Every night our pup enjoy what we call “Ham Time.” Just the mention of those two words, gets their tails wagging. They can thank their older dog-sister Belle for this tradition that came from a recommendation by our Vet back in Zionsville, Indiana. He suggested the extra benefits of protein through thin-sliced ham for all our pets, and consequently “Ham Time” has became a nightly ritual. What the dogs don’t know is that we switched them to turkey years ago in the interest of health. As a result, they have Thanksgiving every night.

I’m not a big fan of turkey myself but my wife absolutely loves the dark meat, so Thanksgiving means a tasty treat for her. Years ago, as we traveled through Indiana there was a restaurant in Valparaiso that specialized in turkey and became a must-stop dining fix between Thanksgiving meals. At street festivals and state fairs she even craves a turkey leg. The Strongbow Turkey Inn has since closed, but the turkey farms in that area are still operating. My wife gets excited when she hears the words “Turkey Time.”

For me, “Turkey Time” is all about Food, Family, and reFlection. My wife and I will drive the dogs through the mountains to Bend on Thanksgiving Day, far from other family, but they will all be in our hearts. She will prepare a turkey while watching the Macy’s parade and then pack it all in our Yedi cooler for the trip. Hopefully, there will not be snow and the need for chains. We might decide to cancel if the roads are bad. Nonetheless, I am thankful for my son & his family, my wife’s daughters, our marriage, our home, three pets, and the freedom of retirement. This past year I have also found my roots and what is believed to be a second family. Time will tell where this leads me, but it also makes me reflect on the parents who raised me as their own. This is what I’m most thankful for, because I would not have any of these other blessings without their love and support.

Happy Thanksgiving to all and the Drum Stick that goes with it!