Pumpkin Turkeys, Corn Husk Doll craft, Felt Dinner, Go Fish game, turkey teether, Gratitude Rolls, wishbone necklace, Vintage beaded Native American Bracelet
We're off to my parent's house, salted turkey and assorted goodies in tow! I've recovered from my cold that's knocked me off my feet for the last few days, and in the nick of time, managed to get a good chunk of work done anyway. Relatives from my mom's side of the family, G's parents and brother, and my brothers will be joining us soon. I hope you all have a wonderful, snuggly, yummy, day.
Happy Thanksgiving!
PS. I took that photo in the Adirondacks, at the Falling Leaves picture book workshop I went to a few weekends ago. Gorgeous, right?
Thanksgiving turned out to be pretty wonderful. In fact, I noticed myself musing about next year's, with all the same people, and what everyone would bring, and what we would do (perhaps actually take a group picture?!)...when, really, it probably won't happen next year. Or at least it won't be the same group. Which is why I'm so grateful for this year's.
Our guest list started out rather small (which of course would have been fine!) but then happily grew. We're so lucky our good friends Henry and Mandy came, and got to bring along the lovely Miss Dot. My brother Sam flew in from Utah as a surprise guest. My sister and husband came despite terribly busy schedules.
At some point during Getting Ready for Everyone, I realized that we had the easiest group of people coming for dinner. It made me happy to know that if we absolutely ruined the turkey Griswolds'-style, everyone would just laugh it off and have more of the stuffing. We never worried if everyone would get along. We knew they would. And they did. Despite blending two families, plus friends, our apartment was filled with laughter and chatting for hours. So I'm truly thankful for that. What a blessing (as my parents would say) to have such easy-going, happy people in your life.
The Mister and I asked everyone to write down what they were thankful for on slips of paper which were then placed in a bowl. After dinner everyone picked one and we all went around the table reading each others. They were funny and sweet. My mother's said something about "Thank you for Firsts." And I agree.
But I still can't help but hope it was first of many.
I drove out to Rehoboth last night, where my friend Jane lives, and we went to go pick up our turkey. Its funny to drive 20 minutes out of Providence and be in this little, sweet farming community. Well, it used to be mostly farms, but it sounds like its quickly becoming just a suburb, with lots of sprawling developments. Anyhow it looked like the country, and it was so close. Sunny Meadow Farms is technically the fenced in field behind Linda and Richard King's house. They used to have sheep as well, but afore mentioned housing developments have encroached on that, so now they just raise turkeys:
Our turkeys are raised on the finest grains, and receive no medication or Hormones or any other additives... We have raised turkeys at this location since 1980 as a 4 H project for our youngest daughter Jaimie. The love for fine food free to additives has kept us raising them ever since.
After welcoming us into their house and giving us lots of cooking advice (much needed!) they hefted over my 25 pound turkey, who was "walking around earlier" that morning.
I love this. After being a vegetarian for ten years, I try to remember to not take eating meat lightly. I think this is one of the best ways to do it: Supporting your community farmer, who takes good care of the animal. Obviously, I haven't even tried yet, but the King's were so friendly and helpful, I'm sure I'll be going back to them for all my other turkey needs.
The mister and I got up early (ish) to salt it. Oh man, those spices smelled amazing...
