We did it, People!
I assume you all made it through another Thanksgiving.
I did. It was actually the best one. There was some of the same problems but, I don’t know, everyone is getting older and I believe compassion can replace just sucking it up. I think. I’m not sure I entirely pulled that off but I think I got it the day I was leaving. I actually hadn’t really thought about it but on Friday I talked to an old buddy of mine from the secret society and he said it was something he was trying to do with some success. Fleeting, but some. I realized on the last day that we’re just not going to be around forever. Obviously I know that but to act in relation to that in a positive way was probably the correct approach. As opposed to hanging onto resentments that guarantee the repetition of patterns of behavior. Fuck it. Let it go. It’s hard but I think possible. Some shit fades naturally. Be happy for it. Don’t try to reconnect old wires.
Everyone got along at my mom’s house. It was genuinely nice.
I did something I don’t ever do on Thanksgiving. I don’t do it on principle. That is compromise the food for health reasons. Like, if the food requires butter, milk, cream, bread, whatever… use it. It’s one day. It’s not the day to try out ‘healthy’ alternatives for a one-day-a-year meal. I don’t do that. This year though, I made some things differently because there were some vegan people there and I thought it would be nice to change things up. I made the mashed potatoes with olive oil and garlic. I made roasted brussels sprouts and green beans with olive oil. I made squash with garam masala and coconut oil. The stuffing was loaded though—butter, cream, eggs, bread, nuts, the works. I cooked it outside of the bird. The turkey was straight up. Nothing inside but salt and pepper. No basting. It came out perfect. The potatoes were almost all gone. People liked them better than with the butter and cream. So, I guess what I’m saying is that I don’t feel that shitty about eating it all. Maybe the three pies, but that’s it.
I’ve got some sad news. I told you about my cat LaFonda having kidney problems before I left. I thought I could help and nurse her with food and subcutaneous fluids but she doesn’t seem to be bouncing back at all. When I got back she was weak and thin and slow. She’s still eating and drinking and trying to be part of it all but she’s exhausting herself. I just think it may be time, soon. So sad. I’ve had her for 15 years. Longest relationship of my life. Her brother Monkey is doing better but she’s just fading. It's hard.
Today on the show I talk to comedian Jessica Kirson. She's very funny, very Jewish, and we did that thing. On Thursday I talk to rock photographer Ethan Russell about the Beatles, Stones, The Who, and more. He was at the Altamont Free Concert and Friday is the 50th anniversary. So, there will be some of that. Great talks!
Enjoy!
Boomer lives!
Love,
Maron