Thursday Miscellany: Happy Thanksgiving 🍁 & More
If you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, I hope it’s a lovely day for you and your family. We’re having a quiet celebration this year; it will just be the three of us. (Jeune Homme will be here for the weekend.) For the first time in a long time I’m not making a turkey. We ordered in a cooked turkey breast and some sides, so it’s just about re-heating.
Can I admit that I’m thankful for a more relaxed and less labor-intensive holiday this year? 😉I’m also thankful for all of us being in good health, and for JH seeming to settle in to his new Adult Day Program.
We’re getting some much-needed rain, which I’m always thankful for.
And I’m thankful for all of you who read, comment, and subscribe, and help make this online space feel like a real community. Thank you for being here, for your support and for sharing your thoughts.
Some Sad News
Those of you who follow me on Instagram may have seen this, but we said goodbye to sweet Byron over the weekend. He’d rallied for a couple of days after starting the steroids, but then went downhill rapidly. By Saturday morning he couldn’t even stand up, and seemed to be in a lot of pain. We decided not to prolong his misery, and called the vet.
His passing was peaceful and painless, thanks to our very skilled and compassionate vet. We’re very sad and miss him, but are also relieved that he’s no longer suffering. He was a small dog with a BIG personality. He could be really annoying at times: demanding, headstrong, and bossy, but he was also smart and sweet and very good with Jeune Homme. We loved him very much. We had a little over 14 years with him, which for Cavaliers is a long life. Coco, his half sister (in the background) is still doing well, and we’re giving her lots of love and attention.
A Couple Of Sales To Jump On…
I’ll be sifting through a mess of Black Friday sales today and will be back tomorrow with some of my picks, but I didn’t want you to miss out on these…
Aquatalia is offering 30% off everything (including styles already marked down) with code BLACKFRIDAY. I almost always include a pair of Aquatalia weatherproof ankle boots in my travel wardrobes; they’re comfortable, sturdy, and have day-to-evening style. Above, love that button detail!
Madewell also has 30% off purchase with code GIFTWELL (some exclusions). I think this striped sweater is so cute!
And as a stocking stuffer, I love these colorful straps for shoulder or crossbody bags!
⚜️ ⚜️ ⚜️ ⚜️ ⚜️
If you missed out on My Stylish French Box for November, you’re in luck! Sharon has re-issued the holiday-themed November Box , and you can take $30 off plus receive a free copy of My French Country Home Magazine with code NOVEMBER30.
AND she has re-issued the Daughter Box, which you can get for $25 off with code DAUGHTER25 . These boxes make lovely gifts, but quantities are limited, so don’t miss this opportunity.
Tomorrow I’ll help bring order out of chaos with more of my Black Friday sale picks. In the meantime, have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
N’oubliez pas…
I’m giving away a $300 French Kande gift card, so you can sparkle in style for the holidays! Go HERE for details and to submit your entry.
How are you celebrating Thanksgiving?
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#5—That fabulous double strand pearl necklace!
I don’t comment often but wanted to say how sorry I am on the loss of your sweet dog. You have always been my go to for advise when planning my travel wardrobes.. Happy Thanksgiving!
While I am very happy about Jeune Homme and his fitting into the programme for Young Adults, I am so sad about your Byron. I’d been reading an article about grief for our furried (or feathered, of finned) friends and have been crying buckets thinking about my 20.5 year old Renzo (black cat) whom I loved so much. Yes, I have an equally sweet but much smaller black cat, Livia, but her cuddles will never make me forget Renzo.
A few streets over we have a former convent which is now a residence and school/centre for young adults with intellectual and related disabilities. I’d always taken my giveaways to Le Chaînon, a centre for homeless and otherwise in crisis women, but now I divide them between Le Chaînon and the nearby centre for young adults who have “outgrown” the facilities for them. They have a lovely space for their bazaar and the young adults are so proud and happy to be serving customers.
I would love the French Kande piece #5!
A beloved pet is member of the family and their loss one that hurts the heart. Thinking of you.
