Thanksgiving 2012

 Thanksgiving 2012 was  special because we traveled to San Fransisco to join Mikes family for the holiday.    We spent a week with Bonnie and Jim and had Thanksgiving Dinner at Cathryn and Jon Coons lovely home in Orinda.  It  was a beautiful day with sunshine and 60 plus  degrees.  We sat on their wonderful patio and then had a great dinner with everyone doing their special  part.  I am sorry I did not get a group picture but above are the Nolans...Bonnie, Harry Jackson(a Nolan by default)  Fran and Michael.  Lots of toasts, memories and wishes that everyone could have joined us.  The boys are growing up so fast...Max and Will Coons and Daniel Jackson...the cousins had a great time together.

 Mike and I took several trips into the city to go to Fisherman's Wharf, China town, a Presidio tour, ate  Thi and Vietnamese restaurants and walked all over (people watching is such fun in SF).  We spent Friday in Napa valley visiting wineries.   Bonnie, Mike and I took several hikes in the area and this was very close to their house...a beautiful day with lots of sun.  This lake, Bon Tempe, is one of the lakes that provides water to Fairfax and the surrounding area.

 I had never been up to Mt Tamapias and so we took the long very very twisting road to the top and then hiked around the top...great views but the fog was rolling in so the views of the ocean and the city were limited.  Still beautiful and a big thanks to Bonnie for doing all the expert driving!

 Many of you have stayed with Bonnie and Jim and had the privilege of eating  wonderful dinners with them..  Jim is such a fantastic cook and each night was an adventure is wonderful cuisine.

 His loyal assistant makes it all come together so beautifully....what a pair!

 Great food and presentation.  Shrimp with wild rice, zucchini and onions and salad!

 WE learned a new card game...Hand and Foot...great fun.  Mike and Jim think that they are winners but Bonnie and I eased them in slowly and then slaughtered  them in the last game

 The first night we were there was Nov 20th and was my Birthday and also my brother in laws, Harry Jackson's, birthday.  We went out to dinner with the gang at a brew pub and had lots of fun

I never got a good Golden Gate Bridge picture...this is from the car.
 We got home safe and sound and want to thank all the Nolan family for a great week.  The weather was  60 to 70 degrees and sunny...a great break for us as we have snow here at home. The company was stellar and we had a chance to catch up with everyone.
I am watching Finnley today and she is sleeping so it is a chance to get this on its way.
I hope everyone had a great and thankful Thanksgiving.  Family is so important and Mike and I value ours so much.
Kathy and Michael