It was already dark and raining when I arrived in Pittsburgh on 15 November. We swung by Squirrel Hill and picked up some Italian heroes and then headed for home. Slept well.

On Thursday, 16 November, I moved slowly but managed to take the 61a to Oakland, make a quick visit to Top Knotch, have a good bowl of soup and coffee at the corner cafe on S. Craig Street, and then head on back to a quiet afternoon.

Friday, 17 November, the Mouse and the Bean were both home. We went to the Strip to buy some good appetizers, visit the craft museum, have a huge late breakfast at Pamela's and make it home for a Bean-nap. At around half past six we headed Downtown, to discover it was Lights and very crowded. But with typical Mouse-luck, at the last moment, we got a parking space on Liberty and joined a throng at Wolf's Gallery, part of the Pittsburgh Trust, to see some amazing light art and hear Eden whisper.

It's Saturday now, and mid-afternoon. We've been to the storage unit, the Coop, and eaten lunch. Mouse and Ness are cleaning up their kitchen.

Thanksgiving

Thursday I had Thanksgiving in Phoenicia with two or more dozen people only two of whom I had ever met. This trip to Phoenicia and the celebration of the holiday was a two-fer. I had the pleasure of a wonderfully prepared, joyful dinner and the opportunity to house hunt with RW the following morning.

I saw about half a dozen houses, none of which pleased, but all of which helped me move closer to understanding what it is I want.

Phoenicia was already covered with light snow when I arrived mid-afternoon and foolishly I arrived sans boots. My apple torte from the Hens was a success that evening, and I started to feel real comfortable, almost too comfortable as I was headed out Friday morning for the West, that is, across Ulster to Sullivan county.

Friday was Thanksgiving in Narrowsburg, New York with Judith, Miranda and the Buckley clan.

I tried to dash across the State but found myself lost less than 20 miles out. Somehow I lost Rte 52, and drove around one country road after another. Having become dependent on a cell phone I was lost. No service in either sojourn. The phone was able to reach out to Pittsburgh and Marijke but not in the mountains. With a little help from Marijke, lots of disjointed calls that got cut off with Judith, I made it!

When I pulled into the road, it appeared that we all timed our arrival: we all came together so although I considered myself late I was really on time.