THANKSGIVING DINNER FOR 70 PLUS

As I mentioned earlier,  I am not much of a traditionalist, especially when it comes to Christmas or Thanksgiving. When I think of American TV shows, where the entire family gets together for these enormous meals, that have taken days and days of shopping and  preparations (not to mention the decorations). I have a feeling that several of those at the table for 20 can't even get along together. I figure, that’s not for me. Leave it up to our American friends, they are much better at this than I am.

So when we learn that we are going to prepare a Thanksgiving dinner for all the Project Amigo employees and their family, I am not that enthusiast, as a matter of fact, I am in fear. How on earth could anyone expect that three Gringos from Alberta would be able to prepare a turkey dinner for 70 plus Mexicans? 

My fear slowly diminishes, when I see 8 friends of Project Amigo from Oregon and Seattle arrive. Ah, here are the experts on turkey stuffings, baked ham, mashed potatoes, sweet potato caserole and pumpkin pie, they are here to help us.

 

After spending the entire morning shopping, they roll up their sleeves and get to work right a way, Chopping apples for Waldorf salad, peeling a thousand potatoes and prepare turkey stuffing. Some of the work is done the night before the big day and on Thursday, November 25, Thanksgiving day, they start bright and early, stuffing, stiring, peeling and chopping. It's a challenge finding enough ovens to cook the 6 turkeys and the two hams. Every house is being used, including our Casa Gatos.

Meanwhile the guys place a tarp over the patio and set the tables. What looked like a war zone at first, son looks like a nice dining area. The kitchen is cleaned up and the guests arrive. The appetizers, are being served by our young scholars.

We all quickly change into our orange "Turkey" shirts and set up the buffet line at the counter. After a short presentation by Beto, the meal is being served.

Even Ted indulges in some vanilla ice cream.

All guests leave with a full belly thanking us all personally for the fine meal. Quite a difference from their daily tacos. 

Finally the cooks have a chance to sit down and relax. I have no idea how they pulled it all off. All I did was peel and chop, they did most of the work. They were like professionals. As far as I am concerned they can do it again next year. My hat off for our American friends.


After the turkey dinner, some of us were rejuvenated again took a little nap and had enough energy to come with Ted and Susan to Colima for the Rotary meeting. These meetings start when "normal" people start looking for their pyamas. 

Attendance of this club of about 20 is approximately 12, plus several guests. Often spouses attend as they are a part of the club in their own way.


The meeting starts with the march of the flags followed by reading the minutes of the last meeting and several reports.
Although everyone is very friendly I miss my Stony Plain meeting entertaining, educational and lots of fun.
Here everyone brings their own bottle. Snacks of popcorn, fried pork skin and peanuts are being shared.

The club is involved in various projects, including Project Amigo, a very successful RYLA program and other youth related projects.  

We have a very active day behind us and are glad when we lay our heads on our pillow, looking forward to what the next day has to bring.