It’s Thanksgiving Day, November 22nd, 2018 and the sun is shining here on the Left Coast, the land of fruits and nuts. Today’s temperature will be in the mid-60s and no rain. (We got some in the early hours this morning–maybe, up to half an inch.)

Charlie woke up about 6:30 am and I helped her to the bathroom and then to her sunroom, including her pills and a cup of tea.

Fixed myself a cup of coffee and read the newspapers with the CBS Morning News on in the background. Then, into the spare bedroom and some time on the exercise bike; it was about 90 minutes while re-reading a Recluce novel, The Mongrel Mage.

Realized I’d forgotten the onions for stuffing so I walked a half mile to the market; busy but all of the registers had checkers and there was no waiting. Passed a Polly’s Pies which had a large number of people getting their Thanksgiving desserts.

The Target parking lot across the street had cars which, I assume, were those of workers getting ready for their 5:00 pm opening. Quite thankful I’m not one of them and even more thankful I’m not one of those shopping there today, or tomorrow.

The combination of arthritis, neuropathy and Parkinson’s has made it impossible for Charlie to cook any more and, therefore, I will do the honors. Of course, under her direction and input, I’ll make her version of stuffing — yes, she insists on the stuffing being cooked in the turkey and not in a separate dish.

We have a 15 lb Butterball that’s been thawing in the fridge since Saturday. Since it’s only the two of us dinner will be: turkey, stuffing, potatoes and peas. And, an adult beverage.

Well, it’s after noon and time to get busy.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

– – – – –

Well, it turns out I made just the right amount of stuffing to put under the skin and in the bird — with the cavities fully stuffed and nothing left over. Put the thermometer in, oil and crushed rosemary all over the skin and into the oven. Left the skin uncovered for the first hour to crisp the skin.

Cleaned the kitchen and showered. A glass of wine and an hour of football and then on to the potatoes. Found a new roast potato recipe the other day and will put them in our lower oven. Will also make some mashed potatoes in case the roasted ones turn out less than stellar.

It’s nice that we like re-heated potatoes with turkey leftovers — nothing wasted. Charlie’s peas won’t take long; hmmmm, maybe I’ll make some lima beans for myself.

The turkey should be ready between six and six-thirty; so, we should eat before seven.

Ahhh, now for another sip of wine.

Hope your Thanksgiving Day is going as well.

– – – – –

The turkey was as close to perfect as I’ve ever done. Di’s stuffing was excellent. The roast potatoes were good enough that the uncooked mashed potatoes will remain uncooked until Saturday and tomorrow we (or at least Charlie) will have re-heated leftover potatoes — and there aren’t enough for the two of us, at least, with my appetite.

I had lima beans and Di had peas, and added gravy and red currant jelly to her plate. A delicious meal.

Smoke and Mist enjoyed their usual repast while our dinner was finishing in the ovens. They don’t generally bother with our food and tonight was no different with one small exception. When I went back for seconds, Smoke had a piece of turkey skin on the floor and was munching. Into the trash it went. Otherwise, the turkey was untouched by the cats. (And, I don’t know if I’d dropped the skin on the floor or if Smoke “stole” it.)

I’ll finish my glass of wine and then to the kitchen for clean-up and leftover storage.

Thanksgiving — 2018