It’s midweek, formerly known in my working world as “Hump Day.” In retirement, however, it’s just another day and just as good as a Saturday. Our entertainment commitments are now down to just Thanksgiving before we head to Hawaii. Last night, it was friends from the neighborhood for appetizers and wine, wrapping up a very busy week of socializing. We’ll soon be resting up with two weeks in Kauai under the wing of Mother Marriott. 

I was admiring our new outdoor kitchen this morning. The polished stainless steel glistening in the sunlight. The DCS grill was purchased in Portland and moved several times. It has a built-in motorized rotisserie that somehow survived being stored all these years. The seller had also included a side-burner unit that’s remained in the original box. I take great satisfaction in deciding to save it, despite my wife’s reluctance to keep it since it took up so much space. For once, my pack-rat instincts paid off because it’s now built-in to the stonework and provides the gas burners that she loves to cook on. She was disappointed that we had bought an all-electric home, when a gas range was preferred but not an option. We added refrigerated drawers, a custom stainless steel exhaust hood, under counter storage, granite countertops, and a sink to the limestone base, a definite upgrade from the one we built in Austin. A decorative tile backsplash that coordinates with our kitchen completes the look.

I remember last using a similar rotisserie in Austin to roast our Thanksgiving turkey when my son and his family came to visit. The one we have now has yet to be used and won’t for awhile. My grandson has decided that he wants ham for Thanksgiving this year, so Honey Baked it is! We’ll pick it up on Monday when we’re at the nearby movie theatre. We saw Black Panther: Wakanda Forever for last week’s “Matinee Monday.” Hopefully, some new Thanksgiving releases will provide next week’s big screen entertainment. Pass the popcorn please!