A Thanksgiving Surprise

We left for the northland this morning. I had chatted with Chris last
night about his meal today and his bird (17.6#) but Rob hadn't talked to
him so we called him from the road so Rob could talk to him. He said
he'd just put the bird in the oven ‹ they would likely eat around 3:00.

We got to Beck's, unloaded the car, and schlepped in the wild rice,
relishes, sparkling juices, pies. My glasses were fogging up but I was
greeted by Jamie's mom and I gave her a hug. Through my foggy lenses I
saw either Jamie's dad or his brother-in-law (his sister's husband) and
I lifted my glasses up for a better look and saw it was his dad ‹ and
with my peripheral vision, I SAW MY SON'S BIG GRIN! Chris is here!
And has been since last Sunday! He lied to his mama! He lied! He
didn't have a 17.6# turkey for his friends! He was cooking the 14#
birdy that his sister bought!

EVERYone was in on the secret, even La Twerp! SHE's known it for 10
months and never gave so much as an inkling of a hint.

To everyone's utter amazement, I was SPEECHLESS!

Thanks be to Alex for the love of my children. We'll bring him home
with us and then send him back to AZ on Sunday.

What a day. What a day ! I so 'cited!
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.me.com/barbschaller - Who Said Chickens Have Fingers?
10-30-2009

On Thu 26 Nov 2009 10:01:23p, Melba's Jammin' told us...

> We left for the northland this morning. I had chatted with Chris last
> night about his meal today and his bird (17.6#) but Rob hadn't talked to
> him so we called him from the road so Rob could talk to him. He said
> he'd just put the bird in the oven ‹ they would likely eat around 3:00.
>
> We got to Beck's, unloaded the car, and schlepped in the wild rice,
> relishes, sparkling juices, pies. My glasses were fogging up but I was
> greeted by Jamie's mom and I gave her a hug. Through my foggy lenses I
> saw either Jamie's dad or his brother-in-law (his sister's husband) and
> I lifted my glasses up for a better look and saw it was his dad ‹ and
> with my peripheral vision, I SAW MY SON'S BIG GRIN! Chris is here!
> And has been since last Sunday! He lied to his mama! He lied! He
> didn't have a 17.6# turkey for his friends! He was cooking the 14#
> birdy that his sister bought!
>
> EVERYone was in on the secret, even La Twerp! SHE's known it for 10
> months and never gave so much as an inkling of a hint.
>
> To everyone's utter amazement, I was SPEECHLESS!
>
> Thanks be to Alex for the love of my children. We'll bring him home
> with us and then send him back to AZ on Sunday.
>
> What a day. What a day ! I so 'cited!

I'm so happy for you, Barb! That was probably the best surprise you could
have had. Obviously, you had a very happy Thanksgiving.

--

~~ If there's a nit to pick, some nitwit will pick it. ~~

~~ A mind is a terrible thing to lose. ~~

************************************************** ********

Wayne Boatwright

In article <Xns9CCFE1740349Cwayneboatwrightatari@69.16.185.24 7>,
Wayne Boatwright <wayneboatwright@arizona.usa.com> wrote:

> On Thu 26 Nov 2009 10:01:23p, Melba's Jammin' told us...
> >
> > Thanks be to Alex for the love of my children. We'll bring him home
> > with us and then send him back to AZ on Sunday.
> >
> > What a day. What a day ! I so 'cited!
>
> I'm so happy for you, Barb! That was probably the best surprise you could
> have had. Obviously, you had a very happy Thanksgiving.

Yes, I surely did.
They did the same thing four years ago and every year since, I've always
harbored the wish he would come back at Thanksgiving and then the
reality of the travel expenses involved has always left me with a
wistful sigh * and I've moved on. He'll be back for Christmas in
about 3-1/2 weeks. Hurrah! LaTwerp adores him ‹ he plays Legos with
her and his birthday gift to her was a very cool geode. Uncle Chris'
role in her life is to teach her about the earth and our universe, I'm
in charge of teaching her to cook, and Grandpa is in charge of making
stupid noises and games that only the two of them understand at all.
<Babi rolls her eyes at the very thought of the goofiness they enjoy>
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.me.com/barbschaller - Who Said Chickens Have Fingers?
10-30-2009

"Melba's Jammin'" <barbschaller@earthlink.net> wrote in message
>
> Thanks be to Alex for the love of my children. We'll bring him home
> with us and then send him back to AZ on Sunday.
>
> What a day. What a day ! I so 'cited!

Well that certainly makes it a great day for you. I'm happy for you and
hope you enjoy the visit.

On Thu 26 Nov 2009 10:21:26p, Melba's Jammin' told us...

