My husband begged me not to relate the story of his famous “Australian Turkey” again this year. I’ll just refresh the memories of those that missed my blog post on this last year. My husband is in charge of the turkey, and the first year he took over this part of Thanksgiving he complained I had bought a bird that had “hardly any meat on it!” A quick check showed that he had cooked it upside down, and I had to break it to him he had cooked an Australian turkey.
Every year he asks “Is this Australian or American?” We do like it American style.
We are familiar with turkeys. Our home is built in an area that used to be known for good turkey hunting. The first time I called a plumber, the only plumber in town, he gave me a long lecture on how the new group of homes built meant an end to his favorite turkey hunting ground. We’re friends now, and he has permission to hunt, but it hasn’t done much to decrease our local turkey population.
Is it really hunting if you just hit them with your car?
The cat Moxie especially is fascinated with the turkey trot that happens almost every morning in our front yard. Moxie runs from window to window, making a primeval noise she reserves for those large birds. Moxie sees a troop of Velociraptors hunting through our front yard. Every morning is real life “Jurassic Park”, it’s no wonder she sheds so much from the stress.
Have you SEEN the dinosaurs in the yard?
This year, having a good turkey is especially important. I’m on a diet. No not a losing weight diet. I am taking a medication that has as a side effect caused me to become diabetic. I pointed out to my doctor that “diabetes” is not a “side effect”, it’s a disease all on it’s own.
Me: “So this means I have to go off this medication right?”
Doctor: “No, it simply means that while you are on this medication, we have to strictly regulate your diet. Did you not read the information paper I gave you when I put you on this medicine? It lists all the side effects.”
Me: “No one reads that, it’s so depressing. Should I look at it now? What else is listed Ebola, appendicitis, gingivitis?”
Doctor: “Look it’s just while you are on this medication, the next year to 18 months.”
Me: “So what CAN I eat?”
Doctor: “I’d rather tell you what you can’t eat or drink….”
(About an hour later, including training on how to test)
Me:”I get a break for the holidays right? Thanksgiving means stuffing, mashed potatoes, wine, did I mention seconds and thirds of stuffing?”
Doctor: “I’ll be seeing you Thanksgiving Day in the ER if you think your body has any clue it’s Thanksgiving and not just another day.”
Oh Turkey, you are my only friend from Thanksgiving past I can still eat….
So, Thanksgiving this year is turkey. As a treat, I am being allowed a sweet potato. I enjoy vegetables, though mainly with cheese and butter drizzled on top which is not allowed.
I have much to be thankful for, and promise to enjoy my turkey and potato with much happiness. I have learned humility, in that I have never appreciated what my friends with diabetes go through every day. I simply have to test and be very careful.
While at first I complained and cried over the needle prick and the anticipation of that number, would it be good or bad, I now know how lucky I have it. I plan to make donation to the American Diabetes Association this year for all those that have to do so much more than I do, and do so without whining.
This year, when I’m eating my imitation mashed potatoes (using cauliflower), sweet potato and turkey, I know next year I should be able to eat stuffing galore and pig out on turkey day. I have such admiration for people that every day, for the rest of their lives, have to make careful choices and fight diabetes. My education, about having to think everyday about what goes in my mouth, and the consequences of the wrong choice being far more than just a few pounds on a scale, is a lesson I am thankful for.
Also, friends with diabetes have been wonderful about sharing recipes and helpful hints. They are not only brave and strong, they have been very tolerant of my extreme whining throughout the beginning of this diagnosis. I don’t whine anymore, too much, but I’ve saved up a few whines for Thanksgiving day.
Related articles
- Turkey Day (ryannnicolee.wordpress.com)
- Of Turkeys and US Presidents (curiousrambler.com)
- Turkey – The Malodorous Side of Thanksgiving (spendmatters.com)
Two Different Girls 
Reblogged this on Yankee Skeptic and commented:
it’s going to be a very turkey holiday….
I can confirm that in Australia we do serve our turkeys breast up unfortunately I can do nothing about the diabetes, except to offer best wishes from Down Under.