Gobble Gobble Gobble!

Hola Familia!!
I'm sitting up in my little tower-of-a-room feeling as if I'm looking out over all of Santiago. A crescent moon and Orion's belt framing my view. My kitchen counter is covered with pots and pans filled with cut veggies in preparation for tomorrow. Potatoes are diced and ready to boil, corn husked and ready to steam, artichokes washed, carrots peeled, zucchini sliced, freshly cubed bread left out to dry for stuffing, and a to-do list all laid out. My fridge is chilling dough and guarding pumpkin pie filling. The smell of fresh nutmeg lingers on my fingers.
Its spring here, the leaves are freshly green and flowers are exploding all over the city. Not a trace of a reddening leaf, Santa Ana Autumn breeze, or dry Indian summer.
I think about all of you: Brian's house with our three pointer baby Luke and the puppies, everyone gathered around the table. Auntie Vickies deviled eggs, Shannie's cheesecake, wine, Kevin and Uncle Mike's jokes and lots of laughter. Shannie and Ian's engagement and wedding plans a hot topic for conversation. Mama Carmen and Papa Red's house, with their freshly painted kitchen, Dad, Kaylyn and the boys gathered around the kitchen table, Kaylyn's fresh pies, Mama Carmen's stuffing and the boys playing music. Mom, Kurt and Sam at Gail's ranch house with our young cousins the dogs and boardgames with Grandma Gail and Grandpa Doug. Maddie in the bay area with her mom and brothers. The still newlyweds Steve and Miranda floating somewhere in between.
I think about Thanksgiving, about giving thanks. I have so much to be thankful for. I truly couldn't be happier day to day, but when I begin to remember holding back tears does not become a priority. I miss my family.
Tomorrow I have much planned to keep me busy: In the morning I would like to go to the Extranjeria to begin the process for my work visa (however it is growing late), then to La Vega to pick up the last ingredients for our Dia de Acción de Gracias feast. Then back to the house to begin cooking. Guests should be arriving around five and we will hopefully be eating by six. Our Manu Chau concert begins at nine and we would like to arrive with anticipation.
Our table tomorrow will be set with a giant turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, roasted veggies, Chilean wines, sangria, and pumpkin pie. All of my gringos and best Chilean friends will be present: un trozo de mi familia cosmico.
You will all be with me tomorrow as I introduce my Chileans to a real California Thanksgiving. I want to send all of you my love and energy. I hope you feel my presence as you gather together and I ask that one of you at each table take the time to read this aloud before you commence your feast.
I love you and miss you all so so much!
Kisses, hugs, and laughter,
Tu hija, hermana, y prima,
Jacks