Taking a Choke.

This morning we wake up in our headquarters and Rachel and I decided to catch up on the latest episode of The Hills when we get a call from Corrine. She tells us she is sitting on the porch having a cup of tea and taking in the scenery. The Sanders home has a glorious view of the rolling hillside homes and the ocean view in Ventura. Rachel and I decide that sounds very relaxing.

I make a fresh cup of joe and we join Corrine on the balcony. For breakfast we enjoy guava and blueberries that we picked right off the vine. The plan is to head to our first Thanksgiving Feast around 11. Unfortunately that is the time I take the first shower. Corrine throws the most severe double T of the trip during her outfit selection wanting to look her best for her family. Our first dinner is with Corrine’s stepmother’s family and is casual attire. The second dinner is at Great Grandma Vivie’s on her mother’s side who is very old fashioned and has requested a formal wardrobe. After finally deciding on outfit choices we end up heading to Santa Barbara two hours late.

Before we get on the road I am the photographer for the Sanders annual Christmas card. We arrive at the first stop, Grandma Rajala’s crib and get acquainted with the family there. The group heads outside to check out the view of the cliffs and see where the last round of fires struck. I bend over to check out the temperature of the hot tub. At this point Corrine’s stepmother charges over and tells me not to lean over again because I am wearing a black thong and the entire family just caught a peek. My dress is see-through. I am embarrassed and head inside to find the most delicious treat I have ever tasted. It was avocado/crab dip. Rachel soon gets hooked as well. We eat pretty much the entire thing but I did get the recipe from Corrine’s aunt Mary. Thank God!

We then say our goodbyes and head over to Viv’s. We haul in all of our shit and get acquainted with everyone. After Corrine says an emotional goodbye to her father, we join in on cocktail hour. I have a chardonnay and Corrine and Rachel enjoy Cape Cods.

It is almost time for dinner and Grandma Marilyn shows everyone the turkey…oooohhh, ahhhh. Everyone relocates to the dining room and grace is said by Grandpa Rich.

Grace was a little strange. “We are thankful for…the sick. We are thankful for…the ill.” Everything was organic and delicious. In the middle of dinner Grandpa Rich started choking. “It’s ok everybody. Rich is just taking a choke,” Grandma Marilyn announces as she ushers him out of the room. We then pile all of the dishes into the sink. There is no need to do them because the maid is coming at 8 am to take care of this business.

There are three pies for dessert. We each have a sliver of all three. I catch Grandma Viv doing some ballet moves off the side of her wheelchair. She used to be a professional ballerina. Everyone leaves and we get ready for bed. A few hours later the table is still set and looking inviting so we indulge in round two. “Where did that pecan pie go?” Rachel is dying for it. Someone stole it when they left. Fortunately, everyone put their dessert dishes all in one area so Rachel decides to eat everyone’s leftovers like a homeless man. Now all of the pecan and cherry pies are devoured. Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!