Thanksgiving Memories

My favorite memories of Thanksgiving are of my grandmother in the Bronx hosting gigantic family gatherings in the livingroom of her 3 room apartment.

I don't know how she squeezed that long string of card tables together and fit in all those people. But my cousins and I always loved it! We usually stayed in the bedroom playing, and occasionally an adult would come in and warn us to be quiet so the downstairs neighbors wouldn't be disturbed.

There wasn't much we could do during the actual dinner to cause trouble because we were usually separated and trapped between parents and various aunts and uncles. Once you were at that gigantic table squeezed into that livingroom, it was almost impossible to move. My grandmother didn't go in for a children's table. Which was probably smart as we tended to misbehave less when we were separated.

I don't remember much about the food, except that I really loved the creamed onions and macaroni and cheese. My grandmother made a great gravy and stuffing too. Even though the stuffing was only Pepperidge Farm with celery added. The aunts would make all the desserts. One aunt was especially gifted in this area. Her pastries were always works of art. And then there was another aunt who was a working Mom and didn't have time to perfect the culinary arts. She was really embarrassed one year because she'd mistakenly put a crust on top of her pumpkin pie.

After dinner, sometimes the adults would play cards, while us kids would return to playing in the bedroom.

Many years later, I tried to replicate those dinners. But it was soon clear that I had no talent for cooking turkey. So, I've sensibly stepped aside for my sister-in-law who does. Also sensibly, I bring store bought cakes (or cup cakes this year) to share.

What are your favorite memories of Thanksgiving? Or are you still building them with your kids or significant other?

And what's your favorite pie??? Without a doubt apple pie is my favorite... a la mode, of course! I know you're supposed to have pumpkin and mince, but I'd just prefer to skip them.


The Macy's Thanksgiving Parade on TV is also a tradition for us. We especially enjoy the musical numbers from the Broadway shows. With those new pedestrian walk-ways they put in, I hear they're going to be changing the parade route a bit this year.

I noticed yesterday on VHl that Alicia Keys is featuring those red stairs over the Tkts Booth on Broadway that I talked about last week. The song on the video is "Empire State of Mind." So, I'm not the only one who likes them. LOL

Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone!!!

Have a Great Day! And a Great Weekend!

And don't go too wild on Black Friday!