OUR CHRISTMAS ALBUM

Over the (mostly dry) river - well, a wash, really - and through the (short, scrubby) woods - more like a mesquite forest - to "Mom's" house they go...

All us scattered "children" gathered yesterday for the Christmas feast at Paws and Hooves Ranch in Cochise County, Arizona. Odel and I were parked in our usual spot near the minature horse stable; everyone else came from Bisbee. Here is our Christmas album.

My Auntie Carol, known as MOM to more than one Escapee Boomer and to all her "adoptees" in the area, with the 20 pound turkey. In our group of nine, four were vegetarians. A twenty pound turkey for five omnivores gives you a good idea of the proportions that graced the Christmas table.

I tried, I really did, to caption this photo. Words failed me, so it is up to you. This is my cousin Rosanna, animated by her new Day of the Dead apron.

My man Odel confronts the 20 pound turkey in his carving attire.

Here is Ron, preparing his specialty, Caesar Salad. He brings his own giant bowl and salad implements (along with the ingredients). It is rumored that he can't make salad for fewer than 12 people, so we had some leftovers.

The buffet is ready: giant salad, giant turkey, cornbread stuffing, gravy, southern greens, corn casserole, sweet potatoes, roasted cauliflower, cranberry relish.

Odel's plate (first round). Believe it or not, we had dessert, too - Frank's unbelieveably good cheesecake (better than any you have ever had, no matter what you might think) and a huge pecan pie. We all vowed to cook half as much food next year - which I think is what we said last year.

Last night the temperature dropped to 16 degrees - we needed those Christmas calories to survive (hibernating bears come to mind). We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, wherever you are.