I remember our Thanksgivings in Cle Elum, it seems like it took so long to prepare and to clean up, the food was always tasty, but man, I agree, does it have to require so much prep and clean-up? That being said, however, I would do it all over again just to have my hear folks and friend back for another Thanksgiving.
Yesterday, even though New Zealand doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving, Steve and I had a special dinner. We had chicken, it was a delicious whole chicken that you cook in its bag, it is called "Chicken in a bag" very easy and very moist, no additives, just a chicken that they have prepared and put into a plastic bag for cooking, it stays in the bag so no mess for that part at least. We also had baby peas, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and for dessert a delicious slice of banana cream pie. I was pleasantly full after-wards. All in all, it was nice, but I will admit that I shed a tear or two over my dear parents, I do all holidays though, so it is nothing new, I do it in private, I don't want Steve to feel bad, he would try to comfort me, but it embarrasses me. Oh well. Such is life. (((((hugs))))