Posted by Dr. Uncle Mark (with nods and smiles from the Corporal and Many Flags) on December 25, 2000 at 03:08:20:
Wellllllll........
It's 4:30 AM, Christmas morn. Aunt Linda and I have the turkey in the oven and our 3 children (quite grown-up) are still nestled in bed. In six hours, brother Uncle Dave (with Davey Gunn and Three Tales in tow) and Two Bottle will be here with their 2 children, bringing with them the Aged Parents. Sister Barbara, her Husband, and son Halfbreed will also arrive. The house will be filled with the smells and sights of not only the turkey, but mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, baked corn, cranberry sauce with orange slices, green beans (from our garden!), tapioca pudding, corn bread stuffing, creamed lettuce, gravy, baked oysters..and for desert - Aunt Linda's pecan pie and coconut cream pie, and homemade ice cream. Mmmmmm...Mmmmmmmm!!!
Not only have we been blessed with a loving family, special friends, and abundant food, but we are also blessed with the knowledge to prepare all these wonderful foods. And, we have been blessed with an understanding of how important all this is; that is, the importance of knowledge and the use of it to teach others; so that the old ways are not forgotten; even the old ways of preparing a turkey and all its trimmings for a family get-together.
So, ring the bells, light the tree, shout for joy, and hug the family and friends, for Christmas is here. It is a day to not only feast and be merry, but also a day to reflect, to believe, and to be thankful for all our blessings!!
Pax Aye!! God Bless us Everyone!!
Dr. Uncle Mark (and Cpl. MacWilliam and Many Flags)