quiet

The 2,500 miles of Christmas travel are completed. Houseguests have said goodbyes. Three weeks of wonderful times full of family, friends, and fun are finished for awhile. Today, Pirate and I are going to take naps in the sun.

earthbound

Every hike is a joy in its own way. Yesterday's hike was fun because it was with friends, we shuffled on the iced-over pond as it creaked and moaned, I got to see the changes winter brings on this path I traveled five months prior, and did one of my favorite things- jumping on rocks. Rachel Carson has a fitting quote for why these hikes always work for me: “Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature- the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.”

the gift of craft

Some call it structured procrastination. But I call it my new-hobbies-that-just-happen-to-get-in-the-way-of-my-job-but-it-is-my-amazing-selflessness-gift-to-others-that-I-don't-want-to-do-I-NEED-to-do. I must craft. I must draw. If I don't, I get grumpy. Luckily, with the holidays, I can tailor crafts to gifts for my favorite people. My newest interests are making books and felting. The books combine my interests in my muse, Pirate, and blends of pencil/ink, and felting combines my love of wool, cute things, and sharp objects.

fröhliche weihnachten

It was German food this Christmas. Fitting because so many German Christmas customs are holiday spirit essentials- the tree, the stockings, St. Nick. Even more apropos because the foods are familiar family favorites- sauerkraut, strudel, gingerbread. What a great time to celebrate the German way- time honored traditions for a baby's first Christmas. While the pretzels were for lunch and not part of the official dinner, they do photograph better than goose, red cabbage, spätzle,and prune wine sauce.

in a closed oven

Every year around this time I hear about these little nuts but had never tried one. If it is too cold for "an open fire" and "Jack Frost is nipping at your nose" like it is here, a little slit in the shell, a quick simmer and roast in the oven will do just fine. They are surprisingly meaty and robust and may just be a new tradition for our family.

gourd-eous

Went to the pumpkin patch last week to find the perfect pumpkin. Tens of thousands of pumpkins to choose from. The grocery store always has the same old same old, when in true Halloween form, "perfect" can mean partly green, warty, and oddly shaped. And that is just what I got.

get thee to the greek

Dinner with the neighbors last night was an episode of appreciation to Mediterranean cuisine. The color was delightful- reds, greens, and yellows- and the flavors light and clean- lemon, olive oils, and fresh yogurt sauces. A good reminder: as the days get darker, chillier, and landscapes dull, the impetus is to become a shut-in eating hotdish for the next three months. But visiting over shared dishes can make for a great escape.