giving thanks...

I love the Thanksgiving holiday, not only for the food, but also for the time to be with family and friends in gratitude for the blessings of life. At this time I am so grateful for Michelle, for her love and support, for her kindness and passion, and for her dreams and aspirations. I am grateful to be living in a city as beautiful and as diverse as San Francisco. I am grateful for satisfying jobs that allow us to live comfortably, to give back to those who are less fortunate, and to travel. I am grateful for good health and strength. I am grateful for faith and hope that provide comfort and direction. We have so much to be grateful for, and I recognize how blessed we are!

This year we hosted our very first Thanksgiving....we were happy to have Michelle's parents with us to make sure we didn't mess anything up. We bought new dinnerware, linens, and place settings. We cooked all of our favorites. The day was perfect (except the 49er's lost)!



The spread...Cornish hen, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, stuffing, croissants, and sparkling beverages.



Sugar pie with my name written all over it.


Setting the mood for dessert.


Friday evening we joined thousands of San Franciscans in the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Luckily this year, the weather was perfect! We later decorated our smaller, just as breathtaking, Christmas tree.


Before

After

Michelle & Me

Greg & Jan


Before

After

I look forward to the next month of activities and celebrations (drinking warm beverages while watching Home Alone or Love Actually or Christmas Vacation, listening to Christmas music, throwing our annual Ugly Sweater Party, and of course, celebrating the birth and life of Christ.