I didn't think I'd have a Thanksgiving this year. I was resigned to the fact that would be my first Thanksgiving-less year, me out alone in the wilds of Norway with my kids celebrating with my ex-wife. The day before I bought a pack of processed turkey slices, intending to eat a turkey sandwich alone for spite.

But the morning of Thanksgiving I had a change of heart. I had two folks working out at my business and my partner would be coming around lunch-time with a visiting professor from Bergen and asked if I could prepare some lunch. Prepare I would!

I went to the store and bought a marinaded turkey breast and other supplies. The turkey was frozen, so I tried for a quick-thaw with 90 minutes in a sink of warm water and then 90 minutes in the oven. Would it be enough? I made mashed potatoes and gravy, cooked carrots, beets, pears, cranberry juice, pie, and an assortment of crackers and cheeses. A "small" set of dishes, but good enough for short notice.

I set the table, placed out the food and candles, and then pulled the turkey, hoping against all hopes it would be ready. It was bright pink inside. Damnit!

BUT - remember the pack of sliced turkey product? I did! I opened the pack and did some turkey-origami to make the perfect bird shape. I brought it out on a cutting board with a flourish and proceeded to proudly carve the best Thankgiving turkey these Norwegians had ever seen!

We got half a bite each of turkey, but there was more than enough of everything else and it turned out to be a really lovely event. The real turkey was ready in the evening and made for delicious "left-overs". Thanksgiving turned out ok after all.