As you celebrate and gather with family and friends just want to share a few words to consider....These are not my own but from a friend, Syd who passed away last week....

"Gosh, a home cooking turkey dinner accompanied by good conversation and surrounded by friends"

"I think the decision to preserve and can was a good one though a lot a work cooking is always pleasant work.  The problem I've always had with cooking is timing, that is getting everything started at appropriate times so they are all finished at the same time.  I find my problem is that I never leave enough time for the cutting and cleaning.  So, unlike you I would never ever attempt to cook before a trip because my flight and my food would be ready at precisely the same moment.  It sounds like you are far more organized and experienced at cooking than I am and what is more you now have something to look forward to when you return.  I would imagine that the sauces and pickles will be a wonderful accompaniment to more than one memorable meal. You may wish to consider taking some of your preserves to the Thanksgiving supper not only would they be welcome but I think a fitting ingredient for a "harvest" meal."

"I imagine you are getting excited about all the family events this weekend.  Don't forget to just enjoy the people you are with and relax. " "The nice thing about family gatherings is that just attending, it doesn't matter if one enjoys the affair or not, just attending puts you in touch with who and what you are. "

"always a joyous occasion but I've found that I have to step back from all the festivities and remind myself that family gatherings are the center of our social existence, even with the tensions that sometimes go along with these events they are what community is all about.  Wow, the wonderful food, all the family stories and friends you haven't seen for a while and perhaps people you will never see again, sounds like an important chapter in your journal "