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Praetorium Honoris

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Giving Thanks

So, Sarge is down south a ways visiting family for Thanksgiving and he left the door open for us part-time semi-regular, and in my case, oft-political bloggers du-jour.  A little on that later.

It's the Holiday Season- my favorite time of the year, and Turkey Day is my most-favored of that.  The food is excellent, the family time is wonderful, and the best part, it's a one-day holiday!  Do some shopping in the days ahead, have your one-day shindig, then eat some leftovers in the days following.  No pressure, no expectations, no gifts, just hopefully a good time had by all.  

While I have family in Oregon, the majority of us are in/around San Diego so I don't have to fight holiday traffic- on the roads or in the airport.  However my local family is undergoing a bit of a diaspora.  

For many years my dearest Aunt Jo, the matriarch of our family as the oldest of my mom's sisters,* would host Thanksgiving every year at her home in Vista.  My gruff Lt Col, USMC (Ret) Uncle Art was there too, but he'd just hold court as she orchestrated it all.  Even after moving from San Diego to Southern Oregon when my father retired from the Navy, we would still drive down to spend it with them all.  She had 6 kids, my Aunt Mary - 3, Uncle Paul - 4, and our family of 6, not to mention 3 other "Aunts" in the area.  It was always a wonderful get-together.  And seeing all my cousins was the best part of it.  

Yet, we're all grown and married now, including a few of the grandkids (aka my first cousins one-removed), and several of them with in-laws out of state.  Salt Lake, Denver, Minneapolis, and Seattle draw some of us away for holidays periodically.  So we don't have as big of a group to get together, and our families are smaller- no more big Catholic families anymore.  Not big, nor Catholic for the most part 😞

It's also harder to find someone to host.  My Aunt Jo passed back in August, but had retired from hostess duties a dozen years before.  Two cousins lost their husbands this year- far too early, and they're still grieving.  One is even planning a move out of state.  So some of us now wish to "do our own thing" vice open themselves up to the requirements of host, and have everyone over.  While I lament the fact, I understand it.  Our 1450 sq ft house isn't optimum, but we've held it there before thanks to a large sunroom we have, and tables borrowed from the KofC hall.  Yet, the house now looks like we're amateur hoarders.  I joke, but it's not in "having guests over" shape if you know what I mean.

About half the family will be going over to my cousin Kathy's (the eldest of all cousins across a 16 year spread) with the others alone, or with their in-laws elsewhere.  Smaller groups for sure.  I miss the big to-dos, but I understand it.  I'm all in with our group though- stepping up to bring one of the 2-3 turkeys required, stuffing, rolls, cranberry sauce, and wine to round out our contribution.  I never shy away from bringing more than expected, partially because I love the day, it's a drop in my bucket, and because there are several who might bring only a bottle of soda or paper plates.  The chintzy food-bringers aside, it seems to be a struggle to keep us all connected, despite how we're all connected.

Something else I'll contribute is the blessing over the food, and a nice playlist I'm putting together.  I seem to be the family Emcee', giving eulogies, saying grace, and even marrying off one cousin and my sister, thanks to a couple one-day minister licenses.

So on Thursday I will put on my eating pants, load up the SUV with my wife's cooking (I lied about it being "my" contribution), and go pick up the Minnow, aka Son #1, aka my eldest, from his group home, and drive 35 minutes north to Escondido.  One sister, aka The Hermit, lives nearby, but she always seems to have to work on Thanksgiving (me-thinks it's intentional).  She's an events coordinator for an Indian Casino so they never close.**

The rest of the season will be busy.  I promised myself to put out Christmas Cards this year.  Yes, an old tradition, but I like to hear from others and connect with old friends, however so briefly.  Maybe I'll get the Christmas lights up this weekend.  I'm also playing Santa at a nearby VFW/Legion Hall which gives out toys my Mustang Club and others donate for deployed junior military families.  My red convertible Mustang will serve well as a sled, and it goes so nicely with the suit! 


I've got a few parades I'm driving in, some VIP or dignitary that I meet and quickly forget.  There's also a food distribution we're volunteering for as a club later next month.  Yes, it's good for the receivers, but it does gladden the heart of the giver, and helps stave off some Catholic guilt that is ever-present.

I wish all of you Chanters a Happy Thanksgiving and continued joyous season.  Remember, it's not Christmas until the pumpkin pie has been consumed, so don't even think of playing that Mariah Carey song.




I haven't waxed political in quite a while, and I won't do that much here, other than to say this next year is going to be fun, scary, and "cringe-y" to watch.  Yes, I'm right leaning, and I'll support whomever the GOP candidate is, but we all know who that's going to be.  I don't see how he won't be, as those kangaroo courts don't seem to be swaying any needles, and there's not enough toner in the world to print enough fake ballots.  Yes, he's bombastic and not traditionally presidential whatsoever, but I thought his foreign, border, and economic policies were outstanding.  The current admin is an embarrassment.  It's only the hard core D's that support him, and those that just can't put aside the personal reservations for the clear policy superlatives.  I just want our country back, whether or not we put the lying rat-bastiges in jail.


