It's Just Me

Thanksgiving was extremely difficult last year. My Mother passed away on October 24th. For years now, Thanksgiving and Christmas had been at my house since I have the only Grandchild. My Mom really really enjoyed not cooking any longer and while I would stress myself out a bit worrying if it was all ok, it usually was and I loved hearing my Mom rave about my food.

I looooovvve food and love to cook. But I know I got that from my Mom and then from her Mom too. My Gramma was an excellent cook and My Mom was too. My Mom worked full time when we were growing up but we didn't get fast food often or eat out that much. My Mom or Gramma usually cooked.

So anyway, last year was a disaster. We were all sad, and my food really was not good. I bought a huge turkey and it took too long to cook and was just yucky. Gravy was bad... Ughh

Well this year I have a new enthusiasm. I figure that now Mom is watching and we are all more settled with her being in a better place with plenty of loved ones. So I'm actually excited to cook this year. And it shows - since I have everything I need already.

I enjoy cooking for my Sister - she was the baby and she just never really cooked much. She spent quite a few years in Georgia and they ate differently for Thanksgiving there and so she missed our Western Thanksgiving traditional food. At least what we consider traditional. Roast Turkey with bread stuffing (lots of sage and onion and celery), mashed potatoes and gravy, jellied cranberry, rolls, corn, green bean casserole, candied yams. I'm adding cranberry orange bread, ambrosia and a turtle pumpkin pie this year.

My employees are taking Friday off so I'm going to take Wednesday off - that way I can really take my time prepping.

Once the day comes I'll get up and get the bird ready, stuffed and in the oven. The rest of the day will fall into place. My Sister will come over. We may have a beer or glass of wine. Maybe watch some football - but often times we end up popping in Christmas Vacation! If it's cold enough we'll have a fire.

I hope we will all enjoy the day and not be too sad. Mom wouldn't want us to be sad. She'd want us to enjoy (she once told me she loved to cook for me and watch me eat because I enjoyed it so much!).

I'm thankful for my Husband, Sister, Son. And the many many friends I have. And for my work Family too. I'm thankful that the company I work for is hanging in there in this economy. We usually enjoy a little something at Thanksgiving and a little something more at Christmas time - but this year it won't come. Still I'm thankful to be working and looking forward to things getting better.

I'm thankful for all my Mom taught me - including cooking. And I'll put my all into it for her!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!