> In article <Xns9CCFE1740349Cwayneboatwrightatari@69.16.185.24 7>,
> Wayne Boatwright <wayneboatwright@arizona.usa.com> wrote:
>
>> On Thu 26 Nov 2009 10:01:23p, Melba's Jammin' told us...
>> >
>> > Thanks be to Alex for the love of my children. We'll bring him home
>> > with us and then send him back to AZ on Sunday.
>> >
>> > What a day. What a day ! I so 'cited!
>>
>> I'm so happy for you, Barb! That was probably the best surprise you
>> could have had. Obviously, you had a very happy Thanksgiving.
>
> Yes, I surely did.
> They did the same thing four years ago and every year since, I've always
> harbored the wish he would come back at Thanksgiving and then the
> reality of the travel expenses involved has always left me with a
> wistful sigh * and I've moved on. He'll be back for Christmas in
> about 3-1/2 weeks. Hurrah! LaTwerp adores him ‹ he plays Legos with
> her and his birthday gift to her was a very cool geode. Uncle Chris'
> role in her life is to teach her about the earth and our universe, I'm
> in charge of teaching her to cook, and Grandpa is in charge of making
> stupid noises and games that only the two of them understand at all.
> <Babi rolls her eyes at the very thought of the goofiness they enjoy>

The whole thing sounds wonderful!

--

~~ If there's a nit to pick, some nitwit will pick it. ~~

~~ A mind is a terrible thing to lose. ~~

************************************************** ********

Wayne Boatwright

Wayne Boatwright wrote:

>> Thanks be to Alex for the love of my children. We'll bring him home
>> with us and then send him back to AZ on Sunday.
>>
>> What a day. What a day ! I so 'cited!
>
> I'm so happy for you, Barb! That was probably the best surprise you could
> have had. Obviously, you had a very happy Thanksgiving.
>

What fun!! I am so very happy for you, Barb. How was his turkey?

I think surprises are hard to come by sometime at this point in my life.
Kids and spouses are usually so bad at keeping them or thinking them up,
that they mean a LOT to me anymore.

"Melba's Jammin'" <barbschaller@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:barbschaller-9A1730.23012326112009@news-2.mpls.iphouse.net...
> We left for the northland this morning. I had chatted with Chris last
> night about his meal today and his bird (17.6#) but Rob hadn't talked to
> him so we called him from the road so Rob could talk to him. He said
> he'd just put the bird in the oven < they would likely eat around 3:00.
>
> We got to Beck's, unloaded the car, and schlepped in the wild rice,
> relishes, sparkling juices, pies. My glasses were fogging up but I was
> greeted by Jamie's mom and I gave her a hug. Through my foggy lenses I
> saw either Jamie's dad or his brother-in-law (his sister's husband) and
> I lifted my glasses up for a better look and saw it was his dad < and
> with my peripheral vision, I SAW MY SON'S BIG GRIN! Chris is here!
> And has been since last Sunday! He lied to his mama! He lied! He
> didn't have a 17.6# turkey for his friends! He was cooking the 14#
> birdy that his sister bought!
>
> EVERYone was in on the secret, even La Twerp! SHE's known it for 10
> months and never gave so much as an inkling of a hint.
>
> To everyone's utter amazement, I was SPEECHLESS!
>
> Thanks be to Alex for the love of my children. We'll bring him home
> with us and then send him back to AZ on Sunday.
>
> What a day. What a day ! I so 'cited!
> --
Lovely, Barb. Have a great time.

Melba's Jammin' wrote:
> Yes, I surely did.
> They did the same thing four years ago and every year since, I've
> always harbored the wish he would come back at Thanksgiving and then
> the reality of the travel expenses involved has always left me with a
> wistful sigh * and I've moved on. He'll be back for Christmas in
> about 3-1/2 weeks. Hurrah! LaTwerp adores him < he plays Legos with
> her and his birthday gift to her was a very cool geode. Uncle Chris'
> role in her life is to teach her about the earth and our universe, I'm
> in charge of teaching her to cook, and Grandpa is in charge of making
> stupid noises and games that only the two of them understand at all.
> <Babi rolls her eyes at the very thought of the goofiness they enjoy>

I am thrilled you had such a lovely time Thanks for sharing)

Melba's Jammin' wrote:
> with us and then send him back to AZ on Sunday.
>
> What a day. What a day ! I so 'cited!
>

How wonderful, I am so happy for you. :-)


