Soon I will be at the point where I have lived more than half of my life away from the town where I was born. Some of those years it was just a two-hour drive, but most of them were in locations that required at least one layover between flights. Due to the distance and expense, I usually only get to see my family once a year, if that. It’s hard being so far away, especially during the holidays.

My mom and brother came for a visit recently, and for that I am very thankful. My mom wanted to see our home, so she could picture Bryon and me in our new surroundings. While the weather was a little dreary during their stay, we made the most of their trip. We packed in lots of action (karaoke, games, beer art exhibit, a parade, and several movies) and LOTS of eating. I never get to make Mother’s Day or birthday meals for my mom, and we aren’t ever together for Thanksgiving, so I had to make up for lost time. We ate well all week, and then had early Thanksgiving on Saturday and super-early Christmas on Sunday before driving them back to the Portland airport, after stopping for a beer, dinner, and then a trip to Powell’s and VooDoo Donuts.

A sampling of what I cooked up, with Bryon’s and mom’s help:

• Spaghetti and meatballs with Italian salad in honor of my Nana

• Seared duck breast with duck fat potatoes and Brussel sprouts

• Polenta pizza with salami, roasted garlic, mushrooms, and olives

• Profiteroles with vanilla crème patisserie and chocolate ganache

• Salted caramel cheesecake (in homage to The Golden Girls, per Jeremy’s request)

• Way too many garden-fresh salads for Jeremy’s liking

And there are plenty more holiday celebrations ahead! Over the next month we’ll have Thanksgiving with neighbors, holiday potluck meals with local community groups, and Christmas with Bryon’s mom during her first trip to Star & Sparrow. After a long year full of big changes and— not gonna lie— a lot of stress, it’s comforting to take part in fellowship with family and new friends. Overall, 2019 has been very good to us, and we have much gratitude in our hearts. Best wishes to you and yours this Thanksgiving and always!