Just Musing: Thanksgiving feasts, a Christmas show and a noted passing

Thanksgiving is over — well, at least for most — I have friends who are meeting today for their family gathering.

By now, you are tired of leftover ham or turkey for sandwiches or warmed and served with a new batch of mashed potatoes between slices of bread and smothered with gravy. Or perhaps you’ve had turkey tetrazzini or ham and scalloped potatoes or even a pot of soup beans with ham. The point is we all buy way too much meat for the Thanksgiving dinner.

What about just a turkey breast and a couple of drumsticks for those who prefer dark meat? Or buy the smallest ham you can find and ask the butcher to cut it in half and freeze half of it for Christmas? By the time sides — sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, corn casserole, macaroni and cheese, green bean casserole, stuffing, broccoli salad, gravy, fresh baked yeast rolls or bread and an assortment of desserts — you only need to serve a small portion of meat.

And while you are at it, don’t forget to give thanks for the bounty of your blessings to the one who made it possible. We should offer thanks each and every day — not just on Thanksgiving — at least I do. I’m grateful every day for there are many who are hungry and struggling. I hope you shared a plate or two to with an older friend or neighbor that is/was alone for the holiday. You don’t know loneliness until you’ve been there.

As I write this on Tuesday, a bundle of bad weather is sweeping the lower 48 ranging from rain, thunderstorms and snow. If you did or have yet to travel, please be careful and drive defensively.

Are you ready for the show?

For you Marion peeps, I hope you have made plans or purchased your tickets already for the annual Christmas at the Palace next weekend. More than 200 local talent will perform on the Palace stage and I promise you it will be spectacular and well performed by all. Director Clare Cooke has the ability to get the very best out of every person in any production she directs.

Times are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Stop by the box office or call 740-383-2101 for tickets. Unfortunately, due to a family illness, I am out of state and unable to attend this year but I know you will not be disappointed.

My oldest daughter has followed my longtime tradition of decorating — many would say over decorating — for Christmas. She has themed decorations in clusters all over their ? acre yard. Her theme this year is "Home Alone."

I’m tackling the inside with my collections (which I gave to her 7 years ago when I downsized) nativities, snowmen, vintage Santas, a huge collection of villages, angels and her newly acquired collection of gnomes, plus Christmas trees — maybe only two this year since there are two small grandbabies.

As I stated earlier, I am writing this on Tuesday — four days ahead of THE Game and of course don’t know the outcome but fingers, toes, arms — anything I can cross — I’m hoping (and praying) for a Buckeye win. I think we have the talent if everyone is healthy. Go Buckeyes!

Before I forget it, my deepest sympathy to the Carter family and our great nation with the passing of Rosalynn Carter this past week. She was such a humble, thoughtful and graceful First Lady. She was a great asset to her husband and the world with her ongoing advocacy for mental illness. Rest in peace Mrs. Carter.

Let me leave you with this quotation by anonymous: “When the world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful.”

Until next week, be safe and be kind.

Brenda Donegan is a former Marion Star staffer. She may be reached at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Thanksgiving meals, a Palace show and the passing of a first lady