Happy Thanksgiving

Smoked Turkey!

My brothers are so kind, this week they are taking on the task of Thanksgiving dinner. We won't be having it today, but tomorrow night because one of my brother's son and grandsons will be coming over, and my sister and her husband and their very very spoiled extra cute puppy Gracie.

Pictured is the turkey, which my younger brother is smoking today - apparently it is a many hour process. It has been smoking with apple wood chips for about three hours so far, but apparently won't be finished until this evening sometime. He said it will be color of dark mahogony when it is complete. On the menu is a spiral cut ham, smoked turkey, home canned green beans, "party" potatoes (my brother from Cedar Rapids says its a staple there), relish trays (a tradition in our family), deviled eggs (my older brother's specialty), and homemade cheesecakes (chocolate/carmel turtle and kiwi varieties) raisin pie and black walunt chocolate pie.

I am trying to clean house today, but am just going to do what I can do, and that will have to be what it is. I have stayed home all week, working from home more each day. Monday was especially bad, but each day is getting better - I was able to eat a small portion of meat last night! Woo Hoo!!! Hoping I can eat some Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow.

Today is a day of reflection, and reaffirmation of the positive things in my life. I am especially thankful for:

My family, friends, and my furry family
My home, even as messy as it currently is
Days of good health
My job, which I love AND my employers, who are fantastic
My blogging friends in particular and the blogging community in general
Computers - I remember the days BEFORE personal computers
Sunshiney fall days
God's place in my daily life
Silk quilted coverlets so warm and light!
Occipital Stimulators and those who
made getting mine possible
All my other (and many) healthcare providers
Potato Peelers and Tater Mashers

The list could go on and on, but I've got to try to clean some more. I was resting a bit to write this and now I feel that I can return to picking up, sweeping, dusting, and mopping. It's amazing how dirty the floor seems to get when you can't keep up with your weekly routine!