I don't know what you do at your house the night before Thanksgiving but around here we get the sweet potato casserole started.
Then we get right down to business and the cut-throat games begin. It's serious people. I mean it.
Tonight we started with high stakes "apples to apples". I barely escaped with my life.
Out here in the midwest, at this time of year, hedge apples are a common site. Some people gather them and use them as a form of pest control around the foundation of their home to cut down on the cricket and spider populations. It hasn't done a thing for my crickets; luckily I live with 2 pest control specialists who are on the clock 24-7.
They are a lovely color though, and you would think there should be a good use for them.
May I suggest hedge apple bowling? The rules are simple. When you go out for your traditional Thanksgiving day hike this year pick up a few as you walk on the trail. When all participants have secured their apple, give them an underhanded roll just as if you were at the bowling alley. The one whose apple stays on the trail the longest without veering into the woods wins. This game can be enjoyed by all hikers from age 3 on up.
The guy in front there with the big leaf one a few years back. He was pretty excited about his prize. We let him do the thanksgiving dishes. He decided not to participate after that. Something about having to stay home to brine the turkey... no time for hiking nonsense.
