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The Tryptophan Blues
I've gotta snap out of it! Thanksgiving is long over. But I just can't keep awake. Ever since the Thanksgiving dinner at my Mom's I've had this urge to just lie down and take a nap. Of course, that's what everyone wants to do after their Thanksgiving Day meal. But my napping propensity has carried over into days.
Maybe it's because of that tryptophan in turkey. Can consumption of foods really play a role in our attitudes, our emotions, our behaviors? I've heard rumors about olives and oysters and almonds. But turkey? Scientists tell us that turkey contains the chemical tryptophan, which causes drowsiness.
My problem is that I just can't stop eating the leftovers. Like all good Americans, I enjoyed three plates of turkey at our one o'clock family meal. And, like all good Americans, I enjoyed a hot turkey sandwich with leftovers around eight o'clock that evening.
By then the turkey had been pretty well carved up, so I decided to work off my two great meals by making turkey and rice soup. So, Thanksgiving evening, I went to work with Mom's soup recipe. Within a mere three hours, before bedtime, the turkey and rice soup was ready!
Through the weekend I couldn't stop eating my turkey and rice soup -- and then taking a nap. If I do say so myself, it is the best turkey and rice soup I have ever eaten. Now I know that may seem like a slap in the face to my grandmothers, my Mom, my former wives and the chef at my local favorite restaurant, but this batch of turkey and rice soup was the best ever! If you don't believe me, ask Goose, who lapped up two big bowls of it on Saturday night.
And even Babe Ruth had to give way to Hank Aaron. Even the great Arnie Palmer had to give way to Tiger Woods. Now Foxy's turkey and rice soup has risen to the top.
But those constant doses of trytophan have put me in a funk. I'm behind in my paperwork for eBay, my paperwork for my videotape business, and I'm behind in paying my bills. The only thing I'm motivated to do is find a way to get more tryptophan.
But, alas, the soup is gone and the last drumstick has been eaten. The tryptophan blues will, hopefully, soon be a thing of the past. I'll be back to my old self in a day or two. I will be happy about that. And I'll be happy with the thought that my Christmas turkey is just 29 days away!
Comments
Foxy-Friday, Dec. 1st, at Meron's. The Carver has put together what will possibly be one of the finest nights in many years. The list of bloggers continues to grow. What topics might be brought to mine? Will Norm Stoddland remember shopping at the Center Market on Margaret Street @ Brinkerhoff. Or did he go to Lombardoni's Fruit Store on Clinton St., before it was the upscale Jerry Donnelly's Clothing Store. Who there will remember Boss Snyder tending bar at the Knight Tavern. Everybody remembers Glen & Rita but what about Frank Beauvais at the Monopole still going strong when he was in his 70's or Ann R. who was the waitress at the Knights for many years or Pip Papa behind the bar there. Maybe "The Donald" will quit airing his knowledge of the Seinfeld series and come up with an all new agenda and announce it from his podium at Meron's that night. Who was really the best athelete in Plattsburg in the 40's (no "h" in those days). Dud Bullis, St. John's: Bobby Parker, PHS: or Tiny Lachaunce, MAI: all 3 lettermen every year. Foxy is going to need the Goose right there by his side to take notes and keep control. Hopefully Vi will be there to keep an eye on both of them and set down the rules for the "Turkey & Rice Soup" cook off. I don't think that The Carver has allotted enough time for the keynote speaker. Mike Mannix is ready to step in at any given moment and fill any voids in any conversation. See you all Friday, the 1st., at Meron's. 5:00
(Foxy's note: It's official now that the Old Timer has spread the word. All bloggers are invited!)
Posted by: The Old Timer | November 28, 2006 2:38 PM
I am always amazed that compared to Canadian Thanksgiving, your holiday is so much more intense. We celebrate it on the second Monday in October. No big deal, just another long week-end, perhaps close up the summer cottage and possibly sit down with the family either on Sunday or Monday for turkey dinner.
Growing up in Montreal it had another meaning, perhaps a trip to Plattsburgh and stock up on 'cheap' turkeys. I remember very well the grand opening of Sun Foods and their door crasher specials of turkeys for 19 cents a pound. The old Price Chopper store would give you a free one if you spent $50, or was it $100? Long before 9/11 and terrorist concerns a trip over the border was a wave to the customs officer and grocery bargains were 20 minutes away at exit 37.
Geez I miss those days, here in Ottawa we are 2.5 hours away from any decent US shopping in Watertown. Now I pay $1.89 Canadian a pound for turkey and stay home.
Posted by: Norm Stotland | November 28, 2006 7:25 AM
Foxy got the word TRYPTOPHAN
from a Seinfeld episode when Jerry was playing with one of his girlfriend's old toys...
(Foxy's note: You are right, The Donald! There is a Seinfeld episode where the word is used. I don't remember it being in that situation, however!)
Posted by: The Donald | November 27, 2006 9:16 PM
Foxy, I just finished my soup today. I am sure that yours is good but, I have to say that mine is "The North Country's Best Turkey Rice Soup!" I think that we should have a turkey rice soup cookoff. The official taste testers can be Goose and Coach Mac! Now I need to go take a nap!!!
(Foxy's note: Alright, Chad ... we might be able to do this during the week after Christmas. We need a third judge in case there's a tie. I'll betcha "The Old-Timer" has tasted lots of turkey rice soup in his lifetime. He'd be as impartial as Goose and Coach Mac, I'm sure!)
Posted by: chad garcia | November 27, 2006 7:28 PM
A little known fact is it is not the turkey or anything in the turkey that makes one drowsy on Thanksgiving. It is actually.... the Detroit Lions. The Lions have been playing for many years on Thankgiving and watching them play is certain to make one sleep if not cry. Not even a 4:00 Cowboy game can revive one who has watched the Lion(ettes) for a quarter or more.
Posted by: rubble | November 27, 2006 6:59 PM
TRYPTOPHAN????? damn! I thought that was like some kind of dinosaur.
Did you make that up or really research it?
A sportsman like you perhaps it could be a person who roots for three different teams in the same division and can't really lose.
Damn, Foxy.
Turkey is good, especially the leftovers. I'm particularly and peculiarly addicted to the skin.
Come on Fox, is that really a word or just something you just made up for gluttony and laziness. I'll understand. Fess up!!
(Foxy's note: Skip, my sister is a nurse and she told me all about it on Thanksgiving Day. It is true!)
Posted by: skip zatonski | November 27, 2006 5:21 PM