Last Day !

This is a typical scene here where the girls have thoroughly enjoyed being lazy, catching up with reading and movies and just hanging out............ Bella makes sure that she's on someone's lap at all times.

It has been a wonderful five days with lots of good food and relaxation.

Tonight they fly home at 7:30 so there's still one more day of fun.

Little BIG Burger - Portland's Newest ----

Sunday we ventured out on the Streetcar to the Pearl District where we checked out the latest burger joint - this one serving a very limited menu of your choice of a regular burger, cheese burger or veggie burger. Truffle fries and drinks round out the menu and that's all............... We compare it to an upscale In-And-Out and the prices are great - $3.75 for a cheese burger and $2.75 for fries that feed at least two people. It was great and I'm looking forward to introducing it to Ashley and Cindie next weekend.

Following lunch we had to stop at Powell's Book Store, Sur la Table, Whole Foods and Anthropology. The girls treated themselves to dinner out last night at Pok Pok which is now their favorite Portland restaurant. Roger and I raided the refrigerator that is still filled with an immense amount of left overs so we had a "buffet supper" last night.

Oh............. My..................

Cooking and eating has been the primary activity this weekend and we have finally reached the point of no return.................. no more cooking.......... and no more eating - I'm kidding about the eating. Anyway, the plan is to take a walk in the morning and find a place for breakfast. Tomorrow night the girls are going to dinner at Pok Pok and Roger and I get to choose from a huge amount of leftovers in the 'fridge.

Tonight was Mexican night - Lori took charge and cooked dinner using some of the left-over turkey. It was a fabulous meal but I'm guessing that Pam didn't care much for the kitchen clean up.

Turkey Day

This is the turkey on its way into the oven. You'll notice that the little girl had to have surgery before she could be cooked.

When Roger opened the wrapping he found that about a third of the turkey had a huge cut into it so he had to reattach the cut part to the body.

He spent over a half hour stitching but it was worth the effort because she cooked up beautifully. The turkey was glazed with orange juice, honey, lemon zest and parsley and it was served with a caramelized fruit and pasta dressing decorated with baked apples and prunes. The combination of flavors was amazing.

Pam and Lori's flight went smoothly - they made it through security with no problem and the flight was on time.

We have the usual Thanksgiving Day problem - a huge amount of leftovers but no one is complaining. There's pecan and pumpkin pies still waiting to be cut into so we'll go to bed with very full tummies tonight.......................

Chayote...............

Am I the only one who didn't have a clue what this spiny thing is? Roger is an adventuress shopper so when he found this in a market he talked to the produce man and learned that it is a squash.

First you have to navigate through the spines - very sharp - which need to be removed before you can cut into it. The shell is hard - somewhat like an acorn squash. The meat is a cream color and fairly firm (nothing like a summer squash).

I checked the Internet to find some cooking ideas and finally decided to do something very basic and simple. After getting rid of the spines and cutting into the squash, I discarded the skin and core and just sliced it into random shaped pieces. Tonight I sauteed some green onions and red bell pepper in olive oil, added the chayote and a little water. With a lid on the pan it took about 20 minutes to cook into a simi crunchy squash. It has a mild flavor but it's very delicious. We served it with rice and pan fried fresh salmon. We've decided to add this vegetable to our future shopping list.

Ready for TURKEY DAY !

It has been an eventful week - a couple of unexpected blips like Tuesday when I looked forward to a "Me" Day and had an appointment for a pedicure and manicure. It appears that the girl who made the appointment, didn't understand and made the appointment for Dec. 23 instead of Nov. 23.

Yesterday was our last minute grocery shopping day for fresh vegetables and fruit and to pick up our order for a natural free-range 12 pound turkey (ordered two weeks prior). Oopps - they gave my turkey away and offered a 15 pound Norbest to take its place. To avoid an embarrassing melt-down, Roger assured me that he would find the turkey that I wanted if he had to go to every market in Portland as he led me out before I started foaming at the mouth.............

Well, within an hour he did just that so we have this cute little 11 pound fresh, natural, probably virgin turkey in the 'fridge just waiting to sacrifice for our Thanksgiving.

Lori and Pam will land at PDX about 3 p.m. so my goal is to have the turkey in the oven and everything else prepared or prepped so we can relax and enjoy being together. Bellas had a bath today and she's already excited because I mentioned the word "airport" which she understands.

It has been a busy week of preparation for their visit and our only regret is that Mike and Teresa aren't able to join us. We spent Thanksgiving at their house last year and we have wonderful memories of a fabulous day and dinner.

Happy Thanksgiving to our friends and family. As we reflect on the past year I'm certain that each of us has a long list of things to be grateful for.

Roger and I wish you a wonderful day with those that you love...............

WAITING - - - - - - - - - -

I was sure that I could send a photo of SNOW tonight but we keep waiting - the city vehicles are chained and prepared - the news says it's coming - but........................