The day before Thanksgiving we got snow. Lots of it... 9 inches or more. I spent the day indoors, cooking, cleaning, decorating and preparing for the feast. It was lovely watching the snow come down, listening to the wind howl around the house as the wood stove snapped. Peaceful.
Thanksgiving day dawned clear and the temperature soared. My sweet brother in law, John, helped out by clearing up the drive and walk ways. He soon got so warm he peeled his shirt off. I had to laugh when I saw him, surrounded by snow yet shirtless!
We cooked a total of FOUR birds. Here are the two we smoked; a home raised Muscovy duck on the left, and a locally grown heritage breed turkey on the right. Chris did the smoking and the birds were excellent! I also roasted two small turkeys, one a locally raised Broad Breasted White, (the type we all buy in stores) and the other a Heritage breed. The Heritage birds (more like wild types) have less breast meat, more dark meat, and a denser texture. I found the flavor to be superior.
Niece Aimee came with boyfriend Tim and baby Lucy, Flirt's puppy. There was a joyous reunion of mother and daughter, and they spent the entire visit playing and cuddling. It was fun to watch!
As always, Chris set up a giant trough full of ice, wine, soft drinks beer and more on the porch. My niece, Emily, brought AMAZING eggnog made at a farm near where she lives. The best EVER. Chris also set up a full bar, with a billion bottles of booze and mixers, sliced limes and lemons and a variety of glassware. He likes to think that people can walk in and have any drink they desire. They way he sets it up always elicits a cacophony of "oohs" and "ahhs" from our guests.
We fed 20 people and the house was filled with laughter and chatter. There was no angst. Just pleasantness and helpfulness and good conversation.
The next day we gathered and assembled Ginger Bread houses. My sister Deb started this tradition a few years ago. Guests come back and nosh on left overs and we put the houses together. It is very relaxed and happy, with just a bit of competitiveness. Niece Emily and her husband Jeff always come up with the most elaborate, fabulous house. They work together, heads close, plotting their strategy as they decorate with gum drops and frosting. It is delightful to see.
And then... everyone goes home and this old house is quiet again. All of the build up and planning and preparation is over. The cold porch is laden with leftovers, and we find ourselves ducking out there to snitch a bit of turkey, a taste of cake, a glass of wine, a slice of good pie. As for me, I usually take a nap or two in the days following. I bask in the memory of the joy of being together, remember the echoing sounds of good conversation and savor the flavor of the left over goodies. The thankfulness? It lingers.
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