Thanksgiving should be a special day of rest and relaxation, a day to remind those present of living in America and enjoying all that we should be thankful for…I think you would agree that we are the most fortunate people in our world.
Wellsir, in and around 1980, sticks in my mind. I would like to share Thanksgiving with you. My wife, Jon, and I think about it and laugh every time, even after 65 years of marriage!
It all started that morning when Jon began to cook the meal. She says she started the day before, and that’s how she got everything done at the right time. This morning, Jon began baking the ham and preparing it first. She had made the green bean and sweet potato casseroles ready to be slipped into the oven the very last thing to get that crispy top on them. The turkey just needed to be warmed up, and it would be ready. Things looked pretty good and yummy for the Thanksgiving dinner we were having for family and a couple of friends at 2:00.
Wellsir, the meal came along with great timing. The ham was ready to take out of the oven; all it needed was to “rest” to get the best flavor. So, she loosely covers it with aluminum foil, and it goes to the countertop that’s not being used for anything else. The turkey is coming along nicely in the oven. The family begins to arrive, and Jon and I forget about the kitchen for a little bit to welcome them and exchange stories and news about what’s going on in their lives.
Now, part of our family is our sweet dog, Pug. She is a cross between a French bulldog and a terrier, and almost human, don’t ch’ know! Like I said, she is our family sweetheart. On this particular day, she did the unimaginable! There happened to be a step stool sitting right beside the cabinet where the ham was resting. Pug uses the stool to get up on the countertop, neatly takes the foil off the ham, and has a huge and tasty meal! Nothing is left of our 8-pound honey-baked ham except the bone and some fat pieces!
Jon excuses herself to check on the turkey, and lordy, lordy, what she sees is breathtaking. “Gary! Come here,” she screams. There was Pug, our little 15-pound member of the family with an extended stomach so large it touched the counter, and all that she could move were her ears, tongue, and her little stumpy tail wiggling back and forth! Jon didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, but the family and friends made it an easy decision…laughing. I picked Pug up and took her outside to relieve her overindulgence!
The big event on Thanksgiving Day here in Brazos Valley is the historic rivalry of the Texas vs. Texas A&M football game! This year, it starts
at 2:00 p.m. Wellsir, it’s time to get the green bean and sweet potato casseroles warmed up. Then, the homemade rolls go in. The giblet gravy, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce are ready. And at least we have a wonderful and large turkey to come to the rescue for the meal!
The smoke detector goes off, Pug starts barking, and Jon goes to the kitchen to see what is going on…opening the oven door. Oh my gosh, the marshmallows were on fire! Jon snatches them out of the oven and puts a lid on the dish, which puts the fire out. Everyone breaks down in laughter again. The sweet potatoes were saved; they just had no marshmallows on top! Pug saved the day and our sweet potatoes, and she got lots of love and petting for doing her duty. We just had to scrape the burnt topping off.
Wellsir, my prayer to the Lord that day was not only thanking Him for the food, family, friends, and the freedom we enjoy in America but concluded with… “Thank you for this special day we will never forget!”
Ahhh…those were the days!
P.S.: With Jackie Sherrill coaching the Aggies won the game; hallelujah and amen!!
