Maryland Thanksgiving Day 4

This is an example of the wonderful stained glass that Michael creates.

Yesterday was another gorgeous day with a high temperature of 63. Michael and Marge prepared a thanksgiving meal for his daughter, Melina, her husband Joe and daughters Katie and Emily. They roasted turkey breasts that had been brined in apple cider and herbs and then cooked with a peach glaze. It was served with sausage stuffing, candied sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, a roast vegatable casserole, and asparagus.

Joe, who is a burley outdoorsman and hunter, had helped his daughter Emily make a peanut butter pie that was very good. When asked what was in the filling Joe said peanut butter, powdered sugar, and a little vanilla, topped with a ganache of melted bittersweet chocolate and heavt sweet cream. Smile.

I contributed table linen, a floral centerpiece and fresh roses.

..

Below is a photo of Emily posing with the cap, scarf, and gloves I gave her.

Maryland Thanksgiving Day 3

We spent the day after Thanksgiving doing a little shopping at a local specialty store and just relaxing at home. I shopped for some little gifts for the children.

We enjoyed a light supper of delicious homemade soup and went to bed eearly.

Maryland Thanksgiving Day 2

Thanksgiving morning I awake in the guest room's big brass bed. The room is drenched in sunshine and is decorated in a very whimsical and brightly colored fashion for their grandaughters. Michael's collection of orchids is in front of the large wiindow.

About noontime we set out by car for the restaurant where we have reservations for three thirty.

On the way to the restaurant we drove down to the Chesapeake Bay where we both owned homes next to each other. It is amazing to think that it was thirty years ago. We had so many joint thanksgiving celebrations there. Being there brought back a flood of memories of people who shared those times and who were now no longer with us - Dad. Rick. Tony, Lavinia, Ena and of many others who have gone their separate ways.

We drove around for a while and marveled at how many places had not changed.

The restaurant, Pirate's Cove, where we had our dinner had several dining rooms overlooking the marina on the West River which flows into Chesapeake Bay.

Dinner was served buffet style and was very good. The menu included roast turkey, mashed potatoes. sweet potatoes, green beans, stuffing, and a delicious cranberry relish. Some unusual items which I thoroughly enjoyed and went back for seconds were oyster stuffing, waldorf salad, corn pudding and a ham which was stuffed with real peppery seasoned kale.

Here is Marge enjoying her meal with the river scene behind her.

Assorted pies and coffee for dessert.

Here I am after dinner feeling quite stuffed myself after two trips to the buffet and two pieces of pie.

Maryland Thanksgiving Day 1

Wednesday morning its up early in the morning to begin my trip to Maryland to spend Thanksgiving with Mike and Marge Staed. Mary very kindly drove me to South Station in downtown Boston. It looks like train #83 will depart on time./


I have time to visit the Au Bon Pain kiosk to buy a raspberry cheese danish and a glass of orange juice to take onto the train.

I buy a copy of the New York Times and board the train which leaves on schedule.

There is an occasional view outside the train window of open countryside and water but it is mostly urban landscape so I turn to my paper and soon it is lunchtime.

I walk forward to the snack car and get a turkey and swiss cheese sandwich on chiabatta bread to take back to my seat. It is surprisingly good.

The New York Times crossword puzzle is easily solved today.

The train is overheated but the conductor says he is powerless to do anything about. I look around and see that many of the passengers have shed thier outer garments so I strip down to my undershirt.

I pass the remaining time of the trip reading a spy novel reader"Winter in Madrid" on my Sony electronic reader. This small reader holds up to 80 books. The text can be magnified and the background is non-glare.

The trip lasted for seven hours and the train arrived in Maryland on schedule. Mike was at the station waiting for me.

Marge prepared a very nice supper of chicken breast, cheese, apricot preserves, and rosemary wrapped and baked in puff pastry. Delicious.

A couple hours of visiting and catching up on the news and I was off to bed.

The Thanksgiving Project 2005

In 2005 I suggested to the younger generation of our "family" that they prepare thanksgiving fir the "older generation" and I would provide the funds, transportation, and whatever kitchen support they might need.





We, of the "new generation" are planning the menu (Benjamin said he would make popcorn)


You, of the "older generations" are invitated to Stephanie's on Thanksgiving. We are going to plan. shop, cook, and serve dinner but we will accept volunteers for cleanup.. signed by Tommy, Jeremy, Sarah, Matthew, Benjamin, Daniel, Lucas, Hugo, Connor, and Riley.

Benjamin and Sarah. Which turkey shall we buy?

Matthew and Benjamin select fruit for the ambrosia

Daniel bags sweet potatoes.

Matthew watches as Benjamin chooses peas.

Matthew and Sarah check the list.

Matthew, Sarah, and Benjamin stow the vegetables in my car and we are reading to go to Plymouth.

Its Thanksgoving eve and Connor makes a german chocolate pie from scratch.

It sure looks good, Connor.

Oh yes, the next day, Connor makes fresh whipped cream to top his pie.

Sarah deep fries onion rings and sautes onions and celery.

Sarag cuts fontina cheese into cubes.

and finally, Sarah assembles her green bean casserole.

Peel those potatoes, Jeremy, for the whipped potato casserole.

and the sweet potato casserole.

Jeremy says, " I never would have believed I could cook something so delicious. "

The table is set.

In the meantime, sisters, (Stephanie, Deborah, and Darlene) visit.

and the youngsters are chillin. Benjamin and Connor.

Riley holds the puppy, Mac.

Matthew adds a finishing touch to his ambrosia.

Daniel makes cornbread.

Benjamin cooks peas.

Jamie makes gravy.

Tommy shows off Jamie's cornbread and sausage stuffing.

and all day long, Tommy has been basting and tending what turns out to be the most tasty and moistful turkey ever! Served with his own special gravy.

Riley brought the whoopie pie that he made at home.

vut first we need appetizers, Matthew and Sarah

Matthews stuffed mushrooms.

How abouut some shrimp?

Sarah's crisp lemony shrimp.

Lucas tries his hand at carving.

Dinner is served.

Jeremy said Grace. Toasts were offered by Riley and Deborah.

I didn't get a picture of Hugo so here is one from last year.

And that is me, Uncle Vernon, in the striped shirt.

P.S. Benjamin didn't make popcorn. He made apple pie.