James reports their Thanksgiving has been a little different this year. Their community has been a bit strained by a major forest fire in the Manzano Mountains about 13 miles from their home town of Mountainair, NM. It has already burned 8,000 acres and is still only 5% contained. The Forest Service has called in firefighters from California to fight the fire. Vel is the Mayor of the town so she is guiding all the relief efforts.
James had smoked two large turkeys and he and Vel thought they were ahead of schedule for their holiday preparations. But the firefighters needed them so James and Vel donated both turkeys along with other donations from the town and were able to feed over 200 hungry firefighters. The town has really pulled together and has taken in many evacuees and firefighters. And they are all still thankful for all they have left.
James was beginning to wonder what his own family would eat for Thanksgiving when Vel came to the rescue again by pulling an extra turkey out of the freezer. Now they are hoping it will defrost enough to cook. Vel says that James is truly her Knight, as he always is, and he has started cleaning the smoker so he can smoke this turkey.
James and Vel we all wish you the best in your jobs during this trying time. God Bless All this Thanksgiving Day.
