September 6, 2012 Keepin' on keepin' on!

Tonight I don't have the thought block I experienced, albeit temporarily, last night.  An excellent night of dancing have the endorphins doing the happy dance, and as a result, the brain is primed and ready to exude!

It seems like everywhere you go, holiday magic is already being woven.  Even in my half torn apart house, the spirit is finding its way in, the giggles and secrets are starting, the meal planning and open invitations are going out to friends who might not have family close by.  We've discussed a couple of changes to our annual routine, and more than a couple of additions.  So today I was thinking about how both Heather and Mathom can't seem to get enough leftovers after Thanksgiving.  Even if it's just the 3 of us, a 25 pound bird just doesn't satisfy the two of them.  So it occurred to me today that maybe I need to think outside the box, or bird as it were, and look to alternative birds which might come in industrial sizes.  What came to mind today was the possibility of roasting, not a turkey, but an ostrich!  Surely I could find a 50 pounder which would keep the two little piggies happy for awhile!  The question is, how different in flavor would this alternative bird be?  And would I be able to roast it in the traditional fashion or would it require a divide and conquer approach.  I know for a fact that, as buff as I might be, there's no way I could lift a fully stuffed, 50 pound bird in and out of my oven, even assuming that the darn thing would fit!  This doesn't even take into consideration where one might purchase such a large morsel of tastiness.  I know there are ostrich ranches in Arizona, but do they even sell the birds for consumption, and,. if so, are they sold as the full bird, or do they only sell them in parts?   I know that it's unlikely I'll find such a delicacy at Costco or Von's, but do I have to find a fancy shmancy specialty store that sells truffles for $800 an ounce before I can find something more sublime than a mere turkey??? 

My curiosity piqued, I just had to do a google search, and found several purveyors of ostrich meat, but I also discovered a distressing fact.  Ostrich meat is more similar in flavor to beef than turkey!  I know I won't be able to sell the kids on beef flavored turkey for Thanksgiving.  So it's back to the drawing board.  Anyone know where I can find a 30 pound turkey???

Thanksgiving is only the start of our holiday insanity.  After we've done the keystone cops meet the Thanksgiving dinner preparation bit, stuffed ourselves beyond reason and made the requisite vat of turkey soup, we'll be setting our sights on Chanukah and Christmas.  That is not to say that preparations for those holidays aren't already underway, of course.  Shopping has already begun, and we're still over a month away from Halloween!  I'm starting to scope out my game plan for the night before Thanksgiving when the very best online Black Friday deals will have been filling my inbox for weeks!  I'm like the women who wait outside of Lohman's on sale day, and know exactly where in the store they're going to get that cashmere sweater or Evan Picone suit for 10 bucks!  But I don't have to fight the crowds, I just wait for the stroke of midnight to start placing my orders.  If I play my cards right again this year, I'll end up with enough Kohl's bucks to get some of the gifts for free! 

Just like Mrs. Claws, I'm making my list, checking it twice and making sure I get the best prices on everything.  After all, it's against my religion to pay retail! 


Hmmm, a new poem, perhaps? 

T'was Thanksgiving eve and the lights were down low. 
Mom was poised at the computer bathed in monitor glow. 
Open tabs, she had many, each marking a site
Where she'd rake in the deals by the end of the night. 

I guess it needs some work, but definitely a thought I may add on to as we get closer to the big night!  Meanwhile, I have tomorrow's breakfast to prepare, kitties to skritch and a bit of relaxing to do before I turn in for the night.

Love and light!