A Wonderful Thanksgiving

Well, due to my slackardly blogging recently, things are way out of order. So, with your complete understanding I will post on my most recent happenings. First Thanksgiving, then our annual Christmas tree cutting adventure.

Kim and I have been really looking forward to turkey day this year. Maggie and Lucy were heading home after nearly a whole semester away at college. Initially we were looking at a pretty small gathering with just the four of us. But it's just not the same without a bunch of folks, so we started a Thanksgiving invitational telethon! We immediately thought of Uncle Frank and Auntie Lucille. However, it looked like they may not be able to make it. Then we called several friends to see what they were up to. Well we got a big thumbs up from Wendy Selvaggio and her two girls Brooke and Sophia still at home, and her oldest daughter Sasha, one of Maggie's best friends who is living and working in Truckee now.

We went ahead and purchased a fresh turkey from Costco (22.5 lbs) and figured leftovers were not a problem. We traditionally cook the turkey in our good old Weber Kettle barbecue. This year I decided to cook it as slowly as possible, and add wood chips to the coals for smokey flavoring. So I was gearing up for something a little different. Scary, but exciting too.

So, a few days before the big event Frank and Lucy confirmed. Yay!! Now it was starting to feel like a real Thanksgiving, with lots of family around. Wendy wanted to watch the Dolphins play the Cowboys, and I thought "Wow, football and family on turkey day? It doesn't get any better than this!" Turned out Frank is a big Dolphin fan too so after the Macey's Parade, we would tune in the game!

On Tuesday, my little Lucy arrived in her pretty red Mustang. What a great moment. That's a hug I will remember. So nice to have her back here in the house! We visited and I kept puttering to get the house ready. Kim was at school subbing and had the same great reunion when she got home later that evening.

So, on Wednesday I worked the Turkey over for an hour or so. I oiled it up (extra virgin olive oil of course), spiced it with salt, pepper, and some Cajun Spices, then injected about a half cup of Yoshida's Gourmet Marinade into the bird. Into the 'fridge to set for 24 hours.

Maggie made it home while Kim was still in Reno at a Doctor's appointment, so after another couple of memorable hugs, we set to plotting. Lucy suggested we set Kim up for a scare, and as she drove into the driveway with a load of groceries for the feast, Moe had a brainstorm. "Distract her, and I will sneak out into the car after she brings the first couple of bags in!" We all immediately agreed. So, Lucy and I greeted her outside, and we all grabbed some bags. "OK", I said "No stopping until we have the whole car unloaded!" This, to ensure that she would return promptly after Maggie had climbed into the car.

Margeaux, Lucy, Auntie Lucy, Uncle Frank, Me, and Kim

I lagged behind as Kim headed for the Kitchen door with arms full of groceries, gave Maggie, who was peaking around the other side of the house, the hi sign, then followed with my bags into the kitchen. Kim obediently headed back to the car for more as Lucy and I followed. Around to the rear hatch of the VW she went, talking the entire way. She opened the hatch, looked in and saw Maggie sprawled motionless among the remaining sacks of grub. It took a half second for it to register, then suddenly she threw her hand to her mouth, and shouted "Oh! Oh!", as she leaped at least a foot into the air and landed about three feet back away from the car. It was the "perfect surprise", and Moe, Lu and I laughed so hard it hurt. Kim quickly turned from fearful to joyous as she realized who was in the trunk. A Thanksgiving moment to remember!

Wendy and Sophie crack up at a joke.

Well, it turned out to be a great family event. I cooked the turkey for 5 hours with lots of smoke, and it came out more moist and flavorful than ever before. Lucy and Lucy made the mashed potatoes and yams; Maggie cooked up some delicious stuffing, and baked a pumpkin pie; Kim made the gravy, asparagus, and jello salad; while Wendy spread out the appetizers! The game was great, food delicious, and the company was fabulous. All in all it was one of our best Thanksgivings.

Brown is beautiful!

Sasha and Margeaux

Three beautiful girls!

The two Lucys do the mashed potatoe!

Setting for 10

Nice looking plate!

Rice Krispy Treat Turkey Place favors

Next, our Christmas tree cutting trip!

That's All!