Dinner Together Across the Miles

Eight for Dinner-

We celebrated Thanksgiving dinner for eight

despite our table setting for six.

My son, Sean, flew in from Seattle this year, 

my father-in-law, Dick, is to his right in this photo, 

then my husband Tom, daughter Becky snapping this shot,

granddaughter Taylor and two guests that were there

via the wonder of skype!

(we all had to laugh, my father in law's 

expression looks just like my great, great, great

grandfather's portrait hanging on the wall behind me !)

We sat up the computer on the back buffet

so Dan and wife Gina could join the meal from

their yacht in Daytona.  What fun!

At first I thought I had one too many glasses of wine

until I realized the table was in focus, 

 the people were just moving and sharing in laughter

at our old family stories and jokes.

As you can see, everyone had a great time.

 Becky brought over some wine she thought I would enjoy

and we had to laugh as I bought the same brand, Rex Goliath.

I will say her Cabernet was far more tasty than my Merlot.

Papa Dick gets a hug from Taylor.

Tom did most of the cooking-

we thought it would be safer that way! 

I'm pretty good at baking but I can't

hold a candle to him on the cooking side.

And I always measure wrong!

He saved our potatoes when I was about to 

drown them with too much milk.

That happens when I don't make them twice

but try to double a recipe!

Taylor and Grandma Kathy

Becky and Taylor

Our favorite turkey platter!

It turns out these were pretty popular.

I had my grandmother's old turkey centerpiece on the table 

until the food arrived.  This is one of the little pumpkins

I grew but haven't pureed yet.

 Dinner was a success

Turkey and the traditional Usher dressing- 

very spicy with rosemary, sage,  marjoram and thyme.

 Mashed potatoes with gravy plus candied sweet potatoes,

green bean casserole, rolls, cranberry sauce and an olive tray.

Pumpkin and pecan pie topped it all off.

My son brought his own food, being vegan,

and particular about some of the ingredients that

are vegan but that he has objections to.

My daughter is a vegetarian but will eat gravy

and occasionally a bit of meat, but very little.

My granddaughter and husband, both carnivores, 

more than made up for any non-meat eaters.

 After dinner we went next door to my father-in-law's home

 until everyone started feeling pretty tired. All in all

it was a good day, everyone was stuffed and it was time for bed!

I hope your Thanksgiving was as wonderful.