Thanksgiving v. 2016

We got started really late on putting Thanksgiving on the table this year, so late that I didn't realize I hadn't even put on any make up until all of our guests had left.  They're all so great, no one said a word.

Our special guests this year were Barbara and Charlie, our dear German friends who have totally adopted their Americanized names.  They've only been back for a bit from their annual USofA visit, so they had some political tales to tell.

But it's not about politics.  Not really.  It's mostly about food - and fellowship.

The table.

The guests at the beginning, toasting our gathering with a glass - or two - of sparkling wine.  Since champagne comes only from Champagne, we settle for Sekt.

Ulli's tie, a nod to the origin and reason for our annual occasion here in Germany and just maybe a reference to the recent events in the USofA.  Yes, definitely.

 They brought a bouquet that made me laugh!

Politics aside, Turkey is King.  We sort of put the bird back together for the picture (though frankly it looks a bit naked), but we again did a spatchcock, the only way to do a turkey.  Really.

 Menu:

Caramelized onion and toasted bread soup.  Quite the hit.
The Turkey, with cornbread dresssing on the side and cranberry sauce.
Brussels sprouts with cream and garlic. Black eyed peas.
Sweet potatoes. Mashed potatoes.
Lots of gravy.
Pies:  Pecan and Pumpkin

Ah, just like there in the USofA, prep takes so much more time than eating it up.  Though there were lots of calls for seconds, and though we had down-sized everything this year, we had lots of leftovers. Frankly, that's OK.

We talked a bit and wrangled again about the walk, but most of us braved the chilly wind for a constitutional after the meal.  Franky, I have to, because if there is pecan pie, I have to eat it and I have to have room to enjoy it.

And I did.

 Clean up, clean up, the ditty goes.  And with our earlier meal time, clean up doesn't last until half-past dark.  Werner is the chief bottle-washer - I collect and dry up. 

And then it's done. The candles have burned down. All the glasses, all the dishes, all the pots and pans are ready to be put back where they live most of the year - cabinets, cellar, and attic!  I hope we don't have to wait a year to get the pretty Grandmother dishes out again.

Happy happy Thanksgiving to you all.