Here goes my most memorable Thanksgiving Day. I think I was about 27 years old with a dog named Pinot Chardonnay as my immediate family on this side of the mountains. I had successfully completed DHS Adult Education "Basic Auto Mechanics" because, as I stated in the first class the reason for taking the class, "My boyfriend dumped me again and all he was good for was keeping my car tuned." Instructor, Ross, vowed that he'd teach me to tune up my car.
As Thanksgiving 1977 rolled around after spending the weekend successfully tuning my 1974 Honda Civic (the one with the trunk that flowed into the back seat space when said seat was folded down), I pulled the little 12-lb turkey out of the freezer before turning in on Wednesday night for my "Tiny Tim TG dinner for one" the next day. When morning arrived, I was so lonely thinking of my Mom, Dad and four younger siblings in Bishop, CA. Tom went back into the freezer, I packed Tiger the Honda and loaded Pinot for the 300 mile trip. I estimated that we'd arrive home by Turkey Dinner Time.
When I reached Bridgeport the snow flakes were huge with three more High Sierra passes to go. On the down-stretch between McGee Creek and Tom's Place, Tiger stopped. As luck would have it, the CA Highway Patrolmen were all eating turkey. Confidently, I turned on the emergency flashers. Less than a half hour later a Volvo stopped with two skiers heading south. Pinot had to ride on the floor while I got the hatchback space. As I walked into the house just in time for turkey dinner, Dad bellowed, "Who are those guys and where is your car?" Long story short, he made me call a tow truck because, "The snow plow will total your car!" When we arrived at the spot where Tiger sat, there was a little snow hill flashing for all he was worth. Whew. The tow truck got me back home just as the family finished the turkey sandwich course.
Oops ... I forgot to tighten the nut after setting the gap and Tiger didn't "gap-out" until after the 120mi commute that week plus 255mi just before Sherwin Grade ... Tough Turkey that year.
"Kids' Tables" are a staple of every Thanksgiving image. What amazes me is how "adult" kids become when they have their own table. Among the countless holiday meals I've had in my lifetime, only the unique ones are remembered. Example: We were preparing to move our family to Davis in the Christmas of 1989. I had just accepted a job offer here. The only place I could find open on Christmas Day for dinner was Cindy's. One of the greatest Christmas Dinners we ever had, surrounded by strangers. All happy and grateful not to have to eat alone. Waiters and waitresses had to work on a holiday, but received large tips in appreciation.
I did a prime rib last year. Took out a loan for it, but the turkey was not missed. What I missed was the turkey gravy. This year I am making a gallon of the stuff.
Bob, Happy Thanksgiving from rainy (what else?) Portland. And speaking of groundhogs, and you were, if Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, doesn’t it follow it would be Groundhog’s Day? BTW the squirrels 🐿️ 🐿️🐿️ by the Clackamas River Trail are as big as groundhogs.
Always my favorite holiday. No gifts, lots of food, my mom put it on, 15 or so, always a few too far from home to go, mom always had room. My wife, throwing In a little mexi flavor (no lack of turkey) and all the trimmings with her additions. Sometime we had 20 or more, now my daughter does the the honor, family and needful friends. Her mom helps but it’s her show. Remarkably the same seating, 3 generations and counting. And yes, always a kids table
Thanks for this wonderful piece, Bob. My own clan has blackballed turkey over the last 5 years and instead we’ve gone the ethnic route (Greek, Italian) or made roast beef the centerpiece of our feast. I miss the days when I’d pick up a gigantic bird from Brannigan’s but there’s a lot to be thankful for and I am.
Turkey would never be my first choice, but it is truly magnificent when it comes out of the oven and wow does it tease the taste buds while it's cooking.
…great storytelling, Bob👍🏼…you’ve eclipsed Arlo Guthrie’s “Alice’s Restaurant”…and conjured up everyone’s favorite (read “quirky”) holiday memories🤔💭
Why isn’t Dave Whitmore in the HOF (a 22-TD single game performance has to be the all-time backyard/schoolyard record)…
I was thinking of a side quest to Benson…but alas, the chance for good food served right, with all the fixings, there…has gone the way of the Dodo Bird…(I checked)😶
Instead I’ll settle for daydreams of a “fly-by-night car transport for used cars adventure”…hoping for the best Thanksgiving story ever.
Here goes my most memorable Thanksgiving Day. I think I was about 27 years old with a dog named Pinot Chardonnay as my immediate family on this side of the mountains. I had successfully completed DHS Adult Education "Basic Auto Mechanics" because, as I stated in the first class the reason for taking the class, "My boyfriend dumped me again and all he was good for was keeping my car tuned." Instructor, Ross, vowed that he'd teach me to tune up my car.
