An epic Thanksgiving

traca

Well-known member
My friend organized a dinner for 40 Syrian refugees. 50 volunteers jumped in to help.

I'm not exactly sure how it happened, but I ended up making the turkey for this event. My refrigerator isn't big enough to hold 4 turkeys, so I picked up two, roasted and deboned them, then went back to the store and picked up two more turkeys. I deboned a total of three turkeys and left one whole as a "trophy" bird (thinking of the Norman Rockwell moment where we show off the turkey, then make a mad dash to cut it up for serving. Totally part of the American experience, right?)

I had two big foil pans--one white meat, one dark meat. The whole turkey I roasted that morning and it was still a bit warm when I arrived.

I made it clear I'd need the oven an hour before we eat and recommended the host tell folks to bring their crockpots, etc. That the oven would be occupied.

When I arrived, there was a volunteer who was clearly taking charge of the kitchen. She said, "There's no room in the oven. You're going to have to serve the turkey cold."

I lost my flipping mind! Two days of cooking turkey, all that work roasting and deboning, and the star of the show isn't going to be hot? In fact, it wasn't even room temp. The big white/dark meat pans had been in the fridge overnight. They were cold. Very cold.

I tried to tell her we worked out a deal days ago about the oven. She held her ground and said no.

The event organizer, dealing with media, the incoming refugees, and all the volunteer madness had to step in. I walked away and decided, my job here is done. I did my best. What they do from here, is up to them.

Apparently her "feathers were ruffled." (Mine too!) I took the high road and apologized for my reaction. That seemed to go over well.

Later, I learned, she's my friend's business partner.

Doh! I bet she gets things done. smileys/smile.gif

By the time the meal was served, I was so sick of turkey, I didn't even try it. It did make it in the oven, though I'm not sure how long....

Anyway, there are a ton of stories from yesterday. I shared a few on Facebook and some photos. It feels so petty to be arguing over the kitchen, when these refugees have walked across countries, endured ISIS bombing raids, and suddenly find themselves in a country they never intended to live.

https://www.facebook.com/tsavadogo/posts/10154114602784786?pnref=story

 
Wow! What a wonderful and charitable event to be a part of. The picutres are full of joy,

and I LOVE your story about the kitchen boss. I deal with volunteers all the time and it is amazing how there is always that one person who appoints themselves emperor. You were wise to keep your cool and I'm glad the turkey got warmed up.

 
I appreciate that so much. Usually I guess that 'emperor' is me. She kicked my crown to the curb!

 
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