Our Colorado Thanksgiving...

As one would expect on the Monday following the Thanksgiving Holiday, accounts and reviews of the "big" meal were hot water cooler topics at work. As such, the tales I was privy to included a 10 am "dinner" start, sweet potato vegetarian wraps for the main coarse, and of course the dreaded "dry turkey" experience. Listening to these reports stirred emotions of complete satisfaction and dread alike. The satisfaction stemming from the most pleasant, savory, and delicious experience that was Thanksgiving Dinner in Colorado as hosted by Rick and Marisa. The dread, as you have probably guessed, came knowing that sharing this satisfaction with the less than satisfied might spawn envy or even be misconstrued as bragadocio. Not giving into my fear, I gave of a full account of the meal that anyone taking on the daunting role of Turkey Day hostess (or host) would wish to duplicate. To me there seems to be two items that usually define the quality of the T-day dinner - the bird and bread. IF the the turkey cooked through, golden brown, and moist are primary criteria for success. All three were easily met, with the latter two exceeding the bar set by the Butter Ball folk. The bar for the bread has an even higher standard by which it is measured. Bread metrics are usually derived from some maternal line dating back multiple generations. Not wishing to show any irreverance to the heavenly creations of my own maternal lines, nor those I share through marriage, I will say that the dinner and orange rolls were a tribute and even rival to those of my own grandmother's and Mom Bentley's. While Marisa attributes this success to the Lion House, remember that poor execution of a great recipe equals bad rolls. Lets just say that a meticulous eye monitored the rate of rise and other important details easily overlooked by the novice or impatient. There were many other delightful dishes included, but due to the time I will say only that they complimented and enhanced the meal. This account would not be complete without noting Rachel's home made apple pie-in particular the filling.

Beyond the meal we had an all around great time with both sets of Colorado Bentley's. We had the opportunity to see much of the Air Force Academy, including the Chapel and take in the festivities of the Broadmoore Hotel's Christmas Lighting Ceremony, gingerbread village, and ice sculptures. Sam, Eliza, and Peter relished the time with all their cousins and already have trips planned to see them again. As Mary mentioned, it would have been great to have more or all of you also. What an awesome family we have!