Thanksgiving in Nevada City, CA

Thanksgiving was a doozy this year!  We three adventurers, emboldened by hikes through National Parks, plunged into a small family of 70 to celebrate the holiday this year.  We knew

no one.

Can you believe they had real plates, glasses, 

and even lit candles?  These are not all the tables, by 

the way. There is a strip down the right side, too.

The conversation went something like this when we arrived.

"Who do you know here?"

"Well, no one," I'd start.  "I am here because dear Elyse (at which point, I could see their brains quickly scanning through the list of 70 attendees) takes care of my brother-in-law's Dad in San Diego...."

"Oh, Elyse, from down south, Eric's wife."  (San Diego is a solid 10 hours away.)

"Yes, well, she kind of adopted my brother-in-law's Dad, then the rest of his family, and eventually came to me.  I am Elyse's Patient's Son's Wife's Sister," I'd finish.  "And these are two of my children...."

"Ooooh, well welcome!  We're glad to have you!  Elyse isn't here yet."

"Let me know when you see her.  I haven't met her yet!"

We Trecosta's are used to being the big, warm family who folds people into our midst.  It was a different perspective to be the ones folded in -- and into a crowd three times larger than we usually gather.  Tony and Lila hosted a remarkable gathering, and every single person welcomed us warmly into the family fest.

The kids found their spots in the family quickly.  With people traveling from Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Washington, and all over California, I suspect the children just figured my kids were cousins they didn't remember.

One of the highlights was the Turkey Shoot.  Divided in groups of little ones, middle ones, teens,women, and men, we all had a chance to shoot.  Tony made sure everyone got a fair shot.

We could get some mileage out of an archery setup like that in our yard, for sure!  The last time the boys had a 'Deer Shoot,' they wanted me to be the deer.  Fortunately, their arrows had large foam balls for tips.

I did finally meet Elyse and get a chance to thank her for including us in her family celebration.

It means a lot for my family to be able to share a holiday with friends and family always -- and especially when we are on the road.

The evening was rounded out with a great array of conversation, food, family and friendship.  As Walter quipped, it was like being on a plane with all people you knew.  (Well, except for us.)  

I admired aloud at the vast expanse of dessert.

There must have been a dozen pies.

"That's nothing," Kathryn said.  "Uncle So-n-So (one of the many family elders, but I'm not sure which one) has only salad and pies on his birthday.  Those are his favorite foods.  There are tons of pies on that day!"

Who could not love a family who eats a birthday meal of salad and pie?

Finally, I'd like to give a shout out to one of the many budding musicians in the family.  Ishaan Judd is a young aspiring musician who plays organic folk rock all over Nevada County and has a new CD called Golden Sun.  Give him a listen.  You'll be glad you did!