Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving in Germany

Thanksgiving isn’t celebrated in Germany. This year, JTW is moving back to the states, but he decided to have a little get together and have a more traditional Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is one of those difficult concepts to try to explain to others who don’t celebrate it. My theory is that it’s all about the family and friends, spending time cooking together (laughing and joking) and then, having a feast of gluttony – and maybe watching the Macy’s Parade or football on TV.

As always, I made the turkey (this time it was just the night before) – and this year’s bird, despite being small by American standards – barely fit in the oven. It did, however, turn out beautifully.

Big Bird for Dinner

I took a taxi up with the bird and stuffing, and we headed off to the Christmas Markets. Then, we made all the sides, and the pies, and just had a great time.
All the pictures are up here, if you want to check them out. So, Happy Thanksgiving all, I hope yours was great!

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Salt Lake City & Thanksgiving.

Ahh what a crazy week. I got to salt lake city friday and have been running all over. I’m now exhausted and thinking I might need a vacation from my vacation. Truly.

I have, however, great news. This Crest kid has no cavaties (once again), the doctor has pronounced her in good health (yeah baby!), and I have meds. Migraine meds are good. My taxes are in the process of being done (after stumping 2 tax people and having to contact the district office at H&R block), so please keep the fingers crossed that they’re not gonna cost me too much.

Otherwise, the sunshine is out, the weekend was in the 60’s (jacket? who needs a jacket!) and it’s been sunny every dang day. YES, the sun does exist. Unfortunately for the skiier’s and snowboarders, there is no SNOW. We had hoped for some last night, but from what I can tell, there’s maybe an inch up in the mountain peaks but that’s it. Oh well, beggers can’t be choosy – and I have at least a nice view.

I’ve had a steak dinner (thanks Bri – you’re still my hero!) as well as seen Beowulf (recommended – great movie!). I’ve also gotten my fill of snuggles, american football – 4 games (3 on sunday – 1 monday night football), and yes, even caught a hockey game from the front row. (SMOOSHED FACES UP TO THE GLASS and FIGHTS – yeah baby!!) I’ve also had a small lunch party where I was able to catch up with some geocaching friends (love you all!).

So, I guess that leaves tomorrow – turkey day. Let’s go turkey day! I have the turkey thawing as I type this, the pies are made, the stuffing is ready to be prepped tonight – and after that… well, who knows. Perhaps black friday shopping!?!

Yeah ok so I’ll have photos to share soon enough. In the meantime, Here’s what I’m thankful for:

My Health and that of my family
Getting to see my family and friends
Enjoying the mountains and the sun
Freedom (and the soldiers who have fought for it – JCCE, you have mail on the way)
last but not least….

RUM!!

(yo ho yo ho, a pirate’s life for me….)

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Gobblin goodness!

There are just certain times of year where you have to pig out. I’m sorry, but no amount of dieting, being thin, and simply denying oneself food is going to cut it. For me, one of those times is Thanksgiving. Sure, it’s time for family, it’s time for friends, and it’s time to be thankful.

It is also time to make the turkey.

Now, I’m guilty of this – I assume most of us are. There is only one time a year I actually buy an ENTIRE turkey, and quite simply go to town. It’s funny to think about – I eat turkey sandwiches, and turkey this and that… but I rarely sit down and just buy the entire turkey and roast it. Anyhow, I did the typical American thing this year – went to wal mart super center and bought a discount turkey on sale. Go ahead and laugh at me. I did.

From there, I got up at 7 am, started the stuffing (all the guys were asleep) and all the other prep – for garlic mashed potatoes, steamed asperagus, pies, the like. Yeah, it’s great being able to cook. What’s even better is when after a day of the guys watching football and playing on the computer (ok I admit Bri did help with the washing and basting of the turkey and peeling of potatoes – thanks love!) when the entire cooking area was done – and sitting down to enjoy the feast. The appreciation of a good meal, and a great movie – well, that counts for something. What’s more, the knowledge that this meal is only once a year (there are leftovers of turkey soup in the freezer, turkey sandwiches in the fridge, and turkey and cheese breakfast burritos ready to go) but can last much longer for folks that can’t cook… that makes me smile. Just knowing that I was able to make their day a little brighter. Yeah, that’s great.

Hope your “gobbling of turkey goodness” was great too.

Now, On to the black friday shopping! (yeehhhaaa!)

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