Tackle the Turkey

I swear I will not eat for a week.  Thanksgiving was a three day eating fest.  I feel like this guy.  Going to Pennsylvania, the land of the Amish smorgasbord destroys any balanced diet plan.

The feast was a scrumptious carb nightmare.  Our family reunion of average 50 people is a potluck.  Whatever comes in the door is what we eat. 




There was not one green thing on the buffet line.  We did spot a few edges of zucchini sprinkled in one casserole.  My poor vegetarian daughter said she was the only hungry person on Thanksgiving Day. She would have killed for a few green beans. 

Don't get me wrong; the food was heaven during consumption.  Turkey, dressing, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, baked corn, rolls - an assortment of yellows and oranges. 

                                                           

The rainbows of colors were on the desert table.  Cheese cake with brilliant red sauce and berries, deep dark chocolate cake and brownies, cupcakes smothered with sprinkles, the famous whoopie pie and shoe fly pie and of course, the orange (again) pumpkin pie.

                                                                 

Yummy Whoopie Pie and Shoe fly Pie

It was a great day.  Family and friends from all over the east coast arrived to swap stories and catch up on news.  It is a tradition to come to this reunion in an inexpensive church hall with folding chairs, plastic centerpieces, silly games and one heartfelt prayer of thanks. 

Anyone looking for a place to eat is welcome.  Some relatives are only seen once a year on this great day.
My meeting place is in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.  We stayed at Willow Valley Resort, a great family spot with pools, games and friendly staff.  The food is plentiful and a lounge is available for having some drinks with the rowdy family members.  This area gets you in the mood for Christmas. 

                                               
Countryside dressed up in lights with Amish buggies trotting along the roads is a sight to see.  The Strasburg Railroad was a perfect day trip for our family on Black Friday.  My toddler grandson to my teen daughters enjoyed the atmosphere with Santa, shopping, history and, once again, food.  Chicken corn soup and the creamery ice cream are the foods of choice in Strasburg.

                                                   
We also learned that the area has wineries, art museums and shows like the Sight and Sound Theater and the historical Fulton Opera House.

Back to reality.  Time to unpack the suitcase and hit the treadmill.  The race is on...  Christmas is coming.  And so is the ham, the sand tart cookies, the eggnog, the candy canes and yikes, another birthday.