Autumn

Autumn

Friday, November 25, 2011

The Day After

Not sure about you but I'm tired. It's been said by some that Thanksgiving is their 'favorite' holiday, which is understandable, but for the person in the kitchen on their feet for most of the day, I'd bet it isn't.

I was that person yesterday. I'd begun my preps the evening before; took it easy, put my stock to simmer, chopped my vegetables and herbs. My 'mise enplace' saves me a good hour of work on the big day. Sweet Wife helped a bit but truthfully the less people in my kitchen the better; most just get in my way.

Even Little Bit tried to help. She was able to spend Wednesday evening and Thanksgiving day with us. She had a good time. When she approached asking if I needed assistance in the kitchen I, or course, said sure. Kitchens with their open gas burners and sharp knives (and trust me mine are very sharp) are really not good hang outs for children. Anyway, she helped Papa with the turkey prep. Ever seen a little girl with both hands covered in semi-melted butter rub a turkey breast....then, wipe her face.

I was in the kitchen from 0800 until well after 1400....my feet hurt.

I'm at the office now. Just opened the shop because the media said I should and I've heard talk of Black Fridays....we'll see. So far it's very quiet. The coffee is on and I've just jerked myself a cup, so come on down and join me. We'll chat, shot the poop, tell tall tales of days gone by when our blood still ran rich and hot.

Just received word via text that my good friend ShooterSteve proposed to his girlfriend yesterday at Thanksgiving dinner. My understanding is he shocked the heck out of her and she melted and said yes. I'm very happy for them. May the Good Lord bless them both.

I'd like to leave you a picture taken yesterday just after Little Bit had her hair done by her Nana. She was all proud, told me she was now my little Bohemian. I glanced at her Nana for an explanation, all she said was, she takes after you, she reads. Oh well.


You guys have a great day and I'll see you later.

Stephen

7 comments:

  1. Nothing nicer than a grandchild helping in the kitchen. I always limit MKid to stirring - especially browning onions (which are past the eye burning stage). As you say - no knife work - at all. But they also love washing veggies, peeling potatoes with a peeler, and helping with dessert - definitely helping with dessert!

    Glad you all had a good day :)

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  2. Alas the poor KP hours to make and then the ravening hoards consume it all in but a few frenzied minutes.

    Congratulations to ShooterSteve continuing the fine American tradition of surprise while the opposition is woozy from a big holiday feast.

    Ah the joys of a literary child I foresee many complicated questions for Papa in the future.

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  3. Yeah.. same here with controling the kitchen. I rather love doing it, but the endless chopping for hours really does a number on my back.

    It is great that you let Little Bit help in the kitchen. :) My daughter learned fractions by baking, and a tiny intro to chemistry. You're a brave one to tackle that while making a holiday meal!

    I'm laughing because Odysseus is right about the questions... hee hee! Although if you are lucky.. Nana gets the whoppers while you get to giggle from across the room.

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  4. Thanksgiving is always one of my favorite holidays :) It was pretty exciting this year because I got to help in the kitchen with the sharp knives. It was Thanksgiving and Christmas where I really learned how to cook.

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  5. Dani, thank you. I careful to limit her exposure to any knives, but she really wants to help.

    Odysseus, I see those questions rising up to haunt me one of these days.

    Anne, let's hope that's true...

    BlueEyedBaby, good for you...I know your Dad was happy to have you back

    Thank you all for the nice comments.

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  6. Stephen, dear friend - i am sorry that you were tired but glad that you had a nice day! our Thanksgiving Dinner sucked the big wazoo - everything that could go wrong - DID!

    but we sucked it up, got a glass of wine and got in the hottub!

    Little Bit's hair is gorgeous and sooo Bohemian. i told you in a previous post that you are in for it....you are really in for it! she is going to put you through the grinder for the rest of your life and her ability to wrap you around her finger is only going to get worse! i feel for you buddy!

    your friend,
    kymber

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  7. kymber, thanks. She is something, isn't she. I afraid you're correct. She'll have me wrapped around her fingers for life.

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