Gobble gobble from the Adriatic Sea

It is not the first time I've spent a holiday out of the Country. It's an odd feeling...an out of body experience.  

One's  physical being is among people who know little or nothing about Pilgrims and that glorious meal they partook of while the mind and spirit are wrapped around a warm turkey sandwich wrapped in sausage dressing with a glob of cranberry sauce just for added calories.

And then there is family, of course. New sights and sounds are memory-filled and fabulous when you are walking streets never traveled before. But there is something undeniably comforting about sitting down to a place setting of china that only comes out on holidays. Vacation souvenirs dim when compared to Aunt Mary's special pumpkin pie or Mom's request to have Dad carve the turkey.

Venice has the rich smell of garlic, tomatoes and tourists' dollars. But family feuds fade when the aroma of mashed potatoes and gravy waft from the kitchen.

So today, far from home, we will make do. As we Sit down for our first, second, third, fourth, and fifth meal of the day....(and of course  the Midnite  buffet) we will remember those who have none and we will be grateful for our blessings. We will also be praying that the luggage scales at the airport are broken. Chow and Happy Thanksgiving!