Thanksgiving in Seattle, 2008

The Thanksgiving menu (on fridge; "TJs" = Trader Joe's)

Appetizers included two heritage cheeses from near Hoquiam, Steve's pickled red radishes, assorted dips, glorious soft cheese, washed rind cheese (the so-called 'stinky cheese'), and cukes, which make delightful "crackers" for cheese slices.

The Soft cheese, possibly the top attraction of the first course

Part of an 18-pound turkey, nicely presented by Chef Stan

This year's wines were from Argentina

Serious fresh chanterelles from Hoquiam (end of the season, frost is coming). The can is being used to convey sense of size of the box.

Steve preparing a few chanterelles

Food starts to arrive (left to right: veggies, Chinese greens, vegan gravy in hot pot, Steve's Mom's pearl onions, chanterelles, potatoes, stuffed squash, my cranberry/orange/apple relish, two stuffings--wild rice and bread, turkey)

First sitting, 5:00 p.m. (suddenly, it became very quiet, mouths were busy chewing)
Brenda, Jesse and Christine

Various pies (sweet potato, apple, pumpkin), more stuffing, several teas, whipping cream, etc. "There was no room for them in the inn."

Preparing care packages for guests. Steve likes to give away the leftovers (starting with garlic mashed potatoes). Early Friday morning, he is flying to Washington DC to see his brother (leukemia) and parents.

We just returned from another enjoyable feast put on by Stephen, with assistance from Vivian. As is his custom, Stan bought, stuffed and roasted an 18# turkey at his place and triumphantly brought it to the feast. As usual, it was done to perfection and the stuffing was excellent. Jamie's stuffed squash was pleasing to both eye and tongue, Christine's apple pie was a big hit, the cheeses were a delight.

We drove down for the day (after my Photoshop class) and when we were returning to Canada after midnight, were surprised to see a 30-minute lineup of cars waiting to get into the States. Seattle's Black Friday sales seems to be popular with Canadians. We also wondered whether some stores opened at midnight.