It was a little eerie (a Lake of Eerie, if you will) that as soon as we all grouped up on Wednesday evening, the cooking started -- and not just any cooking, but coordinated, methodical gang-attacks that reduced plain foods into dishes worthy of the holiday table.

It was as if we had rehearsed or something, the way Marlo and Ree clicked right into high gear. That kitchen was humming! (Oh, and so was the grill outside -- at one point its grate was stacked with the dutch oven of potatoes, the full roasting pan of dressing, and the large tray of lasagna.)

We ate. We told ridiculous stories. It was a fanstastic holiday.

And yes, there's still a ton of leftover turkey. Can I interest anyone in a sammich?