Happy Thanksgiving

1979

Growing up in the nether-lands of California we had no family to join us for Thanksgiving, although I remember an occasional stray joining the table.  Even so the day was festive, we would gather leaves and small bunches of grapes from the neglected vineyard across the street to decorate the holiday table.  The wonderful smells of cooking would permeate the house all day. 

1980

There were always home made rolls, Waldorf salad, piles of mashed potatoes and turkey with all the trimmings.

Over the years the family has grown and shrunk.  In the early years of marriages travel was too expensive for trips home each year...and for that matter my childhood home was gone.  But there was always a feast somewhere for everyone. 

1998

1999

2012

2014

Family Gatherings - 1999

The furthest we have traveled for a family gathering was to Ireland in 1999. The entire family at the time made the trip, except Alex, who stayed home with his grandparents.

The Gardens - Killarney

We spent the first week in Killarney.  There were side trips to the Ring of Kerry, the Dingle Peninsula, and for some the Blarney Stone, Aghadoe and Ballybunnion.

Aghadoe, Co Kerry

Ring of Kerry

Muckross Abbey

A second week was spent in Castlebar, Co. Mayo, the market town for Derrycoosh where the Walshes lived.  Again there were many side trips, to Kylemore, Westport, Crough Patrick, Islandeady Relict and more.

Kylemore

Westport

More Pictures


Everyone eventually made it safely home, except Dad. The whole trip was planned because he had never managed to make the trip to Ireland.  We brought him to the land of his ancestors!