Thanksgiving On The Farm

Fresh Eggs on Thanksgiving Morning

There are days here on the "farm" where you truly realize your good fortune. Heading back to the chickens to feed and water them on a cold, wet morning is usually not my idea of a good time, but after feeding and watering them, for which they were eternally grateful, I opened the door to the coop and there waiting for me were eight of the most perfect brown eggs I've ever seen. I'm sure that's not true, as I've seen my fair share of eggs over the years, but it certainly felt like it.

We've been invited over to the Budd's house for Thanksgiving. This is our daughter Julia's fiance Mike's parents. It's nice to be invited somewhere else for a change, though I feel a touch of disappointment that we're not hosting the feast. The smells. The leftovers. My own sofa. Naps.

Even though Jane isn't supposed to be cooking the meal, she can't help herself. She's making two dishes, neither of which she's ever attempted before. The first is an extravagant side dish of roasted brussel sprouts cooked in brown butter, heavy cream, hazelnuts, and gorgonzola cheese. Decadent. The other dish is a pumpkin-based bread pudding featuring a few dozen ingredients. They both look and smell amazing.

It should be a fun day of eating, drinking and relaxing. At least for me. I'm sure the women will be working their asses off. And for that I am thankful.