There’s no place like home…

It sure feels good to be home. Today is Thanksgiving, and I am truly giving thanks. I started the day with lectoring for our parish’s Thanksgiving Mass, where everyone can wear their native dress. I’ve been meaning to go, but the closest thing I own to a Czech outfit is a Renaissance Fair wench costume, not exactly appropriate. But as long as I had to attend anyway, I got creative and modified it.

I also found my grandma’s babushka and Great-Aunt Teta’s cotton knit knee socks. They are seamed at the back, have tatting at the top, and droop easily as I found out. But at least two parts of my outfit were absolutely authentic.

We saw Hawaiian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Filipino, and Mexican clothing. With the exception of a lady from Spain, I was the only one representing Europe. The priest also blesses Thanksgiving foods that parishioners bring. No one else brought sauerkraut, pickles and brambory (potatoes). We are definitely in the minority in our multicultural community. But seeing all the costumes made me thankful once again that we are living here as my adopted Chinese daughters fit right in.

When I came home BG was just putting the bird in the oven. So I went out in the yard to take inventory and enjoy the sun. I picked up four fresh coconuts, though there’s plenty more on the trees. I’m excited to attempt my new coconut splitting skills. The only issue will be getting BG’s permission to use his machete. He doesn’t like me using his tools. Maybe I can get him to split the coconuts.

I also found a small banana bunch ready for harvesting, so I got out a bow saw and took it down. These are the little apple bananas that taste so sweet and stay firm for a long time. I love them sliced up in my cereal.

The orange trees are full of ripe fruit and the starfruit are still abundant. I was worried they’d be done by the time I got back. I think I’m going to try some in my stuffing today. I’m experimenting anyway, as this year I’m making it wheat-free.

I also found one ulu (breadfruit) that was cooking size. People must have been helping themselves, as there were few left on the tree. The tree’s right on the road, so it’s easy for folk to gather the fruit. I’m happy to share but need three for a recipe I want to try out on the family.

One of the hibiscus plants we pruned last summer is in full bloom. The flower is the size of a dish and almost fluoresces. However, my poinsettias are not red. It turns out they need darkness to turn color, and I have a streetlight nearby. Oh well, into every paradise a little light must fall.

I’m so lucky to have made it back, given all the flight cancellations on the mainland. And I’m so grateful to be celebrating Thanksgiving at home. As the song says, “Oh, there’s no place like home for the holidays…”

 

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