As Thanksgiving 1977 rolled around after spending the weekend successfully tuning my 1974 Honda Civic (the one with the trunk that flowed into the back seat space when said seat was folded down), I pulled the little 12-lb turkey out of the freezer before turning in on Wednesday night for my "Tiny Tim TG dinner for one" the next day. When morning arrived, I was so lonely thinking of my Mom, Dad and four younger siblings in Bishop, CA. Tom went back into the freezer, I packed Tiger the Honda and loaded Pinot for the 300 mile trip. I estimated that we'd arrive home by Turkey Dinner Time.
When I reached Bridgeport the snow flakes were huge with three more High Sierra passes to go. On the down-stretch between McGee Creek and Tom's Place, Tiger stopped. As luck would have it, the CA Highway Patrolmen were all eating turkey. Confidently, I turned on the emergency flashers. Less than a half hour later a Volvo stopped with two skiers heading south. Pinot had to ride on the floor while I got the hatchback space. As I walked into the house just in time for turkey dinner, Dad bellowed, "Who are those guys and where is your car?" Long story short, he made me call a tow truck because, "The snow plow will total your car!" When we arrived at the spot where Tiger sat, there was a little snow hill flashing for all he was worth. Whew. The tow truck got me back home just as the family finished the turkey sandwich course.
Oops ... I forgot to tighten the nut after setting the gap and Tiger didn't "gap-out" until after the 120mi commute that week plus 255mi just before Sherwin Grade ... Tough Turkey that year.
That is quite the story, Sherri.
But at least you made it home to Bishop, a gem of a city.
"Kids' Tables" are a staple of every Thanksgiving image. What amazes me is how "adult" kids become when they have their own table. Among the countless holiday meals I've had in my lifetime, only the unique ones are remembered. Example: We were preparing to move our family to Davis in the Christmas of 1989. I had just accepted a job offer here. The only place I could find open on Christmas Day for dinner was Cindy's. One of the greatest Christmas Dinners we ever had, surrounded by strangers. All happy and grateful not to have to eat alone. Waiters and waitresses had to work on a holiday, but received large tips in appreciation.
That's a great story, Phil, and I'm not surprised at all that you were talking about Cindy's. Tjeu always treated people well.
Thank you, Bob, for sharing your lovely Thanksgiving memories. Wishing you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving. 🍁🦃🍂
Thanks, Catherine.
Are we all so lucky to live in this great town?
I did a prime rib last year. Took out a loan for it, but the turkey was not missed. What I missed was the turkey gravy. This year I am making a gallon of the stuff.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours Bob.
Happy Thanksgiving to you, too, Frank.
I'd much prefer Prime Rib to turkey, especially in sandwiches the day after. Of course, Prime Rib is about 10 times costlier than Turkey.
Bob, Happy Thanksgiving from rainy (what else?) Portland. And speaking of groundhogs, and you were, if Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, doesn’t it follow it would be Groundhog’s Day? BTW the squirrels 🐿️ 🐿️🐿️ by the Clackamas River Trail are as big as groundhogs.
Paul -
You are correct. It should be groundhog's day.
Is my statue still in the courtyard of Emanuel Hospital where I was born?
Always my favorite holiday. No gifts, lots of food, my mom put it on, 15 or so, always a few too far from home to go, mom always had room. My wife, throwing In a little mexi flavor (no lack of turkey) and all the trimmings with her additions. Sometime we had 20 or more, now my daughter does the the honor, family and needful friends. Her mom helps but it’s her show. Remarkably the same seating, 3 generations and counting. And yes, always a kids table
Great memories, Rodney. A holiday that never gets old. My favorite by far.
Thank you Bob for all that you do. May you and your loved ones have a great Holiday Season.
The same to you, Robert.
Your words are much appreciated.
I loved the stories, Bob, every one of them. Happy Thanksgiving to the Dunning family.
Very kind of you, Jan.
Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving
Bob, I appreciate you sharing your Thanksgiving memories with us.
Johnny
Thanks Johnny
Lovely memories, Bob. The next year ..."No, Virginia! There is no Santa Clause. I told you that so you'd hush and go to bed."
Well said.
You're making me laugh.
Thanks for this wonderful piece, Bob. My own clan has blackballed turkey over the last 5 years and instead we’ve gone the ethnic route (Greek, Italian) or made roast beef the centerpiece of our feast. I miss the days when I’d pick up a gigantic bird from Brannigan’s but there’s a lot to be thankful for and I am.
Turkey would never be my first choice, but it is truly magnificent when it comes out of the oven and wow does it tease the taste buds while it's cooking.
bring back straw hat 🍕 🌵 🏈
…great storytelling, Bob👍🏼…you’ve eclipsed Arlo Guthrie’s “Alice’s Restaurant”…and conjured up everyone’s favorite (read “quirky”) holiday memories🤔💭
Why isn’t Dave Whitmore in the HOF (a 22-TD single game performance has to be the all-time backyard/schoolyard record)…
I was thinking of a side quest to Benson…but alas, the chance for good food served right, with all the fixings, there…has gone the way of the Dodo Bird…(I checked)😶
Instead I’ll settle for daydreams of a “fly-by-night car transport for used cars adventure”…hoping for the best Thanksgiving story ever.