Happy Thanksgiving.....2009

The day before Thanksgiving was not so great for us. I put Chica, our African Grey parrot, in the tree in the front yard and took off for Von's. I can't remember what was so important but that's what I did. When I came back Chica was not in the tree. We frantically looked all over. In the neighbors houses, in the bushes, in the street, and we could not find her. Then, as I have done for lost bars and other kite stuff I plastered posters on many of the local lamp posts. Still no Chica. We have had her for 17 years. Since Ruth and Sara had fed her. So it's been a great ride. Goodbye Chica.

Happy Thanksgiving.....2009

Even though Ruth arrived home from Lake Tahoe with a cold, like a real trooper, Ruth was able to put on a very down-sized Thanksgiving. No not the usual 50 people but a realistic seven.

From the left is Dan (my youngest son), Robert (my oldest son), and me. Dan and I rode to Von's to pick up some last minute items.

Here is the hardworking kitchen crew; Sara, Robert, Dan and Ruth. Thanks to modern medicine Ruth was able to shake the cold symptoms. Unfortunately a week later she still has a raspy cough. But everything worked out fantastic for Thanksgiving.

Lookout for the kid with the knife. The turkey and ham came out of the oven and Dan is ready to start carving.

Rijk arrived a few minutes later and started preparing his sauteed Leeks. Naturally everything was fresh, fresh!!!!!!

In the mean time Sara and I set the table. Notice the beautiful flowers. Robert and Sara brought them.

When there was a little lull, I grabbed a shot of the larger kitchen crew. Maybe I should say "Chefs."

With all of the smells of food in the air Ruth prepared a "Snack Tray" so we could abate our hunger. We cleaned that tray off in no time.

Dan started working his magic on the turkey and the ham. Rijk was putting the finishing touches to his Leeks.

Sara started the ceremony of lighting the candles around the house.

The food table was filled tot he brim. Can you believe it, all this for seven people. I don't think Ruth knows how to trim the portions.

As you can see Klaus arrived and now we are going to sit down and say grace. Thanks Robert for taking this shot.

Before you knew it it was time for desert. Again Ruth out did herself. There was an apple pie, two pumpkin pies and only one lemon chiffon pie. Naturally there was fresh whipped cream.

As you can see Klaus liked the lemon. I don't think it survived the evening. Oh yes, there were plenty of take home for everyone.

After dinner there were a few photos. This one is really unique because up on the landing to the second story there's a picture of Sara and Dan that was taken when he was 10 years old. He's cute at both ages. Even if you double click on the picture it doesn't make it big enough to see.

Thank you Rijk for taking this family photo. Look at that group, do they look fat and happy or what?

We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving too.