Where else but in the world of the JMDL could you get pumpkin pie that was home made in Salt Lake City for dessert in Vancouver, B.C. Canada? Now who could pull off a trick like that?
Ashara, of course! The poor dear spent 18 hours getting from Boston to Vancouver and had a lay over in SLC. But the mistress of Jonifest has connections in every port it seems, and Pie Baker Extraoridinaire Allison came to her rescue. Took her home and gave her a home made pumpkin pie to carry to Stephen's place to be our dessert on U. S. Thanksgiving Day. What can I say? The food was delicious, the music was great and the company just doesn't get any better. Stephen was the perfect host, making Travis & I feel right at home in his 7th floor apartment that overlooks Stanley Park. We had a leisurely dinner starting with artichokes prepared to perfection by Stephen and then a yummy rosemary pasta dish that called for *four whole large red onions* that my separated-at-birth twin sister, Ashara whipped up, using the pasta maker she had brought with her all the way from Boston! This was a transcontinental meal, let me tell you! Between courses we would adjourn to the living room for more music and conversation and then Stephen stepped onto the lanai to prepare the piece de resistance - marinated sea bass cooked on the grill. Scrumptious! We were about to do dessert when Stephen commented that we had skipped the salad! Well I insisted that the salad be served! And I'm glad I did because it was not to be missed. Finally we had the pie topped with whipped cream and my hat is off to you, Allison. It was delicious and I am forever in your debt, Allison. I can live without turkey at Thanksgiving (especially when the food was SO good) but no pumpkin pie would have been a REAL hardship. Thank you for rescuing Ashara and for sending the pie our way, Sweetie! Friday we were very lazy and didn't get out of the apartment till around noon. We went to the Virgin Megastore in downtown Vancouver. I bought 3 cds. I won't tell you how many Ashara bought! After that it was lunch at a wonderful Chinese restaurant that Stephen suggested that must have had 4 or 5 different menus on the table. So that our dear Ashara could join in the fun of sharing, we each ordered a different vegetarian dish. I think I can safely say that she was delighted and the rest of us were as well. The things they can do with tofu! After that, Travis & I went on our way to continue our Canadian holiday on our own. The time passed so quickly. It was wonderful to get some good one on one time with my Sis and to meet and spend time with Stephen. This community is an incredible world all its own and it is so neat to be a part of it! Mark E in Seattle
