This was meant to be a post as suggested by Jeffrey Yamuguchi's 52 Projects: pictures of Thanksgiving dinner before, during and after. But Thanksgiving didn't work out exactly according to plan. Susan of Soozphotoz explains it best in a lovely post for One Deep Breath. See her photo of the chocolate tart (below).
As for the chocolate tart, she was kind enough not to mention in her post how cutting the hard crust with a knife actually upended the confection, breaking the scalloped rim of the cakestand. And a large piece of glass nestled unnoticed among the chocolate - until I bit down on it! A couple of finger cuts, but no real harm done.
The picture above is of workers cleaning the building opposite us in the courtyard. While hosing the concrete walls, one worker was balanced rather precariously, one foot on the ladder, another atop a hedge. Their noisy machinery provided a lively pre-dinner concert for our guests, Susan and her belle mere Kate.
The photo below is of the French turkey, after its arrival from Monsieur Catois, our favourite butcher. My husband the chef made this bird the centrepiece of a delicious feast - even without cranberries! My daughter also enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner, with her grandparents in the United States.
It was wonderful finally seeing the lovely Susan in person, after months of exchanging e-mail and phone calls. And Kate was such a delight! David and I were entertained by hilarious tales of their adventures thus far in Paris. I get to see them again on Sunday, when they return from a quick jaunt to London. How lucky am I!
So on Thanksgiving, as every day, much for which to be thankful - including friends like you!
That last pic with the berries! Oh yum. Yum yum yum! LOL
I hope you had a great dinner.
:)
Posted by: Amber | 25 November 2006 at 19:34
Oh, lucky Susan! I'm one of the fortunate few who knows exactly how wonderful a chef David is---and how charming and delightful and lovable you both are! So glad you had a happy day.
Posted by: Laura | 25 November 2006 at 19:18
Thnaksgiving seems to always have a memory and this one for you is unique I am sure.The turkey what a size..all that leftover for breakfast next day!It seems as though it was a delightfilled day regardless of the little broken glass.
Posted by: naturegirl | 25 November 2006 at 13:51
Tara,
What a special memory for all involved in this Thanksgiving for you. Tagged with a minor mishap that could've had a dire outcome but was averted and now is a titillating part of the story.
rel
Posted by: rel | 25 November 2006 at 12:34
If life was too perfect....there would be nothing to write about! How grand that tart looked! Glad you were able to avert the shards!
I have been trying to catch up on your posts...sure enough one interruption after the other!! haha Typical!
Peace and giggles....glad you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Posted by: giggles | 25 November 2006 at 08:43
I expected that you and Susan would have some sort of adventure, but I don't think what you're describing is quite what I had envisioned! I'm sure you mananged to have a wonderful time any way!
Love to you both...
Posted by: Becca | 25 November 2006 at 05:13
Glad the chocolate tart glass was found. It does look fabulous.
Posted by: Pearl | 25 November 2006 at 03:20
Sounds like a perfect Thanksgiving. Your dessert looks fabulous!
Posted by: bella | 25 November 2006 at 02:25
First off dear Tara, I'm so glad that you weren't seriously injured with the glass. That being said, I suppose we just need to roll with the punches! My funny story is that somehow the stove got turned off! Thus, instead of dining at 3:00pm, we ate around 5:00pm, which worked out quite well because it kept the girls on their same dining schedule. We laughed & just went with it :-)
How lovely that you got to spend time with another blogging friend and her mum -- what a treat!
Many blessing and warm wishes from our home to yours! Love, Deborah
Posted by: JanePoe (aka Deborah) | 24 November 2006 at 21:07
It is good to hear that it was not worse that it was. Sounds like overall you had a great day with good people and that is something to give thanks for in and of itself. Cheers.
Posted by: Mike | 24 November 2006 at 20:30
greetings Tara,
I hope your Thanksgiving was well spent with family and friends and lots of good food! Love your post today, along the with unique pictures, thank you for sharing.
until next time,
Posted by: sage | 24 November 2006 at 18:43
Oh darn.. now you will have to go to the brocante and look for a new cakestand! The cake looks very delectable
Posted by: martina | 24 November 2006 at 18:17
Mmm, the tart LOOKS just perfect.
How wonderful that you were able to meet a blogger friend.
Posted by: Britt-Arnhild | 24 November 2006 at 18:02
THanksgiving always seems to have some kind of craziness going on! I am glad it wasn't worse! Have a great day!
Posted by: Pam Aries | 24 November 2006 at 16:52
Nice-looking turkey! And corn-fed, too!
The chocolate confection looks so....harmless.
Take care. xox
Posted by: Colette | 24 November 2006 at 16:46
I'm thankful you didn't get hurt any worse! Wow! Ouch! It makes me think of a cake I had once, called 'Death by Chocolate.' Though this dessert looks absolutely gorgeous (and delicious).
Glad you had a (mostly) happy Thanksgiving - how wonderful to meet blogging friends in person.
I'm thankful for you!
Posted by: tinker | 24 November 2006 at 14:53
Isn't it fabulous to meet blogging friends in the person? We've been lucky to have blog guests here for the week and I'm just really sorry for tomorrow's plane ride home when they leave.
Posted by: kristen | 24 November 2006 at 14:42
Sounds delicious and do take care of yourself.
Posted by: Di | 24 November 2006 at 13:21