YouTube and Vince Guaraldi


*There was one older, but she had passed in the late 60's, as did my youngest Uncle at 17.  Good time to remember them all and be thankful for life.

**I've been in there on Thanksgiving before, but just to say hello after a family dinner- it's kind of depressing- all the gamblers and what I sense is a mixture of addiction, depression, and loneliness.  My sister is their 'Aunt Jo.'

29 comments:

  1. A Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours Tuna, the years fly by and changes to family traditions happen. Keep that red chariot under Mach one eh?

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  2. You aren't the only one whose home interior is packed full of items that make the house look messy. i think that is a big part of the reason why garages also became used for hosting big family meals, with some even having A/C ductwork for providing conditioned air space.

    My childhood Thanksgiving - Christmas get togethers was nearly always at my maternal Grandmothers home. Most of her 10 kids attended, along with their families so 40 people gatherings were common. Not too much drinking was allowed so to minimize any temper issues from happening.

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and all fellow readers.

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    1. Holidays are nice memories. Our house just needs a good purging of "stuff."

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  3. Thanks for sharing how your family did it... Have a good Thanksgiving Day!

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  4. Tuna, when we were growing up we would head to my maternal grandmother's. Mostly it was just them and our small family and my aunt; occasionally my uncle and his family (Navy) were able to attend. After she passed, my mother took over and for many years we would either go to their house or we would celebrate at our house with both sides of our family. Since we moved to New Home in 2009, we have (I think) always celebrated here. I have come to value to quiet and relaxation of not having to scurry about and plan for a houseful of people (to be fair, we also simplified our cooking: now it is salmon and one or two side dishes and a pie).

    Happy Thanksgiving to all the Chanters!

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    1. Yes, one advantage of hosting is not having to go anywhere.

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  5. Happy Thanksgiving to all! Just my wife and I. I'll be trying something new, a chicken cooked in a pumpkin.

    Re: "Yes, he's bombastic and not traditionally presidential whatsoever" Yes, he's full of bluster. bombast, and bull***t, but that is historically "presidential" (whatever that might really mean). I think he's an arrogant, impulsive, egotistical SOB, but, by the Rood! he's MY arrogant, impulsive, egotistical SOB. He thinks all Americans are Americans, not multi-hyphenated political groups, he recognizes that the President of the United States is there to protect the interests of the United States, not to put the interests of Mexico, Honduras, North Korea, or China ahead of ours.

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    1. Chicken in a Pumpkin? I've heard of the Cajuns doing the "Turduckin" thing with a chicken, turkey and duck. Not a pumpkin fan anyway, so I'd pass on that (and the Cajun invention too...)

      Concur with your and Tuna's evaluation of political situation, but will say no more as a holiday attempt at good manners.

      Happy Thanksgiving to all. We all have something to be thankful for, some more than others, but we are truly a blessed nation.
      JB

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    2. Oh come on, politics is such a great conversation piece at the Thanksgiving table!

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    3. Yeah, chicken in a pumpkin. We ran across it on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/reel/CyRI7qzuNAC/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== and SWMBO wants to try it. It looks pretty good. Figure that the squash will take the place to sweet potato.

      I forgot to say, I was raised in Vista, can't say I ever grew up. The acre and a half that is now a storage facility on Nettleton used to belong to my parents. Sold it in about 1974.

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  6. Happy Thanksgiving to all those who may pass this way. Very nice post Tuna. Today is a travel day and other than the weather, it's been pleasant and quiet, so far.

    Be well you merry Chanters.

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  7. When I was younger (much) Mom and my Dad's sister took turns hosting Thanksgiving--in Upstate NY one year, in eastern MA then next. A few years ago when the 1st cousins were old enough to have kids, my oldest gal cousin and I took turns doing the same. But not in the past few years, my Aunt is in Hospice, and has been for almost a year now so she is completely unable to do anything, and my Mom is gone. So my cousin and I are busy with caretaking of elderly parents, and helping out our kids as needed...Sarge's grandson's day care isn't the only one to have issues on occasion...and I am still working doing my home care nursing gig. So, holidays are kinda getting short shrift, even Turkey Day, which I do like, if for no other reason than the wonderful memories I have. But this year, it's just going to be me. I do have it off, but to drive 4-5 hours over and back and eat a yummy good meal all in the same day is a bit much for me now. And I didn't realize, until too late, that Dad was invited out to San Diego to my sister's for the holiday. I got him on the plane safely, and he arrived in one piece--bless my wonderful brother in law for collecting him from the airport--so I am looking forward to a quiet peaceful day of rest, relaxation, and maybe some football, we shall see.
    I have much to be thankful for--a roof over my head, lots of food in the fridge, a job I enjoy working for and with folks I like doing stuff I am reasonably good at as well as some good friends and family. So I will be working on my Christmas cards, and getting right back to work on Friday as this is Home Care's busy season between now and the week after New Year's. This is kinda my calm before the storm, and I am looking forward to it.
    Politics/state of the nation/world---I am just tired of all the drama and thrashing about. Some days I think Ted Turner has a lot to answer for because if there wasn't a 24 hour news cycle, with hours and hours and hours needing to be filled every day, would we be having quite so much flouncing, pouting, posturing, screaming, and yelling going on? I tend to think probably not. I know what I like, and what I don't, I know who I will vote for, and who I absolutely would never consider voting for. All the shenanigans in the world aren't going to change that.
    We need to get back to policies that value America, and Americans, and never mind the stupid nonsense other parts of the world get up to. I am tired of mandates, of being told how to think, and feel, and what to buy, or what I can't buy, by young whippersnappers who have obviously NEVER cracked open a history book in their entire time at so-called educational institutions. And further, wouldn't know science if it bit them on the butt! I am pretty much done with all of it.
    But, I know, that the Lord has well and truly blessed me, and I am very thankful for all the good and positive that I have in my life which is my focus over this holiday season.

