Turkey Thursday!

So, today is the day that people in my culture typically stop and give thanks for the blessings of the year. Not because of some silly story about pilgrims and natives, but because a common thread in agricultural societies is to give thanks and feast at harvest time. If anything can be learned from the historical tale of the first American Thanksgiving, it might be that we ought to give aid to those immigrants who seek relief from religious persecution and economic hardship.

But Americans also eat a lot of turkey, and then make plans to go buy tons of stuff the next day, or rather that evening or at midnight. One year Dan and I were attempting to enter a Circuit City on Black Friday, and nearly got run down in the crosswalk. Ever seen pedestrian road rage? Midnight Cowboy, anyone? It wasn't that bad, but I think he kicked and possibly dented the woman's car. Anyway, we decided to never again leave the house on Black Friday, and do all of our shopping of Black Friday deals online instead. Instead of making this post all about Christmas shopping, I'll get back to the turkey.

Most years Dan and Sam and I have celebrated Turkey Day at my mom and dad's house, with whichever members of our extended family can make it. There are usually a few "extra" folks, either Dan's sister and her family, grandparents, cousins, friends, etc. We don't have a lot of commitments that day, and don't have to argue about which side of the family to visit since Dan's dad is no longer with us and his mom hasn't been on speaking terms with us for more than 6 years. Not that she ever would have hosted, anyway.

Unfortunately, this year we're all in the midst of the cold that would not take no for an answer. So my poor mom is making this gigantic 22-lb bird that not as many people will be there to eat.  She just made a hilarious plea on Facebook to ask people to ditch their plans and join her. Luckily for me, we made the call not to attend yesterday morning, in time to thaw a small chicken to roast for the three of us. I'd already bought crescent rolls to take to my mom's, and had gotten an inexpensive frozen pie "just because" a week or two ago. Dan worked a half day on Wednesday, so he was able to stop and pick up the few other things to round out the meal.

At this point I started typing a list of things I am thankful for, and realized I needed to split it into two posts. I'm thankful for all of my blessings, to be detailed in a later post!