This year was very special, as Mark and Alisha are home and were able to join us. Last year it was just the five of us, and we talked to Mark and Alisha in Ireland via skype.
We enjoyed another wonderful Thanksgiving buffet dinner at Ducey's Lodge in Bass Lake, about 40 minutes from Gary and Joyce's. The selections of food is amazing, and everything is fabulous! I think that we all agreed that the most amazing thing on the menu this year was the salmon! There is certainly no reason to shop, cook and clean up when you can go to Duceys!
The weather was amazing during our visit. Last year it was quite cold, and there was snow on the ground on the way to Ducey's. But this year it was warm and clear and beautiful! We took advantage of the lovely walking trail around the lake, and watching the ducks and wild life. We even saw an egret and a blue heron.
We all worked on a jig saw puzzle, did lots of knitting and computing, and enjoyed just spending time together and visiting. In addition to all of us humans, there were 4 dogs and one cat, so it was quite fun - lots of laps!
The fall colors were in great abundance, adding to the beauty of the area.
On Sunday we all loaded up and headed home. Jim had the most traffic to contend with, as well as fog. We cut across to the coast and avoided going up Highway 101, so we had no traffic problems.
Another wonderful Thanksgiving! Thanks, Gary and Joyce for being such wonderful hosts! We can't wait till next year!
At Duceys' - Jim, Joyce, Gary, Pat, Lee, Alisha and Mark
Family portrait - Mark and Alisha with Tricky Woo
The walking trail along the lake
The lake at Yosemite Lake Park
Pat, Jim and Joyce
Egret!
Beautiful trees across the lake
Alisha and Mark
Jim and Joyce, working on the puzzle
Tricky Woo
Gary and Joyce took us all out to dinner at the Blue Heron as our Christmas gift! It's a wonderful restaurant that's just five minutes from their home. We had a great time.
And since we'd just had Christmas dinner, and since Mark and Alisha will be with Mark's family for Christmas, they gave us our gifts early. Jim and Rex got a sweater for Rex!
Hmmm... not sure he likes it! But I bet he will when it's really cold.
We got a great book of the "Back Road Wineries in Sonoma" - the perfect size to live in the glove compartment in the car, for reference when we're in the Sonoma area. We're looking forward to making use of it!
And a DVD for Gary and Joyce. You can see Atticus there on the couch between them. We didn't get a picture of Cricket, Gary and Joyce's black cocker spaniel, but she was at Joyce's feet in her bed.
1 comment:
Great pictures! Looks like you all had a great time :)
Post a Comment