THANKSGIVING

Technically it is the day after Thanksgiving, but I thought I would share my last Thanksgiving picture with you.

Yesterday Joe and I left around 9:30 a.m. to head for my sister's house.  There was almost no traffic on the highway and it was such an easy drive.  I didn't mind it at all.  In fact, it went really fast.  We got to her house around 11:30 a.m. and were the first ones there.

We sat around and talked a little bit and then Elaine put out some appetizers for us to munch on:  cashews, cheese and crackers, baby gherkin pickles, black olives, celery with creamed cheese, pears, apples and grapes, shrimp and cocktail sauce, and chocolate mints.  Just as she finished our friend Frank showed up.  Then my brother Larry and his wife Kim came followed by our friends Marion and Rich.  Those appetizers didn't last long -- especially the cashews.  Everyone loved them.  But the cheese and crackers and fruit were close seconds.

Her little dog Ace was so excited to have so many people in the house.  It was his first Thanksgiving there and he tried his best to get up on the table to get the food.  At one point he jumped into Kim's lap trying to reach things.

Elaine always sets a pretty table.

And decorates her home so beautifully too.

I made a loaf of cranberry bread as my contribution to the meal.

We all sat down to a delicious meal:  turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, mashed cauliflower from Kim, green bean almondine, gravy, bread.  Everything was really good.

Of course Larry had to do his usual pose.  Dinner doesn't begin until Larry gets his picture taken like this.

Although we all had plenty to eat, I don't think anyone overate.  I hate to eat so much that I'm uncomfortable afterwards.

It was hard to get a photo of Ace because he was always moving.  He was so excited!

After dinner we had a break where we talked and helped clean up the table getting ready for dessert.

I wanted to take a picture of Joe but they were all coming out bad.  One he had his eyes closed.  Another there was a weird look on his face.  Finally I told him to think about me.  And this was what I got.  He's so funny.

Rich and Frank

Marion joined them.

Then it was time for dessert.  Elaine made the most wonderful cheesecake ever.  I didn't have any since I'm highly allergic to dairy and didn't want to take the chance, but everyone else was raving about it.  They all said it was the best cheesecake they had ever eaten.  There was also pumpkin pie, sugar free cookies, and a birthday cake for Rich.  Of course tea and coffee also.

We lit a candle and all sang Happy Birthday to Rich.

Joe and I were the first to leave not long after dessert was finished.  I wanted to get on the road while there was still some daylight.  Of course with a 2 hour drive it was pitch black by the time I got home, but at least I got about a third of the way through the trip before the sun set completely.

We had a really good time and I'm so glad we went.  Hope you all had a good Thanksgiving too.  I'm going to hop over to your blogs and see how things went for you.

Have a good evening and I'll see you soon.

Kathy