Turkey in the Tropics

First and foremost I'd like to send a shout out to the family and friends that were not gathered at the same table on Thanksgiving. It is I think my favorite holiday, no gift giving, no costumes and the like... just good food shared with good conversation and words of what everyone is thankful for - my kind of day.

Mr. R gave a nice display of love and thanks for his sister Miss P, which was embarrassing to her and as she went to stop him from continuing, Mr. L took her hand and said shhhh Mr.R is right, which we all agreed and Mr. R finished his thanks. Our family spoke of a year that was lucky in travel, getting to visit with family we love most in life and the happiness that all is well in the North and with our friends here. Some guests spoke of travels to other countries and the kindness they received from people who lived in poverty but had smiles and happiness to share. Many good things spoken of and thanks given for.

I never know who will make it to the table each year. It is my least stressful holiday; we plan a sit down time, but that never seems to work out, and no one seems to mind if someone is late because there is hot cooked food to pick at in the waiting time. But, when the core group is finally seated, it's wonderful! All the main dishes and two turkeys are on a large table next to the sit down table, which has our condiments including lots of gravy boats, wine bottles, cranberry sauce etc. We allow ourselves to get up, stretch on the way to the other table, refill our plates and sit back down and begin again. The phone rings, responses of "sure, come right on by" are said and food is warmed and served as needed. Some take a plate to go due to work, or come by for pie and coffee. Hilda the dishwasher does her work haphazardly, filled and emptied, but not caring if anything sits 'till late night. As if by magic, all is cleaned up and put away before bedtime.

I too am a person who prepares the day ahead... peel, bake, boil, saute, pie bake the evening prior.

A good friend of mine became a grandmother Thanksgiving morning. I even got time to drive to Key West and visit. Due to the craziness of a couple days with labor and the imminent birth, they had to put off their cooking at home till this weekend. Of course they stopped here on the way home from the hospital and relaxed, ate, little ones got their pumpkin pie, then recouped before heading back home to get some needed sleep a couple islands away. Not as many of the kids' friends stopped by this year. Many are moved away, or married, or reunited with their families, or even old enough now to host their own dinners. They do call, and it's funny how the cycle goes. Mr.R & Miss P even got out a couple times to exchange visits and return. Mr. L had a friend come by boasting about his GB Packers.

Inventory today is pretty good. The wine and eggnog may be gone, but we do actually have some leftovers here for hot and cold sandwiches today. Now that's an added treat! And a few pieces of pumpkin pie to boot! Boy that magic bullet makes fast work of whipped cream for pie! My stove was fixed Wednesday morning just in time!
The oven is on refrigerator mode now, a treasure trove of goodies! I have to tell ya'll, my cranberry relish (cranberries, pineapple, mango, coconut, oranges & raisins) is the best on the planet, be it on turkey, in a sandwich or on ice cream...ohhhhhhhh is it good.

The weather was low 70's, perfect, and is the same today. Mr. R was out doing yard work and just found out there are leftovers in the refrig/oven. Me? I'm still stuffed from yesterday and I think I need a nap since it appears I'm rambling again.

NOW BEGINS VIRTUAL XMAS!!!!!