In August 1620, the Mayflower set sail from Southampton, England. The one hundred and twenty passengers became the founding pilgrims. Because of the weather, they arrived at Cape Cod, off the coast of Massachusetts, not the Virginia cost as intended. After devising the “Mayflower Compact”, the pilgrims set foot on Plymouth Rock. The next few months were difficult. More than half did not survive the winter, but when spring came, new life began. They made friendships with the local Indians. After reaping their first harvest in the fall of 1621, the pilgrims dedicated a day for thanking God for the bounty they were blessed. So Thanksgiving Day began with a great feast with family and friends. It is a day dedicated to giving thanks to God for the many things we often take for granted.

This coming Thanksgiving Day in America will be different. This year due to COVID, it is suggested people should not gather other than the ones in the immediate household. Visiting with large groups, traveling out of state and dining out are discouraged. I guess making a “call” or “zooming” is the next best thing one can do. For me, I have few family members living, and in the past on Thanksgiving Day, I found myself at the local fire station eating with community members who do not have family. Don’t feel sorry for me. The best foods you can eat are brought from the homes of country ladies. I am sure some of you know what I am talking about. So I will miss the food and fellowship this year, but it is just the way it is this year.

My alternative is this. I will fry some good country chicken; fix some mashed potatoes and gravy, corn and cranberry sauce. I cannot cook a turkey because I have a turkey friend that came here over a month ago, and she doesn’t seem to want to leave the farm. I sit with her each evening before dark before she goes to roost in the big oak tree next to the house. You see, I am blessed to share some time with one crazy, smart and entertaining bird, and the fried chicken is not bad either. Have a great Thanksgiving everyone.

Bonefish