I have already, recently, done a post in which I set forth several things for which I was thankful and why and I don't think the subject bears revisiting so soon. No, instead of that, I will go on a bit about how I plan to spend my Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday.

We are going to my parent's house for Thanksgiving dinner, well, lunch this year instead of dinner. One nice thing that we do, and I assume we are not alone in this, is we go around the table and talk about what we are thankful for this year, what we are giving thanks for. I always enjoy that. We also have a tradition that we created after my mother had a stroke about 9 years ago. She was in the hospital and not able to join us, so it was just my dad, my wife and me. My sister was in Florida. None of the three of us particularly like turkey, as heretical as that may sound. My father had recently started a subscription to Cooks Illustrated, an excellent magazine, by the way, and had read about dry aging your own prime rib and slow cooking it at 200 degrees for something like six hours. So we 86'ed the turkey and made that instead. It was sublime. And that has become our Thanksgiving meal. Email me if you want the recipe and I'll send it to you. We also use the fabulous meat as an excuse to break out a really good bottle of wine, something far beyond the ordinary every day plonk. The meat deserves it, you know.

Then, at 4:00, my wife and the Girl Child depart for Norway. I am already missing my daughter and I told her that last night. She said that it would be ok and that I could call her in Norway to talk. But there is a silver lining in my little cloud -- ITS BOYS WEEKEND! The Boy Child and I are together for the whole weekend! I can see it now, sports on tv, cigars, scotch, chili, etc. Oh, wait, I forgot. He's only 21 months old. We can't have the cigars. But we can have chili because we discovered last night that he likes my super strong chili. Attaboy!

I am really looking forward to this weekend with him. I feel like it will be a great opportunity to get to know him better since his sister will not be around. It will also force me to slow down and do things at more of a 21 month old pace. This is a good thing. I could use the rest.

And then, when he goes to sleep, the evenings are mine! All mine!!! I can stay up and read, or rent all of the Christopher Guest movies, or run a little tasting test on the various single malts I have, or whatever. It will be pure freedom, constrained only by the need to stay within hearing reach of his monitor. You know, I might even try to get a little exercise. Naw, now why would I want to spoil a perfectly good weekend with something silly like that?

I like the freedom of being alone, of not having my wife around. You know why? The only reason it is enjoyable? Because it is limited in time. If she were gone for a long period, it would not be a treat, but a horrible disconnect. I would hate that, have hated it. How can I sleep, among other things? No, I will enjoy my little freedom as the compensation I get for worrying about my wife and daughter while they are away from me.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving with much to give thanks about!

Posted by: Random Penseur at 11:35 AM | Comments (10) | Add Comment
Post contains 639 words, total size 3 kb.

1 Have a Happy Thanksgiving! And enjoy your break, you deserve it. I understand your point entirely, and I've always felt the same way. Whenever I would send my wife and daughter off to see her mother, it was my turn to relax. But after a few days I just missed them terribly. It's nice to get a breather sometimes, though. Hope you and the boy child have some serious male bonding!

Posted by: Mick at November 24, 2004 02:44 PM (VhRca)

2 Have a happy Thanksgiving, my friend. Oh, and for the unfettered Boy Time: Mazel tov!

Posted by: Margi at November 24, 2004 03:52 PM (MAdsZ)

3 You gotta take him to Hooters to experience the male trifecta...beer, wings, and um, hooters. Besides, who's he gonna tell?

Posted by: Howard at November 24, 2004 04:03 PM (e1Imk)

4 Mick, I hope you and Christina have a really great time together! Thanks, Margi! Back at ya, sunshine! Howard: That is a DAMN fine idea. Although, he has probably had more quality time with breasts in the past 20 months than I have!

Posted by: RP at November 24, 2004 04:21 PM (LlPKh)

5 Just a word of caution, from the voice of experience: Children have no inner-monologue. They crack on the witness stand. They 'fess up. Mommy will know. Trust me.

Posted by: Margi at November 24, 2004 04:36 PM (MAdsZ)

6 He likes your chili? That is so awesome. I remember the first time that Bear tried my hot wings and he liked them. I had tears in my eyes. Well, I always have tears in my eyes when I'm eating my wings but these were extra special tears. Happy Thanksgiving!

Posted by: Jim at November 24, 2004 05:39 PM (GCA5m)

7 I was never so proud as when I saw my nephew shaking black pepper onto his tongue. *sniff*

Posted by: Tuning Spork at November 24, 2004 11:52 PM (fQhXy)

8 Parting is all we know of heaven, And all we need of hell. --Emily Dickinson Boys will be boys. Have fun this Thanksgiving, Penseur.

Posted by: Jester at November 25, 2004 03:09 PM (yS8Mo)

9 Happy Thanksgiving, RP. Enjoyed reading about your traditions and perspectives on relaxation. And I hope you really enjoy Boy's Night this weekend. I'm a Grandma, so I just have to nag. Could you just cool the Chile a little from your standard mix - you did say 21 months, didn't you?

Posted by: Roberta s at November 25, 2004 04:34 PM (M3w1y)

10 Margi, that is a very useful tip which I will keep in mind when he acquires langauge skills. Right now, I am shielded by his inability to communicate with words. Hey, Jim, Happy Thanksgiving back at ya! Black pepper? On his tongue? Ouch. Jester, what a pleasure to see you again! Roerta, I appreciate the caution and accept it happily in the spirit in which it was meant. The Boy Child gets his portion toned down by adding lots of sour cream and cheese. He still looks a bit surprised by each bite, but not in a bad way. Your comments and even admonishments are always welcome!

Posted by: RP at November 26, 2004 04:36 PM (X3Lfs)

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