BetterMost, Wyoming & Brokeback Mountain Forum

Our BetterMost Community => The Holiday Forum => Topic started by: Meryl on November 08, 2007, 02:13:45 am

Title: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: Meryl on November 08, 2007, 02:13:45 am
Here's a copy of an article from Good Housekeeping that claims to be the ultimate Thanksgiving to-do list:

http://lifestyle.msn.com/foodandentertaining/EntertainingandSpecialOccasions/articlegh.aspx?cp-documentid=5663939

Four Weeks to a Foolproof Feast
By Unknown

The ultimate Thanksgiving To-do List

Week 1 (starting October 29)

- Stock up on extra pumpkins, potted mums, and holiday decorations while the best selection is out for Halloween. (Yes, the fresh stuff will last a few more weeks.)
- Create your guest list; check to make sure everyone can make it — and if anyone's planning to bring a friend.
- Select the menu Keep in mind how much oven, stovetop, and microwave space you have available, and what each recipe entails. (If you're attempting a dish for the first time, try it out before T-day.)
- Write out or print your grocery list so you can keep it handy over the next few weeks for minor tweaks.
- Agree on dishes company can bring if they offer. (Then cross those off your shopping list.)
- Check your spices Toss any that are past their prime; add to your list.
- Look for sales and stock up on staples — paper goods, candies, beverages, inexpensive toys to entertain kids, batteries for the camera.
- Assess your cooking equipment, china, cutlery, and serving dishes Is the vegetable peeler dull? Are the pot holders frayed? Plan to buy or borrow what you'll need.
- Survey your surfaces Any really visible stains on the carpet or dining room chairs? Either schedule time to clean them soon or call in a pro. Consult our handy stain guide on goodhousekeeping.com/stains.

Week 2
- Inspect the guest room — by sleeping there That's the easiest way to find out what's missing (a reading lamp? pillows?). Also, straighten up in there now to avoid a mad scramble later. If overnighters will sleep on a sofa bed, vacuum the mattress and underneath the cushions.
- Place all orders for catered trays or pies Figure out whether you should go with a fresh turkey (which you'll need to order now) or a frozen one.
- Choose your outfit It should look good, but be comfortable enough for cooking and entertaining. Drop the clothes off at the dry cleaner or mend them if necessary. Nothing to wear? Hit the mall. (If you don't have an apron, pick up one of those, too — Turkey Day can get messy.)
- Enlist the spouse or kids to wash platters and polish silver That way, they'll be free to run errands or take out the trash the night before or morning of the big day. Once silver is clean, wrap it in tissue and then place in airtight plastic bags to keep it tarnish-free.
- Give your plants some TLC To avoid a sad, droopy, or dead zone at the end of the month, give greenery water and a little plant food now. Soon flowers should be bold and foliage vibrant.
- Clean the house thoroughly so you can focus on other projects for the next couple of weeks. Put the oven through a self-cleaning cycle, and don't forget to do a cobweb check by flicking on the lights or chandelier in the dining room.
- Set up appointments for a haircut this week and a manicure next week, so the salons won't be all booked up when you're ready to look your best.

Week 3
- Pull out the table linens you plan to use and the hand towels for the bathroom. Are they faded? Developing mysterious spots? Wash accordingly (GHRI likes Restoration brand detergent for vintage linens). If they're too far gone (or the thought of scrubbing a tablecloth makes you want to scream), snap up some stain-resistant ones and inexpensive hand towels while you're running errands this week.
- Sharpen knives—and not just the turkey carver. All your kitchen work will go more smoothly.
- Stock up on wine (or order it online, unless that's a no-no in your state). Choose a red and a white, and buy in multiples.
- Clean out the fridge It's pricey real estate this month; you'll need every square inch.
- Decide what music to play Need some recommendations? View our iPod playlists on goodhousekeeping.com/thanks.
- Make your cranberry sauce and refrigerate it; prepare piecrusts and freeze until next week.
- Pick up some plastic containers; they'll hold prepared items before the meal
and leftovers afterward — and make good doggie bags for guests. Also get extra foil and plastic wrap, kitchen twine, trash bags, paper towels, toilet paper (if you haven't already found this stuff on sale). Consider buying nonperishable grocery items now, too, to shorten the inevitable marathon shopping trip next week.
- Charge up your hand vac (or just locate your broom and dustpan)— so you're ready to cope with those unavoidable spills.
- Practice clutter control Let it creep up now and you'll drown in it next week.

