Reporting In

I'm a little late in checking in with a Thanksgiving report. 

We got home about 6:00 Friday evening, unpacked and got stuff put away, then, too tired to cook, we went out for a quick meal. We spent the evening in our recliners, reading our devices and watching Hallmark Christmas movies. 


Tom's niece Julie and her family, who live in San Jose, CA,  were here in August for the Phosie-Gertie reunion and she formed a vision in her mind of having Thanksgiving here at the Whidbey cabin. We all contributed to make her dream come true. 

We live close to the Seatte-Tacoma airport, so we provide taxi service for the comings and goings of family members. Jill and the kids flew out to Colorado, Ann flew out to  California and left her car here. Tom's brother Dave and SIL Vicki flew in and picked up Ann's car. Julie, Dave and the kids Brian and Sarah flew in late Tuesday night  and took a taxi to Jill's house, stayed overnight, and borrowed her car. 

On Wednesday morning Tom and I packed up the pies I baked the day before, other contributions to the dinner and our gear and headed off through the city north to Whidbey Island. 

Wednesday we all settled in as the weather deteriorated, revving up for a big Pacific wind and rain storm. 

Thanksgiving morning we were thankful that the power was still on as the wind and rain pelted the windows and ruffled the bay.

Some of us sat around and visited while sort of watching the Macy's parade. 

Julie and Dave were in charge of the turkey, so they had early work to do. 

Of course everyone had their device, and even a few real books, to read. 

While the wind still blew, the rain let up enough to get out for a short walk. The surf was up on Useless Bay. 

The kitchen got busy as everyone prepared their contribution to the feast. 

Dave did an expert job of carving the turkey. 

The table was set with contributions from Jan, Vicki and me, and we dined off cabin china that was handed down from grandmothers long passed on. 

We were happy that Jake could join us for dinner, having the day off from the USPS, before being back at work on Friday morning. 

It was a feast to be thankful for, and for Julie, who is taking this photo, I hope it was a fulfillment of her dream. 

In the evening we had fun playing Heads Up, Ellen DeGeneres' game that uses an iPad. No need for games boards and pieces to put out and pick up when you have technology. 

By Friday everyone was doing their own thing. Julie and family packed up and left for Seattle to spend time in the city and then go back to Jill's house to stay. The weather was beautiful, a one day respite that we needed, and Tom and I went to Langley to do a bit of gift shopping. Here I am enjoying the view with my buddies Boy and Dog. 

In the afternoon we watched the Apple cup, the college rivalry game between the University of Washingtonian Huskies and the Washington State Cougars. Our favorite Cougars got blown out and we packed up and came home. 

Today, Saturday, we are back to rain. After a very slow start, we plan to put away autumn decorations, clear off spaces, and begin the process of decorating for Christmas. 

'Tis the Holiday Season and I must get myself into the spirit.