~Time for the Great Turkey Roundup~

 This week we will all eat ourselves into a coma and smile with each bite. In 1863, Abraham Lincoln signed into law a proclamation establishing the fourth Thursday as a Day of Thanks across our nation. It is the one and only time, we throw the idea of, "How many calories did you say this was?" out the window and in it's place, we say, "Another slice of pie, please." before we head to the living room, crank up the recliner, and watch the football game through the back of our eyelids.

But, back when our nation was just being settled, a Thanksgiving meal had many a variation, all though all of it some of the best. We might sit down to sweet potato casserole, green beans, collards, cornbread and/or oyster stuffing, cranberries, hot rolls, mash potatoes, gravy and of course turkey. Folks in the California gold fields might have sliced a watermelon. In Senora, Mexico, Elizabeth Le Breta Gunn made 6 pumpkin pies, 2 cranberry pies, and Rooster Pie. (My guess is he crowed one time to many under her window.)

In Nebraska around 1863 the Governor urged his female constituents to get their turkey's ready or it was only 15 days till the holidays. Why, even the prisoners in San Quentin went all out. They decorated their forlorn walls with flags, flowers, and evergreens. They roasted mutton, roasted pork, had apples, peas, pies, and cakes. Cities in the Midwest, spread their tables with Blue Point Oysters, Little Neck Clams, calf's brains, buffalo tongue, red snapper, black bass, salmon, capon, turkey, duck ribs of beef, veal, quail stuffed with truffles, elk, squirrel, opossum, shrimp, pompano, asparagus, artichokes, puddings, pies, cream macaroons. I can see why it would take 15 days to create such a feast!

But whatever you serve, it is a holiday to come together as a family. This year, will be harder. This year like in 1918, we must protect our families from what we might have come in contact with so that come Christmas or Easter, WE can gather together.

So, set that table. Leave on place for your computer. Gather in Zoom or other programs that allow you to see faces, to hear voices, to gaze upon those who you hold dear. It's still Thanksgiving. But, I would rather you do so, because I'm selfish. You see, you are my friends. To lose even one of you would be a tragedy more than my heart could bear.

I will leave you with my heart felt wishes for a wonderful holiday. Love those near and far. Visit virtually. Loosen those belts. Give thanks for elastic, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving. 

Norman Rockwell's Thanksgiving Dinner also known as Freedom from Want. Painted as part of the four freedoms and inspired by President Franklin Roosevelt's 1941 speech. It was finished in 1942 and used in the March 6th, 1943 Saturday Evening Post. 

Until next time, 

Nan O'Berry