So here we are in Costa Rica, really grooving on the Pura Vida vibe, when we realized that the holiday season galloped up on us like a Santa-Turkey cyber ninja. For us Norteno’s the equation of sunny warm weather + days that run a full twelve hours does not equal Thanksgiving or Christmas. But here it is anyway.

Now of the two holidays we celebrate, Thanksgiving is my favorite. I love to cook, love having friends around, and most of all enjoy the Thanksgiving Miracle- nothing you eat or drink on that day has any sugar or fat!

Palarran, Wairua, Perfect Symmetry, Winterlude, and Reverie all attended this year’s Papillon Party and we had a blast! I cooked up some turkey breasts as the boat oven is just a bit small for doing a big bird, made some actual cranberry relish, mashed taters, green bean casserole, fresh biscuits, and a pumpkin cheesecake pie. Tawn off of Palarran did the stuffing and since they are boat folk as well and are limited in oven space- cooked a chicken to stuff it in. She also did the real pumpkin pie. Megan from Wairua made an awesome beet salad. So we were pretty set on chow- the other crews kicked up the beer and wine stock and wheeled a dock cart full of ice to chill it!

The best part? Hard to say, but just hanging out and talking story until 1:30 AM ranks up there along with the food. Yes, boat people up until that time of the morning and not on watch.

The worst part? I would have to say the hangover. First one I have had in many many years. But it really went away quick enough- we have the habit of waking at sunrise and that gave us a false sense of wellbeing that turned around a bit later and smacked us both. We did a quick cleanup, washed a lot of dishes and crashed out waiting for the construction crews in our heads to finish the demo work. As we ran into others from the night before, we realized we actually came out of it OK comparatively!

And now we are into the Santa season- broke into the holiday box, which of course is in the very bottom of a packed lazarette, and Kelly spent Sunday decorating the boat with the various tinsel and glitter that makes up the holiday vibe on Papillon.