I have often written about my late sister Patsy. However, this Thanksgiving I am remembering her late husband Robert. He of the marvelous mashed potatoes. I was trying and failing to explain to Charlie the feat of Robert’s dish. I never watched him do his magic. My mother would hand over the cooked potatoes, the Sunbeam stand mixer, the milk and the butter and leave him alone. I have never made them taste as good.
He was a lovely man, a perfect partner for my sister. He loved to cook and Patsy didn’t. Beyond that,though, his gentle spirit was a great salve to the tensions that could arise on holidays. Alcohol flowed freely at these gatherings, but he remained sober and peaceful.
We live alcohol free now, but I raise a sparkling apple cider toast to Robert today, remembering those melt on the tongue potatoes.
Saved By Words 
Some people just have a magic touch which defies all atttempts to replicate it!
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I came a little closer this year, but you are very right about some people having the touch. I do make a mean giblet gravy though!
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A beautiful memoir Elizabeth to both your sister Patsy & her husband Robert.
Blessings on your Thanksgiving day, Jennifer
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Thank you so much. Is there a time of year you celebrate Thanksgiving?
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No it’s never been a part of our culture or tradition here in Australia Elizabeth. But I do love the concept! 😊
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That’s a beautiful remembrance of Patsy’s husband and his marvelous mashed potatoes.
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I find as I get older I remember the special dishes from holidays. My mother always mixed Liptons onion soup packet with sour cream. Not me.(Charlie has to watch salt.)
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I haven’t had Liptons onion soup and sour cream in ages. Thanks for the memory. I remember the little things as I get older.
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What a lovely photograph
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I just found that while thinking about his potatoes. It really captures their true joy with each other.
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Thank you for sharing your memories.
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You’re welcome. Do you have a similar holiday?
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There are holidays for festivals which are observed in the country.
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A great memory of a good man and his unforgettable skill at making mashed potatoes. They look so happy in the photo.
Best wishes, Pete.
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They truly were. Met at 19 and stayed until his death.
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