Thanksgiving - Belizean Style

Of course we celebrated Thanksgiving!  We just happened to do it a bit differently from the usual chilly days with frost on the ground, piles of leaves or even snow!  It was a balmy day here in Belize - T-shirt weather.  Several friends were invited - just like home.  Tho` we did miss family and close friends we typically see.  Stacy Holbert spent the week before trying out new recipes - YUM!  She improvised where necessary.  Turkey is expensive here, so she opted for more local dishes but we had pumpkin pie and real whipped cream!  There was plenty of time to relax & visit with new friends as the weather cooperated with sunshine & just enough breeze to keep the bugs at bay - somewhat.

Joel, Jessica & Sage Irish came from the Belize Mission & Retreat near Gales Point.  Alan Graham (minus Dolly, who is visiting in Canada currently), our nearby neighbor who is British came.  We did joke about him celebrating Thanksgiving Day - given the fact that we, Americans, opted to leave England & then found ourselves cold, hungry & on our own in a far away land.  Rounding out the guests were Tom & Wendy, Canadians who recently moved to Belize & befriended Stacy via the internet and forum conversations.  

                                               Our menu of fantastic food:

              The main attraction:  BBQ Armadillo!  It was great - a local delicacy  =)

                                                   Baked chicken - excellent!

        Rice & Beans (TOTALLY Belizean - Michael, our caretaker made them)!  
Stewed armadillo (above) BBQ armadillo (below) and healthy green bean casserole.

                                        Broccoli salad, Pineapple/Coconut salad, & 
                                               Deviled eggs from Stacy's chicken

                    Have to have:  Mashed potatoes & gravy!  Baked chicken

                       There was "male bonding" time - tho` it was spent on motorcycle 

                                                trouble-shooting rather than football.

                     Michael, Joel Irish & Martin and the motorcycle that won't start

                                                          Time to visit

                     
                     Stacy - cooking; Alan - blue shirt; Joel - black shirt; and Martin

                                           Add Jessica and little Sage  to the mix 

                            Sage was totally self-entertained & busy the whole day

                           Does Martin look relaxed, pleased, enjoying his "new life?"

                                                                   Time to eat!!!

Martin, Me, Stacy and Alan

2nd table - Joel & Sage, Wendy & Tom

Our master chef

Stacy Holbert

Happy Thanksgiving to all our family & friends - WE LOVE YOU!

jane & Martin - Thanksgiving Day 2013