because an American Thanksgiving is really about being thankful...for Family & Friends...and turkeys...and the USDA.

Everyone remembers Busia,

my Great Grandmother,

and

her straightforward sense and style, 

right?

I am so thankful I have inherited that style!

Well, 

we have another special family member of ours 

in our familial history 

you need to meet this Thanksgiving.

and it isnt because

My wonderful sister insisted that I introduce him to you... 

well, shes my older then me yet still viable sister

that i know not to mess with.

A loving Family is like that, you know.

I am so very thankful i have a loving, viable sister!

Anyhow,

This here is Great GREAT Uncle Tony,

-Busia's brother! -

and 

one of our more famous relatives...

How can you tell?

Well for one,

He was a turkey whisperer!

Can you do that with a turkey?

I think not.

...

...

...

actually do you want to do that with a turkey?

i dont think many people want to, 

and thats probably a good thing.

Anyhow,

He lived and worked in the timbered northern forests of Wisconsin way back when...

before 

there were Turkey spa destination spots 

like Jennie-O and Butterball.

Back then,

You basically had to make "friends" 

with the closest turkey near to you

 in order to have Thanksgiving dinner.

For reals - im not making this up 

uhmmm 

*eyes look up and to the left*

Arent you glad you live in the age of Turkey spa destination spots

so you 

dont have to be like My Great great Uncle Tony here?

That had to get old after awhile...

giving turkeys cryptic piggy back rides in exchange for...

well, you know what.

I AM SO VERY THANKFUL FOR TURKEY SPAS!!!

And Also,

 I am so very thankful

that I have inherited all of my Mother's natural and talented cooking skills as seen here.

Because I do know how to make decent Mimosa's 

in order to achieve this type of aura of cooking-

that and hopeful interpretation of martha stewart recipes.

She'd be proud.

Martha and my mom.

Anyhow,

Last year we had this turkey for dinner,

without having to give it a ride around the yard.

Just from the store to our kitchen.

Only a car ride involved.

I AM SO VERY THANKFUL FOR THE USDA!

this year it will be a little different...

I am making a Canadian duck.

Weve gout a lout tou be thankful four!

(metrically)

SOooo,

Happy Thanksgiving, 

to all my friends and family,

blogger friends

and

complete strangers!

Because isnt that whats being thankful all about?

Toasting to our todays, tomorrows and the future!

I AM SO VERY THANKFUL!

xoxoxo

~