Random Dozen Early

Linda is doing the Random Dozen early this week due to you American friends celebrating Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, here in Canada, it's business as usual. No day off, no party, no turkey, no pie for us. Bummer.

Anyway, we do have Lid's Random Dozen. Join in and link up at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

1. Are you sticking to traditional Thanksgiving foods this year, or are you being culinarily adventurous? We love tradition at our house. The basics have to be there: turkey, stuffing, whipped potatoes, gravy, chocolate pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin pie. The sides is where I usually play a bit. I have to have some form of spaghetti squash and some form of yams (we don't get sweet potatoes up here). Although this last Thanksgiving I found an awesome recipe that was a bit hit so that too will be shuffled to the traditional must have list. That recipe is here. You have got to try it, it's awesome!

2. Tell me something concrete that you're thankful for. (Something you can literally touch, see, etc., not a concept like "hope.") I am thankful for my family. I'm thankful that in spite of our quirks we love each other and stick together.

3. You knew the flip side was coming: Share about something intangible that you're thankful for. I am thankful that God says in the bible that I can "cast all my care on Him because He cares for me!" That brings me much comfort and peace.

4. Share one vivid Thanksgiving memory. It doesn't have to be deep or meaningful, just something that remains etched in your memory. Our family always got together with my godparents and my sister's godparents. We were each other's family as none of us had actual relatives here in Canada. It was always fun. My parents would always some card game that I never the English name of but I think it was some form of rummy.

5. What is one thing that you know beyond a shadow of a doubt is going to happen this Thanksgiving because it always does, year after year? Well our Thanksgiving was in October but I can always guarantee that I will most definitely over eat! It happens every single year!

6. Do your pets get any left-overs? Absolutely.

7. Does your family pray before the big meal? If so, do you join hands while seated, stand, repeat a formal prayer or offer a spontaneous prayer? Who does the praying? Yes we do. We usually just all gather in the kitchen, not enough room around the table for everyone and bow our heads. No hand holding as we're scattered all over the room. Hubby usually does a spontaneous prayer.

8. Will you be watching football in the afternoon? If not, what will you be doing? Not a lot of sports fans in my family, we usually put a movie on, that some watch, some prefer to just visit.

9. There are two distinct camps of people on this issue: How do you feel about oysters in the dressing/stuffing? Gag! No! That is just a travesty!

10. Do you consider yourself informed about the first Thanksgiving? The very basics.

11. Which variety of pie will you be enjoying? I prefer my chocolate pumpkin cheesecake, but I do love pie too. Most any kind except mincemeat. I usually buy a pumpkin pie for those who are pumpkin pie purists and think the cheesecake is just unacceptable and usually some other kind of fruit pie for those who can't stand pumpkin.

12. Do you feel for the turkey?? (This is a humorous throw back question related to the 12th question in another Random Dozen!) I don't really think about it, it is what it is, but if I paused and did I might.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all you who are celebrating! And please, don't feel one speck of guilt if you think of me working away as usual, probably having mac and cheese for supper. Don't give it a thought. :v)