Just us..PLUS Oli and Noah..
we had fondue! It was delicious..you linger around a fondue meal..
I must say though I started eating at 5 and finished at 9..so full..and not even a turkey in sight!..
It was beef fondue..chinese style which I love..I would never go back to big chunky beef fondue in oil..
we love the paper thin ..yes paper thin slices of beef..cooked in a broth..w/ shrimps too..and scallops..broccoli and roasted potatoes..some sauces..some bread on the side.
oh it had been so long it was absolutely delicious..
Frédérick came after all the football festivities w/ Lucas and Max..:)
After dinner we played Scrabble and he got a seven letter word..he won..:) Hands down.
I was in charge of an app and dessert for our TG get-together..I picked this..it's so easy..put some olive oil in the base of a serving platter/dish..add 4 roma tomatoes..chopped and seeded..add 4 spring green onions chopped..add sliced Kalamata black olives..(to taste) sprinkle w/ greek seasoning..top w/ feta..and you are done..lovely w/ mini pitas..or Tostito scoops..I served w/ the scoops..perfect!
The net has many versions I gleaned mine here ..but added the olives..one commentor or two or three said it was great on hummus instead of the evoo..I believe it..tastes fresh and delicious.
I brought two desserts..one I will talk about next....
There was a time..when I loved to entertain..small groups albeit..and be entertained..small groups..
I mean.. being a realtor for almost 30 years even if you are an introvert..you get to care about the clients you work one on one with:) ..and your children become friends with children and then the parents click..or not..
I have to say that I am so far removed now from social obligations..I can just be happy knowing my best place to be..is with my family.Your adult kids become your best friends.
Nothing..compares.
It could be frozen pizzas for TG..and I would be content as long as I was with them.
I love taking walks in October..it's not too hot..beautiful..and some of the sights make me smile..most of the sights!
Like the bunting and mums..the skeleton on the door..the wild asters in front of the dark fence..
the inviting facades and annexes..as you can see nothing has peaked yet color wise..we are late..usually much more advanced than this..
it was cool Sunday..I can always tell because my ears hurt..so sensitive they are to cold..
The homes in this old town..are stone..clapboard..siding..stucco..brick..no McMansions really right in town and I love that..yet in town..on the perimeters there are many..on the water..they are gorgeous too but not in the modern sense of the word McMansion..older charms..
my favorite charms.
I always feel so lucky to live here..
remember..Marcel the notary? "Welcome to Paradise"~♥
I am certain many of you feel exactly the same way about where you live.
And then I think about Haiti..:(
How much more can they take?:(
That's really what TG is about..counting your blessings..and thank God we have some.
Beautiful ,sunny day on this TG Monday~
Your app sounds wonderful and fall looks beautiful where you live.
ReplyDeletePenny I sincerely hope you get to move soon..into a place you can call home for a long time to come:)
DeleteI wonder what is up with you know who?:)
Oh Monique, it is beautiful there. Bet you love the late fall - longer to soak it all in. Our trees have just begun to turn and I am looking forward to that. Fondue for TG. Now that just sounds wonderful. I would love fondue, but I have never tried it as my husband doesn't like cheese. My kind of meal. I love that you guys played Scrabble after. Just sounds like a beautiful way to be thankful for your family, and your many blessings.
ReplyDeleteIt is so pretty..glad you get to see that too..
DeleteThe fondue we had is different than cheese..it is cooked in a broth..and the meat is paper thin..shrimp and scallops..roasted potatoes..broccoli..a little feast and I love that it takes time..not a big plate of too much food..I still ate too much though..2 days later still full..
Watched your debate last night..I never comment because I do not feel it is my place.
I will say though it would be a tough act to follow the Obamas..for many.
I was excited when he won.
Well, I didn't know there was a fondue without some cheese in there somewhere. Sounds like an asian hot pot. Oh does that sound good and not spending days in the kitchen preparing food for it, even better. I think I'll try that as it is always so much work and takes the fun and family out of it. And, I can't seem to cook just enough, just enough for an army. I'll have to make plans on how I can downsize the meal. I am so depressed about the election. It is a dangerous time if Trump gets elected. We'll just have to rise above - take the high road.