    Suz

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    1. Suz,
      Couldn't have said it better myself. Well done, Young Lady!
      juvat

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    2. I fully agree with you Suz, well said and I can't add anything more.

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  8. Tuna,
    Great post and good food for reminiscing. Brought forth one realization that I hadn't thought about. I am the oldest surviving member of my Dad's side of the family. I've got a surviving Aunt and Uncle from Mom's side, but all of Dad's have passed and their offspring are younger than I. With the passing of my Sister this past summer and the episode where my youngest sister declared me a "Rotten Brother" whom she never wanted to speak to again (wouldn't loan her some money again), for all intents and purposes, my Brother is all that's left in my immediate family. He's coming for Christmas.
    I do recall the very large gatherings when I was a kid, I don't recall if they were Thanksgiving or Christmas. I think probably Christmas as we were scattered from NY to TX to CA, so travel required some time and School was out. That having been said, they were great fun and I wish I could resurrect that tradition.
    So, while I wish it wasn't so, Thanksgiving Dinner will only be Mrs J, LJW, Miss B and I. MBD and The Rev, MG and León are celebrating Thanksgiving with his family this year. It rotates each year. Little Juvat will be arriving the first week in December and will stay through Christmas, so that'll be the big reunion and celebration this year. Better than nothing. He should have assignment info by then. Hope it's closer to here.
    Happy Thanksgiving to all the Chanters. Don't let the Turkey get off easy.
    juvat

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    1. Yes, the rotation of holidays to visit family. It was never an issue before we started marrying people from out of town! Assignment info? No Honk honk family reunion?

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  9. Crusty Old TV Tech here. A Happy Thanksgiving to all on the net!

    Tuna, you look like Santa in that pic the way George Thorogood would, if he had a red Mustang! Combo of American Legion and American muscle cars is quite appropriate, especially with the Santa action.

    We will have the 4 kids and one kid-in-law here tomorrow. Base Commander has done the side dish pre-sortie work, now it is up to me to cook the roast beef...yep, this year, no flying food meat, but rather Steamship Round of Beef, a la Keesler AFB O' Club! Good old New Orleans style. Supply of wine, beer, ale, and Kentucky corn squeezins laid in...will be nice to have the kids.

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    1. A good beef is a worthy second choice! Happy holidays to you and yours.

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  10. A slightly different take on the holiday of Thanksgiving:
    Me: at 11 years
    "Dad, I've been invited over to the Scully's for Thanksgiving, can I go? How come we don't celebrate Thanksgiving?"
    "Gary, you know we came from eastern Europe; Mom's family right at the end of WWI and mine, well - we left Czechslovakia at the end of the '20s.
    "Of course you can go and when you call to accept, ask Mrs. Scully if Mom can send anything with you.
    "You know we celebrate Thanksgiving every day. Yes! Thanksgiving Day is a historic day, but for us, we say "'Thank You' to G-d and bless His name and we also say 'Thank You' to the United States of America every single day as we sit down to our evening meal; every single day is Thanksgiving Day for us."

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  11. We were planning ... then a bunch of ill children disrupted the plans. Several plans. So we're home, with me doing a whole turkey in a large crockpot experiment. I'm actually looking forward to all of the zooming, rather than the driving. We hope that all of you have a great Thanksgiving!

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    1. Thanksgiving tip: If an adorable toddler tries to hand you food, don't accept it. It may look like a cookie, but it's the flu!

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    2. So that’s where we got it. Glad some one could explain. We’ve been slowed down in the traffic department, so we’ll search out some folks here in the condo to share with. It will be more much ‘cuz few might be expecting it. 90% of the food is already done so we can get started early

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Just be polite... that's all I ask. (For Buck)
Can't be nice, go somewhere else...

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