COLD TURKEY

We've had it. Up to here. (pointing to throat!) Thanksgiving dinner, that is. And it was wonderful. My daughter, with her husband's help, prepared almost all the meal. He is a great help in the kitchen. I had volunteered my assistance but I had a bad night with very little sleep (arthritis, that has been aggravated by our latest cold spell). I fell asleep sometime around daylight and it was ten o'clock before I arose. Thankfully, I had already prepared my part of the feast before bedtime. I had cornbread stuffing, broccoli casserole , and a fruit tray in the fridge. (I thought I was getting off easy with the fruit tray, but I realized later how time consuming it is to prepare one. But it was pretty, colorful and appreciated. My picky grandson so loves all fruits and melons. This week I went through my Lecture #12, (according to my daughter) about being frugal and not preparing too much food, as we usually do. With the economy being so scary, I doubled up on the intensity. To which Kammy replied, "Now, Mom, I only have one way of cooking for company, Food and lots of it." And she is a great cook, taught by my mother. I can't take credit for that. And what a spread it was! Turkey, ham, smashed potatoes/gravy, stuffing, cranberry salad, chicken tetrazzini, green beans, corn, birthday cake( my sweetie's), pumpkin and apple pies, rolls, and punch. She had asked what my boy friend likes and I had said sweet potato casserole but she forgot to buy them and made a whipped carrot casserole that tasted almost exactly like the yam one. Even fooled my sweetie. Did we overindulge? Of course! But I observed my daughter loading up the left-overs so that each family could take some home for supper. They took plates to their bachelor neighbor, and still had enough to eat for a day or two for themselves. It may have gone to waist, but for sure, it did not go to waste. There was a feeling of great thankfulness for the years bounty and God's blessings for us. We prayed for the safety of the twin son who is now is Iraq. Hopefully he will be there with his brother, who has already returned from Iraq, next Thanksgiving. A career man, this is his second tour there. We had dinner on Sunday, instead of Thursday, so that some could be with parents on that day. One parent just got out of the hospital, and could not come but they will be with him on Thanksgiving. I am re- minded by my children that the last ten years of my mother's lifed, she sweetly told us that each holiday might be her last one to spend with us. Until it finally was. However, my parent's presence is felt, in observing the rich traditions and warm family fellowship that we cherish so much.

(That warm turkey was wonderful, but

I am looking forward to sandwiches for

lunch today, and I haven't even had my

breakfast yet.) Happy Thanksgiving, to

all my friends and journalers, where-ever

you are. Give thanks!