In spite of a few setbacks this week, I woke up this morning with Christmas in my heart.
I've been really inspired by the generosity of the folks paying off K-mart layaways and throwing gold coins worth 16K into Salvation Army cauldrons. Haven't you? Even though these stories have been offset by stories of people ripping off toys collected for needy kids, it still puts a feeling of peace and hope into my heart when I hear of the kindness and generosity people are showing each other at this time of the year.
Tomorrow Bren and I will pack up the sleigh and head over to my sister's. I will depart from our long held tradition of making lasagna on Christmas Eve this year because the niece and nephew are going through that picky stage called childhood. I'll whomp up a big batch of homemade spaghetti sauce the way my grandmother made it (her secret was to put in a big carrot and a chicken thigh) and an equally large batch of meatballs. My sister and I will enjoy the Pioneer Woman's recipe for Olive Cheese Bread http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/?s=olive+cheese+bread&submit= (Honestly, if you've never tried this you really should. It is a greasy, buttery, cheesy, olivey, oniony slice of heaven!) We will make a salad with the lettuce growing in my front yard garden. My Great Dane puppy (Kudzuki) will make some dog treats for my sister's dog (B.J.). (Ok, I'll make them but 'Zuki would if he could.) I will make badly decorated cookies with my niece. Peace will reign on earth, and all will be well.
On Christmas day my sister's in-laws are all coming over for a big dinner. Lots of cooking and baking to do. I found the most astonishingly elaborate bread shaped like Rudolph's head with antlers and red nose and all at a local bakery. I ordered one for dinner Christmas day and one to give to some of the attendees. After dinner it will be home again where Bren and I will celebrate Christmas with all five dogs and three cats. I'm so looking forward to the next few days.
Peace and joy to you this Christmas!
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