The morning had dawned absolutely beautiful. I had made a Pumpkin Pie Cake the night before (recipe below). I also made some delightful little pumpkin favors a friend had posted the day before on FaceBook. Jellied Orange sliced candies, a little twig, some ribbon and plastic wrap.
The turkey went into the oven as we went to the movie theatre, met Liz, Steve & Sydney and watched the new Muppet Movie. Cute and enough to keep adults interested too. Lots of humor that went right over the kids' heads and the adults thought was hilarious. Sydney wanted to sit by me and about halfway through the film she leaned over and said, "Gamma, I want to say Grace tonight." Of course she could! She had told me she wanted to make the rolls. And she did!
Our table abounded with good things to eat.
I tried out something new I'd heard about this year on the Internet. Take 1 Cup mayonnaise (I used Kraft Olive Oil Mayonnaise) and mix in 1/4 assorted minced herbs. (I used rosemary from the garden, black pepper, tarragon, flat leaf parsley and savory). Loosen the skin from the breast of the turkey and slather 2/3 cup of the mixture under the skin. Then slather the rest all over the outside of the turkey. I used a cooking bag to cook the turkey. The bird was beautiful and I've never, ever, gotten so many compliments on a turkey before. How moist it was, how wonderful the meat tasted! I guess I'll try it again. Sydney thanked the Lord for her family and all the good things He gives us.
Then Mr. Scottie Dog carved the bird. Yum, yum.
One last shot....hasn't every kid done this with olives!!!!!!!Thanksgiving is a time we set aside to thank our God and Creator for our many blessings. I have so many....my wonderful husband, two beautiful daughters and the amazing son-in-laws they brought me, my adorable grandchildren (all 5 of them!), my brothers and their wives and children...we share so many wonderful memories of phenomenal parents and childhoods, a warm and snugly home in the redwoods (such a beautiful place to live). I'm grateful for good friends, new and old, and for our two kitties. I have a job I love, a passion for creativity, good health and so much more.
I thank the Lord for YOU!
Recipe for Pumpkin Pie Cake
Take 1 Large can of pumpkin and prepare just as you would for 2 pies (recipe is on label). Pour into sprayed 9" X 13" pan.
Sprinkle 1 yellow or white cake mix evenly over the pumpkin mixture.
Drizzle top with 2/3 cup melted butter, making sure to include corners.
Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or when knife inserted in center comes clean.
Enjoy hot or cold, with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
It was a time to gather together with family and friends. I lived in Southern California then with scads of Aunts & Uncles, tons of cousins, shirttail relatives, friends and Thanksgiving was always celebrated with a groaning table of foods we only had a Thanksgiving. I remember the first year I was allowed to set the table! Did you have a "kids" table? The year I turned 13 I moved up to the "adult" table and found out that the kids table was more fun! By the time I was 14 I was helping cook most of the meal. I enjoyed cooking more than my mom did, I think.
In school we learned all about the Pilgrims and how they came to America at great cost so that they could worship God as they wished. They made great sacrifice to do so and life was not easy. Each year we'd have little skits or plays and we'd all make pilgrim hats. Now in school they talk about being Thankful but not being Thankful TO GOD, the provider of all we have.
