Feast of Thanks, Red Stag Tavern, PA, 2004

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I was again a honored guest and invited to attend a dinner at the establishment of a good friend of mine, Mr. Ed Robey, the proprietor of the "Red Stag Tavern". It was a dismal day, as I started my journey from the Yellow Creek to the hills of Pennsylvania on the other side of the great river known there as, the Ohio River. It was quite some hours of journey, but my ride had made the journey quite easily and in good time, despite her age. It turns out that I was the first to arrive at the sign of the Red Stag, and was warmly greeted by the proprietor and his acquaintance named Rose. I have heard many a fond things of Rose, but this was the first chance that I was able to meet Rose, and a honor it was. Arriving early gave Ed and I, a chance to quickly catch up on matters that he and I had since our last meeting. But soon the other guests began to arrive, Rick Addis and his lovely wife and daughter Ashley arrived next. Followed by Rick's father Tom Addis. Quite lively fellow that Tom is, always a joy to see him. Next to arrive was Chingwe "Doug Woods" and Dianne. They are always a informative couple to be around. We where saddened with the fact that this year, my wife and children where ill, as it was Rick's family that was ill this time last year. John Merrifield was missed as well. We had no word of him, so we hope all is well and he did not meet with a mishap. We soon toasted the host, as we learned that it is propper to set the guests of honor and prestiege above the salt server... all us lowly types had to sit below the server. Tis good to know ones station in the world. Always use the spoon provided or the tip of a clean knife and not a dirty one or your foul fingers. One must be civilized when in company of good people of stature. We feasted on roasted Goose, Kidney Pie made with Bears Grease, Venison Stew, Chicken stew, Potatoe Balls, fried potatoes in Goose grease, fresh baked loafs of bread and a number of other dishes of the period. We had a good number of deserts such as Brandied Cherries, pies of every kind. There was Cineman water, Shrub, and the Brandy drained off the Cherries, and good stout Guiness, Sassafras Tea, Tea and Coffee as well. We enjoyed one anothers company for quite some time, than we turned to songs and poems of the period... although Chingwe and Dianne where the only ones brave enough or able to recite such versus'. Why little Ashley even got up and danced the "Ring around the Posies" for us... a number of times, until she decided it was time to retire homeward and continue the song there. Period music of the time and the season was offered as well. So if you ever are lucky enough to find yourself with a hand written and wax sealed invitation delivered by the post-rider, to come and partake of supper at the Red Stag... I certainly express to you to firmly except and join us in our yearly feast for it is by invitation only, and we dine on nothing but period dishes that we discover through the year.

For those that inquired as to the where abouts of "HAT", he was not there. I know not if it was for lack of invitation or want to remain a loose. I fear HAT has been lost to the wilderness and its savages.