Happy Thanksgiving! I’ve been a reader for several years, enjoy reading all about your many adventures. So sorry about your sweet doggy, losing a beloved pet is such a real ache. We have an aging dog and I dread the inevitable, we’ve been through it many times. As you said, though, we have much to be thankful for!! No cooking for me today, either!!
So sorry for the loss of your sweet Byron. Wishing your family a happy and healing Thanksgiving.
So sorry about your sweet dog. It’s always so hard to say goodbye.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving.
So sorry to read of the loss of your beloved Byron. We lost our sweet little Cavalier last year at age 16.5 years and we still miss him.
Susan – condolences on the loss of your pup. Such a dear family member and you were so loving in your care of him. Happy (maybe bittersweet) Thanksgiving! I look forward to your posts in my email box…..Thank you for doing such a great job!
Susan, I don’t often comment either but I just wanted to let you know that I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved Byron . Thank you for your wonderful posts each day and a Happy Thanksgiving to you.
Brenda
Aw… It’s not easy to let a beloved dog go. Good for you to be so compassionate. I had an old dog put down in June — I felt so guilty! Sigh. Now I have a new puppy and oodles of chaos.
Susan, I am sorry that you are having to deal with the passing of your pooch. It is so heartbreaking. May your memories keep him with you always.
Blessings to you and your family.
Happy Thanksgiving
Nancy
Hello Susan. As a lurker, I never comment, but I want to offer my condolences on the loss of your lovely dog. I hope you have a peaceful and love-filled holiday at this tender time.
So sorry for the loss of your beloved doggie. I know it is heartbreaking. I applaud you for not prolonging his suffering. It is the kindest thing to do.
I think a small and less stressful Thanksgiving is absolutely wonderful. Hope you enjoy.
So, so sorry for your loss of sweet Byron…..they are worth every tear she’d shen we have to let them go….Glad you have little Coco, still! I’m a fan of yours and always look forward to your nest post….have enjoyed lots of good tips!
So very sorry that you had to say goodbye to your beloved dog. It’s one of the kindest things we do for our pets but the hardest thing for us.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. And my sympathies on the loss of your adorable Byron.
All the French Kande pieces are beautiful and so unique! I would have to choose the second necklace because I could layer it over shorter ones.
I would choose French Kandade#6
So very sorry for the loss of your sweet Byron.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
So sorry to learn of the loss of your sweet pup Susan. Hope the memory of his love overwhelms your feelings of sadness.
I’m so thankful for you and all the great wardrobe ideas you inspired me with thru the year. (And I’ll bet Eileen Fisher is too! )
I’m so sorry about the loss of your sweet boy. I still miss my sweet friend. Have a peaceful and restful day and give Coco a lot of attention. She is grieving too.
I would love to win the French Kande GIft Card! What a wonderful gift!
Losing a pet is difficult. So sorry for your loss. Have a Happy Thanksgiving! Still loving those bracelets especially the pearls on number one.c
Happy Thanksgiving to you. So very sorry on the passing of your sweet pup. This is always a heartbreak.
I would like to add my condolences, Susan. You did the right thing. One of the great advantages of being a dog is that, at the end of your life, the people who love you the most can make the tough choice to ease you out of this life with dignity and love.
I’m sorry, Susan, it’s a heartache.
Thank you for the blog. Although we differ profoundly, (after all, I had trouble adjusting to the 20th century in terms of style, let alone the 21st) reading it is diverting in these dramatic days. In addition I now rely on several products you recommended, not to mention having bought several pieces of clothing I would never have otherwise.
My very best wishes to you and your family.
I’m so sorry about Byron…am holding you close in my heart.
I am sorry to learn of your loss. Our dogs become such a part of our family that it is like losing a child when they pass. We have three well loved dogs. Two have reached the age when I wonder if they will be with us at Thanksgiving next year. The third is only two and she keeps us all busy.
I enjoy reading your blog. Thank you for writing it. I know blogs take a lot of work.
