Okay, the opening of a real corny joke. What’s worse, I can’t think of a punch line.

But yesterday, four fresh turkeys appeared at my doorstep. Once again…

…the Feastival for seniors who live alone or don’t have family nearby, is starting to take shape.

Since 1998, my spouse and I have hosted an event that has established itself into a rather large but fun routine. We host senior pals from all over the area near where we live for a Thanksgiving pot-luck feast.

I “only” cook four turkeys. Our friends and visitors bring everything else. And I mean everything — from vegetables and desserts to drinks and even serving products (plates, utensils, etc.)

I have a good friend who owns a turkey farm in the northern part of our home state. Each year, he prepares four very large birds for me. By “prepare,” I mean that he takes care of the ugly stuff like killing them and cleaning the birds. I don’t know why removing feathers, feet, and heads is called “dressing,” but I digress. I can’t do that to any animal, though I can cook it after such preparation.

I have mostly recovered from that awful cold that I got while on travel last week. And I think by Wednesday, I will feel my energy rebound and excitement of anticipation of our event — the smiles, the laughter, the cheer — take hold and bring me to a new level of peace and contentment.

My spouse has done wonders cleaning the house. Wednesday, I will begin roasting two turkeys while running errands to pick up donations of supplies like drinks, plates, utensils, cups, and trash bags. Borrow folding and tray tables, as well as folding chairs, from the neighbors.

Wednesday evening, I will carve the two turkeys that I cooked during the day, and carefully put the meat on serving trays that fit within a refrigerator. Wrap it all up and store it for the night. (Likely I will also use my next-door neighbor’s extra fridge, too.)

Thursday morning — show time. Up before dawn, dress in comfy leather jeans, shirt and sweater. A pair of comfy boots that I can stand in all day — then I’m ready to take on greeting our guests.

I will put two more turkeys in the oven to roast during the day, so all visitors will smell that wonderful aroma when they arrive. I’ll carve those turkeys for the afternoon’s gaggle of guests.

We anticipate about 100 visitors over four three-hour and slightly overlapping shifts commencing at 10am throughout the day. My family and I have this all down to a science and I can pretty much relax and enjoy my friends and family who visit.

Visitors usually are picked up and brought over, rather than having them drive. Parking could be hard to find if we didn’t do that. Plus, and I have to say this gently, providing rides gets our early visitors to leave. Our first year of doing this taught us a difficult lesson. No one leaves if they drive themselves.

By the end of the day on our first year, we literally ran out of standing room. By providing rides, we can gently get people to leave by handing them a plate of leftovers, their coat, and escorting them to a car waiting to drive them back home.

Three sisters, two brothers, several nieces, nephews, and some “greats” will help make this holiday special — in my heart, and in our home. I am grateful for the opportunity to share our love with our neighbors.

I’ll be off line again for a while, but this time for a good reason. Conjuring smiles… my kind of work!

Life is short: show those you love how you love them and be grateful for the gifts you have to share.