The Importance of Turkeys

Turkeys were prominent in my little bungalow Sunday. With it being the four-month marker of my wife's passing, I worried it might turn into one of those sad, weepy days. Fortunately, turkeys and family came to the rescue.

The need to concoct some kind of sweet dessert for work and flex my kitchen muscles a bit gave me a much needed diversion. I felt that making good use of Myra's kitchen was a fitting way to honor her memory.

Sweet birds created by a bird brain and his daughter

Grandchildren laughing and sneaking treats under the willfully blind eyes of Paw Paw makes Paw Paw's house a fun weekend excursion. Grandchildren with half a ton of sugar in their bellies are primed for the return trip home.

And if birds weren't enough, grandchildren cure most any sadness

The importance of turkeys becomes clear when family joins forces to face a fowl challenge undertaken by the half-senile widowed man. Time spent with family is time best spent.

All grandchildren should learn to make peace with turkeys

We all had fun. We baked and decorated and frosted happy turkeys. We had insufficient space to accommodate angry birds, electronic or otherwise. Frosting was the glue that held the birds together. Love is the glue that holds our family together.

The turkeys are packed and ready to brighten my coworkers' day too

So, what does a widower do when asked to bring snacks to work? He ponders the importance of turkeys and how they bring family together. Nothing else can turn a monthly mourning milestone into a thankful, happy affair.

For any who are interested, the ingredients for sweet turkeys are:

• Double-stuff Oreos. (Make sure they're double-stuff!)
• Candy corn
• Whoppers
• Mini-peanut butter cups
• Dark frosting (We used chocolate.)
• Icing for eyes and legs. (Yellow, white and black)
• Frosted brownies or cupcakes. (Oreos don't slide so much on frosting.)
• Reese's Pieces to decorate the brownies or cupcakes
• A lot of love and family for extra sweetness

In the event I don't post again until after Thanksgiving, please accept my wish of a happy holiday. May you find a multitude of reasons to be thankful. And don't forget the important role of turkeys.

Things For Which I'm Thankful

I'm thankful for:

Marrying the most wonderful woman alive. No one loves me more, is more supportive or as proud of me as she is.  I firmly believe that God himself fashioned her just for me.

My children. My wife and I wed believing we'd never have children. God gave us two. I love them with every fiber of my being.

My grandchildren. Bundles of energy, life and laughter, these three boys are. Nothing is sweeter in my ears than hearing them yell for Paw Paw!

Living in the greatest country on the planet.  I love my country, warts and all.  I served it as a member of the armed forces.  I vote in every election.  I take my freedom seriously.

My job. Despite the frequently excessive hours and often taxing demands, it pays our bills and I enjoy the work.

My health.  Two bouts with disability and a series of surgeries is enough to remind me that my health could always be worse. I'm mobile, productive and thankful to be so.

And I'm thankful to have met so many wonderful writers and bloggers.  I've found kindred spirits, die-hard supporters, voices of reason and wisdom, and folks who inspire just by being their awesome selves.

For these and so many more things, I'm thankful, not just today, but every day.

To every last one of you, I wish a most Happy Thanksgiving!