The day before Thanksgiving is always a busy time. The house fills with all the flavors of the season as dishes are prepared in the kitchen and the door is opened to the warmth of family and friends. This is a day of reflection of Thanksgivings past and those that we only have memories of times shared. We are thankful for those times.
One tradition of Mom's was making her own cranberry salad. She would set up the old heavy grinder on the edge of the kitchen table and as she filled the grinder, we (the kids) would take turns turning the crank. We all loved the smell of fresh cranberries and oranges and Mom had to give in and let each of us have a taste once she finished.
The turkey's cherished parts... we all have our favorite whether it is the leg or slices of juicy white breast meat but how many fight to be on one side of the wish bone? Or what about the giblets? With 3 kids in the family, the one that did not get to try their wish, got the giblets. Sounds fair, except if you ended up on the short side of the stick - (bone) and you were not granted your wish! But Mom always had a comeback to this as well, Mom always had an answer.
These were also the days Dad would transform into Santa - REALLY. For years Dad had a double life around the holidays. He never let us see him leave in that red stuffed suit. He enjoyed seeing all the bright happy (some scared) faces as he heard all their Christmas wishes. One Christmas Eve Dad came home from his last job of the year and he crashed on the sofa, still decked out in full Santa form. We woke very early that year and as sneaky little kids, we peered into the living room in hopes to get a glance of what was under the tree. Little did we know we were in for a huge surprise. Santa fell asleep on the job.
We all have fond memories of past holidays, today I am thankful for those memories and many more. Thankful for family and friends, for freedom and those who have fought to keep it and for our business and the wonderful people that have passed through our doors. May you each have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving.
Debbi the Innkeeper
Woodridge Bed and Breakfast
This and that about SE Louisiana & S. Mississippi from the Innkeeper of Woodridge Bed and Breakfast of Louisiana Slidell, New Orleans New Orleans Northshore - Nature and much more!
