BEACHSIDE THANKS

Thanksgiving celebrations changed locations this year because I wanted to give Annette a break from all the hard work she does for dinner - and boy did I sympathize!
She told me afterwards that "Its not making the actual dinner, its the 20 minutes leading up to it" You know, trying to get all the food on the table hot and ready to eat! Well she was right but I think it was intensified because of the size of my micro-kitchen. (Not quite as micro as yours Bobby, but tough enough to try to cook for 12 people).
I bought the groceries and a Honeysuckle turkey for $10 after a $2 off coupon. I made the potatoes the night before celebrating another holiday eve with Mac and Charles.
All went well the day of. I successfully served a 17 lb turkey, spiral ham, home-made mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, stuffing, Stouffer's mac & cheese, sauteed yellow squash, giblet gravy, hawaiian rolls, deviled eggs, cranberry sauce, birthday cake and pecan pie. In addition to that we also had a bushel of oysters, clams and AWESOME crab dip that Judy the neighbor brought over.
Grandpa and Gigi brought the ham. Aunt Corrie brought the cake for Gigi, sweet potatoes & deviled eggs and Steve and Carolyn bought the oysters and clams. Annette & Mac brought the plates, dishes, napkins, utensils, pie and Grandma McDougall. It was such a nice effort on EVERYONES part and everyone mingled nicely learning once again about each other. Some sat outside in the sunshine and some sat indoors but a nice time was had by all.
Annette helped me with her moist stuffing recipe and my Dad helped me with anti-turkey burning advice. Loads of compliments from my guests made my head swell with culinary pleasure. Everyone loved the stuffing in particular. Thanks Mom!
Grandma Bowers' (my grandma) birthday is Nov. 25 and Corrie got a cake and balloons to celebrate with everyone else on Thanksgiving. Her cake said, "Happy Birthday to a loving Mom, Wife, Grandma and friend". We pretty much just gave her cards and turkey. I am so glad to see her still dressing with such flair, when she loses that I will worry.
I didn't take many pictures but when I finally got done in the kitchen and had time for Kodak moments, this is what I did. . . I wish I had taken more.
Thank you everyone who came and we missed those of you who couldnt.