Saturday night 11/13 I held the The Great 2010 Thanksgiving Backgammon Tournament And Growling Chicken Bake Substitute!. This was the 60th backgammon get together party that I have had since being here at The Garrison in 2004.

Sue took me out to for a walk kicking through the leaves over at Kingman Farm before coming back by way of Hannaford's market on Rt. 108 to shop for the party. I wanted to get an early start on food prep so that I could play some backgammon for once!

And what a great party it was! There were 14 of us, and lots of backgammon. I fixed chicken thighs baked on a bed of kayle, Yukon Gold potatoes, onions, and sweet red peppers served with a cranberry and yogurt salad that Sue had made for the event. Everything came out great!

The movie of the night was Brian's selection, The Fountain, which we broke about half way through for a special fruit desert that Brian and Tara had brought and prepared.

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Linda and Tim square off almost immediately.

Linda wanted this picture for her friends to see her new 'look'. Yeah, well how'd that work out for your backgammon? I heard an awful lot of trash talk going on but I never did hear any final score outcome....

Sue is ready!

Marissa and Gary arrive.

Brad pondering Tim's last move. He's starting to see the tactics now so we're just not gonna help him much anymore. You're on your own now, Brad. We'd just as soon see you swing in the breeze than tell you not to stack your checkers or look for the opposite combinations from your throw. Good luck. No tears....

Linda has no sympathy for Brad either.

Here it appears that I still have sympathy for Sue in play.

But I'm still gonna grab that checker she left hanging out there with no cover. And I'm gonna smile about it as well....

Sue trying her skill against Tim, who continues to have sympathy for her. For now. She's about to start seeing the shots so pretty soon, Sue.... Pretty soon....

Gary and Marissa relaxing after playing a few games.

Rick's in the house!

Brian and Tara arrive with arms full of desert goodies.

Colin loves to have his picture taken.

Part of the group enjoying dinner.

Colin particularly loves to have his picture taken multiple times.