Thanksgiving

I always think of Thanksgiving as a coming together of the Native Americans and Pilgrims to break bread. Alton Brown, anthropological food genius, taught me that they didn't actually eat what we consider "traditional" Thanksgiving fare. In fact, it was more oysters and clams and that roughage known as maize.

I think I'll stick with turkey and stuffing. And cranberry sauce. And green bean casserole. And rolls. With clouds of mashed potatoes. And pumpkin cheesecake. Yes, mustn't forget the pumpkin cheesecake.

In Japan they celebrate a Thanksgiving of sorts that has nothing to do with Pilgrims, Native Americans, or turkeys. This holiday is a "labor thanksgiving" known as kinro kansha. I asked about this holiday to some Japanese locals and they explained that it was a day to give thanks. That's it. No elaborate meal. No must-see football. No tryptophan-induced afternoon naps. Just a day to say thanks.

This year we did Thanksgiving American-style.

Dustin couldn't wait on the cheesecake...

The Alton Brown Roast Turkey

And boy, did eating an American feast taste good. But to observe our host country's holiday, we are still very thankful.

I am thankful for health both for myself and my family. I am thankful for telephones so I can hear your voices from so far away.

Dustin is thankful that his family hasn't disowned him after a long hiatus of communication. And for pumpkin cheesecake. Mustn't forget the pumpkin cheesecake.

Love you all!