Thanksgiving Day

The sun rose at 7:00 a.m. in our neck of the woods on Thanksgiving Day. I know this because just before, as Ed began shuffling about the bedroom (he was going to sleep, not getting up), I had an urge to be up for it. I hadn't witnessed a sunrise out over the lake in years. Perhaps since I first moved here ages back. This morning, I felt it was a proper way to begin the day.

It's 32F (0C) when I step outside. Can I bike in this weather? I don't give it a second thought. 

I pedal fast -- to keep warm and to get to the lake by 7. But just before the last bend in the road, I come to a full stop. Will this be my last Sandhill Crane sighting of the year? Shouldn't I take note?

Okay, now I am at the lake. A few clouds delay the burst of sunlight. Geese swim in the icy cold waters. All is quiet. 

Good morning, day. Thank you for all that is beautiful and kind.

As I turn away from the lake, I hear it. The call of the cranes. Not just one. I pedal toward their noise.

Turn west, then north, up the hill. Ah, there they are. In the early morning light.

So many! I dont understand their migration signals, but it seems to me (and perhaps I am projecting) that on this day they are preparing for their great journey. They clamor, call out, practice flight, come back down. By mid morning, I know these birds will no longer be here. 

A morning of cranes. Birds that are not afraid to give their full energy to something bold and dangerous. Beautiful, graceful birds that are said to bring luck. May they themselves have luck! Turns out we all need it to have a smooth flight in life.

My fingers are frozen, despite the gloves. I am beginning to feel the bite in the air. How do the Finns bike in winter? My face feels like it's chiseled out of ice.

At home, I feed the animals then return to the farmhouse. 

Ed asks -- where have you been?? Out with the cranes. I'm jealous! Would you have ridden with me? Well, maybe later. When it's warmer! 

I take a very hot shower and thaw out.

We have Thanksgiving breakfast. A combination of treats and fruits.

I turn on the Macy's parade. Ed rolls his eyes. I laugh at that: it's the American thing to do! I'm American and I dont watch it. Yes, I know. We have had 18 years of Thanksgivings together.

[For those who do keep the parade on in the background -- tell me, dont you feel like joining in the dance when the Rockettes do their thing? Always have, always will, knee replacement notwithstanding. Though I am glad the kids weren't here to witness the ridiculousness of me doing an up-kick.]

I am very aware of how different the holiday is for those who do not have to cook (me this year!). I make a cup of Cinnamon Plum tea. Texts from daughters come in. I smile. 

In the afternoon, Ed and I go downtown to Olin Park for a stroll through the lakeside woods. On a day like this -- gently sunny, peaceful -- it's a pretty walk. 

(The waters are so blue today! I know you see this view when I snap it as I drive to the bakery. This is a better vantage point, because you see the full swing of Wright's Monona Terrace.)

We pass a woman taking a photo of a naked oak tree. She feels compelled to explain herself -- I live in Las Vegas. We dont have trees like this there!

Here for a family Thanksgiving ? -- I ask.

Yes, exactly!

Have a happy one.

Thank you! You too!

Oh we will. We will indeed.

At home I have a late lunch. I mean, you're not supposed to eat a lot before dinner, right? And the official holiday season begins after the parade, right? 

The star shape is the traditional Clasen's chocolate covered gingerbread. The dusted dark cookie is their German Peppernut -- deliciously zesty! And the plain looking flat cookie? Not from Clasen's. It's a Finnish Pepparkakor. Gingerbread as well, but not too sweet, to temper the sugar in the others. With milky coffee -- it doesn't get any better than this!

And in the evening, I take out tubs of food prepared by Merchant. By their list: Roast Ferndale Turkey, Classic Turkey Gravy, Brussels Sprouts with Maple Bacon, Classic Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Beets with Cranberry Vinaigrette, Sweet Potato and Rutabaga Gratin, Italian Sausage and Apple Stuffing. There seems to be also a container of wild rice and broccoli which wasn't on the menu but hey, we pile it on!

For dessert? We skipped the pie option. Honestly, two small chocolate are more than enough to end the meal. 

Feet up, TV on, we watch All the Light We Cannot See. Wait, what?? It's not a movie but a series? 

Verdict? No, not as good as the book. Not even close. I agree with those who call it a cinematic misfire. No big themes remain with you, certainly not after the first episode. Will we continue with the remaining three? Not sure. Ask me tomorrow.

So ends Thanksgiving Day. If you're an American, I hope you spent your turkey (or tofurkey) day very well. With good food, and love in your heart.