Becca

Melba's Jammin' wrote:
> We left for the northland this morning. I had chatted with Chris last
> night about his meal today and his bird (17.6#) but Rob hadn't talked to
> him so we called him from the road so Rob could talk to him. He said
> he'd just put the bird in the oven ‹ they would likely eat around 3:00.
>
> We got to Beck's, unloaded the car, and schlepped in the wild rice,
> relishes, sparkling juices, pies. My glasses were fogging up but I was
> greeted by Jamie's mom and I gave her a hug. Through my foggy lenses I
> saw either Jamie's dad or his brother-in-law (his sister's husband) and
> I lifted my glasses up for a better look and saw it was his dad ‹ and
> with my peripheral vision, I SAW MY SON'S BIG GRIN! Chris is here!
> And has been since last Sunday! He lied to his mama! He lied! He
> didn't have a 17.6# turkey for his friends! He was cooking the 14#
> birdy that his sister bought!
>
> EVERYone was in on the secret, even La Twerp! SHE's known it for 10
> months and never gave so much as an inkling of a hint.
>
> To everyone's utter amazement, I was SPEECHLESS!
>
> Thanks be to Alex for the love of my children. We'll bring him home
> with us and then send him back to AZ on Sunday.
>
> What a day. What a day ! I so 'cited!

How very wonderful!!!! :-)

--
Jean B.

"Melba's Jammin'" <barbschaller@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:barbschaller-9A1730.23012326112009@news-2.mpls.iphouse.net...
> We left for the northland this morning. I had chatted with Chris last
> night about his meal today and his bird (17.6#) but Rob hadn't talked to
> him so we called him from the road so Rob could talk to him. He said
> he'd just put the bird in the oven < they would likely eat around 3:00.
>
> We got to Beck's, unloaded the car, and schlepped in the wild rice,
> relishes, sparkling juices, pies. My glasses were fogging up but I was
> greeted by Jamie's mom and I gave her a hug. Through my foggy lenses I
> saw either Jamie's dad or his brother-in-law (his sister's husband) and
> I lifted my glasses up for a better look and saw it was his dad < and
> with my peripheral vision, I SAW MY SON'S BIG GRIN! Chris is here!
> And has been since last Sunday! He lied to his mama! He lied! He
> didn't have a 17.6# turkey for his friends! He was cooking the 14#
> birdy that his sister bought!
>
> EVERYone was in on the secret, even La Twerp! SHE's known it for 10
> months and never gave so much as an inkling of a hint.
>
> To everyone's utter amazement, I was SPEECHLESS!
>
> Thanks be to Alex for the love of my children. We'll bring him home
> with us and then send him back to AZ on Sunday.
>
> What a day. What a day ! I so 'cited!
> --
> -Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
> http://web.me.com/barbschaller - Who Said Chickens Have Fingers?
> 10-30-2009
I teared up for you Barb. Every mother knows just how you felt and what it
meant for him to be there. Give him another hug, o.k.?
Janet

In article <iOCdndWM5oLvQ5LWnZ2dnUVZ_jidnZ2d@supernews.com> ,
"Janet Bostwick" <nospam@nospam.net> wrote:

> "Melba's Jammin'" <barbschaller@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> news:barbschaller-9A1730.23012326112009@news-2.mpls.iphouse.net...

> > Thanks be to Alex for the love of my children. We'll bring him home
> > with us and then send him back to AZ on Sunday.
> >
> > What a day. What a day ! I so 'cited!
> > --

> I teared up for you Barb. Every mother knows just how you felt and what it
> meant for him to be there. Give him another hug, o.k.?
> Janet

:-) I tried to explain it to Sam and said that "someday you will
understand." And I will give him another hug. With pleasure. Thanks,
Janet.
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.me.com/barbschaller - Who Said Chickens Have Fingers?
10-30-2009

"Melba's Jammin'" <barbschaller@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:barbschaller-9A1730.23012326112009@news-2.mpls.iphouse.net...
> We left for the northland this morning. I had chatted with Chris last
> night about his meal today and his bird (17.6#) but Rob hadn't talked to
> him so we called him from the road so Rob could talk to him. He said
> he'd just put the bird in the oven < they would likely eat around 3:00.
>
> We got to Beck's, unloaded the car, and schlepped in the wild rice,
> relishes, sparkling juices, pies. My glasses were fogging up but I was
> greeted by Jamie's mom and I gave her a hug. Through my foggy lenses I
> saw either Jamie's dad or his brother-in-law (his sister's husband) and
> I lifted my glasses up for a better look and saw it was his dad < and
> with my peripheral vision, I SAW MY SON'S BIG GRIN! Chris is here!
>

Fabulous surprise! Just made your Thanksgiving so much better!

Debbie

In article <7n96diF3kcoerU1@mid.individual.net>,
Goomba <Goomba38@comcast.net> wrote:
> What fun!! I am so very happy for you, Barb. How was his turkey?
>
> I think surprises are hard to come by sometime at this point in my life.
> Kids and spouses are usually so bad at keeping them or thinking them up,
> that they mean a LOT to me anymore.

