Thanksgiving the Hard Way

Trying to make a living on the race track with horses of questionable ability and two small boys makes you resourceful. We had purchased a used mobile home and moved it to the mobile home lot right next to the training track to save money. We could walk to work and the boys would always be close. We had water and electric, but no propane for the stove, and no money to buy an electric range. Along came Thanksgiving.

One of the jockeys liked to hunt and gave us a wild turkey, feathers and all. Fortunately, my dad was a hunter and had also been a meat cutter so I had watched him dress game many many times. The boys helped me dunk, pluck, and dress the turkey. We used it as an anatomy lesson. Then there was the rest of the meal. Potatoes, cranberries, dressing, and gravy, and, of course, a fruit salad and pumpkin pie with whipped topping were a must. I had a microwave, a crock pot, and a hot plate.

I cut up the turkey into pieces and cooked the legs, wings, and back in the crock pot as they fit, and then drained the stock and refrigerated the already cooked parts. Took the breast and stuffed it and put it in the crock pot. This was the hot part of the turkey meal that day. The potatoes were cooked on the hot plate, as was the gravy. The pie was a microwave miracle - you would be surprised what you can do with a microwave.

It probably took three times longer to fix the turkey, etc. by doing it on the installment method, but the family was happy and full, and to this date, the boys still enjoy Thanksgiving and the memories we all share.