The past two days have been filled with good people, good food, celebration and reconnections. Thanks to all of the Scheuneman, Holmes, Shaver and Beatty folks who were part of the warmth I was privileged to share.

Saturday was a gathering of the Scheuneman/Holmes clan at Eric's place in Maberly. While awaiting the arrival of the Toronto contingent, the rest of us chatted and snacked and then napped in the too-warm-to-stay-conscious family room by the woodstove.

As is usually the case for this weekend, a meal fit for royalty was devoured, including the turkey, cooked to perfection by Eric and not one, not two, but three desserts. Tyla's birthday was celebrated with much hilarity -- some of which I hope I got on film.

When we were all too stuffed to think, a rousing game of Trivial Pursuit taught us many things, not the least of which was that we were alarmingly ill-informed about sports. All except Eric, of course.

Waking in the country and enjoying my coffee on the porch swing this morning was the perfect start to a day that was to include an adventurous road trip in which Sara's promised ride back to Ottawa entailed side trips to not one, but two Beatty households near Tweed. Gail's family hadn't seen my son, Michael, for over a decade, they hadn't met my daughter-in-law, Tyla (Happy Birthday, sweetie!) nor had I met Gail's daughter-in-law, Diana and grandchildren, Abigail and Michael.

All of which was taken care of today. The consensus in our group was that the Beattys are indeed "good people", the youngest of the clan being far too cute for words.

Sorry for delaying your trip to Toronto, Mike and Tyla. I hope it was enjoyable enough for you to forgive me.

Sara (Tyla's sister) and I wended our way back to Ottawa after procuring several small baggies full of cheese curds. We had the opportunity to perform a taste test between two brands. The verdicts: Mapledale curds have the best squeak factor and taste. BUT: Mapledale's garlic cheese curds are right off the scale. Better than chips even. (PS: we found them in town!)

Back in Ottawa, Dixie was very vocal for a half hour -- either telling me off or greeting me -- as I unloaded the pile of stuff I took with me, only a portion of which was used. Oliver didn't make much noise but dove into the bowl of fresh veggies I gave him. I was not disappointed to find my prediction of evidence of displeasure on his part missing. I had thought he might have gotten literally pissed off.

But no. He really deserves that apple tree branch Gary cut for him, after all. (As soon as I find out whether he can have it before it is dried, I'll give it to him.)

Tea and a bit of relaxing and I'm feeling simply marvelous. I do hope your Thanksgiving is going this well. Ah, if you're one of my Canadian readers, of course!