Okay, so I screwed up....

Since Lu left at 5:00 AM, I had a bit of time before I needed to get ready to go to Jake and Carla's. So, I made scrambled eggs, grits and bacon in the oven for breakfast. After eating, here's where I screwed up...

Decided it was a good time to use the self-cleaning oven feature. And, while I was at it, decided to put the charcoal grill grates in there, too (recommended by the manufacture).

For a few hours, no problem... Then each smoke detector went off. Opened the kitchen window, turned on the kitchen fan, and disconnected each smoke detector. Instead of getting better, it got worse!

Acrid smoke filled the house (you could look up the word "acrid" but trust me, my nose started running, and my eyes started watering). Gave up on the original plan, and opened every window in y house (WIDE OPEN). Retreated to the bedroom (and turned that fan on) and tried to get Scruffy in there. But, Scruffy was glued to the living room window and wouldn't budge. (Smart cat!)

Not sure if it was the grille grates, or something in the oven, but it seemed to burn off by 11:00 AM. Still, the stink lingers. I'll give it another half hour, then start closing the windows...

Took a shower and headed over to Jake and Carla's. It was nice to see Tiara (Carla's niece ) again. She is a very smart, very funny, lovely young woman.

Dinner was fantastic, of course. Not sure if it was the brine he used, the way he smoked it, or the fact they bought a fresh (instead of frozen) turkey this year, but that was the most juicy turkey I think I ever ate. Sides made by Carla included a potato and fennel gratin, cornbread stuffing with apples and sausage, collard greens and macaroni and cheese.All excellent.

We watched a movie after dinner and then I left, ladened with leftovers.

I got home, slipped into something more comfortable and watched some TV. At 10:00 PM, I had my first turkey sandwich...