Jeans

[turkey feather]

The Aura Jeans that I ordered came today and they are just what I wanted. Thanks again for the Cavender tip.  I wanted another pair while they were unchanged.

I have finally almost got my winter wardrobe changed and the summer things put away except for two shirts that need hand washed.

We are to have 70 degrees tomorrow then a cold front. I was surprised to see how few days I have to get ready for Thanksgiving. I just don't work as fast as before the hip replacement but I can say I have made good progress these past few weeks and I am thankful.

[Kay/NC]

The turkey is here, and the cranberry sauce is here, but nothing else is anywhere near here for Thanksgiving dinner. I ought to bake and freeze pies this week. Daughter is still holding on with the baby, which is good news, but I am doing her stuff instead of my own right now, and will again tomorrow. What is most important is her health right now...not one meal two weeks away.

Truly get your comment about not moving as quickly anymore. I get down about that, but Mike tells me constantly to pace things better...I guess the tortoise won the race that way, right?

[linda/IL]

Way behind here too.  DIL has had the flu & DS is gone on a weeklong hunting trip (grrr) so grandma has been in action.  Just hope one of the grands don't leave me the flu!!

Took Brian (DS) down for his MRI.  6 months checkup & makes me nervous after always doing 3 months tops.  Down again on Thurs. to hear results.  Wanted to try & do some shopping but we were at the hospital so long that there was no time for that.  Sat next to a gal who said she had all her Christmas presents bought, wrapped & bagged.  but she was still going to do Black Fri.  I'm a failure.  Don't even have grandson's present for Sun. yet.  I planned to stop for a cub scout shirt in Peoria but as I say, that didn't happen today.  maybe Thurs.

I have one pie frozen, and have been picking up a few groceries I will need.  Cranberries are in the freezer but not fixed.  The turkeys, named Thanksgiving & Christmas, are out running around yet.  I'm REALLY concerned that they will be too big for the roasting bag & pan!  May be buying one at the last minute.  LOL  Hope DIL starts to perk up so I can get some things done.

[Kay/NC]

I am sure the two birds would appreciate a reprieve. The main thing I get from your account is that you take care of so many people, it totally amazes me. I started out this morning at 8:30 with daughter's appointment, and got home from taking her old dog to the vet at about eight tonight, and I am exhausted. I don't see how you manage to do everything you do....

[turkey feather]

A tip for the turkeys. I wish I had known this years ago. Do you use a salt brine to soak the fresh birds in before cooking? it really makes a difference.

[linda/IL]

Never did that although I see a lot of it on cooking shows.  I just don't know WHAT I'd brine it in.  I just know these birds will be huge.  I'm really concerned about it.  Wanted to butcher sooner but then they wouldn't be FRESH according to DH.  (his whole idea)  Processing date is the 22nd.  Maybe we should put them on a diet but with freerange as they are how do you do that?

[turkey feather]

The bird needs to soak in the brine for a least 24 hours. Use a cup of salt to a couple of gallons of water and make enough to cover the bird. We do this to a lot of breast meat that I use in various ways. It makes the meat so much more tender. I am not sure trash bags are safe for food? but will work or a canner. We butchered our own birds for years and the meat was usually tough. This takes care of that problem. The processing plant does a quick chill in huge vats of salt water and ice.