Happy Thanksgiving! We had a wonderful meal with family - the first one in three years - which made it even more special. We had a great time cooking all day and it was truly a group effort. Susie made an excellent dressing with a Croatian truffle that they brought back from a recent trip. Chris did the turkey and it was one of the best I've had. We also had some Mexican inspired dishes - mashed potatoes with roasted poblano chilis and cilantro and green beans with cilantro and garlic. And one other regional dish - cranberries with cardamom and our last vanilla bean from Madagascar. I was worried about the number of flavors but I think it turned out well. Dick brought down three excellent bottles of wine - a 2000 French Burgandy from the Rhone Valley, a 12 year old Cabernet from Alexander Valley and a 2003 Turley Zinfandel from Paso Robles. It was a real treat and completed the meal.

We have so much to be thankful for this year - wonderful supportive families, friends (old and new!) and good health. Not to mention that we are a mere 1300 miles from home! We wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving and health and happiness throughout the holiday season.