Preparations

The days leading up to Thanksgiving are always a flurry of activity. Carpets have been steam cleaned. New rugs have been thrown down in the kitchen and bathroom. Rooms have been 27 fling boogied. The Hummell plates on the wall have been washed and rehung. The silver's been polished.

In addition to the cleaning there's food prep to be done. For the first time ever this year, we bought a fresh turkey. This morning we brined it John Kass style.

And of course, it's not really Thanksgiving until Grandma and Grandpa show up. My mom made rolls and chocolate chip cookies. According to my kids, Grandma's chocolate chip cookies are the best EVER, and she always brings a batch when she comes for a visit.

I've got 7 pounds of butter, 2 quarts of cream and lots of fresh herbs. My fridge is full of fresh produce. The menu is set. The timetable has been posted. Bring it!