I hope that all of you are having the Thanksgiving to enjoy and be grateful for. My husband, Tom, and I are hosting a smaller group than usual, but are still looking forward to our son Dave and his girlfriend, Kristen, arriving from Brooklyn, N.Y., for the feast. Their holiday is one of trains, planes and automobiles as they arrive here by train, then fly to Connecticut for a second Thanksgiving with Kristen's family, then take another train back to Manhattan (the cars come in as dutiful parents meet aforementioned trains and planes.)
We will enjoy the traditional turkey, along with cranberry sauce (here's where I can deviate from the required menu and get creative), potatoes, gravy, dressing, sauerkraut and succotash (and something vegetarian for our younger son, Rob.) We generally eat early in the day so we are hungry enough for the other Thanksgiving dining tradition — a turkey on white bread with mayo sandwich later in the evening.
Anyway, while food and football are a big part of Thanksgiving Day, another big part is simply reminding us of our blessings. My family has had a difficult year with loss and illness predominant, but we still feel lucky to have each other and to be living among so many good friends.
Hospitality weekend
This year's Hospitality Weeked is scheduled for Dec. 2-4 in the historic district. What started out decades ago as a great Friday night party has morphed into a wonderful family event. Friday night is the time for the classic "Midnight Madness."
This is great fun and most shops and restaurants open until midnight. The streets area alive with carolers, music and people just having a super time. Karen Hartmann, a trustee with Emory United Methodist Church on Church Road (you can see the beautiful stained glass window of the church from Main Street), tells me that they are having a spaghetti dinner that night from 5:30 to 9 p.m. and the cost is $7
Last year they passed out free hot apple cider in the public parking lot off Main Street and will again this year. At this writing, they weren't sure if they will be on Main Street this year or back in the parking lot. Emory is 174 years old this month and the Church will be open that night if people just want to walk in and take a look around. Karen tells me that they are very proud of our Church and like to show it off.
Santa at to the Firehouse Museum
Santa Claus will be at the Firehouse Museum in Historic Ellicott City Dec. 3 from noon to 4 p.m. to receive visitors of all ages. This is a great opportunity for the whole family to enjoy the charm of the historic village during hospitality weekend. Kids can chat with Santa and tell all their wishes. Parents don't forget to bring your cameras. This event is sponsored in part by the Ellicott City Business Association.
For more information, call Jacquelyn Galke at 410-313-5131 or email jgalke@howardcountymd.gov or Ed Lilley at 410-303-2959 or ecrfpres@aol.com.
Santa will also be making an appearance at breakfast at Tersiguel's that same morning at 9 a.m. The menu includes pancakes, sausages, and a choice of milk, chocolate milk, orange juice or coffee. Reservations are required. Call 410-465-4004.
Holiday Festival of Trains
The B&O Railroad Museum, Ellicott City Station, kicks off their most popular event of the year Friday, Nov. 25 — the Holiday Festival of Trains. The display will be open Wednesdays through Sundays, Nov. 25-Jan. 29 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This don't miss show includes a model Thomas the Tank Engine, a G-scale layout, and a brand new, custom-built multi-level O-scale model train layout, which if it's anything like previous years, is guaranteed to knock your socks off.
Shanty Grille
Stepping off Main Street for a moment, I see where the Crab Shanty is now the Shanty Grille. My husband Tom said that's fine with him, as long as they don't mess with the sled on display from the movie "White Christmas" or the model trains making their way through the restaurant. Really, Crab Shanty always had the best Christmas display of any restaurant in the area so we hope the Grille continues the tradition.