Last year Thanksgiving was different for many of us and I embraced it with a smoked brisket. Dinner was just my husband and myself.

This year, things have opened up a little bit more. We talk about vaccines, boosters and masks. And we are finally gathering with our family and friends.

For me, it will be one of the smallest Thanksgiving dinners ever. My uncle along with my in-laws will make 6 for dinner. I ordered my fresh turkey from the Old Maple Lawn Turkey Farm in Fulton which is now called Sho Nuf… Same delicious turkeys, new name.

I picked up the bird today, Monday at Sho Nuf Turkey Farm and while I asked for a 10 pound bird, I ended up with a 15 pound one. It is almost surreal getting out of your car and walking by all the gobbling going on in the one barn. I peeked in to watch them be corralled into what I guess their last walk. Once inside the small white building, I stood in line along with dozens of others to pay for the main attraction for our Thanksgiving dinner.

I will be bringing out my grandmother Rose Behnke’s cookbook and go over her detailed instructions on cooking the best turkey and fixings ever! While I think I could make this dinner with my eyes closed after 42 years, I still love to see her handwritten notes all over that cookbook. I will be making my pies on Tuesday and since my grandchildren will be with us for the day, I think we might start on some Christmas cookies. Who knows, maybe we will bring out the Christmas Village and Nutcrackers to start the holiday season off right!

Wishing you a safe and very Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours! ~Stephanie