Week 4
- Iron linens that need it and lay them out, if possible, so they don't re-wrinkle.
- Grocery-shop on Monday or Tuesday — please, please not on Wednesday.
- Treat yourself to a bouquet of super­market flowers to enjoy as you labor.
- Make or buy ice
- Set out your serving dishes and utensils and define their use with Post-it notes (e.g., "Brussels sprouts here").
- Move your frozen bird to the fridge to thaw (check label for guidelines).
- Start cooking the day before — either make dishes completely and store for reheating (think pies, casseroles), or partially prep foods (like vegetables) that need to be finished the day of.
- Thaw frozen make-aheads, like that piecrust you fixed last week.
- Set the table (or better yet, ask family to do it) the night before.
- Chill white wine
- Lay out your outfit for the next day

Day of
- Fill a spray bottle with cold water for zapping stains when they happen.
- Stuff the turkey; get it roasting; make the potatoes, then veggies.
- Whip the cream for dessert; chill.
- Transfer your turkey to a platter
- Make the gravy with drippings; reheat potatoes in the microwave.
- Serve, sit down, and dig in.
- Remember to warm the pies
- Vow to be a guest next year!
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: Penthesilea on November 08, 2007, 05:43:05 am
Ha ha ha  :laugh:

Either I'm the world's worst host and housewife, or I'm supermon  ;D. I do all preperations for a big celebration in two days (although I have the advantage I never need to cook a Turkey).

Me thinks the author goes way over the top with this list  ::). Sleep in the guest room? Make all surfaces stainless (even if you do it, in case you have kids they will nullify this effort during the remaining three weeks)? Spiff up the plants? Plants? Are perfect plants necessary for a pleasurable family holiday? Phew, good thing my relatives don't know this  ;).

Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: Meryl on November 08, 2007, 11:58:38 am
Ha ha ha  :laugh:

Either I'm the world's worst host and housewife, or I'm supermon  ;D. I do all preperations for a big celebration in two days (although I have the advantage I never need to cook a Turkey).

Me thinks the author goes way over the top with this list  ::). Sleep in the guest room? Make all surfaces stainless (even if you do it, in case you have kids they will nullify this effort during the remaining three weeks)? Spiff up the plants? Plants? Are perfect plants necessary for a pleasurable family holiday? Phew, good thing my relatives don't know this  ;).

I agree, Chrissi!  This list is a bit over the top.  :laugh:
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: Jeff Wrangler on November 08, 2007, 01:00:04 pm
Of course "perfect plants" are necessary. You want a sit and look at some dried-up, dead ol' philodendron while you're tryin' a carve a turkey with a electric carving knife?  ;)  ;D
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: Kd5000 on November 08, 2007, 02:40:10 pm
I blame Martha Stewart for all this.  ;)  She's the one that started all this over the top stuff in order for it to be "a good thing."   Now they've got  a bunch of copycats.  I got tired reading this list.

I'd hate to see what GOOD HOUSEKEEPING's Ultimate Christmas preparation list looks like.
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: serious crayons on November 08, 2007, 02:51:06 pm
I got tired reading this list.

I got tired just reading the week of October 29!

So I didn't get through the whole thing. Did she include:

-- Start planning accusations to fling at ex-husband during after-dinner-dishwashing confrontation.
-- Buy peaches and milk for son's appetizer course.
-- Decide who you'll side with in husband-father masculinity showdown.

Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: Fran on November 08, 2007, 03:03:37 pm
I got tired just reading the week of October 29!

So I didn't get through the whole thing. Did she include:

-- Start planning accusations to fling at ex-husband during after-dinner-dishwashing confrontation.
-- Buy peaches and milk for son's appetizer course.
-- Decide who you'll side with in husband-father masculinity showdown.

 :laugh:
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: Jeff Wrangler on November 08, 2007, 03:15:38 pm
Should I dig out MaineWriter's recipe for Lureen's Cheesey Potato Soup? I'm sure I've got it around here somewhere.  ;D
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: Meryl on November 08, 2007, 03:26:52 pm
 :laugh:

I didn't think this list would generate such entertaining replies (pun intended).  ;D
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: Penthesilea on November 08, 2007, 03:36:42 pm
:laugh:

I didn't think this list would generate such entertaining replies (pun intended).  ;D

You should have known, Meryl - we're Brokies!  ;D. We have better things to do with our time than cleaning and preparing. We're on BetterMost  :D.

'nother idea what to do with the list: read it out loud at the very day itself, in front of all your relaives. Then confess which points you skipped. Or let them guess what you skipped (ouch, the latter could be hurtful. Do only with folks close to your heart or drunk  :laugh:).
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: Jeff Wrangler on November 08, 2007, 03:47:59 pm
You should have known, Meryl - we're Brokies!  ;D. We have better things to do with our time than cleaning and preparing.

Or working. ...

Quote
We're on BetterMost  :D.

'nother idea what to do with the list: read it out loud at the very day itself, in front of all your relaives. Then confess which points you skipped. Or let them guess what you skipped (ouch, the latter could be hurtful. Do only with folks close to your heart or drunk  :laugh:).

