Giving Thanks, and Turkey Day Progress Report

I have done a pretty decent job of sticking to my game plan. I had to abort mission on the pecan pies. Besides the inexplicable absence of demand for them,  the ingredients at Harris Teeter were cost prohibitive. It was hard to justify spending $25.00 just on the ingredients. Anyway, I made pumpkin pies that seem to have come out quite nicely. I look forward to tasting later this evening.

I forgot to include the rosemary in my stuffing. It's still delicious, but does lack that flavor note that I really enjoy. The corn chowder has been frozen for a few days. It's nice to have such an important element of the meal waiting on me and not the other way around. Everything is assembled except the macaroni and cheese and the mashed potatoes. I have had horrible experience making both of these ahead of time, so I am a stickler for preparing anything that could "break," such as starch-fat combinations, just before serving.

I am confident that everything will come together pretty well tomorrow. The oven has been heating evenly and no disasters have yet presented themselves, except an abrasion to the drumstick of my turkey. I considered notifying Harris Teeter of the inferior product, but decided that the free frozen turkey to which I would be entitled would be useless the day before it's to be roasted.


This is not a political, spiritual, or philosophical blog. I want briefly, however, to share some thoughts on the holiday we're about to celebrate. As an individual, I have a lot to be thankful for. I have a job that I love, a loving partner, healthy dogs, and a father and a sister who have always been there for me. I grew up with the most gracious and precious mother a son could ever want. I am more fortunate than many. The recession has not prevented me from enjoying good food, a comfortable home, or other creature comforts that we sometimes take for granted. I live in a nation that is founded on freedom and is defended by the most valiant heroes the world has ever known. As we fight two wars abroad and confront unprecedented challenges here at home, I am thankful for the sacrifice of the men and women who I may never meet, but make this holiday possible. I am grateful for our beautiful cities, verdant countrysides and farmlands, and breathtaking mountains and oceans. 


In the words of the Jewish religious tradition, "Good and Happy is our Portion. Pleasant is our Lot." Thanksgiving really is a time to reflect on that sentiment, and I hope many of you will.