A Feast for the Thankful!

We gathered with friends Todd & Janet around the coffee-table-turned-kitchen island in the tiny hovel on the hill here in Hoback.  The house fragrant and warm with the roasting of a turkey, potatoes and yams, stuffing, fresh rolls painted with butter, and brussel sprouts, pies warming on the stove top.  Shiny wine glasses, eclectic tableware settings, and cloth napkins decorated the table space. 

Corks popped as we toasted the meal, the day, and our friendship.  By the night's end, many bottles, drained of their bottled wonders, were placed in the recycling bin. Thank you Nichelini WInery for brining us such delicious wines.  A cold bottle of Lafollette chardonnay complemented Janet's appetizers perfectly.  Warm shrimp drowning in a pool of cheese topped with a piece of bacon began the feast.

The refreshing cranberry, pear, amaretto dish would be remembered - albeit, a bit late - at the end of the meal.  The festive red dish came out and we cleaned our palettes before digging into a heated game of Pitch cards. 

Warm pies filled with sour cherries and sweet peaches were brought forth to pause Todd & my winning streak.  Cold vanilla ice cream countered the warm flakey crusted slices.  We practically licked our plates!  And next, set off for another game of Pitch.  Todd & I won all three games - just sayin'!!

Snow quietly fell outside.  Twice, the door had to be propped open to cool things inside off a bit.  A quiet storm, no wind, no drama.  This morning, inches of the white decoration balanced on tree branches, wire fences, and powerlines.  Blue sky and sunlight drenched the wakening landscape.  A beautiful winter day dawns.  Mike took off to feed horses, mules, and cows.  I savored the day off and lazed in bed until 8:30.  What a treat!

Off to Freedom this afternoon.  Saturday will be the first Cutter Races in Afton and then I am on duty Sunday/Monday.  I hope your thanksgiving too was filled with the love of others, amazing food offerings, and fun!