I had a very California Thanksgiving.
What says California more than going to the gym. For the first time my gym was open on the holiday and I started the day with an aerobic dance class. The class was mobbed and everyone was in good spirits. The routine was easy to follow and I had a wonderful time. I came home sweaty and happy.
Afterwards, we all set off for Malibu. The ride through Topanga Canyon with its twisty road, abundant trees and rustic houses was a treat. All week long, the weather man had been saying there’d be rain on Thanksgiving, but by last night they had reduced the prediction to drizzle. They were wrong. The clouds and gloom had cleared up by the time we got our first glimpse of the ocean and by the time sat down at Duke’s, it was clear enough to see Catalina.
Just being at the ocean felt refreshing. We lucked out and got a booth at the window. A nearby window was open, letting in the salty air. The buffet was traditional with a Hawaiian touch. Think coconut in the yams and fresh coconut macaroons dipped in chocolate. The place was mobbed and people were dressed in everything from old fashioned dressy dresses with pearls to shorts and Hawaiian shirts.
For the ride home we took another canyon. It began with the huge, very green lawn of Pepperdine University then, after a few twists and turns of the road, we were surrounded by giant rock covered mountains. Around more curves and the mountains gave way to open spaces and soft golden hills with squat California Oaks dotting them. Finally, we ended up on the freeway which even on Thanksgiving was busy.
Back home, I took Goldy for a walk just as it was getting dark. The air was brisk, but not close to back east sort of cold. We passed a huge sycamore tree with leaves turning golden, but most of the trees were full of green. The lawns were, too, since we’ve had rain. We passed rose bushes full of blooms and lavender plants with their pungent smell.
It took me a long time to get used to Thanksgiving without winter coats and the promise of snow.
But now I wouldn’t have it any other way.
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7 comments:
I considered myself a displaced Pittsburgher for a long time, Betty, but I've definitely put down roots in LA. Thanksgiving Day was delightful in both weather and family fun. Your visit to the ocean sounds enjoyable, too.
Linda, glad your L.A. Thanksgiving was good.
I'm grateful for good weather, too!
I'm glad you had a lovely Thanksgiving celebration and special day.
Sounds like a lot of fun! I hope you and your family continue to have much to be thankful for -- even down to LA weather. I've tucked your newest hardcover book away for a nice, uneventful day's read, prefereably one with blustery winds and rain. We'll see how long I hold out!
Planner, the weather has gotten even better!
Jan, you might be getting that blustery weather by the end of the week.
A trip to the ocean around the holidays is a must for me. I've happily traded palm trees for fir trees too.
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