It is the day before Thanksgiving, and I have cranberries, ginger, and orange peel gently simmering on the stove, filling the apartment with the sweet smells of the season. 

This is the first Thanksgiving that Chris and I are spending far away from both of our families - my parents, sisters, and grandparents in Philly and Chris' family down in South Australia.  I am feeling homesick and nostalgic for so many things: drinking champagne on the sunny deck at Uncle Lino's house, listening to jazz at my mom's, walking on the beach at Glenelg, the smell of autumn leaves in Valley Green. 

But I am also so grateful to be here in Portland.  In less than a year this city has embraced us and we feel so at home.  We have started our dream pie business and we have so many amazingly loyal customers.  We are privileged to work with dedicated farmers: Lonely Lane Farms, Sweet Briar Farms, SuDan Farm, Deep Roots Farm, Heavenly Harvest, SunGold Farm, the Sellwood Garden Club.  Pacific Pie Company has just moved in to a beautiful new kitchen, and sometimes when Chris and I are baking pies and the sun filters through the windows and we are listening to good music I think - I really am living my childhood dream. 

And I am so grateful that my cousin Andi and her family live here in Portland, and that we can share the season and create new traditions.  Our old, dear Aussie friends have also joined us this week, and it is wonderful to reconnect and reminisce.

I wish you a joyful and abundant Thanksgiving.