The Silent F’s in Thanksgiving

This is the time when we here at Intrigued drive over to our corporate NAS farm, badge in, say hello to our office staff (that didn’t see us coming and go into hiding hehehe), navigate to our holiday section and pull out some appropriately themed photos to honor the holiday. So, in keeping with longstanding tradition, I bring you some Wild Turkeys for your after dinner wind down enjoyment.

Okay, so at least that was the plan. Truth is, the Turkey folder was empty. I quickly recalled my last sighting of Wild Turkeys came courtesy of a rainy day at Benson-Rio Grande Valley State Park. Linda was the one who actually found them as she was biking around the park. Needing the check, I walked up the road and without thinking about the holiday ramifications, snapped a few shots of wet Turkeys with my cell phone and crossed that species off the list. I thought about using those cell shots for this post before quickly realizing how that would crumble the devious facade that Bri actually knows what he’s doing behind the glass.

In my defense, based on a quick look back at previous year’s topics, this isn’t the first time I’ve had to break with tradition – which, I guess, kinda calls into contention the whole concept of tradition. Last year I brought you Quail (link here), and a few years back had a Vulture stand in (link here). Not sure what I was thinking there, at least the Quail is considered a game bird. Anyway, as you have already noticed, this year at least we went back to something that looks closer to the wild variety of the cuisine likely gracing many Stateside dinner tables.

Fear not, there is a reason for this particular series, simply hit the jump to read about my madness, err, thoughtful selection

Let’s begin by wishing all those that celebrate it a heartfelt Happy Thanksgiving from all of us. As you likely know already, most of my post planning is done during long training runs. There is plenty of time to contemplate the topic, figure out the images to fit the theme and most of all, dwell on key tidbits or ideas to pass along to our wonderful readers. Unfortunately, my kind, noble, stalwart, nimble, trustworthy, reliable ankle is holding a massive grudge (shhh, Linda recommends I take a more positive, nurturing approach to address my injury – translated, she is absolutely tired of me cussing it day in and day out ha). Basically forced to stay off of it and nonstop scraping, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, ice, chiro visits and way too much access to corporate media.

It is the latter that prompted today’s selection of the Sandhill Crane family. Not sure the exact method, YouTube, channel flipping, browsing articles or whatnot, but a headline came across recommending you avoid going to any Thanksgiving celebration if you are upset about the recent political events. I was absolutely stunned. They even found a supposed psychologist to Parrot back the drivel to make it sound more authoritative. I sat there, mouth open, mind racing and increasingly disgusted. Here was the corporate media doing what it does best, trying to divide Americans (as well as others around the globe that take this opportunity to be grateful).

No telling how many miles would have passed had I been able to run off that steam. Instead, they took a win as I bit the hook and watched the entire segment. Made a drive back to the NAS farm and found this particular series of shots. These were taken last April on our trip through the Florida panhandle. Encountered this family of Sandhills while taking a rest at Sweetwater Wetlands Park in Gainesville, FL (link here). An incredible experience as the Sandhill family approached from afar and walked passed no more than 6 feet away as they continued along the water’s edge. Put the camera away at one point being too close to focus and not wanting to disturb their grazing. The joy of getting to watch that family bond on that beautiful day was an absolute blessing. The young colt exploring the world as the parents slyly kept a watchful eye.

Along the way they would reinforce behaviors to allow their offspring to survive in the big world on their own. The colt drinking in the knowledge and testing its abilities, likely oblivious to the definite dangers lurking in the waters just behind them. One can only imagine how thankful the Crane parents were, having successfully fledged their offspring – a task that is undoubtedly filled with hardship. In turn, how grateful the colt must have been to have those two parents by its side. Flashing back to stunned self, and we have talking heads telling their viewers that family comes second, more likely much further down to whatever divisive diatribe they were spewing.

Apologies for the anthropomorphism as I know the dangers that can bring, but the memories of watching this Sandy family was in stark contrast to what I have been hearing, not just that particular media moment, but for several years now. It isn’t about which side or who did that or what triggered what or how offended one was or the brink of that and the damnation of whom. It’s been amping up year after year, month after month to the point many people have lost all ability for critical thinking.

What I do believe is if we can’t talk about it with someone then the chance of figuring whatever it is out and coming to an understanding is unattainable – which is exactly what the hate merchants want. Anger drives clicks, clicks drive ratings and ratings drive revenue and revenue drives paychecks.

My recommendation, stop the cycle. At this point, I’ll accept a single day to start. Celebrate the hidden F’s in Thanksgiving, “Family” and “Friends”. Take the opportunity to get together and remember the good times. Pick a topic you can all agree on. They are out there, but if you need some suggestions consider how much Mosquito bites suck, the advantages of not having holes in your pockets or whether food that retains the shape of the can is actually good for you (I’m talking to you cranberry sauce!!).

Pick a “safe” word anyone can use to stop a conversation if it is heading to a nonconstructive conclusion. Maybe FLŰGGÅƏNK∂€ČHIŒβØL∫ÊN (link here). Note, recommend NOT using “anthropomorphism” as I can barely type it, much less pronounce it – same with “hyaluronic”. At worst case you can always grab the bowl of yams covered in marshmallows and take a heaping spoonful. That will definitely stop everyone in their tracks being stunned as that abomination is clearly for show and not to actually consume (yuck).

Once that shock wears off around the table, everyone will have a good laugh and get back to discussing the annoyance of having change fall out of the bottom of your pocket…unless, of course, you have some unforeseen grudge against clothes with pockets in which case simply FLŰGGÅƏNK∂€ČHIŒβØL∫ÊN it and move on to why we need a day that doesn’t end in a ‘Y’.

I hope you have been enjoying all these cute pictures of this Sandhill Crane colt interspersed among my meanderings. I can’t stop smiling as I scroll to the next image. Partly as it reminds me of warmer days, my carefree childhood and the precious time we get to spend in nature.

I get the feeling it was trying to tell me something as it kept looking back at me.

Me: “What’s up little friend?”
Sandy: “Well, I’m just a few weeks old, but I am smart enough not to eat something that retains the shape of its metal container!”
Me: “Interesting, what’s your opinion of yams and marshmallows?”
Sandy: “Barf”
Me: “Now that we can agree on, how about coming over for dinner”

Thanks for hearing me out. There are reasons I run a lot and clearly one huge benefit is I am not exposed to corporate media as much. Linda agrees I have to run to keep the crazies away and I can feel them coming on as I sit here with wires attached to my ankle trying to find something to do confined to the couch.

From all the staff at Intrigued, have a very Happy Thanksgiving and safe travels should you be heading out to be with your family and friends. We’ll be taking some time off to be with our families and friends as well, but stay tuned as we have plenty of posts in the pipeline to get to before the fast approaching end of the year.