MARILYN HAGERTY: Pilgrims never went shopping day after Thanksgiving

• Marilyn Hagerty

Marilyn Hagerty

Talk about it

Dear Shirley,

From the plains of North Dakota to the desert of Arizona, I send greetings today. And I hope your turkey is tender, the dressing moist and the pumpkin pie has plenty of real whipped cream on top. Too bad we can’t be together, but the miles are too many.

The Pilgrims had a good idea when they started this Thanksgiving Day. I’ll bet they never dreamed of the custom of Black Thursday with people racing out to chase bargains while they digest their dinner. Well, they never thought it would be a day of lounging around to watch football, either.

I was in contact with a Winnipeg friend who tells me Canadians who come down mostly like to shop for clothes. And, she says, some home improvements. She said the Canadians can buy some wood products for less here even though they are made in Canada. And they buy liquor because it’s less expensive. She likes to shop at Gordman’s and Kohl’s. And she finds great deals in Grand Forks on dairy products, such as shredded cheese.

On Black Friday, she thinks Canadians try to buy electronics such as television sets — even though they take up the entire vehicle.

When they choose restaurants, my friend Pam says the Canadians like other people look for great values as well as large portions. They are aware of the new restaurants in Grand Forks and want to try them.

How is the restaurant scene in Tucson? I remember going to some fabulous places with you down there.

This is National Game and Puzzle Week, and our public library is providing board and card games along with puzzles all week long. Might be a good destination for youngsters out of school today and Friday.

Talk of the town this week is still the fantastic come-from-behind victory the UND Sioux football team made Saturday over South Dakota. Yep, they sent Charlie the Coyote back to Vermillion with his tail between his legs.

It was one of the most amazing finishes I ever have seen, Shirley. I was sitting there during the fourth quarter with my hands on my head and looking at the scoreboard that said the Sioux were down hopelessly.

Then some amazing things happened. The Sioux went on a three touchdown rampage climaxed by Brent Goska throwing the ball deep in the end zone. It was caught by Chris Anderson. In the stands we all went wild. I was hugging and high fiving people I didn’t even know. Zeb Williams kicked the extra point that made the difference. Coach Mussman got doused with ice water.

They sent Charlie the Coyote back down Interstate 29 with his tail between his legs. He is probably still crouching alongside the Missouri River down there at Vermillion, S.D.

Seriously, you know I always cheer for the Coyotes except when they play the Sioux. I could never forget the four good years I had during World War 2 down at South Dakota U.

The Sioux football team wasn’t the only weekend show. Red River High School won the volleyball championship down at Fargo. The Sioux volleyball team won the conference championship right here in the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center. Then, on Sunday, Coach Gene Roebuck brought his women’s basketball team out on the floor to meet with a very quick team from Duquesne. That’s a Catholic school in Pittsburgh, Shirley. A very good team. And the Sioux women looked like championship teams of days of yore. That Madi Buck can leap up like a tiger for rebounds.

There will be life after turkey, too. The hockey team is hosting Colorado College this weekend. And the men’s basketball team will have a game with Montana on Saturday in the Betty.

I will be thinking of you today as I sit down for turkey with Gail and her family and friends in Bismarck.

Gobble, gobble, gobble! Your sister, Marilyn.

Reach Hagerty at mahgerty@gra.midco.net or (701) 772-1055.

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