I grew up in northern suburbs of Chicago.
You know all the John Hughes' films like Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club and Weird Science?
They were either filmed or supposed to have taken place in the region where I was raised.
In fact, there is a scene in Ferris Bueller's Day Off that was filmed outside my old high school, Glenbrook North. Ferris' sister is outside the school and a bunch of kids are running on the track wearing green and gold. I remember that green and gold all too well...
Anyhow, I attended college at the University of Illinois in Champaign/Urbana, and subsequently left the state for Texas.
After getting married and having two children in The Lone Star State, I spent eight years in Central Oklahoma.
In 2007, we settled in to northern Colorado.
I am, as they say, "the one that got away."
But if there is one thing that has remained constant, it is the annual trip back to the Chicagoland area for Thanksgiving with my family.
With only a few years in memory being the exception, this is a tradition that I do not miss.
my mother (Sheila Simkin of TravelsWithSheila.com) has continued to cook a fabulous turkey with dressing, twice-baked potatos, green bean casserole, corn and all the other goodies for more years than I can count.
And as usual, my brother and sisters, along with all the nieces and nephews, enjoy seeing each others and pigging out on the feast.
Mom has put together a video which captures the essence of our holiday get-together.
We're a pretty loud bunch.
See if you can spot me, @marycomm and my kids.
You should also be able to easily pick out my brother. I lost the mustache and goatee. He kept his.
Thanks to my mother for once again hosting a wonderful Thanksgiving meal!
Thanks for sharing. I can almost smell the food.
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays as well.
In fact, I had a visit today from one of my best friends who was in town. I have known hm since 2nd grade (30+ years). I had not seen him in about a year, so it was a nice surprise.
Funny, though, he attended U of Ill/Champaign for his Master's Degree in Chemical Engineering. Weird since we are in suburban Philly.
Small world, too, Joel... I had previously mentioned to you hat I am a big fan of Adrian Belew, lead singer of King Crimson (and a gifted musician in his own right). Well, back when my friend was getting his Master's (late 1990's), Adrian actually lived near Champaign!
I told my friend that he had probably bumped into him a few times over the years ( having partied too much) and might have brushed him off. My friend is a towering 6'7/8". He laughed over that since we are both big fans of him music.
Well, your dinner looked great. Glad you got to spend time with the family.
Best,
-Kevin
http://www.twitter.com/kevinpuls
What a wonderful video! So many people, hugs, laughter and noise! I loved it all.
My siblings are located in FL, NY, NE, CO, and Ireland and Switzerland... and I miss the big gatherings and all the children and grandchildren.
I did get my turkey on video if that counts ..
Mom has a website as well? Wow, your family is all in the business, in some way. That's great. And for me, anything to do with food memories, and current food related topics always warms my heart, and stomach. :)