A Thanksgiving to Remember, 2024
In my desire to live warmer
I am many miles from my family
It is rare that we are all together,
But this Thanksgiving was an exception.
It began last winter
With a rental for the date on IOP
After getting an advance commitment
From my family.
Ten months of thinking about it
Considering various plans
And plenty of anxiety about the details
The annual holiday arrived
And so did my family.
Daughter Gina’s five came early
As did sister Lynn’s family of relations
Followed by Brant and Scott on Wednesday
As we moved into the rental on IOP
Lynn’s family rented their own home nearby.
We ordered pizza and began to enjoy
What the place and connections had to offer.
The anticipation for the gathering grew
And so did the anxiety for the dinner the next day.
I stayed at my condo, because I am old and desired quiet
But I arrived at the house in early morning and stayed late.
Thanksgiving day found me placing the
“Cook from frozen” turkeys in the oven at 8 AM
A new technology for turkey, easy to do
But the newness had some doubters.
We adults prepared to ensure the prep
Of multiple sides to compliment the turkeys.
As elements of the meal roasted and baked
We went to the beach for a game of football.
I recorded the event with many still photos
And one movie. Adults and children spent
An hour in exercise and fun
Tossing the football, scoring touchdowns,
And replicating Turkey Bowls of the past.
Son, Scott, an experienced ocean worshipper
Spent a half hour in the warmer than the air water
Before joining the game, a trooper to be sure.
In late morning, we headed back to organize the meal.
To cater this meal was a discussed option.
But many of the participants wanted to contribute
So we did, but it was difficult to ensure
That all dishes were ready at the same time.
The Turkeys took a little longer
Some of the sides cooled before serving
And the the 30 minute delay in eating
Caused some consternation.
Viewing one of the many football games
Helped to pass the time.
We eventually sat down at the long table,
Said a prayer of thanks for being together
And gave a toast to celebrate all who were present.
Everyone enjoyed the meal, the conversation, and
The ambiance of a family joining in a meal together.
As it happens in all holiday meals,
The eating was over much too quickly.
However the preparation
And the football fun on the beach
Made the whole experience a happy one for all.
We were invited to Cousin Barb and Don’s
For cocktails and desserts and more football viewing
The women conversed, the men watched TV and talked,
The children played informally and formally
Barb organized a game of unwrapping
The prepared plastic ball for prizes
That made every one of the children happy.
It was a delightful conclusion to a long but rewarding day
With a good portion of our extended family.
And now a few words about the house on IOP
It was a six bedroom, six bath home
With plenty of space for the kids to play
And plenty of outlets for their electronic gadgets.
We enjoyed the large kitchen with two ovens,
The spacious living room and non-stop football on TV
Some even tried the deck pool
And the ping pong table in the basement.
The widow’s peak at the very top of the house
Also drew its admirers.
All slept well and gave a thumbs up to the house.
While I enjoyed the daytime ambiance
And my nightly retreat back to my condo.
What to do for the final two full days in IOP?
Mornings were kind of slow
Waking up, making the coffee, taking walks
Heading out to various shopping opportunities.
On Friday, we chose to travel to Charleston
The Wisconsin Badgers were playing Minnesota
And we decided to go to Bumpa’s in Charleston,
A Badger Bar owned by transplanted Wisconsinites
To enjoy some pub food and watch more football.
Some of us chose to head back to IOP early
While others discovered more of Charleston.
Friday night was filled with leftovers and relaxation.
Islander 71 is a delightful Sports Bar
At the IOP Marina, just down the road,
Offering Oyster Roasts on Football Saturdays
With outdoor tables, play areas for the kids,
And a nonstop supply of oysters and other pub food.
After spending another slow morning at the house,
We all walked down to the sports bar
For an afternoon of conversation, football viewing,
And enjoyable pub fare.
Lynn’s son and family had begun
The drive home to Chicago.
But the rest of us enjoyed this Saturday diversion.
My concern for having enough to do slipped away.
The younger children enjoyed the outdoor play
And we older folks just
Enjoyed each other’s company.
Saturday night we grilled some chicken thighs
And talked of the holiday weekend,
And watched more football.
Sunday morning was checkout at 10 and we were out by 9.
I owe my thanks to my children
For leaving the house in excellent shape.
My job was to bring what I brought back to my home.
Scott’s family left on late Saturday,
Brant early Sunday morning.
Gina and her family, plus Lynn
Stayed with me Sunday night.
They all went to the airport on Monday morning
Which left me alone
In my quiet condo sanctuary once again.
I am blessed with eight grandchildren
And a grand nephew and niece.
And they were all present for Thanksgiving
They played together, both young and old.
They tore up the sand with football fervor
They ate their share and talked their talk,
Created happy havoc in the house,
And just enjoyed each other for a time.
Interacting with each one was special.
And provided me with an exceptional memory
And so, this effort at a family gathering has ended.
All were thankful for the opportunity
To come together for this celebration.
My hope is that no one was disappointed.
I am proud of what we have all created
And I think of the dinner and the gathering
As a super celebration of our accomplishments.
