Turkey Day

Today was Thanksgiving. And happy Thanksgiving to all of you who read this thing everyday. Today was pretty darned typical as far as T-Days in Charleston go.

Woke up around 8 to the smell of ham cooking in the kitchen. My parents got up and left to go the Turkey Run. This is a three mile race that is held on Thanksgiving morning in Downtown Charleston every year. I often participate in this run. However, I am still suffering from the 31 dollars a day that I had to eat on all this year. So I did not run.

Stephanie is here with me this year, so that is pretty new. The two of us went down to my grandmother's house around 11 and helped out and chatted for an hour or so. Then, around 12:30, people began arriving. The food was layed out, a prayer was said, and then it was eating time.

A Home Cooked Thanksgiving meal was a welcome change for me. I have spent the last two years dining on Turkey at the fantastic Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Now let me be clear if you are thinking that eating in Vegas would be awful. T-Day at the Bellagio was awesome. Both years. The food there is fantastic and it really is a gorgeous place to visit. That said, I had been missing Thanksgiving at my grandmother's a little bit.

There were a few less eaters this year. My Brother was visiting his wife's family with their baby girl Aris. This really is only one less than I am used to though. The last time I ate here, Jesse had no baby and I don't think had even met Kristi. My Uncle Shelton passed away two years ago, so this is my first Thanksgiving without him. That was kind of a bummer for me. Thanksgiving was pretty much the only time I saw him during the year. Which, looking back, was a really stupid thing to do on my part. His wife, my Aunt Joyce, did not come this year either as she was visiting other relatives. My Aunt Ruth, Uncle Steve and cousin Karen weren't here either. They tend to be off and on. They live out of state. But there were 12 of us still, so it was a good turn out.

We stuffed ourselves full of good stuff. Turkey, Ham, Macaroni Pie, Sweet Potatoes, Stuffing, Gravy are all parts of the main food. Plus there was spice cake, Chocolate Pecan pie and Stephanie's mom's yummy cheesecake. Man that stuff was a big hit.

When we got home, my parents pretty much went to bed. They always do. Steph and Son and I went for a walk down to the river. Then we sat on the couch and digested ourselves until bedtime.

All and all, a pretty good Thanksgiving Day back on the home front. I think I'll be in Los Angeles at this time next year. So it may be back to the Bellagio with Steph's parents. And that will be a welcome return too.

But I have to say. This may be my favorite holiday all the way round.

-T