Thanksgiving Tradition
Posted: Wed Nov 23, 2005 9:24 pm
As I sit here on the day before Thanksgiving, I have much to be thankful for -- good health for me and my loved ones, the pleasure of good friends, a roof over my head and the relative certainty of plenty to eat. Many don't have all or many of those things and they don't have the freedom to enjoy or pursue them. For all these and the people who gave their all to secure them for me, I am truly grateful.
Tomorrow, we will particpate in a family tradition where we go over the river and through the woods (literally) to share the afternoon with family.
Another part of that tradition for us is a part that came about during my time on the Madison -- specifically, no one at our house will be cooking.
While I don't truly recall our first Thanksgiving as a couple, I do recall our second. The boat was working up towards coming out of the yards at NNews and we had sea trials to make. We weren't expected to be back that Thursday but things had gone relatively well and I was off the boat by mid-afternoon.
Since we had planned on me being gone, the traditional T-giving arrangements hadn't been made. A few phone calls and we found that the Chamberlain (I think) Hotel at Fort Monroe was serving Thanksgiving dinner without needing a reservation.
My wife, Betty, and I, along with a couple of friends from the boat went there for dinner. I don't recall the meal as being outstanding but good and the company was great. It was also an occasion because I didn't expect to be on land, let alone out with the folks I cared about.
Since that time, Betty doesn't "do" Thanksgiving dinner. We have ever since, either gone out to a restaurant or to family or friends. It's worked well for the last 24 years and we see no reason to change it now.
Thank you all for your part in securing the freedom we enjoy. I hope this holiday finds you with many blesssings to appreciate as well.
Tomorrow, we will particpate in a family tradition where we go over the river and through the woods (literally) to share the afternoon with family.
Another part of that tradition for us is a part that came about during my time on the Madison -- specifically, no one at our house will be cooking.
While I don't truly recall our first Thanksgiving as a couple, I do recall our second. The boat was working up towards coming out of the yards at NNews and we had sea trials to make. We weren't expected to be back that Thursday but things had gone relatively well and I was off the boat by mid-afternoon.
Since we had planned on me being gone, the traditional T-giving arrangements hadn't been made. A few phone calls and we found that the Chamberlain (I think) Hotel at Fort Monroe was serving Thanksgiving dinner without needing a reservation.
My wife, Betty, and I, along with a couple of friends from the boat went there for dinner. I don't recall the meal as being outstanding but good and the company was great. It was also an occasion because I didn't expect to be on land, let alone out with the folks I cared about.
Since that time, Betty doesn't "do" Thanksgiving dinner. We have ever since, either gone out to a restaurant or to family or friends. It's worked well for the last 24 years and we see no reason to change it now.
Thank you all for your part in securing the freedom we enjoy. I hope this holiday finds you with many blesssings to appreciate as well.