The ol’ turkey seems to bring out the worst and best in people.  All of it in one afternoon. 

There was enough muttering, whispering, yelling, arguing, and laughing going around yesterday to last a lifetime. 

I got up early yesterday and went to my grandmothers house to get everything in order.  I am the official chairman of orderliness.  I bring order to chaos.  I bring peace to the warring tribes of my family by reciting a few words that I usually come up with at the last moment.

“We are privileged to be gathered together in this place to give thanks to the fruitful bounty of our labour.  Also, to treasure our families and friends here today and those that are away yet so close to our hearts. 

And, let us never forget the ancestors that came before us.  Those that fought and died for our freedoms, and those that suffered because of their religious beliefs or nationality.

And finally, everyone in this family should recognise how special this day is, for most of you, being of European and Cherokee descent, can greatly understand both sides of the story and the importance of this day.

Now, dig in!”

While chowing down on turkey, dressing, gravy, candied yams, green bean casserole, potato salad (me Mum’s specialty) and cranberry sauce, I got into a wee bit of a spat with my cousin.  She weaved, wobbled, and pecked at me like a turkey, as I stood and smiled.  I don’t remember what it was about, so I don’t reckon it was too important.  Something about my sister, I presume.

In the middle of eating, I got called down to my sisters to repair a phone line.  To say I was irritated would be an understatement.  At every family event, I am badgered with technical questions.  They usually want to know what kind of TV to buy or what the best mobile on the market is at that time. 

I shouldn’t be insulted by such questions, but I am.  Mind you, I kindly answer their questions.  But, I know a heck of a lot more about a myriad of other subjects than they would every give me credit for.  It is an insult to my intelligence to think that information technology is the only thing buzzing around in my head. 

After repairing her phone line, I went back to the festivities and ate entirely too much.  When I got ready to leave, my little niece and her mother came over to say goodbye.  She said she wanted to be just like me.  Can you imagine such a thing?  I asked her why, and she said it was because I was really…wheelly smart and go places. 

A ten year old looking up to me?  Well, that makes it all worthwhile.

Everybody that had argued through the afternoon conciliated and the three dozen chocolate oatmeal cookies I made were gone!

Happy belated Thanksgiving my ‘merkan comrades.