Better make that very drunk. ...  ;D
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: MaineWriter on November 08, 2007, 04:35:35 pm
Should I dig out MaineWriter's recipe for Lureen's Cheesey Potato Soup? I'm sure I've got it around here somewhere.  ;D

Yeah, you love that recipe, Jeff!
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: MaineWriter on November 08, 2007, 04:39:21 pm
:laugh:

I didn't think this list would generate such entertaining replies (pun intended).  ;D

What I cannot believe...and I mean this seriously...is that anyone who would have a list like that would serve a FROZEN turkey. This is the way I would have written it (mind you, not that I am doing this)....

Back in October, or maybe even June...

Put in your reservation for a fresh-killed, range fed, organic fresh turkey. Plan on a maximum turkey size of 12 lbs. for best flavor, with an estimate of 1 lb per guest at serving time. If you will have more than 12 guests, it is better to roast two turkeys, rather than one very large turkey which will inevitably dry out and be tasteless.

L

Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: Jeff Wrangler on November 08, 2007, 04:43:41 pm
What I cannot believe...and I mean this seriously...is that anyone who would have a list like that would serve a FROZEN turkey. This is the way I would have written it (mind you, not that I am doing this)....

Back in October, or maybe even June...

Put in your reservation for a fresh-killed, range fed, organic fresh turkey. Plan on a maximum turkey size of 12 lbs. for best flavor, with an estimate of 1 lb per guest at serving time. If you will have more than 12 guests, it is better to roast two turkeys, rather than one very large turkey which will inevitably dry out and be tasteless.

L



Which reminds me (if slightly OT), the place where we had a staff lunch last week no longer describes its chicken as "free-range." It's now "pastured."  :laugh:

Like cattle. Or sheep.

Imagine Ennis and Jack herding ... chickens. ...  :laugh:
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: Penthesilea on November 08, 2007, 05:09:32 pm
Which reminds me (if slightly OT), the place where we had a staff lunch last week no longer describes its chicken as "free-range." It's now "pastured."  :laugh:

Like cattle. Or sheep.

Imagine Ennis and Jack herding ... chickens. ...  :laugh:

 :laugh:

I just try to picture this... thousands of chickens on Brokeback Mountain ... Jack carrying two or three over the water .... the boys collecting and storing eggs all summer ... what a delightfull smell the eggs would have in August ... bah, I think I better stop now  :-X
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: Jeff Wrangler on November 08, 2007, 05:20:00 pm
(Morning after the hail storm)

Ennis: What a we do now, hunh?

Jack: Get in there an' untangle them Chilean chickens out a ours, I guess.

 ;D
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: serious crayons on November 08, 2007, 05:30:51 pm
Another idea what to do with the list: read it out loud at the very day itself, in front of all your relaives. Then confess which points you skipped. Or let them guess what you skipped (ouch, the latter could be hurtful. Do only with folks close to your heart or drunk  :laugh:).

In my case, we'd all be sitting in a restaurant, and the answers would be easy.  :laugh:

Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: Penthesilea on November 08, 2007, 05:40:14 pm
In my case, we'd all be sitting in a restaurant, and the answers would be easy.  :laugh:

You should write an alternative Thanksgiving preperations list for the same magazine. It'd be a short one:

Three weeks prior:
- Make a reservation at a restaurant of your choice

Fixed!  ;D
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: ifyoucantfixit on November 08, 2007, 05:55:40 pm



        I am starting to think of that as a good alternative too, Chrissi.

        But the pastured turkey still sounds appetizing.
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: Jeff Wrangler on November 08, 2007, 07:36:04 pm
        But the pastured turkey still sounds appetizing.

Hmm. Just think of the screenplay with "chickens" substituted for "sheep."

Joe Aguirre: "Twist, you boys wasn't gettin' paid to let the dogs babysit the chickens while you stemmed the rose."

****

(The sun sets in an orange sky. Jack plays his harmonica.)

Ennis (grinning): "You'll run them chickens off again if you don't quiet down."

 ;D
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: MaineWriter on November 08, 2007, 08:34:12 pm
You should write an alternative Thanksgiving preperations list for the same magazine. It'd be a short one:

Three weeks prior:
- Make a reservation at a restaurant of your choice

Fixed!  ;D

We went out to dinner once on Thanksgiving and I didn't really enjoy it. That is a meal that needs to be cooked at home, at least for me.

Fortunately, for me, Thanksgiving is pretty easy. Our family is small, so cooking is fairly easy--this year there will be 6 of us. And my mother is super-traditionalist, so every year we have the exact same menu with recipes that are all tried and true, fail proof favorites. Well, brussels sprouts are not my favorite so I refuse to cook them. I told my mother if she wants them, she has to bring them herself.

