Swampbear, where do you get spiced apple rings? I have been without them for three years since I can’t find any! It doesn’t seem like a holiday without them.
Since one bro is in Reno with my Dad’s cousins and the other is dragooned to the in-laws this year (they’re Italian and great cooks, so he ain’t suffering) Mom and Dad and I, unable to find any orphans among family and friends who needed a feast this year as usual, said the heck with it and went to a restaurant with six other people, mostly from my church in Manhattan. Went to a little place on 40th St. off Fifth called Salmon River NYC; here’s the Thanksgiving menu, if it’s still up. I chose the soup, turkey, and pumpkin torte (OK, pie, but the cinnamon whipped cream was to die for). In fact, everything from the butternut squash soup to the thick, juicy turkey to the espresso was to die for, with portions just right. Afterwards we all strolled down two blocks to take in the Lord & Taylor Christmas display; it’s one of the great old department stores and puts on a lavish, animated series of Victorian tableaus, with meticulous attention to detail.
Yesterday we did see little bro and his family, though, with a smaller meal that featured ham instead of turkey. Played with the dogs and my little nephew and felt very mellow. 
Couple of great days, but I can already feel my waistline pressing against my jeans. Back to the diet until Christmas!