Rainy, rainy day here. Just as well, so that I am not tempted to exchange my chores for a walk outside. In two days we are hopping on a plane, and I’ve got lists of things to take care of. Stop the mail and papers, refill prescriptions, pack, clean the house, do the laundry, make a carrot cake for Jem’s birthday, take Pete’s guitar to the luthier for a repair, drop the dog at camp (aka: the kennel). Unfortunately, I must take frequent breaks from all this bustle, as my ankle swells up like a water logged sausage when I am on it too long.
All of this preparation is so that we can make our annual pilgrimage to Marfa, Texas for Thanksgiving. It’s going to be extra special this year, as I was born on Thanksgiving in 1959. This year my birthday will once again fall on that particular holiday and I will be hitting the half century mark. We will be joined by all three of our children as well as three of my siblings and most of their kids. Everyone contributes beer, food (including my brother John’s famous chile) and wine. Margaritas are on the house. My husband David makes a very fine Thanksgiving feast, replete with a free range turkey. My contribution will be some of the side dishes and I’m a whiz at doing dishes as well. Actually, almost all of the adults who will be present have worked in restaurants and we’ve covered all the jobs from dishwashing, busing, serving to chef–so there is never a shortage of qualified help (and we’re all good tippers as well). Our assorted spawn will take turns djing; exposing their parents to a wide range of musical styles, including our son August’s own hiphop recordings. Soccer will be played, bikes and scooters will be ridden, and at least three of our party will play a round or two of golf at the Marfa course–“The Highest Golf Course in Texas”.
And I’m preparing to bask in all that warmth from the sunshine and my gathered family. I don’t know how much time I will have to write in the next week, but I will certainly post some photos. Until then, wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving. To life!
Some of the gang last year- photo by Greg Owsley
life and breath: outliving lung cancer 