Brined turkey

We British are the masters of social distancing. When Hannah was pregnant, her American boss commented "You're a very private person" because she didn't let visitors to the office rub her bump (ugh!) In keeping with this, Pete was born eight weeks early because he was uncomfortable spending more time in such close proximity to his mother.

So at Thanksgiving, that late-November holiday when Americans gather with their nearest and dearest, we naturally decided to go somewhere no one would be: the seaside.

Now, the Texas seaside in winter isn't exactly like its British counterpart. Here you can still get sunburned in moments, but when temperatures dip below three figures (Fahrenheit) the locals deem it hypothermic and stay away.

But leaving Houston behind did not mean leaving behind Thanksgiving! Hannah made sure we came loaded with all the turkey and trimmings needed for the full experience. Added to the requisite buckets and spades, picnic chairs, sun shades, etc. our overpacked car looked like...well, a typical family beach holiday. I finally have the excuse to shop for a truck in this year's Black Friday sales.

We had a wonderful week away, which consisted mostly of Hannah and Pete swimming in the sea while I sat grumbling with a tweed blanket over my knees. I hope after Covid we can keep wearing the physical masks, so I don't have to switch back to my metaphorical one.

There I was, digging this hole...

It was unsurprisingly quiet in the sea as well.

And not too cold so I was told. Treasuring my dignity, I did not remove my shoes or socks.

Hannah checks on her oil rigs out in the gulf.

Don't get used to it kiddo.

There was also a swimming pool...which no one else was using either.

I was starting to get post-apocalyptic vibes, which is a little early given there's still one month of 2020 to go.

Lots of space = lots of room for sandcastles!

Relaxing.

We took the stairs.

Turkey day finally arrived! Cheers!

Hannah wisely jointed the bird, and only brought what would last us for several days. The rest is in the freezer at home.

But our young American did his best to finish everything quickly.

Sunrise over the Gulf of Mexico.

And one final dip before home.

Term limits

Finally, a day long anticipated in America arrived. Yes, it was Hannah's birthday! She demurred on the offer of breakfast in bed from Pete, but was treated to many coffees and a full day of work in her home office for her beloved Chevron. So...pretty much the same as normal.

And that, dear reader, is why updates have been a little sparse lately. After the flurry of our New Mexico summer, things have settled into a well-worn routine. School remains video-based for Pete, and my chance of publishing the great American novel remains even more remote than Hannah's work.

Of course, this means the bright spots are even brighter! We've managed a socially-distanced bike ride with our neighbours, and the Cubs helped out with moving pumpkins around a church. We saw one of Pete's pre-school friends at a Halloween party at a local park! It was a bring-your-own-candy affair to prevent contamination, which did not impress the children present. We've even indulged in the British trend of cat-stealing!

In the midst of all this, the USA is trying to decide whether it wants an old white man or an old white man to lead it. The latest I've heard is that you can stop the process whenever you want and declare victory! I think this should be adopted by all American sports, it may actually make baseball watchable. At least the question of who's in charge around here isn't up for debate (hint: not the person typing).

Happy birthday Hannah! Yes, I made those cupcakes.

Galveston: always empty. The perfect Covid destination!

Pete doing his best.

Are we in the right place for the Halloween party?

Davies in the lead, the peloton trailing badly.

When I serve coffee, this is what I mean. I haven't been wasting my lockdown time!

A boy and his pumpkin.

Spooky!

Thanks to Aunty Katharine for the charming door hanging.

The highlight of every afternoon.

Why own a cat when you can "borrow"?

Did I hear there was an election?