Now here is how to start off Thanksgiving. See my feature image. M’m veeeerry good. I am drinking a Houston blend in an Austin PD “No Thanks I’m Driving” cup. This cup is over 35 years old and it is still my favorite. I’ve cut back significantly on my coffee consumption but the mug works for hot tea or hot chocolate too.
My brother and brother in law were policemen for the city of Austin Texas. That’s how I got the cup. The one that I had to have! My dad had been gifted one years before and I used it exclusively when I visited. Then one day, I was surprised with my own. I’m still not sure how my brother got me the discontinued cup. But he did. How sweet it is!!
Since they worked holidays, we’d have Thanksgiving dinner at one of their houses. We’d eat at a non-traditional hour. That way they could stop by during their shift to eat with us then skedaddle back to protect and serve. Later in their careers when they got the day off, we moved the party to San Antonio.
The Friday after was not a shopping day for us, instead we’d head for the place aka deer lease. A tradition that carried over after I got married, just a different place – B’s grandpa’s “El Soldado” ranch. El soldado means the solider for that is what Grandpa John was first and foremost. Or maybe good Catholic, father, then solider. Still makes me sick to my stomach that his legacy was sold. Even the mom from The Glass Castle a Memoir by Jeanette Walls kept her inherited land despite extreme poverty in her own home. Some say crazy … crazy like a fox. LAND what a precious commodity.
No use bellyaching about sold inheritance. Especially on this fine day. Where all is right with my small microcosm of the world. I am extremely “pinch me I must be dreaming” blessed. I am thankful! Every. Single. Day!
As always, more to come.
J-Dub's Grin and Bear It 