[Looking at history and our area’s unique political and religious attitudes.]

Thanksgiving. What an interesting word. It is embedded in the fabric of our culture and country. Since the election, history as it occurred is recognized again in our society, what is the story of Thanksgiving?

You already know about the Pilgrims, who were at the time developing the radical-reformed religion, called Separatist, which included former Congregationalist and Baptist. These are the independent, personal responsibility practitioners in contrast to the hierarchal Anglican and Presbyterian. Oh, just the type who would leave everything to produce a better life-style.

Tradition makes them strict, straight-laced, Quaker-oats dressed paragons of repressive practices. They were just the opposite. They were creating a society where they could live, relate, and worship the way they determined. If you did not like it, you were free to do your thing in another colony. After all, there was an entire continent with just a few thousand Indians.

They left England for Holland, then back to England, before embarking across the tempestuous North Atlantic just before Fall on September 16, 1620. The 90-foot long Mayflower was headed to Virginia colony; but rough storms forced it to Cape Cod, Massachusetts, after 66 days at sea, landing on November 21. Enough. The ship remained a temporary barracks until the 102 settlers were deposited on the day after Christmas.

What do you do at New England, in the dead of winter, without food or shelter? You build modest structures, harvest berries, nuts, and limited plants. A primary source was to eat plentiful organic, free-range game that you harvested. Since they were on the coast, fish and shellfish were also part of the diet. Remember, these were urban dwellers while in Europe.

In the Spring, they planted and met local Native Americans who came to plant corn in their traditional patch near Plymouth. Whatever the Pilgrim’s crop, they celebrated harvest with a Fall, three-day feast in 1621. Fifty-seven colonists survived. Thirteen women did not make it, leaving only four women, 22 men and 25 children. They were joined by 90 Indians at the shindig. The Indians were also recently decimated by disease. It was prudent to develop friendly relationships.

Keeping with tradition, Thanksgiving season to many in Oklahoma begins on the prior-Saturday at 30 minutes before sunrise. That is the beginning of deer rifle season. It only runs for a few days. Archery begins a little earlier. Last year 124,833 deer were taken. Squirrel, rabbit, elk, pronghorn, and black bear rounded out the harvest. Add to that the pheasant, dove, and waterfowl.

Urban dwellers cannot perceive that. But quality protein has continued as a tradition, since the original Americans until contemporary of every ethnicity. It is arguable, if you do not participate in the hunt, you are less patriotic and cannot relate to history. We still need the ranchers for the additional thousands of bovine, sheep, and goat.

“Oklahoma is unique in its diversity of habitat. No other landlocked state comes close. From the swamps and pine mountains in the southeast to the short-grass and sage-filled prairies in the far northwest, Oklahoma has a hunting style for anyone who enjoys chasing deer.” Quote from the Oklahoma Wildlife Department.

Yes, our grandsons and granddaughters stalk venison on the hoof. We are equal opportunity, non-discriminatory. It is fascinating to see the charming co-eds with their girlfriends make the hunt. After field prep, Siegi’s processes and packages the harvest. This is Oklahoma!

For the Thanksgiving get-together, we will have twenty family plus their friends. That is so cool. When the co-author was designing the house, she planned the great room and table for the event. To keep the ladies from stressing about preparation and entertaining, we want everyone to be able to relax and associate.

This year, our local son-in-law pre-ordered Mediterranean cuisine from Pita Place. Fred knows us well, since that is a favorite establishment in Bixby. Try it. We pick up on Wednesday, refrigerate overnight, then re-heat on Thursday just before consumption. Clean, easy, fabulous. Still, multiple brought desserts, including gluten free, and fresh fruit.

Some watched parades on the big-screen. Some watched games. Some snoozed. But all will pay attention when Gram makes plans for Christmas. She will have a bowl containing strips of paper with each person’s name. Draw one, then get a present for that one person only. We will see you at Christmas.

Think about it. Have fun. Know your history, Know God. Live like you are an Oklahoman.