Turkey Day 2006

Last year we had Thanksgiving dinner at my brother John's house with Jean and many of the family. My dear Betty kind of looked forward to that gathering, but she was in the hospital with advanced leukemia and died on Dec. 3rd. Son Jimmy was with us with his family from North Dakota and he died in August after a long battle with lung cancer. (A non-smoker.) This year I am blessed with the gathering and look forward to Jim's family along with 4 of my remaining 6 children and the families of those who are married: Annie and Bill from Ashland, MT with Andrew and Willie with Karyn and their three sons from Portland . Also Ken in from Helena and Pete who is now living with me. John and Jean will be represented with Mark and Rosanna and his son, Ambrose.

This past week while watching the food channel on how to deal with the Turkey I noticed the use of a meat thermometer which can be inserted in the meat and the "read-out" on the outside of the oven. So today I went shopping and got one. That means I won't have to be opening the grill and letting out the heat from time to time. Yes, that's right. I said "grill". Two years ago I cooked the bird outside while the oven was used for other preparations, and it was well received. With 19 people expected - mostly adults - I have a 23 pound turkey not thawing in the fridge. I've read that it takes 24 hours per 5 lbs for the bird to thaw,. That means it should be ready for preparation on Wednesday and then to the grill on Thursday while the visiting ladies take their turn in the kitchen. It should be a glorious reunion with a touch of sadness.

Peace!