Just Raven

And so another Thanksgiving has come and gone. This year was much like last- our celebration and get together. We rented a lodge and invited over 100 people to come wine and dine with us. Many more showed up. What a lot of work it was.

Having so many different people of all walks of life together, in one big room, meant we had to cook for different tastes…doctors and nurses; aides; housekeepers and maintenance staff; fishermen; truck drivers; VP’s and Presidents of my employer; car mechanics and construction workers. Electricians and plumbers. Teachers and university professors.

The lodge is a perfect place to hold such a huge gathering. Many fireplaces and huge expanses of windows; an enormous industrial size kitchen with all the works; firepits outside for bonfires (the weather’s been WET and FOGGY and RAINY as usual).
Big comfy couches and large floor pillows and rocking chairs to accommodate so many. It was indeed perfect.

The Menu:
Chips and Dips and crackers and cheeses
Meatballs and homemade breads and fancy spreads
Corn Chowder
Clam Chowder
Veggie Soup
Turkey (22)
Stuffing
Mashed Potatoes (120lbs)
Sweet Potatoes (80lbs)
Baked Potatoes (50 lbs)
Lobster (24)
Baked Haddock (24)
Grilled Steaks (24)
Veggie Lasagna (7 pans)
Veggie Shepards Pie (4 pans)
Corn on the Cob
Green Beans
Carrots
Salads

Dessert:
Apple, pumpkin, blueberry, pecan and cranberry pies (7 each)
Chocolate pecan bake (6)
Brownies, cookies, apple crisps, ice creams and cake.
And lots of toppings and whipped cream.

All served on our best china: Paper plates.
LOL (YOU do all the dishes to support such a feast!!)

Coffee. Beer (7 kegs). Wine. Sodas.

It was a great time- cooking, laughing, making huge messes and cleaning it all up after. The feasting began last evening…
and lasted most the day today. There were barely any leftovers! Some got drunk; some had no booze to drink…others sipped ice water and sodas.

Everyone was thankful- for their lives, their families, friends and for the company. All of us have something in common- we’re all intertwined through my work. Husbands and wives, children, grandchildren, parents, siblings and long lost cousins. My work is the central piece of this puzzle that made up the big crowd. No one was snobby and uptight…everyone mingled with everyone else…lots of table hopping and bopping. A very relaxed and good time for all.

I’m home now and it’s good to be here. A very busy week is over. I’ve eaten so much I doubt I’ll chow down again for days!
Hope everyone had a wonderful ans safe and thankful day.