We had planned to stay home on Thanksgiving, neither of us up for a long drive to visit relatives, so hubby bought a duck. Then our new friends in the canyon, Patti and Mike, invited us to come over. And we did. They have a lovely home and lots of animals. We enjoyed plenty of wonderful food and met a houseful of their kids and grandkids. I hope some day to take pictures of their animals and post here. That would be so much fun: horses, a donkey (a gorgeous donkey with quite a story), Bull Mastiffs, an old boxer, an adorable beagle, a cat, kittens, chickens, but, alas, no more turkeys......
While Rachael was shopping, the woman and I began to talk of languages, Swedish compared to German, and I had a chance to speak some German, something I haven't done for about 50 - 60 years. Surprisingly, I remember lots of words, but since I never mastered the grammar, that was about as far as it went. It was obvious the woman enjoyed speaking a foreign language, showing off a bit, so that was good.
The monastery's gift shop is a lovely place. The nuns keep goats, cows, bees, and grow many different kinds of flowers and herbs that they then use for the things they make and sell in the shop: Jams, marmalade, honey, salves, soaps, and so on. This in addition to many books, cards and other religious items. I bought a small soap and the healing salve made of lavender oil that's so good for my hands in the cold of winter.
On our way back, we stopped to see the goats, catching this one goat as it tried to reach some morsel in a tree.
The goat was large, but not quite tall enough. Almost!
Fall is the most beautiful time of the year up on the mountain, with sun shining through dark shadows on fall foliage. Spectacular.
Coming down from 5,000 plus feet to the valley at 4,000 feet, the difference is amazing.
Rachael and I went out for lunch and talked. She has been the lead singer in a band for a long time and now she has learned to play the drums as well. She told me she's getting the hang of it and loves it. I can just imagine. She has also written and published a book, which I haven't read yet, but when I do, I will let you know.
After a lovely morning we drove back home where Rachael cut my hair and gave us our Christmas presents plus some gifts of food. I feel very fortunate to know her, she's a generous person with such a good heart.
Now, wasn't that a wonderful way to spend Black Friday?
