Thanksgiving, of course!

I was not especially motivated to do much for Thanksgiving this year, with Ed gone and being in France and all.  The kids had school and I thought we would just trudge along business as usual.  I didn't think I would really miss it.  Boy, was I wrong.  And luckily for me I didn't get the chance to skip it.

We received the welcome invitation to join a couple who live 45 minutes to the northwest in Grignan.  They are from California and are in their second year of living here with two daughters, ages 5 and 7.  They were pulling their kids from school for the afternoon, and inviting their French neighbors.  I signed up for pumpkin pie and green beans, and the children insisted on and made "sugar grapes."  These are big grapes dipped in egg white and then sugar. They have the appearance of frosted grapes and look great on the table.  And the kids love to pop them in their mouths.  They are a tradition now in our home, thanks to family friend Della.  The pie was challenging.  No mixers here, a small mix-up on the spices, and, as it turned out, I realized I had no pie pan and made do with a low casserole dish.  No worries that you can't find canned pumpkin easily-- if you saw the prior blog we had plenty of pumpkin on hand and it easily roasted into a great puree.  And I even figured out what evaporated and condensed milk are in France.  The pie turned out great!

So, as Asha's and Ford's classmates piled into the door through which all students who have gone home for lunch must pass after lunch, Asha and Ford exited.   They skipped happily home chirping about stuffing and gravy and turkey.  The blue sky beckoned.  We hit the road about 3:00 and toured through stunning scenery.  We had not spent any time with David and Lisa and their daughers, having just chatted in the town square of Vaison one day and exchanged numbers.  The kids promptly started playing and had a great time all night.  David, Lisa and I exchanged start-up stories and had fun conversing without the pressure of trying to figure out how to say what we meant!  It was great.  And they cooked a fabulous meal.  And when their French friends arrived, they added to the festivities with tasty wine and champagne and good tales.

Here are the photos of our Thanksgiving in Grignan, France:

Ford, Bella, Asha, Ani

Lisa & David

We send love and hugs to all friends and family.  We trust your Thanksgiving was also full of delicious food and smiling faces.  Thanksgiving touches all Americans in a unique way.  We shared it with you in spirit.  Happy Thanksgiving!