I am finally back on the blogging track, following the constant badgering from friends and family. By constant, I mean my mom begging me to write one because she was sick of seeing my dad’s 8-year-old face when she checked for updates. By constant, I mean the one email from my friend Jordan demanding a quote “Dayna Blog.” Oh! The pressure.
A few months ago I promised another Marty LeMasters blog. I’m a woman true to my word. As it’s Thanksgiving week, I felt that the following story was appropriate for sharing.
Note: As this story happened approximately 30 years ago, the accuracy of the story may be questionable. Please direct any discrepancies to Nick LeMasters.
I think it’s pretty obvious that my family likes a shindig. We like an excuse to gather, eat, and be merry. Well, that was the same when my parents were first married. The following story is shared annually and has been a story I have cherished since I was a young girl.
One Thanksgiving many years ago, the LeMasters siblings and those with spouses, gathered at 3051 Bruin Court for yet another Thanksgiving meal. Grandma Joan always set a beautiful table and the house smelled amazing. The usual suspects were assembled: The LeMasters Clan (Marty, Joan, Jackie, Kevin, Jerry, Jeannie, Nick, Robyn, Tom, and Molly), Nana, Jean, and Auntie Irene.
As was typical on most holidays, Marty announced to everyone that he needed to take a late-afternoon “nap.” This was code for “I have to sleep off the few pops I’ve enjoyed this afternoon.” Marty retreated to the bedroom.
At just about the time dinner was to be served, Marty arose from his slumber. Soon there after, the guests took their seats around the dinner table to begin their Thanksgiving feast.
Nick recalls this meal being particularly good…but maybe he was just hungry. The meal proceeded in the usual fashion: lively conversation, loud voices, and good food. As the legend goes, Uncle Tom wanted seconds of that delicious bird. Grandma Joan directed Uncle Tom to the kitchen, where he would have to carve more.
At that moment, Marty now over his post nap grogginess, decided he needed to weigh-in on the matter. As Nick recalls, Tommy was directed not toward the succulent bird in the kitchen, but to Jerry’s plate. A quick look revealed ample turkey, stuffing, and gravy remaining from the young man whose eyes were bigger than his stomach. It was not a pretty picture. A brief argument ensued between Tommy and Marty (not an uncommon occurrence).
The conversation may have sounded like this:
Tommy: Are you kidding me? Have you seen his plate?
Marty: Don’t let good food go to waste! We need the rest of the turkey for sandwiches.
Tom abruptly left the table, brief laughter ensued, and fresh turkey appeared on his plate.
Note: We believe Marty’s reaction may be attributed to Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) experienced while growing up in depression era New York City.
Tune in next time on “Infinite Twaddle” where Nick will recount the time he rejected Marty’s offer of red wine.