My mother was never much of a baker, so we all are completely accepting of pies from the bakery. We don't expect all sorts of fancy homemade desserts.

So, our menu, this year as every year:

Roast turkey with totally ordinary white bread stuffing, from my grandmother's recipe
Cranberry sauce (Ocean spray from a can is fine, but I usually make my own since it is brainless to do)
Mashed sweet potatoes with marshmallows on top
Creamed onions (which I make Thursday morning, while watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade)
Some sort of green vegetable (usually frozen peas)
Brussels sprouts (see above)
Aunt Cuyler's lime-cheese jello salad (because my father loves it)

Dessert: pies from the bakery, usually pumpkin

Before dinner: Shrimp with cocktail sauce, Brie with Carr's table water crackers

And...gasp!...I usually do the grocery shopping on Wednesday, despite what the list maker said.

L
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: ifyoucantfixit on November 08, 2007, 10:42:57 pm



        "            Them Sheep don't look right."          ;D
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: serious crayons on November 08, 2007, 10:44:14 pm
We went out to dinner once on Thanksgiving and I didn't really enjoy it. That is a meal that needs to be cooked at home, at least for me.

Me too, actually. I was kidding about the restaurant. We have Thanksgiving at my in-laws', and I make a sweet potato pie. I don't need a huge to-do list for that. I just have to remember to pick up the sweet potatoes and a pint of Jack Daniels or Wild Turkey.

Though I have had Thanksgiving dinner in restaurants a few times. One year, when living in New York, my husband and I ate at that diner whose exterior they showed on Seinfeld. The food was pretty bad, but the site was memorable.

Hmm. Just think of the screenplay with "chickens" substituted for "sheep."

"We're supposed to guard the chickens, not eat 'em."
"What's the matter with you? There's a thousand of 'em."
"I'll stick with beans."

"Eat your supper, breakfast in camp. But you sleep with the chickens, hunderd percent."

Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: Jeff Wrangler on November 08, 2007, 11:15:58 pm
Me too, actually. I was kidding about the restaurant. We have Thanksgiving at my in-laws', and I make a sweet potato pie. I don't need a huge to-do list for that. I just have to remember to pick up the sweet potatoes and a pint of Jack Daniels or Wild Turkey.

You put a whole pint of Jack in a sweet potato pie?  :o You take orders?  ;D

Quote
"We're supposed to guard the chickens, not eat 'em."
"What's the matter with you? There's a thousand of 'em."
"I'll stick with beans."

"Eat your supper, breakfast in camp. But you sleep with the chickens, hunderd percent."

I think we're writing a new chapter to "Brokeback Through the Looking Glass."  ;D
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: serious crayons on November 08, 2007, 11:46:41 pm
You put a whole pint of Jack in a sweet potato pie?  :o You take orders?  ;D

No, just a quarter cup goes in the pie. I use the rest to prepare myself for dinner at my in-laws'.  :laugh:


Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: fernly on November 09, 2007, 12:15:04 am
Hmm. Just think of the screenplay with "chickens" substituted for "sheep."

Joe Aguirre: "Twist, you boys wasn't gettin' paid to let the dogs babysit the chickens while you stemmed the rose."
****
(The sun sets in an orange sky. Jack plays his harmonica.)

Ennis (grinning): "You'll run them chickens off again if you don't quiet down."
 ;D

... thousands of chickens on Brokeback Mountain ... Jack carrying two or three over the water ....


"We're supposed to guard the chickens, not eat 'em."
"What's the matter with you? There's a thousand of 'em."
"I'll stick with beans."

"Eat your supper, breakfast in camp. But you sleep with the chickens, hunderd percent."

        "            Them Sheep don't look right."          ;D

 :laugh:  :laugh:   :laugh:   :laugh:




"Them paint brands got all wore pecked off."
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: belbbmfan on November 09, 2007, 06:11:28 am
Guys, this thread is a feast! Thank you.

What I cannot believe...and I mean this seriously...is that anyone who would have a list like that would serve a FROZEN turkey. This is the way I would have written it (mind you, not that I am doing this)....

Back in October, or maybe even June...

Put in your reservation for a fresh-killed, range fed, organic fresh turkey. Plan on a maximum turkey size of 12 lbs. for best flavor, with an estimate of 1 lb per guest at serving time. If you will have more than 12 guests, it is better to roast two turkeys, rather than one very large turkey which will inevitably dry out and be tasteless.

L



OMG, Leslie, it's not that bird you had running around in your garden is it??  :o
 ;D
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: MaineWriter on November 09, 2007, 10:12:48 am
Guys, this thread is a feast! Thank you.

OMG, Leslie, it's not that bird you had running around in your garden is it??  :o
 ;D

Pilgrim and Injun? Absolutely not! They are still running around in my backyard, as a matter of fact.

