On the last day of our honeymoon trip, we spent time with my brother, Michael and his partner, Brian, at their home in Oakland. Michael (or Mickey - as I like to call him) has many talents - gardening, cooking, entertaining, telling jokes, etc. He has a "little kid" heart, is usually the life of the party and is truly the best friend a sister could hope for in a sibling.

M & B created a lovely "harvest" celebration to carry on the theme of our wedding. We carved pumpkins and feasted on a savory meal - a starter of bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese followed by acorn squash filled with mushroom risotto and artichokes on the side.

Brian's pumpkin was the sweeping winner.

I miss the tranquility of their home & garden, the sweet joy of my brother's company and the tender company of their dog, Moqwai.

Happy Halloween! Enjoy the sweetness of life.