Ohio, USA
Living In: Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA
Member Since: Feb. 2008
Cooking Level: Intermediate
Cooking Interests: Baking, Slow Cooking, Mexican, Italian, Dessert, Quick & Easy
Hobbies: Scrapbooking, Walking, Reading Books, Charity Work
 
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About Me 
Married w/ pets + three married kids and six grandkids. Retired after 30 years of teaching grades K-7. Moved to NM 7 years ago. Love it here. We are very busy w/ church activies: working to start a daughter congregation in another part of the city.
My favorite things to cook
I love to make soups. Chili, beef vegetable, ham and bean,and tortilla soups are our favs. I like casseroles - one dish dinners are the best! I think the slow cooker is about the best cooking aid in my kitchen. I love to try new recipes, that's what makes this a super website; that and all the contributors.
My favorite family cooking traditions
Anything I did with my grandmother! Thanksgiving at Grandma's house was the best. She wanted to do it all - and she was a great cook. Making taffy with her was such a treat! I remember the first time she made pizza (from a box) She wasn't too sure about pizza!
My cooking triumphs
When I was 13, I entered seven different baked goods (mostly cakes) in open class at the fair, competing against adult cooks with great records. I took first place with all but one entry, which got a second place ribbon.
My cooking tragedies
Looking back over the years, my biggest tragedy was making gravy...it still is!
 
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