There are rules about hunting turkeys but I don't know what they are, since I don't hunt. And I could never eat a turkey that I have been watching mature for 6 months! A turkey from Hannaford (our grocery store) is fine with me.

L
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: Jeff Wrangler on November 09, 2007, 10:20:57 am
Pilgrim and Injun? Absolutely not! They are still running around in my backyard, as a matter of fact.

There are rules about hunting turkeys but I don't know what they are, since I don't hunt. And I could never eat a turkey that I have been watching mature for 6 months! A turkey from Hannaford (our grocery store) is fine with me.

L

Of course not! They're family!  :)
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: belbbmfan on November 09, 2007, 10:22:57 am
Pilgrim and Injun? Absolutely not! They are still running around in my backyard, as a matter of fact.

There are rules about hunting turkeys but I don't know what they are, since I don't hunt. And I could never eat a turkey that I have been watching mature for 6 months! A turkey from Hannaford (our grocery store) is fine with me.

L

Phew! Good to hear. I was just kidding of course...
  ;D

I didn't know they are still there. Is that a normal thing in Maine to have turkeys 'in the wild'? Or have they escaped from someone's garden?
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: MaineWriter on November 09, 2007, 10:55:25 am
Phew! Good to hear. I was just kidding of course...
  ;D

I didn't know they are still there. Is that a normal thing in Maine to have turkeys 'in the wild'? Or have they escaped from someone's garden?

No, these are definitely wild turkeys. Maine does have a population of wild turkeys which has been on the rebound lately, which is why they are showing up more in more populated areas, ie, the suburbs. Although my backyard is a pretty nice turkey habitat, all things considered!
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: MaineWriter on November 09, 2007, 10:55:42 am
Of course not! They're family!  :)

Yes, they are!
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: Jeff Wrangler on November 09, 2007, 11:01:48 am
Yes, they are!

 ;D
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: jstephens9 on November 19, 2007, 03:14:33 pm
Of course "perfect plants" are necessary. You want a sit and look at some dried-up, dead ol' philodendron while you're tryin' a carve a turkey with a electric carving knife?  ;)  ;D

Exactly Jeff!!! Who in the world would want to subject themselves to viewing a distressed plant? Oh yeah, and do you wash the linens in the guest room after you sleep there to see if everything is ok?
 :) :D :laugh:
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: jstephens9 on November 19, 2007, 03:16:45 pm
I got tired just reading the week of October 29!

So I didn't get through the whole thing. Did she include:

-- Start planning accusations to fling at ex-husband during after-dinner-dishwashing confrontation.
-- Buy peaches and milk for son's appetizer course.
-- Decide who you'll side with in husband-father masculinity showdown.



I was getting ready to say why do they not have any plans about what to do when the family arguments begin  :) Maybe that is why you need to order multiple bottles of wine - red and white  ;D
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: jstephens9 on November 19, 2007, 03:21:27 pm
No, just a quarter cup goes in the pie. I use the rest to prepare myself for dinner at my in-laws'.  :laugh:




Now that would work better than the wine  ;)
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: jstephens9 on November 19, 2007, 03:28:07 pm
This thread is one of the funniest things I have read in awhile. Leave it to Brokies to make all of this fun. You all are actually getting me in some kind of holiday spirit. And I love the chicken idea for Ennis and Jack  ;D

Speaking of wild turkeys, I have flocks of them in the yard. I live on the side of a mountain anyway, but I think since they started developing the top of the mountain the turkeys have moved downwards to get away. These turkeys are huge although they are very small when they are babies. They are about the size of a "baby chicken"

And hey you know that the hail storm would not be good for the eggs  ;) Ennis and Jack would have a major mess all the way around.
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: Meryl on November 24, 2009, 11:19:51 pm
BUMP!  It's never too late.  ;D
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: Front-Ranger on November 24, 2009, 11:36:29 pm
:laugh:

I just try to picture this... thousands of chickens on Brokeback Mountain ... Jack carrying two or three over the water .... the boys collecting and storing eggs all summer ... what a delightfull smell the eggs would have in August ... bah, I think I better stop now  :-X

My daughter was just walking our two chickens this morning. They really enjoyed it, craning their necks, pecking, and scratching with their feet. The chickens are producing lovely delicious eggs regularly, so they do not need to fear the knife of Thanksgiving. I just put three of their eggs into a pecan pumpkin pie.
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: serious crayons on November 25, 2009, 01:27:23 am
My daughter was just walking our two chickens this morning. They really enjoyed it, craning their necks, pecking, and scratching with their feet. The chickens are producing lovely delicious eggs regularly, so they do not need to fear the knife of Thanksgiving. I just put three of their eggs into a pecan pumpkin pie.

