Victory is Great Seasoning

It's Thanksgiving 1979 in Nebraska. I was in 9th grade. I had become quite a runner - not in a competitive way, but as a means of transportation. I would jog instead of walk to and from friends houses, errands and school. Like a native American between villages, it was a better, faster way to travel.

I read about a Turkey Trot - a race - in the local paper. I decided to enter so I jogged there, competed and won the youth category. It was a hard race. I barely edged out another guy at the sprint - real photo finish stuff. He would later become a great competitive runner, I wouldn't. The race was held along the Missouri River ending at a restaurant built to look like a Riverboat - I think it was called "The Riverboat Queen". They had a T.V. commercial that played Creedence Clearwater Revival's (CCR) "Proud Mary" as they talked about the restaurant. When I hear Proud Mary, I think of the restaurant. When I think of the restaurant, I think of that race and Thanksgiving.

For my victory, I won a Turkey, but I didn't have to run home with it because the Dad of the guy I beat gave me a ride. My parents were pretty surprised to see me show up with a Turkey. I felt like a hunter bringing home a feast to his hungry family. They were a little skeptical of my story about the race. It sure helped to have my photo in the paper the next day. I remember feeling proud that I provided the Turkey that Thanksgiving (they already had one, but cooked up mine). It was a cheap bird, but it tasted damn good to me. It taught me that victory is great seasoning.

As for CCR, they're a solid band with a distinct sound. I have several other memories associated with their other songs...but today, I'm thankful (and proud) to have this one. It was the Thanksgiving where as a kid, I brought home the Turkey.