Thanksgiving Small

Our Thanksgiving turkey, about 10 years ago. 

And today.

Boy, did that turkey shrink over the years!  

Yes, Thanksgiving this year was a bit smaller, to say the least. Until last year, there were either 8, 9 or 10 of us around the table for our feast, but we're in the middle of getting ready to move. You can imagine, the ambience leaves something to be desired among other issues.

On top of that, finding a date when all of these retired folks who have no regular jobs can actually get together turned out to be problematic this year. So, no Thanksgiving for the crowd. But, you know, I can't not do Thanksgiving. 

So, smaller all around. The bird was only 5 pounds and came from France; I will remember that. There were giblets in the cavity and the wing tips were still attached, plenty of skin over the neck and the bottom, unlike the German variety.

But it's not just about turkey. It's the dressing! It's the cranberry sauce! It's the sides! 

Of course it didn't take as much work as Thanksgiving for 10, but it took a while. And worth every minute. Black-eyed peas, mash and gravy, brussels sprouts, even did a little side salad. 

Now the bones are simmering and the few leftovers are put away. Tomorrow there's a turkey sandwich on the menu and later, turkey pot pie and white chili. 

Let's see what happens next year in the new digs.