Nothing like eggs that are

a) fresh

b) from hens that don't spend their entire short lives in airless dark cages the size of a piece of printer paper eating drugged food with their beaks burned off and wire cutting into their feet.

I recently read Jonathan Safran Foer's "Eating Animals." I haven't stopped eating animal products -- just stopped enjoying them. You're lucky you can eat an omelet with a clean conscience, FRiend.

Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: Ellemeno on November 25, 2009, 02:01:54 am
Nothing like eggs that are

a) fresh

b) from hens that don't spend their entire short lives in airless dark cages the size of a piece of printer paper eating drugged food with their beaks burned off and wire cutting into their feet.

I recently read Jonathan Safran Foer's "Eating Animals." I haven't stopped eating animal products -- just stopped enjoying them. You're lucky you can eat an omelet with a clean conscience, FRiend.




Oh, I like the two novels I read by him.  I also know the lack of enjoyment in eating animal products.  (Have you read about turkeys?)

Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: Ellemeno on November 25, 2009, 02:10:16 am
My Thanksgiving To-Do List is very different than the last three years.

I now order groceries online, so that is a huge change.  I've got a large-ish order arriving tomorrow morning, in time to prepare for Thursday's feast.

Thursday's feast is only going to be for Mr. Meno, Mini-Meno, and me, so it's smaller, simpler, and more vegetarian than usual.

Because it's only going to be the three of us, the level of housecleaning required to prepare is hugely different.

So it's been pretty easy so far.  I picture us making the food together on Thursday, and it not taking very long, because there will be no turkey, and just a store-bought pie for dessert.  Kind of odd, a bit melancholy, but kind of nice too.  I'm hoping it will be dry enough for a longer-than-usual walk after the meal.

The family members that usually come for Thanksgiving are coming on Sunday instead, and instead of the usual sit around the house eating til we burst, and then playing charades, we're going to take everyone bowling, and then out for dinner!

So in a way, my Thanksgiving To-Do List is:

Be thankful.

Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: Front-Ranger on November 25, 2009, 11:09:56 am
It sounds perfectly lovely, Clarissa!

I'll be going to my daughter's boyfriend's parents' house for Thanksgiving. Whew, that's a lot of possessives! It will be fairly laid-back.

I know the To-Do list said don't shop on Wednesday, but my teenagers and their friends ate all the pie already, so I have to go get more pecans, more pie crusts, and more eggs! (I have maxed out the two hens!!)

Funny that you would mention JSF. There was an article by him in last Sunday's Parade Magazine called "Making Holiday Traditions Our Own." It's probably online too. Did you know that he lives (or lived) in the same building in Brooklyn as Heath, Michelle, and Matilda?
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: serious crayons on November 25, 2009, 12:30:39 pm
(Have you read about turkeys?)

Yes. And chickens. And cows. And fish. And pigs.

I'm not a huge pork-consumer, but one good thing is that my local upscale grocery store supplies pork from the very non-factory producers that JSF portrays in a relatively positive way. He's a vegan and is opposed to eating animal products in general, but he demonstrates that if you must eat them, non-factory-farmed is the way to go.

Not that I didn't know much of this, of course, at some level. It's just that JSF raises the knowledge to a much higher, more uncomfortable, more tragic and sickening, level.




Now back on topic. Happy preparations, everyone!



Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: Front-Ranger on November 25, 2009, 01:20:34 pm

Funny that you would mention JSF. There was an article by him in last Sunday's Parade Magazine called "Making Holiday Traditions Our Own." It's probably online too. Did you know that he lives (or lived) in the same building in Brooklyn as Heath, Michelle, and Matilda?

Here are two quotes from the article:

"We talk and talk, to and over one another, about the Orioles and Redskins, changes in the neighborhood, our accomplishments, and the anguish of others (our own anguish is off-limits)."

"My aunt always places a small pile of popcorn kernels on each plate, which, in the course of the meal, we transfer to the table as symbols of things we are thankful for." The popcorn comes back again at the end of the article, much like our beloved shirts.
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: Ellemeno on November 25, 2009, 11:16:40 pm

Funny that you would mention JSF. There was an article by him in last Sunday's Parade Magazine called "Making Holiday Traditions Our Own." It's probably online too. Did you know that he lives (or lived) in the same building in Brooklyn as Heath, Michelle, and Matilda?



We know they worked on some sort of 'Save Brooklyn' project together.  There's a photo of the four of them somewhere here.  He's married to Nicole Krauss, the author of The History of Love.  I used to think he was married to Nicola Kraus, author of my beloved Nanny Diaries, but he's not.
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: serious crayons on November 27, 2009, 02:31:42 am
To tie this conversation to another thread, the first time I ever heard of JSF was in the New Yorker, when they did a special issue featuring child young writers. This was right before Everything is Illuminated came out, and his story was an excerpt from that novel.

Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: Front-Ranger on November 14, 2010, 08:51:26 pm
Dang! I'm behind already! But one thing I did achieve: washing and polishing all the ceramic serving pieces, silver and crystal, as well as the glass shelves they are displayed on in my dining room. And...I didn't break anything!! I have no idea how I accomplished it all!!
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: Meryl on November 14, 2010, 11:20:28 pm
Thanks for bumping this thread, Lee.  It's always fun to re-read.  And congrats on getting that big job done!  8)
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: David In Indy on November 15, 2010, 02:40:00 am
Thanksgiving = Native American genocide.

And feel free to add Columbus Day to that list while you're at it.

I'm not saying you shouldn't celebrate it.... just celebrate it in the correct context. It didn't end happily for everyone. :-\



Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: serious crayons on November 15, 2010, 09:15:47 am
David, I know that the invasion of Europeans here was not great for Native Americans, and I can see why Columbus Day would not be something you'd want to celebrate.

But Thanksgiving? To me, Thanksgiving symbolizes one of the few bright spots in the history of European- and Native American relations. It's about celebrating friendship and good times. Granted that celebration may seem like small potatoes compared to all of the harm that followed, but nevertheless there's nothing negative about the holiday itself, in my view.

Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: David In Indy on November 15, 2010, 11:55:08 am
David, I know that the invasion of Europeans here was not great for Native Americans, and I can see why Columbus Day would not be something you'd want to celebrate.

But Thanksgiving? To me, Thanksgiving symbolizes one of the few bright spots in the history of European- and Native American relations. It's about celebrating friendship and good times. Granted that celebration may seem like small potatoes compared to all of the harm that followed, but nevertheless there's nothing negative about the holiday itself, in my view.



I do enjoy watching the Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Thanksgiving is the traditional kick-off to the Christmas season which is also very nice. :)

But we don't celebrate it in my family. And besides, I don't like the taste of turkey! :laugh:

And I heard Walmart and Sears will be open on Thanksgiving! Did anyone else hear that? So I may sneak out and do some shopping while the rest of America is eating their dinners! It would be weird to walk in there and have the entire store to myself! 8)
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: Front-Ranger on November 19, 2010, 02:01:34 pm
I consulted a book The 1623 Plimmoth Plantation Thanksgiving Celebration written by Cecil Inman, which says that 90 people attended the dinner. "The Pilgrims invited their 'few' Indian friends, but these friends brought their entire families and some, their entire village. But these same Indians brought five deer and cooked these animals outside over open fires."

The treatment of Native Americans was reprehensible and cruel, but I like to think that at this one feast at least, all celebrated the harvest in an amicable fashion. I wish it could have continued!
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: Jeff Wrangler on November 19, 2010, 02:36:22 pm
I do enjoy watching the Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Thanksgiving is the traditional kick-off to the Christmas season which is also very nice. :)

I never seem to get to see that, anymore, because Dad and I always have to travel in the morning to get to mid-day dinner with our cousins.

Quote
And I heard Walmart and Sears will be open on Thanksgiving! Did anyone else hear that? So I may sneak out and do some shopping while the rest of America is eating their dinners! It would be weird to walk in there and have the entire store to myself! 8)

I don't recall hearing Sears, but I did see Walmart listed as open, and add K-Mart to that list, too. I'm not sure how I feel about that.  :-\
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: Marge_Innavera on November 19, 2010, 02:46:15 pm
David, I know that the invasion of Europeans here was not great for Native Americans, and I can see why Columbus Day would not be something you'd want to celebrate.

But Thanksgiving? To me, Thanksgiving symbolizes one of the few bright spots in the history of European- and Native American relations. It's about celebrating friendship and good times. Granted that celebration may seem like small potatoes compared to all of the harm that followed, but nevertheless there's nothing negative about the holiday itself, in my view.

Thanksgiving is also one of the few holidays that's been neither over-commercialized nor politicized. We're not yet hearing about any "war on Thanksgiving" [crosses fingers].

As far as Columbus Day is concerned -- IMO we should have replaced it with "Eric the Red Day" a long time ago.   ;)
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: serious crayons on November 19, 2010, 02:50:22 pm
Thanksgiving is also one of the few holidays that's been neither over-commercialized

Lately, I'm not so sure. Thanksgiving is beginning to seem more and more like Black Friday Eve, a day for families to get together and plan where they're going to shop the next day.

Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: Jeff Wrangler on November 19, 2010, 03:06:40 pm
Thanksgiving is also one of the few holidays that's been neither over-commercialized nor politicized. We're not yet hearing about any "war on Thanksgiving" [crosses fingers].

