The first was a chance to spend time with Big E's family at Cracker Barrel. I should be thankful for the staff of Cracker Barrel for even being open on this day. We had ten of us make it to the early "brunch" for food and fun. While I was skeptical at first, I must admit that it was a good time had by all. Next time, I hope more can make it.
Our second Thanksgiving outing involved my side of the family. My mother and sister prepared a feast that had to be seen to be believed. The volume of food could only be out done by the volume of fun being had by my nephews as they played various games in the back (except for one volume that I will get to later).
Pork, turkey, corn, blackeyed peas, squash crap, sweet potatoes, stuffing, deviled eggs, bread and more lined our plates as we sat to eat and converse. I'm not kidding when I tell you that I only managed one plate (really big one!). I was stuffed from the start never mind the desserts, which were bountiful.
Some time later, we all sat down for a little break from the food to play cards. Miles Bourne was the game of choice, a French card game for those not in the know. Cards and my family is like dynamite in a small room, loud and dangerous.
Quick thought, my family is competitive and losing is not an option.
We were having a great time, my sister was leading (yeah, she won!!!!!) when in the middle of a play, Big E leaned forward to grab a card and let out a boisterous noise. I wish I could say the noise came from her mouth but that would be a lie. In fact, not only did she do it once, but while laughing off the first one, she actually let a second fly through the room. Not only was I surprised, I was shocked by the volume of laughs and grins that come from everyone else.
I aint trying to say that my family is proper or anything, but dropping a bomb at the table is generally done discreetly, if for no other reason that grabbing your neighbor by surprise. However, Big E not only announced it with authority, she followed it with and equally boisterous announcement!
Of course, this interrupted the card game for several minutes to allow us all to recover, ie. return back to the table. During which time, Big E played it off very well, she laughed and bellowed apologies and promised that it was an accident. Of course, that "accident" occured several more times throughout the game which tells me she was simply making more room for dessert and she did eat two pieces of chocolate pie.
If only mom wasn't such a great cook, that moment may have been avoided! Of course, she slept through it all! She needed and deserved the rest.
Thanksgiving, a time for family, food, friends, football and farts!!!!!! The five Fs of the south.
Thanks Big E.
