After great preparation and planning, the Ashland house hosted a wonderful Thanksgiving for the JV lot in Montana: five from Billings and the four girls from Hays with a late addition of Richard later in the evening for dessert. The house was quite full for most of the weekend, complete with awesome stories, countless games of cards, and of course cooking and leftovers.
Folks were welcomed Wednesday night to an excited bunch, with plenty of fare already in preparation for the big meal, including two separate homemade stuffing rations by Jesse and Tim as well as an assortment of pies. Thursday was met with final preparations including the shaping of Tim’s scratch-made cornucopia. Though most of us thought cornucopias were only made to be purchased at your local Michaels or Hobby Lobby, Tim shared his family tradition with us, forging our massive horn out of homemade bread which was later stuffed with fruit from Billings.
While the wonderful aroma of food filled the house, the 16 JVs took to the football field for Turkeybowl 2008. Ashland (or the “Sweat Hogs”, according to their jerseys) successfully held their turf against the “away” team comprised of our visitors- though we eventually lost track of score. The climax definitely came with our flea-flicker which was topped off by a tough fall by yours truley onto the concrete running strip just in the end zone (coverage by Joe Mangan, Billings).
After cleaning up appropriately and pictures were taken of the finished breaded horn that sat at the head of the table, our set up was dressed with turkey candles, and enough food to feed the bunch through the weekend and beyond, with, of course, great company.
Dessert was filled with everything pumpkin; including five homemade pies, spice bars, and pumpkin apple bread which my own mother rushed over (which was incredible). Richard came over and bestowed his wisdom on us all while we relaxed and enjoyed the after dinner atmosphere.
Friday night was a special night for all of us. Robbie hosted the whole group at his place for a sweat. It was great to share something that we all hold close in Ashland with fellow JVs- the fellowship of sweats is something we’ve embraced here and it was great to have the other experience it with us.
The rest of the weekend was spent showing off Ashland including a tour of the Heritage Living Center, the Amish community, and the natural water spring half way up to Lame Deer.
Saturday, with the departure of our guests and extra furniture, the house seemed a bit larger (and much quieter) than normal without the hustle and bustle of the holiday. It was definitely a Thanksgiving to remember.
