Donkey Crossing

A SUNNY THANKSGIVING

Front row: Jason and Rachel

Back row: Neal, Jen, Jack, Denise, Marty, MJ, Teena, Jerry, Karen, Wayne, Claudia and Kent

My family has been celebrating Thanksgiving on Barefoot Beach for the past ten years. It all started with Mom, Dad, MJ and I for the first five years. In 2000 we added Rachel, then in 2001 we added the Cassells Family. It has always been a very memorable day and none of us would want to celebrate the holiday any other way. A few years ago we added two good friends, Jack and Denise Carlson, followed by two old friends of our family, Jerry and Karen Przybylski, who joined us for the first time this year. The group continues to grow and the fun never ceases.

With champagne, cheese and snacks on the beach, followed by a traditional turkey feast (with the obligatory pasta course before the bird), how can we go wrong? As usual, Rachel made the garlic mashed potatoes, Marty and Teena were up at 7:30 AM preparing the stuffing, the Cassells brought the "J" bubbly and brew, while Jack and Denise handled the wine and Jerry and Karen coordinated the pies...we were well stocked. One of the biggest treats of this holiday is that I get to celebrate it with one of my oldest friends, Neal. We've been friends for 26 years and have countless memories together. We're very lucky our families help us add more and more every year. Neal and his girlfriend Jen are pictured above with Rachel. They are the lovely souls who gave us the loaded iPod for our travels and have shown unconditional support for the decisions we've made.

From the beach to the penthouse, the party never seemed stop as MJ, Neal and Claudia cut a rug in the kitchen while Marty sliced the bird and Teen prepared the rest of the massive spread. The photo below is everyone around the dining room table...we made full use of our self-timer throughout the day.

The celebration ended with enough pie, Redi-Whip and Lemoncello for all, and we all bid farewell and thanks to another glorious Turkey Day.

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MORE THAN JUST TURKEY

Although the focus was on the final Thursday of November, we've had plenty more wonderful memories from our time in Florida. Above is a snapshot that Rachel objected to publishing, however I insisted in showing the world that she is a golfer. Look at that follow through...and those sandals (always a fashion statement)!

A very special treat we had this year was to join my parents friends, Les and Sunny Kocour, for a day at sea on their beautiful boat. We went across the Gulf of Mexico from Fort Meyers Beach to the Sanibel Island Causeway, and then looped around through the back bays to return to their marina. It was a fantastic day and we thank them immensely for their hospitality. Teena, however, won the Courage Award for braving the high sea with a great fear of boats, waves and water.

Above: Les and Sunny enjoying their sea cruiser

Below: Rachel and I kick back through the back bays of Estero Island

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Although our visit to Florida was highlighted by walks on the beach, hours by the pool, visiting with friends and adventures at sea, nothing was more important than the time spent with our family. We always have a wonderful time together and Florida tends to make all of the love even stronger. We feel very lucky to have such loving and supportive familes on both sides of the Atlantic.

Above: MJ and I give a "cheers" to the holidays