Let's talk turkey

Hi neighbors. It's that time of year again, when everyone is gabbing about grabbing gobblers. I hope you have your turkey already bought because otherwise, you might be eating chicken or ham.

I find it surprising that we all wait in anticipation for the big "turkey day" meal, but as much as we enjoy it then, we never eat it again until a year later. Maybe it is the long memory of leftovers and one day of feasting, followed by three weeks of trying to avoid left over food.

I decided, this year would be different. There would be no huge meal where everyone got stuffed -- no stuffing allowed, excluding the turkey. There will be a medium-sized turkey cooked; and "all the trimmings" will be enough for two meals only.

You know how we all eat a huge lunch, then sit around drinking coffee, watching TV and talking, all the while, grazing on leftovers from lunch.

For the last meal of the day, we will have the one and only meal of leftover food. Then, we will process any food not eaten and freeze it or distribute it among the guests to take home. This should keep us busy while we enjoy the continued grazing on desserts that goes on through bedtime.

Thanksgiving is a good time to donate that cash saved from buying only one of each type of pie known to man, instead of two. There are lots of charities out there that deserve a helping hand.

If you can't resist that second pie, feel guilty after you get home and take it to the local pantry for those less able to celebrate this year. My mother always said to be generous when you can because who knows, next year, it could be you needing the help.

Like many working families, my children and I celebrate on the weekend before or after major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Getting every one off work at the same time, for an entire day, is always a logistics nightmare and takes a year's planning, in advance, to reach a successful goal.

Other families go to one set of in-laws for one holiday and to the other for the next holiday. Some take in both on the same day if they are all within driving distance.

Often, this means people are home alone on the actual holiday. If you find yourself alone on Thanksgiving, go to a nursing home and visit with those there who no longer have family living.

These days, many people are living up into their 90s and some live past the century mark. Most of these have outlived their families, their friends and anyone else who might know them and visit often. Sit for a few minutes and talk to these wonderful people. Take your own photo album and talk about holiday festivals and customs and traditions your family has and ask about how their families celebrated.

Too bashful to talk to people you don't know? That's OK. You can go talk to those who don't care what you say or how you say it, or even if you don't talk at all. Go to the dog pound and spend some time playing with those lonely critters who, like you, are used to having people around who love them; but who are alone right now. You won't leave there depressed, I'll guarantee you that much. And the dogs and cats you spend time playing with and giving treats to will have a happier day, as well.

If you are alone this Thanksgiving, don't sit home and pout about it. Get out and do something positive to help others. That will give you lots of reasons to give thanks. Who knows, someone may give thanks for you in their lives.

Until the next time, friends, remember to have a Happy Thanksgiving!