Thoughts.com Blogs - Easter dinner and manic behavior

Tomorrow morning we leave for Pittsburgh to spend the Easter holiday with Tims family.We will have our cat Otis in tow,I hope Otis is a better passenger this time around.It's a 5 hour car ride and last time he was pretty vocal the entire time,an unhappy car travelor.It was almost as bad as having 2 kids in the back seat bickering back and forth..."stop touching me...don't look at me..get off my side of the seat you seat hog".I'm bringing ear plugs this time around.

Easter dinner is always at Tim's parents house.His cousin BJ and his wife hold Thanksgiving and the in laws sister and brother in law hold Christmas at their home.Gail (mother in law) isn't too fond of cooking,she loves to eat out.She gets a bit nervous cooking for a large crowd,I think she does fine.Especially since shes not a cooker.

As in all families there are some traditions food wise.There is always a ham,and McGinnis sisters kielbasa,noodle kugle one with raisons and one without,mini cinnamon buns that Bj and his wife bring,Aunt Jan and uncle Bernie usually bring shrimp cocktail,stuffed mushrooms and assorted snacks.Mrs Mason, Gails friend brings her baked beans OMG they are so good.And assorted side dishes,Gail changes them up every Easter.As always there is too much food,though lots of laughter,hugs ,teasing and well wishes.

Last Easter Aunt Jans daughter Sue Ann and her husband were able to come.They have a catering business so they miss most family gatherings due to their work schedule.

A little back ground info....Jan had been in the hospital the year previous her Dr had detected a heart problem.She has since dramatically improved,she changed her life style,lost weight,she now goes to the gym she looks terrific and no longer needs her medications.Her Dr was floored by her complete improvement.Her daughter Sue Ann is manic and at times she can wear you out.She gets very loud,has bouts of nervous laughter and keeps repeating herself.It can be overwhelming and frustrating for those in the same room as her.I love her she is after all Jans daughter and she isn't like this out of spite she just can't controll it.It's just so nice for Jan for Sue Ann to be there.Being a Mother myself I know how much better you feel when you are surrounded by your children especially on the holidays.

Which brings me to dinner.Im sitting with Mrs. Mason and Sue Ann is across the table from me.Sue Ann loves to talk about her catering business the catering confrences she goes to,new recipes.table decorations and so on.Sue Ann starts to go on about finding healthy recipies she goes on and on and on....repeating the same thing and about this great book she read on diets.Thats all well and good but,she is repeating this stuff to the two heaviest people in the room,Me and Mrs. Mason.Mrs. Mason by this time is resting her face in her hand and rolling her eyes.She is looking to me for help,I cant help I am stuck in this mess as well.You think we could of been rescued by one of her siblings,parents......SOMETHING. Finally Mrs. Mason says "Sue Ann...youre a hell of a person to have Easter dinner with....why don't you just shut up?"My natural reaction was to laugh,I couldn't help it,it was funny.Now Sue Ann is looks like a deer caught in the headlights.She actually stops talking for a few seconds,blinks and then carries on talking hardly pausing to take a breath.This was one of the highlights of last years Easter dinner.

I have warned the in laws that I did my part lastyear and one of them better belly up to the bar this year.Don't get me wrong,I love Sue Ann she just wears my ears out.I do hope to see her again at this years celebration only I don't want to be held hostage this year.And I know Mrs. Mason doesn't want to be either.

If you happen to have a manic relative,take turns....everyone should get a once around the block with mania.Share the wealth I say!

Have a save and happy Easter!