Great Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving day was a great blend of mouth watering holiday food favorites and family fun. Since we hosted the family gathering our day began early so that the final preparations could be completed before the celebrants would arrive. Connie arose earliest to put the bird into the oven. Then she had one little project left undone- head bands for the competing teams. Several years ago teams were formed to compete over a long afternoon of softball, soccer, basketball, and tennis. The teams changed up as intested varied. The following year, and since, team captains were chosen for a friendly soccer competition. To kick the team concept up a notch the captains chose a name and provided some team apparel such as a tee shirt or headband. A tradition was born.

Last year we had dinner at a restaurant and the team competition was not exported with us to the Proud Bird. The parking lot there offered enough space where something could have been attempted but- nah! With the rather small group this year where we had 15 total versus the 21 last year and the max that approached 45 for the peak year, the team captains never emerged. Connie ended up putting together two sets of headbands for teams Snowflakes and Ornaments.

The boys and I helped with some of the cleaning, furniture moves, and even a last run to the market. Slowly the guests arrive and since we have always followed a pot luck format, the banquet was slowly coming together. Jeanette brought a gorgeous looking ham- no not Tom, be nice, Chris and Marie brought fixin's for steamed vegetables and corn bread, Nicole and Ron lugged what seemed like a barrel of mashed potatoes. They also brought various wines, beer, biscuits, and gravies. Meanwhile Connie prepared two turkeys, four small pies, salads, string beans, stuffing, and gravy inspired by Paula Dean. As usual there was plenty of great eats and lots of left overs.

Dinner was served a little before 2:30 which was later than planned but in line with prior years. Rosie and Brian had dinner at her folks and joined us at 3 for dessert. They even brought Buddy who kept Dinker entertained and annoyed all day. Dinker was so tired at the end of the day that he konked out on his bed and slept with his tongue hanging out of his mouth.

After some consideration, soccer play was replaced by a Pictionary competition. Pictionary rules have changed a bit and offered a good Girls vs Boys duel. After several shifts in momentums, the girls pulled out the victory and were awarded medals that Connie also put together with some shiny things, material and a glue gun. Coffee and desserts were served to all.

The boys played Pictionary with us but spent most of the day either watching Youtube videos or playing outdoors. It was different not having little ones around. All the little guys have grown up! Clean up was a breeze this year since there were fewer messes and fewer people. The one "mess" was left by Buddy by the back door-oops! As always, there was lots of helping hands to straighten up and clean dishes.

The boys grabbed their pillows and went home with Brian and Rosie so that they could hits the stores for some black Friday specials and maybe even make it over to the car show. Connie and I woke up early this morning, Friday, and decided to walk off remnants from yesterday's meal- we were still full. We walked over to Fry's and were there at 8:15 and were not surprised to see the the line was formed around the big building. From there we wandered over to the nearby Manhattan Village Mall which was open for Macy's and not much else. The parking lot was full but the Mall's interior was bare. We did not go into Macy's which must have been a a madhouse.

Bring on Christmas!