The weekend before Thanksgiving, my parents left to visit my aunt in California. Still focused on recovery, I opted to stay home a few extra days so I could fit in 2 physical therapy sessions. While I was home alone, I spent most of my time relaxing with Bella, but was also able to meet a friend for dinner and send my resume to a few local dance studios. I’ve already heard back from some of the studios, and will be subbing for dance classes soon!

Tree outside the restaurant

After my physical therapy appointment on Tuesday, I finished packing, changed my clothes, and headed to the airport. The three-hour flight went quickly, and I had a welcome party waiting for me in Orange County. On our way home from the airport, we stopped at Sprouts and a large liquor store to stock up for the week! Later that evening, we had a lovely seafood dinner at The Harbor Grill. The Miso-Glazed Chilean Seabass in Porcini Mushroom Broth melted in my mouth!

Thanksgiving desserts!

First thing the next morning, I started working on Thanksgiving desserts. Sweets are my specialty! With some help from mom, I made a Bourbon-Pecan Pie, Pumpkin Pie, Apple-Pear Cobbler with Dried Figs and Rosemary, and Ginger Whipped Cream. In my unbiased opinion, our dessert course was fantastic! My mom and aunt prepped a few other dishes while I took a break and put my feet up. Standing for a few hours on a hard floor irritated my ankle more than I’d anticipated! That night, we had a tasty mushroom and butternut squash pasta dish for dinner and then watched a bit of HGTV. Later that night, my uncle returned from a sailing trip. Unfortunately, I fell asleep before he made it to the house!

So much food!

Thursday, I watched the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. I loved seeing the numbers from Broadway shows, and was excited when I recognized one of the Rockettes! After the parade, I helped a bit in the kitchen, cleaned myself up for dinner, and participated in a quick Chardonnay taste test. The rest of the dinner guests arrived around 3pm, and we enjoyed hors d’hourves, cocktails, and conversation. At about 6pm, we sat down for dinner. The table of 10 was very entertaining. There was a lot of talking, a lot of laughing, and a LOT of food! We made Porcetta Spiced Turkey with Pan Gravy, Citrus-Sage Turkey Breast, Parsnip-Potato Mash, Green Beans with Blistered Tomato and Almond Pesto, Sweet Potatoes with Herb Butter, Roasted Carrots and Red Onion with Fennel and Mint, Sausage-Herb Dressing, and Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts. One of the other guests brought three varieties of cranberry sauces– all interesting and delicious! Needless to say, I was stuffed after dinner! I went to bed shortly after the guests left feeling exhausted, full, and happy!

View from the church

The next morning, I enjoyed a big cup of coffee. I had a not-so-healthy breakfast of leftover cobbler topped with fresh fruit and a splash of almond milk. I only had one day to enjoy Thanksgiving leftovers, so I made the most of it! After breakfast, my parents, aunt, uncle, and I piled into the car to go to San Clemente. We stopped on the way at a nearby church to appreciate the ocean views. The church itself was beautiful, and the location was stunning! In San Clemente, we did a bit of window shopping, wandered into a nice furniture store, and sat outside at a café. It was a beautiful day! We returned to my aunt and uncle’s house to pack, and then shared a prosecco toast. We had leftovers for lunch, and I packed up more leftovers on a bed of lettuce to take for dinner on the plane! Our flight was slightly delayed because rain in Texas had disrupted an earlier flight, and many passengers were being added to our plane. After landing at DFW, we had to wait about 15 minutes for a gate agent to arrive. I was tired by the time we reached home, but rallied to entertain my silly Bella.

Cute cafe in San Clemente

It was a quick trip to California, but a nice one! I loved seeing my aunt and uncle, however briefly, and enjoyed a delicious Thanksgiving with great company! I must say, I have a lot to be thankful for!

Beautiful California