Thanksgiving, part two

Friday night’s Thanksgiving dinner was absolutely wonderful. Earlier in the afternoon, we brought another table over from Rosemary and Rafa’s flat, borrowed dishes and teacups from Nazi, and finished our preparations for the nine friends who were joining us (Zane, Helen, Bill, Rosemary, Rafael, Taraz, Nazi and their two boys). Luckily on Fridays, we get out of school at 12:30. We had lumenarias and candles all around and classical music in the background.

The menu consisted of four roasted chickens, garlic green beans, mashed potatoes, roasted butternut squash, cranberry jelly (imported from Germany), Greek salad, and seeded whole wheat rolls. Helen’s partner Bill made a huge tureen of gravy and a British style stuffing (it was like a corned beef meatloaf that was quite good). For dessert, we offered pecan pie, a melk tart (custard pie) and watermelon. It was really delicious if I can say so myself.

Russ started the evening off with a round of American history and thanksgiving trivia, giving silent homage to his Uncle Don who was notorious for stumping everyone each November. The group was surprisingly into it. Next, everyone said something for which they were thankful followed by the silence that comes with eating when hungry. Colorful conversation included topics such as Formula One racing, interpretations of the Koran, and old American television shows that had been seen in the far corners of the globe. (Colombo, I love Lucy, and the Beverly Hillbillies were some of the favorites). It was a lovely evening and Russ and I were both thankful that we could give something back to the friends who have done so much for us.

Yesterday morning we were up early to go to the annual Kgale Siding Craft Fair. It was a massive array of vendors selling everything from beaded work to pottery to sculpture to plants to baked goods. We picked up a few small things and were glad to go early because it turned out to be a very hot day.

Later in the afternoon we went to the local (air conditioned) sports bar (O'Hagan's) with Zane and Bill to watch a rugby match between England and South Africa. I used to know all the players on the Springbok side when I lived in Namibia, but that was a long time ago and Zane filled us in on the team's strengths and weaknesses. The reining world cup champions beat England and it was an excellent way to spend the afternoon.

We also had Thanksgiving leftovers and probably will today too. Keeping the tradition alive. I really do enjoy a turkey (ok, chicken) sandwich with mayo, lettuce, and cranberry sauce.

Today was also incredibly hot and hopefully that means rain is on the way. We went to the mall because of the air conditioning and then to the school for a swim. We are thankful for the relaxed pace this weekend. Russ is almost finished with most of his school work (just a few more reports and then grading final exams). It is really hard to believe that we will be out of school in two weeks!