Some are already thinking about Christmas while others are just getting over Halloween. Me? I am preparing for Thanksgiving, mentally. This is my favorite holiday of the year. It hasn't gone all commercial, yet, and the thoughts of family and food just fill me with glee.
Since we've moved to Tennessee, it's not the same as it used to be when all the family would gather at our house for a Feast of Thanks. My brother Jim (the food snob) has been cooking Thanksgiving dinner for us at our house for about ten years. He always sends "Willie Bird" via post and arrives shortly thereafter to begin all the preparations. He is the best cook ever, EV-VER! (I know my other brother John misses the good food on Thanksgiving as he is unable to travel. Pout.)He always packs his "chef essentials," that I normally don't have. If it weren't for him, my kitchen would be bare with cheapo pots and pans, and other flimsy utensils, I'm sure. Nope, Jim sends me specialty items each year before his arrival, or he just packs them up and brings them with him. He brings his own carving knife and fork, his own spices and always throws in a couple of surprises for us. It's always good to see them arrive.
And so, this year, I am thinking ahead. I have started my list and even have done a little shopping for some goodies. I normally don't get into Thanksgiving mode until the weekend before they arrive--running around like a mad woman or not 
doing a thing. It's nice when it's family and you have that choice! I normally have to make several trips to Williams Sonoma (once before he arrives and once after he arrives for the things I forgot, of course). After about ten years of doing this, I should know by know the basic necessities. But you know, there is always at least one thing he needs that I don't have. I like stocking up on chocolate cocoa (which I bought in Brussels this year, ooohlala) for the kids and thus also come the marshmallows--and with marshmallows come the rest of ingredients for s'mores for the fire pit. While the kids make their s'mores, we sip our Beaujolais Nouveau and get giddy. Ooooh, I can't wait! I am getting so excited!!That's just about all we do the entire time they're here--eat and drink. The kids run around doing what kids do and the rest of us are either prepping for the next meal, eating and drinking or out running around town. It is just a wonderful time, but I truly miss having the rest of my family with us. One day, we're all going to have to meet in a central place and live it up again.
14 comments:
Your Willie Bird grows in an area about 30 minutes from us!
Are they really superior? (I've never tried one)
How lucky for you to have your personal in house chef!!
Thanksgiving is almost here and it's always good to start your preparations early. That leaves a lot of time for any innovations or anything new. And hey if you wanna do something new this Thanksgiving then just check out my Thanksgiving Blog I've posted a lot many ideas and suggestions that might be useful for you. Well have a great Thanksgiving!!!!
Nice bit of doo dadin' there Miz Rosa!
Good for you for being so organized. Your brother sounds much like my brother in law who cooks our Thanksgiving dinner. The other dinner is at my sister's house. Yep, we do two dinners usually! They are both wonderful cooks. When my son was small we used to go to the ocean for Thanksgiving and kept things simple and relaxed. As much as I love family, I'd sort of like to start doing that again. Maybe next year.
Sounds like you are planning a great time Miz Rosa!
I for one am glad to find someone focused on one holiday at a time...so many people jump the gun right on into Christmas without stopping to savor each holiday as it comes.
:-D
Blogger keeps freezing up whenever I try to comment on your blog...
Thanksgiving is the very best with loads of family. We now live far from any, and many years have to try to recreate the holiday with friends. It's still good, but not the same.
I really like your Thanksgiving themed collage at the top of your post.
Okay am packing to head for your house for Thanksgiving! :) Thank you so much for the article you sent me! I love reading about how she started and her soaps are beautiful!! Got some ideals stirring up the cobwebs in my head! You are such a sweetie!!!
Rosa?? Since I celebrated Thanksgiving on Oct. 9th here in Canada, can I come over to your place so that I can celebrate it again????? hehe Oh wow, it certainly does sound like your brother knows how to cook and I was getting excited for you just reading what you all do while they're over:-) Heck, I want to make S'Mores with the kids!!! lol xoxox
On the lookout for an organic turkey....mmmmmmmmm.....no hormones added.
I wish we celebrated thanksgiving over here in Australia, but we would probably mess up the turkey by BBQ ing it instead lol
xx
shona
Can I borrow your bro for my kitchen? Sounds like a Norman Rockwell Thanksgiving to me! The Beaujolais Nouveau ROCKS with turkey. WQe buy several bottles when it is released on the 17th...do you know that by law the Georges DuBoef Beaujolais cannot be sold until after midnight on the 17th of Nov.? They have a huge party prior to midnight in France celebrating the release of the new wine...and it is supposed to be consumed right away! YEEEESSSSS! Thanksgiving Day and Macy's parade and Beaujolais...and the free range gobbler. We have our bird tagged at The Good Shepherd Turkey Ranch down the road 20 miles. There is even a turkey cam to watch it...but how do you watch YOUR turke in a herd of thousands I will never know. I adore Williams Sonoma but the closest one is in Wichita 90 miles away...:( have a great day! And drink a glass of that BOO-G for moi...:D
I love Thanksgiving too! Yours sounds like it will be wonderful. My husband will cook a turkey (no frozen turkies in Europe) and a magnificent orange/cranberry stuffing, among other things (and the irony of a Brit preparing Thanksgiving dinner). And this year we're having two special American guests (more about that later). Thought of you in London when I was at Liberty. Check back this weekend for more about all that. xo
Yummy, Rosa! You got you bro, I got my hubby! He doesn't do the actual cooking, but he is in there like a champ, helping me with the chopping, mincing, and general kitchen chores. And he ALWAYS gets the bird cleaned and prepped! It really is all about family and dear friends.
this all sounds like absolute perfection!! Very understandable that it fills you with so much joy in anticipation.
XOXO
That sounds so special. I miss having a big family.
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