November 22, 1979
Thanksgiving is probably my favorite holiday. I like what it means—that we remember our blessings and freedoms with thanks. I like the noisy atmosphere of our family gathering for the traditional meal. And I especially like turkey and DRESSING!!!
Thinking myself half-starved by the next year when we had moved back to Oklahoma, I could hardly wait for THE day! Then out of the clear blue-sky Poppa announced that we’re going to have ham! My heart fell to my knees!
Not to be outdone and starve plumb to death by the time another year came to pass I took the job of boiling a hen and making the dressing upon myself.
I made biscuits and cornbread from scratch—this was going to be some mighty good food!
I chopped onions until I lost ten pounds (that’s about what water weighs per gallon and I know at least that much trickled down my cheeks).
Then when it was all mixed up, came the seasoning!
I’d watched Mother put the ingredients together as a child and besides I had been married a whole year.
I was an expert cook, so I certainly didn’t need anyone to tell me how MUCH seasonings to put in the dressing!
So, I dumped a little sale, pepper, and sage in—but it didn’t quite look the same as Mother’s did so I dumped a little more sage in…
then a little more… until the whole box full had been used.
It smelled scrumptious while it was baking.
To say the least, it was a bit too spicy for even my rebel taste!
I did accomplish great wonders with my gallon of unedible dressing.
Last week Mother made one of her yearly calls from home to inform me that SHE would make the dressing this year!
And would I please bring yeast rolls and fruit salad—Neither of them call for sage! !!