His turkey was very moist and delicious, even the white meat. Smaller
than what he usually prepares by 7-10#. I am sure that it was a
pre-basted thang. The rfc purists would frown at that. :-) He puts
mirepoix in the cavity and makes the gravy from drippings and broth from
the gizzard, neck, and heart prepared the night before (while he was
ostensibly in AZ. :-) LYING to his MAMA!! I hear that there was a
side bet that Mama was going to be PO'd that I didn't know about this
for so long. Jamie lost the bet. :-0) How do you get mad at a
surprise that warms your heart and lifts your spirits? :-0)

I have fond memories of the years that he would call me several times,
starting the day before: "MOM! What should I . . . . ?" "MOM! How
do I . . . . ?" "MOM! Can I. . . . ?" <grin> Not so many of those
calls in recent years. :-) Mission Accomplished.
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.me.com/barbschaller - Who Said Chickens Have Fingers?
10-30-2009

In article
<barbschaller-EB31F8.08401127112009@news-2.mpls.iphouse.net>,
Melba's Jammin' <barbschaller@earthlink.net> wrote:

> In article <iOCdndWM5oLvQ5LWnZ2dnUVZ_jidnZ2d@supernews.com> ,
> "Janet Bostwick" <nospam@nospam.net> wrote:
> > I teared up for you Barb. Every mother knows just how you felt and what it
> > meant for him to be there. Give him another hug, o.k.?
> > Janet
>
> :-) I tried to explain it to Sam and said that "someday you will
> understand." And I will give him another hug. With pleasure. Thanks,
> Janet.

Well, Janet, I did my best. . . . LOL! When I said I had a hug for
him from Janet, he said, with a big grin, to tell her thanks. I said it
was a different Janet (he thought a friend of ours) and he grinned and
said, "Sorry, I cannot accept it. I don't hug strangers." <grin> I
hugged him for you anyway.

OB More Food: Breakfast this morning was a nice plate of turkey, wild
rice, carrot sticks, cranberries, and 5-cup fruit salad. Good turkey.
Fantastic wild rice‹I need to check my home supply.
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.me.com/barbschaller - Who Said Chickens Have Fingers?
10-30-2009

"Melba's Jammin'" <barbschaller@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:barbschaller-3F4ED8.12120127112009@news-2.mpls.iphouse.net...
> In article
> <barbschaller-EB31F8.08401127112009@news-2.mpls.iphouse.net>,
> Melba's Jammin' <barbschaller@earthlink.net> wrote:
>
>> In article <iOCdndWM5oLvQ5LWnZ2dnUVZ_jidnZ2d@supernews.com> ,
>> "Janet Bostwick" <nospam@nospam.net> wrote:
>> > I teared up for you Barb. Every mother knows just how you felt and
>> > what it
>> > meant for him to be there. Give him another hug, o.k.?
>> > Janet
>>
>> :-) I tried to explain it to Sam and said that "someday you will
>> understand." And I will give him another hug. With pleasure. Thanks,
>> Janet.
>
> Well, Janet, I did my best. . . . LOL! When I said I had a hug for
> him from Janet, he said, with a big grin, to tell her thanks. I said it
> was a different Janet (he thought a friend of ours) and he grinned and
> said, "Sorry, I cannot accept it. I don't hug strangers." <grin> I
> hugged him for you anyway.
snip
Well, that's o.k. then, you hugged him anyway and now we are no longer
strangers ;o}
Janet

On Thu, 26 Nov 2009 23:01:23 -0600, Melba's Jammin'
<barbschaller@earthlink.net> wrote:

>We left for the northland this morning. I had chatted with Chris last
>night about his meal today and his bird (17.6#) but Rob hadn't talked to
>him so we called him from the road so Rob could talk to him. He said
>he'd just put the bird in the oven ‹ they would likely eat around 3:00.
>
>We got to Beck's, unloaded the car, and schlepped in the wild rice,
>relishes, sparkling juices, pies. My glasses were fogging up but I was
>greeted by Jamie's mom and I gave her a hug. Through my foggy lenses I
>saw either Jamie's dad or his brother-in-law (his sister's husband) and
>I lifted my glasses up for a better look and saw it was his dad ‹ and
>with my peripheral vision, I SAW MY SON'S BIG GRIN! Chris is here!
>And has been since last Sunday! He lied to his mama! He lied! He
>didn't have a 17.6# turkey for his friends! He was cooking the 14#
>birdy that his sister bought!
>
> EVERYone was in on the secret, even La Twerp! SHE's known it for 10
>months and never gave so much as an inkling of a hint.
>
>To everyone's utter amazement, I was SPEECHLESS!
>
>Thanks be to Alex for the love of my children. We'll bring him home
>with us and then send him back to AZ on Sunday.
>
>What a day. What a day ! I so 'cited!

What a sweet present. You've been a good mama - fed 'em well and
raised 'em right.

Boron