Thanksgiving Dinner

Normally, we go out for Thanksgiving dinner. I know this sounds peculiar but my husband and I were cross-country truck drivers for a whole lot of years. During those years, if we were not able to be with family, we ate in truck stops.



When we quit driving truck, my husband decided (with my full concurrence) that eating out was a good thing. I did not have to cook all day and no one had to do the dishes. We usually went to a cafeteria style restaurant and that way EVERYONE got what they wanted.

Fast forward to this year.

There was a news story that the average Thanksgiving dinner for 10, cooked at home, this year, cost an average of $42.76


Now, we are not poor. We are currently, however, a little cash impaired. To go out entails driving 50 miles, plus or minus, and then paying for the 4 of us. The weatherman was predicting snow and bitter cold.


We (that would be the royal we) started thinking.


DO NOT EVER DO THIS!



The menu: Butterball turkey breast (we only like white meat)
Mashed potatoes (this recipe from Ree)
Green bean casserole
Dressing
Turkey gravy (bottled, of course)
Cranberry sauce
Baby Gherkins
Black Olives
Celery stuffed with cheese(s)
Pie(s) (Pumpkin, Pecan, and Cherry)
Cool Whip
Clementines







We had a wonderful day. We spent most of the day in our pajamas. Lil man learned how to spread cheese in celery sticks.





Gas expended?

Zip.


Grocery bill?



WAY MORE THAN $42.76 and there were not 10 of us.


Will I do it again next year? I’m pretty sure I heard lil man utter the word “tradition”. I am doomed.

Or blessed!

With thanks

I was browsing blogs today and Sayre's Smile reminded me of this - one of my new favorite songs. I hope you enjoy the song and the rest of the ordinary miracles!

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Side Dishes - the New Age Way

This morning, on Good Morning America, Diane and crowd were chuckling at the "Side Dish According to Zodiac" method of choosing your dishes for Thanksgiving dinner.

I had to check.

Feel free to invite me.

Aquarius Side Dishes (January 20 - February 18)You will want to have at least one Aquarius at any gathering. These unique, futuristic creatures are one of the friendliest, most social signs. Water Bearers are open-minded, unprejudiced and mix well with all kinds of people. Be sure you maintain the discerning eye of the well-organized host, as Aquarians can become so caught up in the social side of the affair, they forget to eat all together. Serving Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Baked Acorn Squash will bring them back to earth.See Garlic Mashed Potato Recipes

Happy Thanksgiving!