Meet Twitch (current provisional name), a Russian miniature hamster, the newest member of the Calabria menagerie. Maya used her own money to purchase this little guy along with his food, bedding, water bottle, food dish, exercise wheel, and tiny house. She has read several books on hamster care and impressed the sales clerk with her knowledge.
Jeanine’s sister Susan has been with us since Friday having driven down from Burlington. VT. Jeanine hogged her for the whole weekend so we will need to make arrangements for another visit soon. None of us have seen her new condo so I think a trip north is in order. It was great that Jeanine got to spend time with someone from her side of the family over the holiday. Her nephew, Luke, was originally planning to visit as well but those plans did not materialize.
My sister Mayela is 6 years my junior making her something like 45 years old. Most women half her age would love to be in this kind of shape. Does she work out at the gym? Is she a slave to aerobics? Her only form of exercise is swimming, walking her dogs, and the occasional game of tennis.
There was a time when I considered it my responsibility to look out for my baby sister. Now she is the first person I would turn to for help if I found myself in a dark alley with a motorcycle gang.
I spent a few hours at the Concord Public Library today, loading up on reading material from my upcoming trip to Taiwan and China. I leave on Monday for a nine-day tour of duty to visit Sonos contract manufacturing facilities. Our library is very photogenic, exuding charm and character from every nook and cranny.
It should be noted with some amount of concern that Calabria children require almost no encouragement to begin howling like a pack of hungry wolves. My favorite picture of the holiday gathering is this small grouping of carnivors.
My father and mother were proud to be surrounded by all their children and grandchildren.
Rarely have we had an opportunity to photograph all nine cousins together.
Jeanine prepared this year’s turkey for our family gathering of nineteen, and it was without a doubt the most succulent and tasty bird we have ever enjoyed. She soaked the 25-pound farm-raised gargantuan in a brine marinade for several days before roasting it to perfection.
Demonstrating great teamwork, the children prepared mashed potatoes in record time.
No Calabria gathering is considered complete without a bocce tournament. Such competitions are often accompanied by significant testosterone-induced bravado and early predictions of victory. Once again, youthful exuberance was no match for the wisdom of the elders.
My mother looks on as Rose helps to prepare home made rolls for the holiday feast.
Across the street from my parents’ home is a house which seems to have been fully embraced by a vine growing from its foundation. Click on the photo for a larger view of this beautifully organic decoration.
Thanksgiving Day begins with a walk through the neighborhood with my sister Mayela.
Rose pouts as she is placed into time out for behaviours unbecoming of a human being. Older brother Mario is pleased with the outcome as it seems all older siblings are when consequences befall younger members of the family.