112109 Grandma's stuffing

Dear Family,
Yesterday five of the grandbabies were at our house. This morning, Michelle's beloved vacuum is in the shop. I heard Michelle on the phone a few minutes ago pleading with the vacuum man,

"What do you mean it's not ready? The lady I talked to said it would be ready today. You don't understand; it's Saturday and I need my vacuum. No, I don't want a loaner, I want my vacuum. Please, mister, I need my vacuum."

I couldn't listen anymore, what with the whimpering and tears: it was in Michelle's words, harshing my mellow.

Today is the Saturday before Thanksgiving, so it's shopping day. Thanksgiving is hosted by Jim & Ilsa again this year, but Michelle can't let go of a few of her favorite recipes. It ain't Thanksgiving, honey, unless mamma cooks. True story: the first year we were married we moved from Marysville to Kelso, on Thanksgiving weekend. Jim & Jess spent Thanksgiving dinner with their father than year. On Friday, when we should have been packing and moving, Michelle was preparing a full turkey dinner; this time for Jim & Jess. As soon as we ate, we washed the dishes, packed the dishes and got on with the move. You gotta love a woman who puts that kind of love and dedication into her holiday cooking.

You've heard it over and over; Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. How can you go wrong with food, family and friends? This year Greg & family are again joining us for the festivities and I'm thrilled. Another highlight: we get to see ll the kids and grandbabies in one day. It may be in shifts as the kids shuffle from grandma to grandma; pie to pie, but we'll get to see them all. I'll get to put a turkey leg in Dublin's little hands. I'll get to put way too much whip cream on the girls pie. I might even give Genesis a spray whip shot straight to the mouth like the 'old' days. Only if mom & grandma aren't looking. The have no respect for grandpa and granddaughter traditions.

Speaking of traditions; one of my traditions is to make grandma Jennings old fashioned sausage & age stuffing. It starts with a home-made sour cream biscuit base and just gets better from there. ow can you go wrong with sauteed onions, celery and pork products? I've been eating this recipe at Thanksgiving since before I can recall. As long as I have a spoonful of Grandma's stuffing on the corner of my plate, I'm sitting down to Thanksgiving dinner with every loved one have ever known. Grandma may been gone. Aunt Roberta and uncle Don may be miles away. Mom & Dad and Laura may carry on in Bellingham; but when I close my eyes and dip my fork into Grandma's stuffing, I'm right back at the family table. It works every time. I pray it works forever.

This Thursday, later in the evening when it gets quiet, I'm going to find a cozy spot, have a piece of pie and think about all I'm thankful for. It's a long list and each of you are on it. Thank you for being a part of what makes my life great.

I'm a lucky guy.

Until next week, may God bless each and every one of you.
Linn