Almost Eden

If I hadn't received e-mail and Facebook notes from people in the US, I honestly would have forgotten about Thanksgiving. In Israel, unless you make a serious effort, the day is no different than most others; Michael went to ulpan, Yisrael went to school, I did housework, planned Shabbat meals and blogged.Last night I phoned my mother in New York, the house was buzzing with the sounds of Mom, Vincent & Valerie, and maybe Philip in the kitchen preparing the feast... two or three kinds of stuffing, artichokes, mashed potatoes, stuffed mushrooms, homemade cranberry sauce, candied yams, and a large turkey whose drippings would later serve as the base for a delicious gravy. Mmmm! My mouth was watering. I'm thankful that the strength of the wonderful memories of previous Thanksgiving meals is still with me (despite the Lipitor in my high cholesterol medicine). I had the pleasure of speaking with my sister, Lisa for about an hour - truly a treasure since she is at the height of her career managing events for a popular Queens catering company (they cater the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament, Major League Ball events, business conferences, and even find time for Bar/Bat mitzvahs!) I'm very proud of - her. I'm thankful for my family who loves me despite the distance I've placed between them and I... And as Yisrael and I left the house we witnessed one of those signs that God promised us - a rainbow! Come with me now on a photo journey of other things I'm thankful for... more »