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In which we spread the word...
Nov. 15th, 2008 09:22 amWe've decided to host an Orphan's Thanksgiving at our house here in Bisbee this year.
Years ago (back when I was still married to the Good Ex) we lived just off the front gate of McChord Air Force Base. Many of our friends either didn't have the time off and money to go home for Thanksgiving or were saving it to go home for Christmas. In a tiny little studio apartment, we hosted more than a dozen folks for good food, games and socializing. We had a whole turkey, a ham, and all the "fixin's" along with a huge number of pies. We took food to our friends who were stuck working gate duty on the base that evening, and spent the day eating good food, playing games, watching movies and enjoying the company of cool people.
In the years that the Viking and I have been together (almost 20 now!) we've tried to do the same, when we're not travelling to spend the holidays with family. We open our doors to our acquaintances, friends, family and loved ones, and make a place to celebrate those things we are most thankful for.
Because we don't restrict the offer to our "closest" friends, or to friends from one certain group, we often end up with a delightful combination of people. It's a great way for our friends from one group to meet other cool folks, and generally to spend the day in a warm and geeky environment full of love and pie.
You are invited to our house this year, for Orphan's Thanksgiving.
If you don't have family close enough (physically or emotionally) for you to spend Thanksgiving there (or if you'd just rather be somewhere else). You're invited.
If you don't really "do" Thanksgiving, but have the day off and nothing planned. You're invited.
If you miss big gatherings of folks and rooms filled with laughter. You're invited.
If you want to taste my cooking (and bring some of yours to share). You're invited.
If we'vve never met in person, but you'd like to come over and say Hi and have some pie. You're invited.
Come to our house.
It will be open from noon to 10pm (earlier or later is flexible, if needed, and crash space available with prior notice). We will be providing a turkey (probably two, one pre-cooked and cut for sandwiches, one hot for feasting that day), stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, and probably a couple of pies.
We ask (if you can) for you to bring something to share (that way our food supply will get bigger with the number of folks who attend). Doesn't have to be anything fancy, a package of rolls or soda or such is fine. But PLEASE don't NOT come because you can't afford to bring something. Folks pretty much don't go hungry at our house, and we'd rather have your company than green-bean-casserole. Although we love to try new things, and if you've been looking for a place to share your family's age-old sweet potato casserole or mince pie recipe - COME ON DOWN!
We usually hold our big meal around 2pm, with snacking going on all day before and after. Games (Board/card/etc) will be going on all day too. Bad movies (courtesy of the Viking) are available for those who want to partake. The one thing we /don't/ do is sports on the TV, but you're welcome to come over before or after the game(s).
A few warnings:
A) We have two cats and a dog. We keep a fairly tidy house, but if you need allergy meds, bring them.
B) We have a 13 year old (and may have other kids present) so this isn't an adults only gathering.
C) We dont' allow smoking in the house, and would really appreciate it if you would police your own butts if you smoke out in the driveway.
D) We will likely have some wine and beer (feel free to bring some to share) but this isn't about getting sloshed, and if you have more than a casual glass or two with your meal, your keys may be subject to Viking confiscation and you will likely be ridiculed for sloshing it up at a non-party event.
E) If you are a jerk, regardless of whether you're a casual acquaintance, a close friend, a family member or the friend of a friend, you will be warned and then subjected to Viking Ejection (not so fun). So be nice. We will have people here (hopefully) of all different viewpoints, religions, backgrounds, political bents, etc... No one gets to make anyone else feel bad (except in the case of D, which is a different matter.)
That being said - COME TO OUR HOUSE!
RSVP, here or by phone if you have our number. Yes, you're welcome. Yes, your spouse/partner/kids (as long as you keep track of them, the Valkyrie is not a babysitter, save by prior (paid) arrangement) are welcome. Yes, your friends (As long as you vouch for them and they're with you) are welcome. Yes, this means you, even if we've never formally met face to face. Yes.
Years ago (back when I was still married to the Good Ex) we lived just off the front gate of McChord Air Force Base. Many of our friends either didn't have the time off and money to go home for Thanksgiving or were saving it to go home for Christmas. In a tiny little studio apartment, we hosted more than a dozen folks for good food, games and socializing. We had a whole turkey, a ham, and all the "fixin's" along with a huge number of pies. We took food to our friends who were stuck working gate duty on the base that evening, and spent the day eating good food, playing games, watching movies and enjoying the company of cool people.
In the years that the Viking and I have been together (almost 20 now!) we've tried to do the same, when we're not travelling to spend the holidays with family. We open our doors to our acquaintances, friends, family and loved ones, and make a place to celebrate those things we are most thankful for.
Because we don't restrict the offer to our "closest" friends, or to friends from one certain group, we often end up with a delightful combination of people. It's a great way for our friends from one group to meet other cool folks, and generally to spend the day in a warm and geeky environment full of love and pie.
You are invited to our house this year, for Orphan's Thanksgiving.
If you don't have family close enough (physically or emotionally) for you to spend Thanksgiving there (or if you'd just rather be somewhere else). You're invited.
If you don't really "do" Thanksgiving, but have the day off and nothing planned. You're invited.
If you miss big gatherings of folks and rooms filled with laughter. You're invited.
If you want to taste my cooking (and bring some of yours to share). You're invited.
If we'vve never met in person, but you'd like to come over and say Hi and have some pie. You're invited.
Come to our house.
It will be open from noon to 10pm (earlier or later is flexible, if needed, and crash space available with prior notice). We will be providing a turkey (probably two, one pre-cooked and cut for sandwiches, one hot for feasting that day), stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, and probably a couple of pies.
We ask (if you can) for you to bring something to share (that way our food supply will get bigger with the number of folks who attend). Doesn't have to be anything fancy, a package of rolls or soda or such is fine. But PLEASE don't NOT come because you can't afford to bring something. Folks pretty much don't go hungry at our house, and we'd rather have your company than green-bean-casserole. Although we love to try new things, and if you've been looking for a place to share your family's age-old sweet potato casserole or mince pie recipe - COME ON DOWN!
We usually hold our big meal around 2pm, with snacking going on all day before and after. Games (Board/card/etc) will be going on all day too. Bad movies (courtesy of the Viking) are available for those who want to partake. The one thing we /don't/ do is sports on the TV, but you're welcome to come over before or after the game(s).
A few warnings:
A) We have two cats and a dog. We keep a fairly tidy house, but if you need allergy meds, bring them.
B) We have a 13 year old (and may have other kids present) so this isn't an adults only gathering.
C) We dont' allow smoking in the house, and would really appreciate it if you would police your own butts if you smoke out in the driveway.
D) We will likely have some wine and beer (feel free to bring some to share) but this isn't about getting sloshed, and if you have more than a casual glass or two with your meal, your keys may be subject to Viking confiscation and you will likely be ridiculed for sloshing it up at a non-party event.
E) If you are a jerk, regardless of whether you're a casual acquaintance, a close friend, a family member or the friend of a friend, you will be warned and then subjected to Viking Ejection (not so fun). So be nice. We will have people here (hopefully) of all different viewpoints, religions, backgrounds, political bents, etc... No one gets to make anyone else feel bad (except in the case of D, which is a different matter.)
That being said - COME TO OUR HOUSE!
RSVP, here or by phone if you have our number. Yes, you're welcome. Yes, your spouse/partner/kids (as long as you keep track of them, the Valkyrie is not a babysitter, save by prior (paid) arrangement) are welcome. Yes, your friends (As long as you vouch for them and they're with you) are welcome. Yes, this means you, even if we've never formally met face to face. Yes.
