Dan and I arrived in Ashford on December 23rd. We made amazing time on our road trip, 24 hours exactly, 14 day one, 10 day two. We checked in our hotel and then went over to Dan’s parent’s house. We got there to Donnie and Dennis making dinner for our arrival. The one thing the Cosby’s all know how to do is to supply food in enormous amounts. And Dan (Danny to his family) coming home was reason to get everyone in the kitchen cooking.
Our first meal, dinner on the 23rd, is chronicled in my blog “Observing Differences'”. It was mesmerizing to me how differently people eat regionally. And it also brought me back to many meals at my maternal grandparent’s house. All home cooked, starch laden, fried, and greens.
Our visit to Dan’s parents was so much fun. It is amazing to me with Dan home, the ENTIRE extended family was there. Even more amazing is they ALL live in the area except for black sheep Dan. I made a little fuss about getting pictures. We had to while everyone was there.
Here are all the Cosby men/boys: Dennis, Richard, Dan, Donnie, Kyle, Chris, Collin, Tyler, Eli, and Gunner is hiding somewhere.
The Cosby women: Gloria, Amber, Christal, Heather, LaWanna, Miley, and Clara.
Dan’s immediate family: Dan, Dennis, Donnie, Earl, Gloria, Clara. Earl and Clara are his parents. Dennis is the oldest, then Gloria, then Dan, then 11 months later, Donnie.
The little ones: Miley in back, Eli in middle, Gunner in front.
Gloria’s family (grandma Gigi), Gloria is the only one of Dan’s siblings to have children, she has two grown sons, Kyle and Chris, they have lovely wives, Christal and Heather, and children. Gloria also has a teenager, Collin:
Time with Gigi:
Riding Uncle Donnie:
Did they really need Christmas presents or just play time in Earl’s empty truck bed:
The goats:
Oyster time – oysters are amazing in Alabama. They are a tradition in the Cosby household. Get a bushel, for so cheap it will make your head spin, shuck, serve with hot sauce and a saltine cracker (ok, I did without the cracker most times). It is a family love. Collin had never had one and Donnie said it was time. I honestly thought he would puke. But with better news, Christal attacked them and loved them. She was surprised and pleased.
Collards – ok so I am in a green revolution (thanks Holly) and in Alabama things can still be grown successfully in December. Earl had rows of beautiful greens, collards, turnips, mustard. We went out into the garden, picked greens and then cooked them to be served at many of our holiday meals. Yum!
We had a great time, and look forward to our next visit with the Cosby clan. I had so much fun visiting with the family, watching Dan interact with his family, playing with the kids (I could have taken Gunner home with me), and eating southern food. Until the next time…
i love this!!
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