COLD TURKEY

       I've been away—first to a business conference, and then to sit the grandkids while their parents traveled. Both events were a lot of fun, but on Sunday mornings, I missed the shelter and hoped they wouldn't forget me.
       ONE unlocked the door today! He was bundled up in hats and coats enough to give him a snowman appearance! I assumed the heat was off, but One was just cold. Bless his heart.
       Nothing has changed. The shelter is still sheltering, and Joey is still in the kitchen. Miss Lillian had instructed Joey to use up an oversupply of pancakes, so we had brunch for lunch. I scrambled 3 dozen eggs with two kinds of cheeses and some seasonings. Joey baked two large pans of sausage patties, and we served applesauce on the side. There were NO complaints.
       There were many new faces, and a few old ones. I was expecting to see mostly new faces, after a 3-week absence; and I was a bit lost in the kitchen—having to remind myself where things are. The same thing happened here at home. Is that "travel block" or "old age?"
       Joey had some news: One of my long-ago favorite pre-release fellows is back in the Big House. The last time he wrote to me, he had complained that living with his grandmother was hard because the "old crowd" was around. I never understand why people don't just LEAVE when things are that bad. Are there no services, no parole officer duties that can help such a person? The system just threw that boy right back in the briar patch.
       Joey's other news was about his school. He missed more than 5 days, so he lost this quarter. The next quarter starts in January, and he will go back. If he doesn't finish by December 2013, he will be required to begin the entire process from scratch, so he is motivated to finish. Let's all stand in Joey's corner.
       Our Bitty Baby and his Precious Brother were at Grandma's today, but I left some goodies with their mom and dad. We had two other little ones, brothers about 6 and 12. They were there before I traveled, and they seem no worse for the wear of living in a shelter. Joey says we also have sisters 16 and 20, but I didn't see them—or they looked older than that…
       We have a new vegan, but he eats eggs.
       The Thanksgiving turkeys are already coming out of the oven. I saw four hot ones on the counter this morning. There were a half dozen others in the raw-meat sink. They always make far too many turkeys, and serve it out for weeks. Ew. At least I don't volunteer for Turkey Day: the whole town is invited, and I think about 200 usually come! Of course, there are volunteers who specialize in Turkey Day. Big event. Newspaper article.
       A smoker called to me as I headed for my car, "Thanks for coming today!"
       "I enjoyed it!" I said.
       "Have a nice rest of your week," he continued.
       "Enjoy your Thanksgiving!" I replied.
       "You too!"