It’s 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning and after brewing up a cup of Joe and stepping outside for a bit, I thought I would steal a bit of time before the Thanksgiving feast and blog a few lines!

The sun is already warm and it is shaping up to be a perfect, sunny day with a predicted high of 82 degrees. This is the weather we live for every year. Here in the desert southwest (Arizona), it’s when we come alive. The blazing century mark temps of summer are behind us and now there is much to be done and enjoyed outdoors.

To my delight this morning, I discovered that my orchid tree is beginning to bloom and I couldn’t resist grabbing my camera and snapping a few pics of the perfect flowers. Aren’t they a spectacular testament to God’s glory?

Orchid Bloom in the Desert Southwest

Orchid Bloom in the Desert Southwest, Thanksgiving morning

Before you know it, Thanksgiving is here and all the busyness and preparation that goes into making it special. Year after year after year we religiously follow family traditions and for me, it’s a magical time.

As much as I have the urge to blog, I find it nearly impossible to find the time to do so. The holidays and the weather compete with my time for writing. Just when I think I might have a few hours to sit down and pound the keys, something (or someone) hijacks my time. Can anyone relate?

Don’t get me wrong…I’m not complaining. I love this time of year here. The weather is beyond glorious. While others around the country and the world are bundling up, shoveling snow, and basically freezing their butts off, we are out in our shirt-sleeves, photographing orchids, pruning trees, planting, boating, walking, jogging, horseback riding, golfing, floating in the basket of a hot-air balloon, and pretty much soaking up every single splendid minute of what is sensational about living in the desert southwest. Sure, snow can be It’s a Beautiful Life kind of fantasy–all dreamy and nostalgic and necessary for nudging one into the holiday spirit, but it loses its appeal quickly (I know whereof I speak…I hail from New York and I’ve shoveled my share of snow).

So with all this beautiful weather and the holidays to boot, my time for writing is diminished. For example, yesterday, I spent the entire day baking pies (two Pumpkin, one Pecan, and two Apple) to bring to our Thanksgiving get together at my daughter’s home. I love to bake just about as much as I love to write, so the time was well spent crafting these pies for my beloved family.

Below are pics of the two 10″ apple pies. Ten pounds of apples went into these babies–a mix of Granny Smith, Braeburn, Fuji and Gala. Yum! Juicy and delicious.

Apple Pie from Scratch–Thanksgiving Day

Apple Pie–Thanksgiving Day

Apple Pie–Thanksgiving Day

Up next a pic of the Pecan pie. I have been told by some really awesome Southern cooks, that this is the best Pecan pie they ever tasted. I have to agree (if I don’t say so myself).

A to-die-for Pecan Pie from scratch–Thanksgiving Day

Finally, pics of all the pies, including the from scratch Pumpkin…I love the spices in this fantastic recipe–add whipped, fresh heavy cream and WOW!

Delicious spiced Pumpkin Pie from scratch–Thanksgiving Day

Yes, there may be a bit of a temporary hitch in my get along these days when it comes to writing, but not to worry, I have plenty of fodder for future blog posts which will be forthcoming. Many things that I just can’t wait to share.

It is my sincere wish that all who read this post have a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving Holiday.