Thanksgiving in the UK

Thanksgiving in the UK? Well, not officially. I spent the day at a professional development workshop in Hereford, which was not the most exciting way to spend the day, but at least I wasn't in a classroom! It was a pleasure, however, to engage in traditional Thanksgiving activities just the same, albeit later than usual.

Many weeks ago I was fortunate to meet an American, Jack Walsh, whose children attend Fairfield. Jack has lived in England for about 25 years. We met at a dinner party at the home of Claire and David Kerby, whose daughter is one of Micaela's friends. Jack and his friend Katherine were also invited and from there Thanksgiving plans took shape. Jack's daughter and son are also Micaela's friends and have spent much time together.

I have taken a keen interest in the Fairfield basketball team, attending what games I could in the past weeks. I am often the only other fan in attendance, other than Jack, his daughter and Micaela. Occasionally there are one or two other parents present. Sport at Fairfield is not well attended by spectators, certainly not what the average high school team at Northbridge would expect for fan attendance. Thursday afternoon there was a game at the nearby rival school of Kingstone High School, as the school is on my way from Hereford to Peterchurch, I attended the game. It wasn't the traditional Thanksgiving football game, but it was sport nonetheless.

Following the game we all headed to the Walsh home for a traditional feast! Roast Turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, carrots, green bean casserole (but much better than the recipe used at home) and many other choices of vegetables. We had homemade pumpkin pie, apple pie and ice cream for dessert! The Kerby's and the Beaton's joined the Walsh family, along with myself and Micaela. We watched the Green Bay Packer NFL football game, Skyped with my family and the oldest Walsh son who is attending college in America. All around it was a fabulous feast. I spent the evening in Peterchurch and had a five minute drive to school the next day... the most wonderful thing to be thankful for!