Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Random Dozen - Thanksgiving Edition


To quote Lid at 2nd Cup of Coffee,

In addition to making this a Thanksgiving theme this week, we are bumping it up to the beginning of the week to prevent a "meme tank" on Wednesday and Thursday. That is, I think we'll be too busy later to get our Random on.

1. Are you sticking to traditional Thanksgiving foods this year, or are you being culinarily adventurous?

I am traditional all the way. The culinary adventure, however, lies in the fact that due to a variety of circumstances, my man's clan will be dining out on Thursday. I will miss the leftovers, but I am enjoying not having to scramble to bake and transport, and Thanksgiving morning will be nice and relaxing!

(I inadvertently typed The culinary adventure, however, lies in the fast. . . That WOULD be an adventure! That word has no place in the same sentence as Thanksgiving!

2. Tell me something concrete that you're thankful for. (Something you can literally touch, see, etc., not a concept like "hope.")

See that list to the right on my sidebar?

3. You knew the flip side was coming: Share about something intangible that you're thankful for.

See that list to the right on my sidebar?

4. Share one vivid Thanksgiving memory. It doesn't have to be deep or meaningful, just something that remains etched in your memory.

The first Thanksgiving Day I spent at my in-laws' house, which was before we got married. Probably 1986. The Main Event, probably surpassing even the meal in my future FIL's mind, was the annual game between his beloved Texas Aggies and the UT Longhorns. (Have I mentioned that my birth family bleeds burnt orange?) I sat in my chair and kept my mouth shut.

5. What is one thing that you know beyond a shadow of a doubt is going to happen this Thanksgiving because it always does, year after year?

That's a no-brainer: I'll eat one helping too many!

6. Do your pets get any left-overs?

What pets?

7. Does your family pray before the big meal? If so, do you join hands while seated, stand, repeat a formal prayer or offer a spontaneous prayer? Who does the praying?

We've always stood in a big circle in my MIL's living room and held hands while my FIL prays. When he became unable to, Mom would ask one of the sons to. I suspect we won't this year since we'll be at a restaurant and in such a big group.

8. Will you be watching football in the afternoon? If not, what will you be doing?

No football for me. UT/A&M don't play until Friday now. And I'm not glued to that game usually, anyway. Thanksgiving afternoon I intend to visit, doze, read or whatever!

9. There are two distinct camps of people on this issue: How do you feel about oysters in the dressing/stuffing?

Oysters belong in the ocean.

10. Do you consider yourself informed about the first Thanksgiving?

Moderately.

11. Which variety of pie will you be enjoying?

Pecan. Hopefully with a dollop of whipped cream on top.

12. Do you feel for the turkey?? (This is a humorous throw back question related to the 12th question in another Random Dozen!)

Nope. Only for the folks whose jobs are at the points from the turkey's last gobble to the arrival at the store/restaurant.


BTW, for those of you visiting from Lidna's for the Random Dozen, be sure to check out my Booked for the Holidays giveaway that started yesterday!




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17 comments:

quilly said...

I am making my very first Pecan Pie from scratch this year. It is my favorite so it is a surprise I've never made it, but I can usually get someone to bring one ....

Oh! You just reminded my of my 1st Thanksgiving at my former FIL's. M. introduced me and my FIL said, "Can you make gravy?" I said, "Yes." He said, "Good," then handed me an apron and a fork and pointed, "The kitchen is that way."

Cindy said...

Very fun post and I enjoyed your gratitude list. I may have to borrow your idea!

SnoWhite said...

I'm with you on #9!

SouthLakesMom said...

Linda, don't hesitate to pray in a restaurant, even with a big group!

I hope you enjoy your afternoon relaxing. Today I'm baking the pie, the cheesecake (blueberry swirl) and the cornbread for the stuffing. And oh, the cookies for the bus driver. The house already smells so good!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Kim said...

Pecan Pie lovers Unite! lol

Loved your answer to the question about oysters. hahaha Good one!

We'd probably celebrate Thanksgiving if we weren't the only Americans around for 30 miles. We work with nationals and the closest Americans are in Cordoba. I know wherever there is an ex-pat community, they tend to congregate on Thanksgiving day. Even if you can't find a turkey, chicken will do. Apple pie replaces pecan. Some kind of fruit chutney in lieu of cranberry sauce. Obviously lots of substitutions, but still the spirit of the thing is what counts, right?

Barbara H. said...

I LOVE your answer to #9 and agree wholeheartedly!

CeeCee said...

I'm with ya on 2,5, and 9. Enjoy your pecan pie! ;)

Melli said...

I have BEGGED for years to do Thanksgiving in a restaurant... I've been cooking EVERY Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner - single handedly - for 25 years! Thankfully, now my eldest lives nearby and we are having it at her house! We did last year too - but it was a fiasco! But I am just SO excited to have SOMEONE ELSE doing the majority of the cooking!!! Christmas will be back at my house. So I am ALL FOR your family's dinner out on Thursday! And if I had a praying family - I would pray in a restaurant! I personally LOVE to see people pray when they're out ...

Susanne said...

Oysters and dressing don't compute in my world, either.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Amy said...

Oysters belong in the ocean...couldn't have said it better.

I think you should stand at the restaurant and do your prayer...maybe it might inspire others.

Have a great day!!

Amy

Skoots1moM said...

i want to know WHO THE LADY WAS THAT FIRST PUT AN OYSTER IN PERFECTLY GOOD DRESSING...it had to be a MAN!
enjoy your Holiday!!

Jessie at Blog Schmog said...

Ha ha! I made a big typo too. Like your answers. Going out for dinner sounds like a plan to me. :)

bp said...

Pecan pie is my favorite. I always want a tiny sliver of pumpkin though, I can't handle too much of it!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Robin Lambright said...

Ditto on #9!

Happy Thanksgiving

Blessings
Robin

Susan said...

Love your answers. I hope you have a fabulous Thanksgiving. Blessings to you.

Susan

Lisa @ The Preacher's Wife said...

Oyster dressing. I seriously thought I was being punk'd the first time someone served it to me. So yes, I agree with you - leave the oysters in the deeps where they belong..:)

2nd Cup of Coffee said...

Loved it. You have a wonderful day tomorrow, my friend.