Daily Deals from a Nerd Mom

November flew by in a blur of family time, cooler weather, and lots of gratitude. While it did not unfold exactly how I imagined, the month still held so many moments worth remembering.

Highlights

Family Vacation

The biggest highlight of November was our family vacation. It included me, my son and daughter, my mom, stepdad, grandmother, both of my sisters, their partners, and their kids. We stayed in a huge vacation home that felt like its own little resort. It had a pool, a hot tub, and even an arcade room. The best part was that it was close to home but still felt like a getaway.

My husband was not able to come along because of his health, and I missed him the entire time, but I made sure to check in with him multiple times each day. It helped ease my mind knowing he was doing all right at home.

On our first night at the vacation house, the weather was warm enough for the pool and hot tub. Everyone had a blast. The next few days were too cold for swimming, but on our last full day, the sun warmed up again, so we all jumped back in and enjoyed it while we could.

Hollywood Studios & EPCOT

On one of the vacation days, a group of us spent time at Epcot and Hollywood Studios. That included me, my daughter, my stepdad, my youngest sister, her husband, and their four children. We rode Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance for the first time, and I was nervous because of my vertigo. I was able to handle it for the most part and actually ended up enjoying the experience. We also rode Spaceship Earth (a favorite of mine) and Star Tours – The Adventures Continue. Star Tours has always been a ride I love, but it gets harder on my vertigo as I get older. This time was no exception, and most likely the last time I will ride it.

We also took the Skyliner between the two parks. It was my first time on it, and wow, I should have known better. Between not doing well in elevators, avoiding airplanes whenever possible, and having issues with motion because of vertigo, I really set myself up for trouble. It was not the height that bothered me as much as the gliding, floating movement. My 12-year-old niece let me use her handheld battery-operated fan, which helped a bit, and her younger sister kept cracking jokes to distract me. They were both so sweet.

Dinner was at Connections Eatery, and I ordered the Hand-breaded Chicken Sandwich with Pickles, Zesty Sauce, and a Toasted Brioche Bun. I loved it. I had fries and a lemonade with it, which made it even better.

Niece’s 12th Birthday

We celebrated that niece’s 12th birthday at the vacation house. It was Stray Kids-themed, and she was so happy. Seeing her smile made the whole day even better.

Overall, it was so nice to relax and spend time with the extended family. Everyone had a wonderful time, and it was the kind of trip that fills you up in all the right ways.

Thanksgiving

Since we did not get together for Thanksgiving this year, we had our own quiet dinner at home. I originally planned something small, but somehow ended up cooking a full feast. We had a 22.5-pound turkey with all the sides. Mashed potatoes, gravy, carrots, corn, cranberry sauce, rolls, green bean casserole, broccoli casserole, my grandmother’s macaroni salad, deviled eggs, stuffing, and Watergate salad. For dessert, we had pumpkin pie, cherry pie, and Dolly Parton’s chocolate pie with Cool Whip. The chocolate pie was not our favorite. The texture was different and very sweet.

Tower Garden

We also made mustard greens for the first time for our Thanksgiving dinner, using mustard we grew in our Tower Garden. This has been our very first time using the Tower Garden, and it has been so much fun learning as we go. Everything grows so fast on it. We brought fresh lettuce from the garden to the vacation house, and it was delicious. Right now, we have green peppers, baby tomatoes, several kinds of lettuce, marigolds, celery, sage, and bunching onions growing on it. Watching everything thrive has been really satisfying.

Trip to the ER

Not long before the vacation, we had to take our son to the ER for an issue he was dealing with. He was not able to join us for the Disney day because of it. On Tuesday, December 2, we have an evaluation with a surgeon to discuss a possible procedure. We are hoping for answers and a plan.

Stranger Things

We ended the very last day of November by watching the first four episodes of the new season of Stranger Things. It is so good so far. I cannot wait to see what happens with the rest of the season and how the series will end. It was the perfect way to wrap up the month.

Currently Grateful For

Members of our family who have helped us in ways I will always appreciate. Without them, we would not have a home after what happened last year. Their support means more than I can ever put into words.

Currently Reading

I am still working through the book Parasite that I mentioned in my October post. I paused reading during the vacation and have not picked it back up yet. It is a great book so far. I just have not been in the mood to read lately.

Seasonal Notes

Florida does not do November the way most places do. Our trees stay green, and everything still looks like summer. But the cooler air finally arrived, and I appreciate every bit of it.

Looking Ahead to December

I am looking forward to my son’s surgery evaluation and, hopefully, getting everything handled before the end of the year. With some uncertainty surrounding our insurance, I am hoping things fall into place.

We have already started decorating for Christmas. My stepdad put up the outdoor lights and a few inflatable decorations. It adds a cheerful touch every time I step outside. I am excited to decorate inside and hopefully make December feel warm and festive. Most of all, I am looking forward to spending time with family.