Presenting…drumstick, please…an encore presentation of my annual Ode to Thanksgiving, set to the tune of “Leaving on a Jet Plane” (with my humblest apologies to the late, great John Denver). Enjoy!

Well the turkey’s bought, it’s thawing now.
It looked much smaller at the store.
I just can’t fill my oven with this bird.
The pies need baking, the stuffing too.
The rolls can wait, but what to do?
Already I’m so worried I could cry.

“So grill it and bake the rest,”
That’s what my dear spouse just said.
“Cook it on a bed of hot charcoal.”
‘Cause I’m anxious about Thanksgiving
Don’t know why I offered to host again.
I tell you now, this is the last time.
There’s no way we’re grilling, it just won’t fit.
With no time to dig a barbecue pit,
I tell my spouse, “Go get some more charcoal.
Everyone will love it,” I reassure.
“Every hour you’ll check the temperature.
When it’s done, I’ll have mine with a roll.”

“So grill it and bake the rest,”
That’s what my dear spouse just said.
“Cook it on a bed of hot charcoal.”
‘Cause I’m wonderin’ about Thanksgiving.
Don’t know why I offered to host again.
I tell you now, this might be OK.

But the grill is just a little Weber
Not a big gas-fueled number.
The vents are clogged and we’re out of mesquite chips.
“It doesn’t matter,” my hubby reasoned.
“The meat will cook, the outside’s seasoned.
Don’t worry now. Just enjoy the day.”

“So grill it and bake the rest,”
That’s what my dear spouse just said.
“Cook it on a bed of hot charcoal.”
‘Cause I’m excited about Thanksgiving
Don’t know why I offered to host again.
But in hindsight, not a bad idea.

‘Cause I’m really loving Thanksgiving
So glad I offered to host again.
I tell you now, I’ve never felt so blest!