DeleteAnd you always do!One man Jacques and I saw on Dr Oz who did not win the Republican candidature and seemed quite wonderful was a Dr Ben Carson ..I think his name was that...a retired neurosurgeon.
DeleteYou and I share the same sentiments about family and our alone time. Social activities cause me to be anxious at times. Heaven on earth is a home cooked meal with children and grandchildren underfoot. Lovely neighborhood and photos!
ReplyDeleteNothing compares for me..I am in my element only with them now.
DeleteJust so comfortable..I see that in your posts:)
Cute post and photos! Have a lovely Monday ♥
ReplyDeleteThank you:)
DeleteI'm getting all my Fall inspiration from you, Monique, we're still in the 90s here :/
ReplyDeleteSo funny we were too just a few days ago it seems..all of a sudden..it changed..no frost yet..tonight maybe..
DeleteIt sounds like you had a wonderful holiday in spite of no turkeys in sight, Monique : )I think it's kind of fun to shake up tradition once in a while. How nice that Fred, Lucas and Max came later. I always used to play Scrabble with my mom. ♥ Great memories. The appetizer you brought sounds delicious and I will be saving this one to try. It sounds right up my family's alley! I knew you had a beautiful neighborhood but these lovely photos of your walk are charming! Paradise indeed :) Color coming slowly here as well.
ReplyDeleteWe just went for a walk by the lake..and boy are the leaves slow..very different October..but still enough change to make it all look like a painting..Susan..I played with my mom too:)♥
DeleteShe was so bright..like your mom:)
Have a great day Susan..
the app is good..and you don't feel like you are indulging in something that is bad for you..of course I ate way too many..
and M had bought me that Cheese dip..LOL..and then I ate dinner...
The colors in the photos are wonderful. Everything looks so alive and...happy! Yes, sharing time with family is the best! I will be going to Seattle in two weeks. Sabine made her "grocery list" for when I come.....brownies and cookies! Looks as though we will be doing some more baking. I am going to try you app. It sounds fresh and tasty!
ReplyDeleteSo cute..hope you can share when you come home:)
DeleteHappy Thanksgiving Monique. We do have a lot to be thankful for! Hope my kids move back when they are ready to settle down. Love your idea of a Chinese hotpot. Food tastes so much better when one share it with each other!
ReplyDeleteI hope they do too for you..but what an education..adventure..they are getting..It's harder once they settle down.
DeleteAnd look at you and how youthful all this keeps you:)
Happy Thanksgiving Monique. Love the old fashioned fondue too.
ReplyDeleteYour autumn gardens look stunning and so does that feta dip.
xx
Thank you Shel..have a great weekx
DeleteHa ha At first glance that white plate looks badly broken! An optical illusion you missed I bet....the łeaves did it.
ReplyDeleteSo have you tasted a pomme Canada grise? They are on special now. To find a good crunchy apple in France is near i possible :((
:) You are maybe right..I just looked again..maybe our screens are different..I know most are..some darker..lighter etc..if you ca't see the orange leaves..you are right!
DeleteThe color of reinette grise..is not my fave..I had to look it up..now I know which one it is..thanks!
Honeycrisp..love.
Your walk is beautiful. Those are the kinds of homes I love.
ReplyDeleteYour Thanksgiving sounded just about perfect! I love the idea of fondue for TG -- I'd like that much better than turkey, I think. And your appetizer looks just wonderful. I may have to try that one. Looks very easy and so delicious!
I'm so happy you had a wonderful day. All that -- and gardens, too!
They are almost done Jeanie..
Deleteoh my type of homes too..I love charm and character:)
Never envious of McMansions..
Have a nice week,,I bet it's beautiful in your neck of the woods too!
That fondue sounds delicious! With the perfect app to begin!
