When one starts a new job, vacation is the last thing in mind. There is so much to do and never time to take a day off.
We finally took three days off Thanksgiving week to see our folks. It would have been great if we had the OK two months ago when we could have had flights and I had a dog sitter. But we didn’t so the flights went away and I released the dog sitter to another worthy client.
We drove 3,000 miles to have Thanksgiving with the family. With the dog. Now, our dog is eight years old, well-trained and loves the car. She sleeps on her 4″ orthopedic mattress in the back of my SUV and only pops up her head on off-ramps and stop lights.
We found high-end hotels that accepted her in large cities. All require waivers and fees and we can’t leave her in the room and it was too warm to leave her in the car so we were slaves to our dog. Once we found patio dining for BBQ and she was allowed to sit out on the sidewalk with us. Otherwise we’re trapped.
Of course it was wonderful to see everyone before and on Thanksgiving day. We had a birthday party for a newly nine- and ten-year old that allowed us an early get-together.
Tuesday and Wednesday and Thursday morning were extreme cooking times for me and my mother-in-law. Over the years we’ve developed a rhythm and have our stations. There was a great kitchen renovation last year that gives more room for cooking and family, but things have been moved around so I’m back to asking “where’s the _______?”
Turkey day was different. After supper people went their own ways. The babies are getting older so a lot of young kids went out to play tennis, the nursery was booming, and the kitchen scene was not as hopping as usual.
My husband and I joined different groups then I had to go back and take care of our dog after six hours or so, then returned after talking to my family by phone and giving turkey advice.
I did make the brussels sprout and cauliflower gratin with modifications and have made even more mental modifications to make it easy to do and still as tasty. For that, I must cook it again to test then I can give you results.
Also on deck were spicy almonds, cashews and pecans; plus mincemeat tarts. I only brought the mincemeat and before I could make the pastry they were already done. MIL Magic! M also brings much to the party, including Italian Cream Cake, brisket, iced tea by the gallon and more.
We enjoy seeing the little ones grow and learn their personalities. Two little ones with a teacup pup hijacked the big TV with a Dr. Seuss Christmas special, keeping some of the older kids from watching The Game.
No-one played “Risk” and the evening was capped by a musical event featuring violin solos, then guitars (acoustic and electric) then with violin, and much singing.
Now we’re back on the road, less than four hours from home sweet home. Husband and dogma are sound asleep and dog has taken over my pillow. It’s 4:30 in the morning and I can’t wait to get out of this nice hotel and on the road home.
Please share any Thanksgiving stories and recipes! Safe home, dear reader. Dee
Cooking with Dee 