Thanksgiving 2015 and a New Vehicle

What could be better than having Thanksgiving dinner with good friends? Here’s how our day went.

First, the turkey was brined for 24 hours (Gloria and Frank helped me put it in the brine while Don was having dialysis on Wed morning), using a package of herbs and spices we bought at Bed, Bath & Beyond. This is the first time we’ve used a commercial brine kit – we’ve always made our own. But this turned out pretty good. This morning Don prepped the bird for cooking, rinsing off the brine and adding paprika, fresh lemons and other seasonings, and inserting the rack to position it in the Orion cooker.

We couldn’t find a turkey that was exactly 20 lbs – they were either 16 or 25. So we compromised on the only 22 lb turkey available. It did fit into the Orion cooker, but just barely. Frank claimed the wing that touched the side of the smoker. I hope he enjoys it – he took it home to eat later.

Don put the turkey in the cooker and loaded match light charcoal all around the base with a few briquettes on top.

Frank and Gloria supervised.

Then he lit the fire.

Flames showed everything was going as planned. By then, Gigi had come outside to help supervise.

Two and 1/2 hours later, the bird came out and rested for about 1/2 hour. It was then ready to carve, but parts started to fall apart before the knife hit it.

There was lots of turkey, even enough for ‘doggy bags’ for everyone.

Gloria & Frank and Mickey & Lynn brought lots of side dishes to go with the ones we provided.

I barely got the guys to look at me for a picture, but they were too busy eating to smile!

But we women smiled and enjoyed every bite.

Earlier in the evening, Gigi got comfortable with Mickey.

And yesterday, she relished the attention Gloria gave her.

Kisses are always fun!

And chest/belly rubs are the best.

Finally, some of you know that we bought a new-to-us 2014 Ford F-150 truck yesterday. Don’s thrilled to have a truck again, and we’re both amazed at all the bells and whistles on this vehicle. This smile says it all.

We had a pleasant experience at the Jim Click Ford dealership with salesman Carlos Rodriguez, who even complimented me on my negotiation skills. I have to admit I learned from some experts, including our friend Dennis Hill. Plus I used my librarian skills online to find a fair price, and we paid a figure in the low part of the range.

I’m not crazy about the black color, but the features and the deal won me over. We’ll both enjoy this vehicle for many years to come.

We’re keeping Carrie the CR-V as a second car while we’re in Arizona. And when we start traveling again she will be parked on our lot in Benson and have a long nap until we return.

Overall, this has been a memorable and meaningful Thanksgiving for us. We’re so thankful for the health we have and the friends we can enjoy time with. Life is good!