We’ve been on Galveston Island along the Texas Gulf Coast for a little over two weeks now. We’re enjoying our stay more than we ever imagined and the time is flying by.
Our time has been spent in a variety of ways. We’ve toured downtown Galveston and taken in it’s history, we’ve taken long walks on the beach, we’ve hung out with great friends, we’ve explored the island, and I’ve communed with lots of birds.
Since our friends have moved on, we find ourselves this fine Thanksgiving Day enjoying some quiet time …. just the two of us. We’re faced with a dilemma. Whatever shall we have for dinner?
When it comes to food, Al and I have always had the attitude “When in Rome, do as the Romans“. (you didn’t think I actually traveled to Rome, now did ya? Although I do love Italian food) So when in Rome….. In other words, when we travel to Boston, Massachusetts we order seafood and when we’re in Omaha, Nebraska we order steak, Chicago it’s pizza – I think you get the point.
So here we are in Galveston, Texas along the Gulf Coast. The locals, as in Mister Pelican, recommends the fish. With such an accredited recommendation coming from a fish aficionado, hubby and I agree to have fish for our Thanksgiving dinner.
Al and I shared our first Thanksgiving together 34 years ago as co-workers. Al was a pilot and I a flight attendant. We found ourselves on a layover in Philadelphia over the Thanksgiving holiday. Yep, we were the lucky ones working on the holiday. Someone had to work, so why not us?
It was late in the day when we landed in Philadelphia and almost everything at the airport was closed, it was Thanksgiving Day after all. None of the crew members had eaten the better part of the day and thus were all starving. After scouring the airport, we found one restaurant still open, but not for long as they were preparing to close. Our only option was a Phillie Cheese Steak Sandwich…. “Five sandwiches to go, please!”
And boy were those sandwiches good. When you’re as hungry as we were and with very few options available, we were grateful for the sustenance. Sure it wasn’t the whole turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry kind of meal, but it was a meal none the less and we were thankful. After all, isn’t that what Thanksgiving is all about?
After our airline years, we ventured into a business and that too included the need to work on holidays. Thus, Al and I have never put a huge emphasis on holidays or the holiday meal.
The important thing for us has always been about making time for family and paving our own family traditions.
One of our traditions includes not eating ‘traditional’ meals but rather opting for foods we thoroughly enjoy ….. turkey and cranberries just don’t fall into the ‘favorites’ category in this household.
Back to “When in Rome, do as the Roman’s” We’re in seafood country. On Galveston Island we have the Gulf of Mexico on one side and the bay on the other. In other words, we’re surrounded by sea that’s loaded with fresh fish. So while our extended families to the north gobble down turkey we’ll be feasting on baked Flounder and bacon wrapped Shrimp with sides of mashed potatoes and green beans almondine.
For those of you celebrating, may I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving. Celebrating or not whatever traditions you share, may your day be filled with joy, laughter, and plenty of food. And hopefully you won’t have a big white pelican swoop in and steal your dinner.