As far as Columbus Day is concerned -- IMO we should have replaced it with "Eric the Red Day" a long time ago.   ;)

Which reminds me that a day or two ago I saw--or heard--something somewhere about it having been discovered that some Icelanders have some genes in common with Native Americans.  8)
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: Front-Ranger on November 19, 2012, 12:40:13 am
Oh no! It's almost Thanksgiving week and I haven't yet laid by "extra foil and plastic wrap, kitchen twine, trash bags, paper towels, toilet paper"!!!
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: Meryl on November 19, 2012, 01:59:30 am
Oh no! It's almost Thanksgiving week and I haven't yet laid by "extra foil and plastic wrap, kitchen twine, trash bags, paper towels, toilet paper"!!!

Get on the stick, Lee!  :laugh:
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: Jeff Wrangler on November 19, 2012, 10:15:55 am
Lately, I'm not so sure. Thanksgiving is beginning to seem more and more like Black Friday Eve, a day for families to get together and plan where they're going to shop the next day.

Oi. And this year they'll even be shopping on Thanksgiving.  :-\

(I suppose it's odd that it doesn't bother me that people may want to shop on Thanksgiving, but I feel sorry for the store employees who have to work so that others can shop. My heart always goes out to anyone working in retail this time of year.)
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: Jeff Wrangler on November 19, 2012, 10:16:49 am
Oh no! It's almost Thanksgiving week and I haven't yet laid by "extra foil and plastic wrap, kitchen twine, trash bags, paper towels, toilet paper"!!!

Personally, I'd put the toilet paper at the top of the list.  8)  ;D
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: Front-Ranger on November 20, 2013, 10:09:34 pm
Oh no! It's almost Thanksgiving week and I haven't yet laid by "extra foil and plastic wrap, kitchen twine, trash bags, paper towels, toilet paper"!!!

Once again I continue my last-minute panic attack!
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: Jeff Wrangler on November 20, 2013, 10:20:47 pm
Once again I continue my last-minute panic attack!

At least you're having a Thanksgiving panic attack. I've already had a Christmas panic attack.  :(
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: Luvlylittlewing on November 20, 2013, 10:45:55 pm
At least you're having a Thanksgiving panic attack. I've already had a Christmas panic attack.  :(

Already?  :)
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: Jeff Wrangler on November 21, 2013, 10:05:24 am
Already?  :)

Yes. I had it when I realized there are effectively only three weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: CellarDweller on November 05, 2018, 10:22:06 pm
I will  be making a pasta dish for Thanksgiving.  I'm thinking of bow tie pasta with a vodka sauce.
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: serious crayons on November 06, 2018, 09:18:23 am
I will  be making a pasta dish for Thanksgiving.  I'm thinking of bow tie pasta with a vodka sauce.

Very Italian of you! I love how people with different cultural backgrounds often add their own special dishes to the basic Thanksgiving dinner.

Do you make the sauce from scratch?

My own ancestral background appears to be some mix of British, Scottish and Irish. So I guess I could add colcannon and .. uh, haggis?  :P  No, never mind.  :laugh:



Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: CellarDweller on November 07, 2018, 12:00:56 am
Very Italian of you! I love how people with different cultural backgrounds often add their own special dishes to the basic Thanksgiving dinner.

Do you make the sauce from scratch?

My own ancestral background appears to be some mix of British, Scottish and Irish. So I guess I could add colcannon and .. uh, haggis?  :P  No, never mind.  :laugh:


LOL  :laugh:


My family has always done Italian on Thanksgiving, mixed with the traditional.

This year my sister-in-law is supposed to host, and she'll do the traditional stuff.  Mom will make her meatballs and sausage, and I'll make the pasta.

Yes, I will make the sauce pretty much from scratch.
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: CellarDweller on November 06, 2023, 03:37:42 pm
The apartment is set for Thanksgiving.

;D

This is the flag in the picture window, with orange lights around the perimeter.


(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53314404923_f1bdcb476b_c.jpg)
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: CellarDweller on November 06, 2023, 03:38:58 pm
These are the light up turkey frames that I have in the smaller windows.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53314159621_ea42926caa_c.jpg)
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: CellarDweller on November 06, 2023, 03:40:15 pm
One end table, to the left of my TV


(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53314404913_35c3b3d357_c.jpg)
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: CellarDweller on November 06, 2023, 03:41:20 pm
Second end table on the right of my TV.


(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53314634300_2a09a347be_c.jpg)
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: CellarDweller on November 06, 2023, 03:42:34 pm

coffee table in front of my couch.


(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53314404908_05fe28b2a0_c.jpg)
Title: Re: Thanksgiving To-Do List
Post by: Front-Ranger on November 06, 2023, 04:28:08 pm
So colorful! Thank you for observing Thanksgiving and not going straight from Halloween to Christmas like the stores do!!