ReplyDeleteYour neighbourhood is so nice...you must love going for walks....all year round!
Oh Monique...I feel the same about my kids!
Had a very busy social life for a long time...things change...people change...and they come and go...but....my kids are forever! Cheers to the family!
We had a very nice dinner yesterday...Vivian loved being with everyone...♥️
Enjoy your week...
Cheers!
Linda :o)
Yes...things change..:(
DeleteHowever I feel richer spending all my time with who matters most♥
I know you get it:)
Have a great week!
Nothing compares ... so very true. We are blessed to have both our adult children and their families close by. The decided they wanted to do a monthly family dinner. I, like you, was once a realtor and went out more often than now, which is fine with me. I adore our monthly Sunday dinners and I've been making all the old family recipes they enjoyed growing up. The weather in Virginia has been absolutely amazing these last few days - I love autumn!
ReplyDeleteI love autumn too!
DeleteI must say for the first 25 years..I quite loved my job..not so much the job..but the wonderful clients..people I met..the last 4..things had changed..so mehhh..
Virginia is a beautiful state❤️
Love your appetizer - and the thought of you all gathering and eating, talking and enjoying each others company as a family.. something I hope will be in my future, though the family is in many different directions. Happy belated Thanksgiving - and I love, love your photographs!
ReplyDeleteThank you Katrina..I hope your plans materialize very soon!
DeleteGlad to see that you had a great thanksgiving even if it was not your traditional one. The appetizer looks good Monique and so simple. Can't wait to see what deserts you brought to the festivities.
ReplyDeleteLol one I did not photo..mini pumpkin cheesecakes in that mold I have with the cavities ..They looked so plain..until I piped the whip cream on..but by then we were there and night had fallen..not big on flas photos..I rarely bring my camera if ever ..but one thing you may want to do..I'll put them next!
DeleteI loved reading about your Thanksgiving Monique. It sounds like you had a perfectly lovely time. The love you have for your family and how you share it with us is one of my favourite things about your blog, oh and the food, art and beautiful photos also, but your love of family, it charms me the most. That dip looks excellent and so fresh and healthy looking! Looking forward to seeing what was for dessert! Love your town. It is just gorgeous. Hope you are having a great week. It has turned a lot cooler here now. xoxo
ReplyDeleteSo far it has been super productive..tried some new things in the kitchen and lo and behold most of the gardens are done...just beautiful days..me too..my family charms me Marie as your do you and I am happy for that.Thank you Marie
DeleteAbsolutely beautiful photos of the stroll around the property. I would never tire at looking at it. The fondue sounds lovely. something fun to share and enjoy great food. I am checking out the lovely appetizer. I am always looking for something different to share.
ReplyDeleteCould not be easier..and colors are quite Fallish/Halloweenish:)
DeleteBeautiful memories for Thanksgiving is the best! Happy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteYou are right:)
DeleteYes, I too love where I live. North Country. October!!!! It seems more brilliant than ever before, but maybe it's because I'm out there more this year. Lovely homes, your good times...so pleasant....
ReplyDeleteIt does seem much more brilliant I agree..and yet I thought w/our drought it would not be the same..oustanding year:)
DeleteSo beautiful Monique. Yes we are blessed.
ReplyDelete♥
DeleteOn n'a forcément pas Thanksgiving, par ici, mais c'est bien dommage ... Ça ferait du bien beaucoup ... La reconnaissance est quelque-chose que la vie moderne tend à faire oublier ! Sinon, tu sais que la fondue, dans notre coin, on la fait parfois avec du vin blanc dans lequel on a mis à macérer des herbes de Provence ? C'est délicieux aussi ... On n'y trempe pas les légumes, cependant ... À essayer aussi, comme dans la fondue chinoise !
ReplyDeleteLa prochaine fois que je fais de la fondue..herbes de Provence!
DeleteYour TG sounded delicious...love the bunting too....yes, there is lots to be grateful for... xo
ReplyDelete