I too rarely comment but look forward to all posts and especially enjoy the travel tips and your trips. My sincere sympathy on the passing of your dog, Byron. Such a very difficult time for all. Our sweet Abbigail is with me everyday and I still tear up and miss her dearly.
My sincere condolences on the passing of your dog. This is always difficult. Hugs.
Have a lovely Thanksgiving.
Suz from Vancouver
I’m so sorry for the loss of your sweet dog Byron. I really enjoy reading your blog and especially enjoy your travels.
My thoughts are with you and your family in your sorry.
Wishing you a relaxing Happy Thanksgiving!
I’m so sorry you’ve lost your much-loved Byron. How fortunate that you were able to keep him comfortable until the end.
I’m so very sorry to hear about the loss of your dog. My sympathies to you and your family.
WoW! What a wonderful offer – French Kande how can we resist? I’d love to win the gorgeous pearl and bee bracelet, No 6. Thank you for this fun offer from you and French Kande.
However on another note, so sorry for the loss of your sweet fur baby – we love our darlings and their unconditional love. Prayers for your family.
They are all very pretty> I think #5 would be a great addition to my wardrobe – sometimes with
a blouse with a collar or even a v-neck t-shirt it is nice to have a shorter necklace. It is beautiful!
I’m so sorry about Byron… have a beautiful & peaceful Thanksgiving…
I’m very sorry to read about Byron’s passing, but it sounds as though he lived a wonderful, long life.
They’re only “given” to us for a brief time. The pain will eventually go away, & the wonderful memories will remain.
Dear Susan…my heart to yours for little Byron…been there and it is bittersweet. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. After all this time with your wonderful blog and all you share, I feel (as I bet most of us do) like a friend. I look forward to you morning blog. So I can say that I’m thankful for your efforts and your spirit that comes through load and clear in your writing.
Jan
I lost my Pippin (golden retriever) last year due to cancer. He was the love of my life. My sympathies on Byron.
So terribly sad about that. My Renzo (black neutered tomcat; half Siamese) died of kidney failure at 20.5 years of age. I only hope I love my little black Livia (rescued street cat) as much as Renzo. I love Livia to death but still cry about Renzo.
Susan, I’m so sorry about Byron.
Thank you for your wonderful blog. I look forward to every new post.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
My heart goes out to you about Byron. My toy poodle, Russet, passed away last year at 11 from a rare kidney disease, so I have a feel for what you are going through. It’s great you have another cutie to still lavish your love on. Have as happy a Thanksgiving as you can.
I’m sorry to hear about your Byron. Life got a little lonelier…
Thank you for spending time with us, your readers, and sharing your heart. You are loved.
My condolences to you on your pup. So hard to lose our little buddies. You gave Byron a wonderful life.
Beautiful jewelry! I love no 5.
Wishing you and Doug and family a very Happy Thanksgiving
My deepest condolences on the loss of Byron. It’s so hard to say goodbye, but it’s the right thing to do when we can no longer alleviate their suffering. xoxo
It is so hard to say goodbye to our beloved furry friends. My condolences to you, your family and also to Miss Coco. Animals grieve too, so I’m sure she is missing her buddy very much.
I’m a little upset in the news of the “Black Friday Sale” for MSFB. I purchased one for myself (signed up for the yearly subscription) and one for my granddaughter (one-time) in October. The boxes are not inexpensive, but as a limited edition purchase I could justify the price…. as it will make a fabulous Christmas gift for her. They obviously sold them all out and re-released more , which I can understand if there was a demand for them. But…. they are being re-released at a discounted price that’s even lower than the 1 year prepay price.
Susan, good to hear your son is doing well and you are all in good health. So sorry you had to say goodbye to your little dog. I lost one of ours recently and was not prepared for the grief. We had her for 12 years. Thank you for your wonderful blog, it’s a daily read for me!
How very sad about the sweet pup.
Long-time reader, first-time poster. I was so sorry to hear about the loss of Byron. It will take a while, but eventually you will be filled with the joy of having had those years with him–and the sadness of losing him will fade. He will always be with you in your heart. (Ask me how I know these things.) Many hugs–Elizabeth and Bandit