It was a strange but wonderful Thanksgiving.
Laura came alone; Jay was in Lake Tahoe to be with Aleksei. They are having difficulties because of Laura's alcoholism. But we were so grateful that she decided to join us.
Annika was working; Anton left for Florida.
Here is Janice's email for the day.
Claude, thank you for offering to bring the Asti. Based on Laura’s last email, I was not planning on having her join us. Now it seems that Laura is reconsidering and the current plan is that Laura will join us. I know that Laura has said in the past that she does not mind alcohol being served at our gatherings. I feel strongly that serving alcohol in front of an alcoholic, especially one that is in crisis recovery mode, is insensitive. Since Laura is now joining us, I would ask that we not serve alcohol (beer, wine, Asti). This is something I would like to implement for gatherings in our home when Laura is present. I obviously have no control of things outside our home and in restaurants, etc., but at least I/we can support her in this small way.
Mom—please inform Peter that we will not be serving beer and so there is no need to bring beer.
In place of Asti, Claude, could you please provide sparkling apple juice and maybe non-alcoholic white wine and non-alcoholic beer, if you wish. I will provide some non-alcoholic cocktails and sparkling water.
Let’s please not make a big deal of this when Laura arrives. We can make light of it and just say that we are doing something different this time.
My hope is that this small sacrifice of no alcohol for one meal out of our day will help to show Laura our love and support.
Love,
Janice
There was an abundance of appetizers with a cold non-alcoholic cocktail that Janice served. The men had non-alcoholic beer; Claude provided non-alcoholic prosecco for dinner.
Janice ordered turkey breast and gravy from Sendik's that needed to be heated. Janice prepared mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and her homemade pickles. She made a Vegan dish for herself. She complemented the dinner with a delicious chocolate pumpkin pie.
I'm rethinking turkey: The turkey from Sendik's was tender, moist and flavorful, without all the work!
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