slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

"Sheppard, party of 40, your tables are ready."

Thanksgiving last year was at my brother-in-law and sister's modest home in Carmel Valley. Like every year, they invited all the relatives. Unlike previous years, though, this year they said "We'll all be there".

Forty people...three generations, two large dogs, one small dog, and a cat that mainly stayed on the perimeter and meowed curses at the incoming invasion.

Everyone brought something to share. We had copious amounts of hors d'oeuvres including meats, cheeses, breads and enough veggie platters to start our own vegan colony.

There was a cadre of casseroles, many involving beans of the world, Idaho's entire yearly crop of potatoes, a couple dozen pies, and of course, an abundant amount of turkey, stuffing and gravy. We also had a huge plateful of ham until we took our eye off the dogs for a split second.

There were some less traditional ofFerings this year. For one, my wife told me she read that Bob was bringing a salamander.

"He's bringing a lizard? Is that like a traditional dish in Wisconsin?"

Turns out that was an e-mail typo and what he brought was a salmanazar, which is a really big bottle of wine. So big in fact that rather than try to pour it into glasses, Bob decided to put it into decanters.

This became a three-man operation. Bob held the decanters in place, I manned the filter and funnel and John was the siphoner. He stuck a long plastic tube into the elevated bottle and sucked on it until he got a mouthful of wine and swallowed several times.

"How is it?" someone asked.

"Tastes better than gasoline," John said. No one asked him how he knew that, but we all checked our gas gauges later.

Sally brought a beautiful white lace tablecloth, which I immediately tried to stay away from. White and I do not get along well together. I got a stain on my last white dress shirt while I was still trying it on at Macy's.

But then someone said Sally wanted people to sign the tablecloth
with magic markers. I have fallen for this kind of trick before, so I hung back, but sure enough, people began writing all over it. When it came to be my turn I quickly finished my decanter, er, glass of wine and proceeded to write about my early upbringing in New Hampshire, my journey across the U.S., my years as a struggling writer, etc. until someone took my pens away.

At one point someone suggested a group photo and I said that's a great idea, so they assumed that meant I wanted to be the one to take it. So, I finished my new decanter, er, glass of wine, set up a tripod on the sloping front yard, falling down the hill several times, which was nice because I got to meet the neighbors.

When I thought I had things ready, I herded everyone off the deck, down the stairs and onto a flat spot, suggesting they all line up in an orderly fashion. Fifteen minutes later, I gave up and took several photos anyway, then fell down the hill again.

"I don't think the guy in back was smiling," the neighbors told me.

When it was finally time for the big meal, I found my placard and took my seat. I think I must have impressed the family over the years because they let me sit at one of the adult table this time.

In keeping with tradition, Mattie thanked people for coming and listed their contributions to the party. I tried to remember if I actually brought anything or whether I left it in the trunk like last year, finding it shortly after the 4th of July.

Finally, Kate, Quinn and Max performed a nice little Thanksgiving rap and we all proceeded to eat ourselves into near oblivion.

That's when the music came up and people began line dancing in the atrium, which went on into the wee hours. That was good because it took that long for Bob and I to finish the salamander, er salmanazar of wine.

I can't wait to see who shows up this year.

HAVE A WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING, ONE AND ALL. :thumbup: :mrgreen:

lpnmajor Loc: Arkansas

Thanks and right back at ya! :-)

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

My favorite holiday, Doc...thanks! :thumbup:

lpnmajor Loc: Arkansas

Mine too! I can eat like a pig and nobody complains ( unlike the rest of the year ) and no one complains when I take a nap right after. Come to think of it, my folks seem relieved whenever I go take a nap. I wonder if THAT means anything? Never mind, I like my naps.

Enjoy the familial chaos my friend! :mrgreen: :shock: :-D

alex Loc: michigan now imperial beach californa

this certainly sounds like the boot I have come to know and tolerate and I believe every word of it :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

Thanks.....I think? :mrgreen: :roll:

BearK Loc: TN

The story was really funny, I enjoyed it.

Since I'm from Wisconsin, thought I'd add a one time fact - don't know if this is still the case.
Facts about Wisconsin and alcohol, my dad ran a tavern in Wisconsin for 24 years. At that time Wisconsin had the dubious reputation of consuming more brandy than any other state in the Union, they also produced the most beer and consumed all of it. In other words, they drank a lot. Scandinavians aren't, as a rule, heavy drinkers - but the Germans, Irish, and Polish seemed to polish it off pretty well.

May I also add my Thanksgiving wish to all, that it will be great and enjoyed with family. This year will be great for me - we will be with my daughter, granddaughter, her fiancé, and the three great grandchildren (ages 11, 15, and 16).

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

Good for you...enjoy to the max! :thumbup:

BearK Loc: TN

Just for you, Slats - tons of FOOD, FAMILY, and FUN.

I pray there may even be an encouraging word about Christopher, that would be very welcomed, I'm sure.

alex Loc: michigan now imperial beach californa

are they GREAT grandchildren or are they your grandchildren's children?

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

I am awaiting the latest word on Christopher from his Mother after her stay today. I always hold onto hope for his progress. Once heard from, I will post her news on the Prayer Thread, as per usual.

Thank you, Dear BearK.

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

All my grandchildren's children are GREAT and great-grandchildren, Alex. I have seven of them, with another due on Thanksgiving Day.

I have no doubt the same holds true, except for the number probably, for a wonderful lady/grandmother such as BearK. :thumbup:

alex Loc: michigan now imperial beach californa

yeah but that doesn't answer the question, I was asking are they grandchildren that are great of are they the children of her grandchildren

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

My post included both possibilities, Alex. I did revise it slightly but not in that respect. :wink:

alex Loc: michigan now imperial beach californa

all grandchildren are great but don't ask your kids because grandkids are your revenge on your kids