In my desire to live warmer
I am many miles from my family
It is rare that we are all together,
But this Thanksgiving was an exception.
It began last winter
With a rental for the date on IOP
After getting an advance commitment
From my family.
Ten months of thinking about it
Considering various plans
And plenty of anxiety about the details
The annual holiday arrived
And so did my family.
Daughter Gina’s five came early
As did sister Lynn’s family of relations
Followed by Brant and Scott on Wednesday
As we moved into the rental on IOP
Lynn’s family rented their own home nearby.
We ordered pizza and began to enjoy
What the place and connections had to offer.
The anticipation for the gathering grew
And so did the anxiety for the dinner the next day.
I stayed at my condo, because I am old and desired quiet
But I arrived at the house in early morning and stayed late.
Thanksgiving day found me placing the
“Cook from frozen” turkeys in the oven at 8 AM
A new technology for turkey, easy to do
But the newness had some doubters.
We adults prepared to ensure the prep
Of multiple sides to compliment the turkeys.
As elements of the meal roasted and baked
We went to the beach for a game of football.
I recorded the event with many still photos
And one movie. Adults and children spent
An hour in exercise and fun
Tossing the football, scoring touchdowns,
And replicating Turkey Bowls of the past.
Son, Scott, an experienced ocean worshipper
Spent a half hour in the warmer than the air water
Before joining the game, a trooper to be sure.
In late morning, we headed back to organize the meal.
To cater this meal was a discussed option.
But many of the participants wanted to contribute
So we did, but it was difficult to ensure
That all dishes were ready at the same time.
The Turkeys took a little longer
Some of the sides cooled before serving
And the the 30 minute delay in eating
Caused some consternation.
Viewing one of the many football games
Helped to pass the time.
We eventually sat down at the long table,
Said a prayer of thanks for being together
And gave a toast to celebrate all who were present.
Everyone enjoyed the meal, the conversation, and
The ambiance of a family joining in a meal together.
As it happens in all holiday meals,
The eating was over much too quickly.
However the preparation
And the football fun on the beach
Made the whole experience a happy one for all.
We were invited to Cousin Barb and Don’s
For cocktails and desserts and more football viewing
The women conversed, the men watched TV and talked,
The children played informally and formally
Barb organized a game of unwrapping
The prepared plastic ball for prizes
That made every one of the children happy.
It was a delightful conclusion to a long but rewarding day
With a good portion of our extended family.
And now a few words about the house on IOP
It was a six bedroom, six bath home
With plenty of space for the kids to play
And plenty of outlets for their electronic gadgets.
We enjoyed the large kitchen with two ovens,
The spacious living room and non-stop football on TV
Some even tried the deck pool
And the ping pong table in the basement.
The widow’s peak at the very top of the house
Also drew its admirers.
All slept well and gave a thumbs up to the house.
While I enjoyed the daytime ambiance
And my nightly retreat back to my condo.
What to do for the final two full days in IOP?
Mornings were kind of slow
Waking up, making the coffee, taking walks
Heading out to various shopping opportunities.
On Friday, we chose to travel to Charleston
The Wisconsin Badgers were playing Minnesota
And we decided to go to Bumpa’s in Charleston,
A Badger Bar owned by transplanted Wisconsinites
To enjoy some pub food and watch more football.
Some of us chose to head back to IOP early
While others discovered more of Charleston.
Friday night was filled with leftovers and relaxation.
Islander 71 is a delightful Sports Bar
At the IOP Marina, just down the road,
Offering Oyster Roasts on Football Saturdays
With outdoor tables, play areas for the kids,
And a nonstop supply of oysters and other pub food.
After spending another slow morning at the house,
We all walked down to the sports bar
For an afternoon of conversation, football viewing,
And enjoyable pub fare.
Lynn’s son and family had begun
The drive home to Chicago.
But the rest of us enjoyed this Saturday diversion.
My concern for having enough to do slipped away.
The younger children enjoyed the outdoor play
And we older folks just
Enjoyed each other’s company.
Saturday night we grilled some chicken thighs
And talked of the holiday weekend,
And watched more football.
Sunday morning was checkout at 10 and we were out by 9.
I owe my thanks to my children
For leaving the house in excellent shape.
My job was to bring what I brought back to my home.
Scott’s family left on late Saturday,
Brant early Sunday morning.
Gina and her family, plus Lynn
Stayed with me Sunday night.
They all went to the airport on Monday morning
Which left me alone
In my quiet condo sanctuary once again.
I am blessed with eight grandchildren
And a grand nephew and niece.
And they were all present for Thanksgiving
They played together, both young and old.
They tore up the sand with football fervor
They ate their share and talked their talk,
Created happy havoc in the house,
And just enjoyed each other for a time.
Interacting with each one was special.
And provided me with an exceptional memory
And so, this effort at a family gathering has ended.
All were thankful for the opportunity
To come together for this celebration.
My hope is that no one was disappointed.
I am proud of what we have all created
And I think of the dinner and the gathering
As a super celebration of our accomplishments.