Next Up ... Black Friday

Thanksgiving was a success. *big sigh of relief*  I've had some good years, great years and TOTAL BOMB years (quiet a few actually).  Fingers are always crossed until the meal is on the table.  Even though I feel like I can cook it in my sleep at this point, I still have the ability to mess up -- especially in those final moments.  (Forget something in the oven, burn something on the stove, etc.)

Costco fresh, organic turkey was as good as Whole Foods and a lot less expensive.  Everything turned out perfectly (if I do say so) -- nothing overdone, burnt or underdone.  Turkey was ready early.  Am I the only one with this issue -- every year it's early?  I look it up each year to confirm approximate cooking time (size of turkey, temperature of oven).  Early by TWO HOURS.

It had a good rest while we waited for dinner around 3:30.  A little earlier than I had planned, but it worked out fine.  Five dogs need a lot of attention in the morning and at night.  This gave US some good resting before all the dog chaos began.

Parker giving me sass lip -- turkey was out and he didn't have any yet.
This boy LOVES bird day -- the smell gets him so excited.

FINALLY!
Dogs were ready for taste testing.

Waiting their turn.
Good doggies!

Not a fancy table.
Hard when it's only set for 3 people.
Looked a little better with the food on it :)

Today hubby and I are leaving all dogs and going to our local winery.  Enjoying the mountains, fresh air and a local shop Black Friday event.  A day of rest.  Black Friday is a zoo everywhere so maybe this will be a little less hectic.  My shopping is mostly online, as usual.

Tomorrow we're decorating for Christmas and Sunday is dog return day and adoption day for Rosa.  Monday will be a nice recoup day.

Enjoy leftover day, Black Friday and hopefully a little piece and quiet.  Later gators.