Friday morning after the bird

I can report that all went better than well in the turkey apartment yesterday. The cooks shined. The turkey was moist, tender and tasty. Willie had two helpings of stuffing because it passed the "must taste like Gramma's test," and we had some variations on traditional dishes that surpassed all expectations.

It was a wonderful celebration, lots of fun, interesting people, and great atmosphere with the lights sparkling all around Lake Union. We're indebted to the real chefs who live in that apartment for allowing us to use all their utensils for getting the job done.

Just in case I forget to tell Annie, I did drop a spoon off the side of the stove and meant to pick it up later. I washed the dishes as fast as they were used and hope that everything is reasonably close to where it belongs.

My only flaw was stealing Annie's thunder by preparing the celery and Cheese Whiz. She wanted that job. We offered to lick the cheeze off the celery and let her do her artistic work later, but she declined and forgave me.

Speaking of Annie and where things belong, Annie did great preparation in the organizational department. The kitchen was plastered with post-it notes, identifying contents of all doors and drawers. We only encountered problems when steam from the simmering giblets provided adequate moisture for adhesive powers to go limp, hence post-its on the floor. But, we found enough items not to go hungry.

Now, it's pouring rain in Seattle, as it was when Bill and I walked back to the hotel from Annie's apartment last night. I guess I should clarify that; it was pouring mist then; now, they're full-fledged Seattle raindrops. So, we may have a wet time as we make our way back over the world's longest parking lot and head toward Sandpoint today.

Highlights of our hotel stay include the Loyola Merrymount basketball team lounging in the lobby. Yup, they were pretty high up there all right. They're in town to play the University of Washington tonight.

Willie and Debbie will be there to watch them, so they were pretty excited to talk to a few of them yesterday. We've also been able to meet many of Annie's co-workers, who all say she's the best. And, I don't think she paid them to say that either.

Bill will probably squeeze in a trip to REI today to check out their big sale. I might check out some items there too. Then, we'll say good bye to the kids and look forward to being home by early evening. Although I missed seeing the rest of the family, it's been a good break from a 57-year Thanksgiving tradition.

The family turkey traditions have moved along in grand style to a new generation. And, I'm sure the bathroom scales will concur.