Mmmm.  I have a recent holiday memory of working hard, being tired, and sitting down to eat a holiday meal and having every dish be a C-.  Worse, no one said a word about the C- dinner.  That night, quite thankfully, was not tonight. 

Today was about as good a day as I remember for a holiday dinner  at our house.  The girls helped all morning, and cooked, and set the table, and made place cards.  The food all turned out very, very well - instead of creamy onions, we went with braised onions, and they were fabulous.  A little tedious for peeling a pound of pearl onions, but worth the effort. 

We got the turkey in, had country style eggs in the D family tradition (eggs poached in heavy cream), and started cooking.  My sister Julie showed up and helped me cook, and it was nice to cook with someone who has known you your whole life.  Then Dad showed up, and Valla and Eddie showed up, and it really just felt comfortable, and like family, all day long. 

We had a great dessert, and hung out for a while.  Now we are all winding down and planning ahead for the next couple days.  

For the record, I am thankful, so very thankful, for my family.  I am thankful for good food, which I can eat, or not eat, as I choose.  I am thankful for electricity, and coffee, and red wine.  I am thankful for my education, and for my choice of a good man to marry.  And on top of all that, which makes me rich beyond measure, I am thankful for every one of you.  Happy Thanksgiving.