Happy Thanksgiving 2016

Family and Friends, today we eat and for that I am Thankful!!

I want you to know that I love my country, as imperfect as it is. I am eternally Thankful to be an American. I am Thankful that we live in a country where good men and women can agree to disagree.

I am thankful for all the men and women across the country and across the world serving in the military. I pray for their comfort and safe return. I am Thankful that I raised a son that thought enough of his country to serve it.

I am Thankful too for all the men and women in Law Enforcement. I believe the bulk of these men and women to be good decent people. I am praying for their everyday safety.

I have the peaceful warriors of Standing Rock in my mind today also. Keep them safe as they are opposed by Law Enforcement Officers who find themselves on the wrong side of the law and history.

I am Thankful to have been raised by my parents who took the time to teach my sister, brother and me, right from wrong. I am Thankful that my mother is still with us.

I am Thankful for my wife and all my children and grandchildren. They complete my life.

I am Thankful to have had many, many years of employment with McDonnell Douglas and Boeing. I am Thankful that God gave me the patience to stay the course. I am Thankful for my retirement!

I am Thankful for the many friends in my life. They too complete my life. I am Thankful for true friends and I am Thankful that I can be your friend.

I am Thankful for all the dogs that I have had in my life.They were my friends too.

I am Thankful that my wife and daughters will all be cooking their hearts out today for their family.

I am Thankful for all that God has given me!

Now, "Let's get ready to rumble!!

Thanksgiving 2014

I meant to post the Thanksgiving photos earlier but I just never got around to it. We had our Thanksgiving dinner at Meranda's home. She has turned into quite the cook. The Turkey and stuffing, mac and cheese, vegetables and gravy, were made by Meranda, Savannah brought her homemade cranberry sauce and candied yams, Jeri and I brought the baked ham, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. There was much to be thankful for. I hope you had a great Thanksgiving too.

A Look Back: Thanksgiving 2013

#TBT

 

Today's contribution to Throwback Thursday; Two photos from Thanksgiving 2013 at Meranda's, and a big Thanksgiving breakfast the next day at Savannah's. Thanksgiving is a two part holiday for us. A two for one. Dinner on Thursday and a big breakfast with the left overs served with eggs on Friday. It's the only way we know. It's our Thanksgiving tradition passed on from my parents.Simple but filling!

From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. It is my favorite meal of the year. It is also my favorite holiday. The concept is simple; give thanks, spend time with the people you love, and eat good! I wish all of you, family and friends, a Happy Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Good morning and Happy Thanksgiving to my family and friends. I am thankful for my wife and kids and our grandkids. I am thankful that my mother is here to enjoy Thanksgiving with us. I am thankful for all that God has put in my life! I am thankful to all the women in my life who are doing their best to make a great Thanksgiving dinner. And regardless of all that may be wrong with it, I am thankful for all that is right with America. Thankful that this is my home! God Bless you and enjoy your day!

A Tale of Two Turkeys

Years ago, some time in the mid to late 1960's. My mother came home from grocery shopping. She had bought all the food needed for our Thanksgiving dinner which would be coming up in a few days. She mentioned to my father that she had bought a turkey but it was too big for her to carry. It was paid for and they were holding it for her. It just needed to be picked up. My father agreed to go and off he went to pick up the turkey.

He pulled up into the Von's Market, in Pico Rivera, on the corner of Passons Blvd and Washington Blvd, went back to the meat section and told the guy that he was here to pick up the turkey that his wife had bought.

“No Problem, sir, let me get the list”. A few minutes later he came back and asked my father, “What's her name?” My father told him and he looks up and down the list and tells my father, “Her name is not on the list”. Well, my father says something to the effect of, “You better look again because it was bought and paid for”. The guy goes in the back and comes out and tells my dad “I'm sorry sir, there's nothing I can do”.

My father was not one to get discouraged so he kept at it. He insisted and the butcher resisted, and on and on it went. It was getting close to a fist fight. The manager became in involved and there was a lot of commotion. Finally, frustrated and at his wits end, the butcher goes into the back, returns with a large turkey, puts it in my dad's hands and says 'Take your G..damn turkey and go, I'm not arguing with you anymore!” My father didn't quite care for the guy's attitude but figure to himself, “I got the turkey”. Mission accomplished..

When he got home he tells my mother everything that had happened at the market. “Wow, I wonder what his problem was?” She said. “I told him you were coming to get the turkey!!” On and on they went until my father said that they weren't shopping at Von's any more. He was still pretty upset about everything.. “Von's!", my mother said, “What were you doing at Von's, I bought the turkey at Super A!”

My dad was so mad his veins were popping out. “But you said Von's! “No, I didn't, I said Super A!” That argument went unresolved to my father's dying day. Each one believed the other made a mistake that day. I can tell you this, after my father calmed down we laughed til it hurt!

My mother went by herself to Super A to pick up the turkey. She wasn't about to ask my father again. Turns out she was strong enough to carry it after all. That Christmas we had a very nice turkey dinner.

I hope you all have a nice Thanksgiving and remember, whatever goes wrong, I guarantee you, you'll laugh about it some day! Happy Thanksgiving!