Thanksgiving–California Style

Please pardon my out of sequence posts. I have a few pics from the Cabin that I want to get posted….but I just did not want to wait before posting about everybody’s Thanksgiving.

Our girls and their guys headed to Encinitas,  for a California style Thanksgiving visit with Uncle Mike and Aunt Pam…………which included walks on the beach…….

From left….Jason, Sarah, Laura, and David   (Mike and Pam were nice enough to share these pictures)

And eating at one of our favorite Mexican restaurants in Encinitas.  That’s Mike and Pam on the right.

Then getting ready for a beach side bon fire…..Mike had been collecting pallets to burn!

I am so glad that you guys had such a nice visit! You ALL needed a break….We love you! Take care……

A Walk in the Woods–Oct. 2011

Fred has been working on our trails….getting several trails that can be maintained with just a bit of mowing with the tractor.  It makes walking in the woods so much more enjoyable……

This is a walk from the front southwest corner of our property (starting at our road close to the mail box) ……And continuing along the south (or front) boundary……

The trail continues down the east boundary, past the power line…….and back into the woods…..

I stopped here to take a picture of the big, beautiful trees….

At the bluff, overlooking the creek…….that’s as far as the tractor goes…….

But we walk on…..crossing the creek…..

Down to the old bridge……

And back on up the hill to St. Francis…..

This Fall, just before hunting season opened, we had seen a number of deer coming up. These are along side of the road just up from the turn-around…..

And these were hanging out just under the crape myrtle trees just down from the cabin. These pictures are not the best, taken in the early morning or evening light, and at full zoom. The deer are so skittish that as soon as they spot us, they run….making it quite difficult to take their picture!

I love the Fall! Getting out in the woods reminds me of why we bought this place so many years ago……..

Thanksgiving 2011–with Brian and Rebekah

This year we celebrated Thanksgiving in Sioux City, Iowa with Brian and Rebekah – We were delighted to be invited to help celebrate their first Thanksgiving in their new home.

Thanksgiving requires a lot of activity in the kitchen……..

The first time roasting a turkey for Rebekah…… I think that I had been married 20 years before I actually did the whole Thanksgiving meal….turkey and all…..by myself.

The turkey turned out beautiful! and we had sweet potatoes topped 1/2 with the brown sugar and pecans, and 1/2 with marshmallows.

The table was set with Brian and Rebekah’s “wedding” china and wine glasses…..

Brian learned to carve a turkey from the ‘master’…….

On the menu….. sweet potatoes, turkey, green beans,  dressing and homemade cranberry sauce, and a nice white wine.

Is it just our family who likes to take pictures of the food and then each of us with the food?…….. : )

A wonderful Thanksgiving meal! Then a bit of clean-up……

Meanwhile…..Sarah and Jason (from Phoenix) and Laura and Dave (from Oakland) all traveled to Encinitas, CA to spend Thanksgiving with their Uncle Mike and Aunt Pam. We were able to Skype with them this morning. Technology is wonderful…but, as great as it is to see them on the computer, I still miss being able to hug them ….I will admit to a few  tears……Miss you guys……but it is so good to know that you are having a great time and a good visit with each other.
I feel so blessed this year…..thankful for family and good friends, a home, tasty food, jobs for the kids, and a wonderful life with so many opportunities……I hope that you all had a Happy Thanksgiving, too.
With hugs all around……..