It’s Thanksgiving day in the United States. I’ve never been here before for this holiday, but I can see why people like it. Quite apart from the feasting with family and friends, it feels less hectic than Christmas, less pressured, and somehow more joyful, thankful perhaps.

The streets are quiet in the morning when I walk around my friend Becky’s neighborhood. The sidewalks were covered with leaves and there was a dampness in the air. That’s no surprise though, this is after all, Seattle – a city famous for its rain. People I passed smiled and wished me a Happy Thanksgiving. The sun was shining and it was indeed a good day to be thankful.

I was out and about in search of a picture with something of a Thanksgiving theme, maybe a house with a collection of impressive pumpkins on its steps. I’ve seen so many in the days running up to this holiday. I like those far bright orange pumpkins too, they seem so American to me somehow.

In the end, the front yard of a house opposite the bus stop catches my attention. It looks like it’s been plucked from the glossy pages of Dwell magazine or Homes & Gardens. From the street my photographic angles were limited, and I felt a little self conscious about pointing my camera right at the front window of someones home on this day when they, or somebody, would likely see the stranger outside with the camera.

Later, we met up with some of Becky’s friends and feasted. A big beautiful roast turkey with stuffing, mashed potato, gravy, and something I’d never had before; sweet potato coated with little marshmallows – so good! There was wine, apple cider punch, and of course pecan pie, apple pie, and pumpkin pie, and yes, I had a slice of each. So, from now until Christmas I feel like I should eat nothing but salad.

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