Category Archives: 2011

Here it is, Christmas Eve, my bread is rising by the hearth, Attila is preparing to bake his chocolate chip cookies and croutons.

And the oven on the stove has suddenly and irrevocably stopped working. Attila has pulled it out from the wall and fiddled with all fiddleable parts. No joy. It isn’t going to be baking our Christmas goodies this year or any other I suppose. We need a new stove and oven.

Attila and I bought a Nesco free standing oven to use in our summer kitchen. When we bought the little house in the city, it served as our only oven during those first months as we began repairing the house. What a fortunate purchase, that Nesco!

I am preheating the Nesco now, to bake my bread. Attila will bake his cookies and croutons in it later today. Tomorrow we will roast our turkey in the Nesco.

Quite a little adventure on a Christmas Eve day!

Wishing everyone a very wonderful Christmas/Holiday Season!

“God bless us every one!” said Tiny Tim, the last of all.
from Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

This year, for the first time, in our time together, Attila and I are able to pay all our bills at Christmas. No shuffling, no borrowing from Peter to pay Paul, just simple direct payment of the money owed. This feels better than any wrapped present ever could!

“If you ask what is the single most important key to longevity, I would have to say it is avoiding worry, stress and tension. And if you didn’t ask me, I’d still have to say it.”

“How beautifully leaves grow old. How full of light and color are their last days.

George Burns
1896 – 1996

No snow! The snow shovel sits in lonely reverie in the garden shed. Soon enough the snow will arrive and require endless hours of hard work clearing paths and decks. Attila feels blessed.

I could not resist posting this quote. I am so tired of the political posturing and shenanigans of the men at work that it is hard to believe the Christmas spirit still exists. I need to remember that the universe will deal with these clowns, I don’t have to.

Quote

Nothing is more conducive to peace of mind than not having any opinions at all.
Georg Christoph Lichtenberg
1742 – 1799

I am blessed with relatively good health, and Attila too (he needs it, heating this house with wood!)

My thoughts are with those who are not as fortunate this Christmas, I have several dear cousins who are struggling with cancer and long wait times over the holiday season. I hope they have a truly wonderful new year!

Family, people who know you from the time you arrive on the planet, until the time you leave; if your lucky. I feel lucky!

This Christmas I received a very special teacup and saucer from my Mom. They belonged to my Grandmother. Just touching them gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling. I think about showing the set to my grandbabies, this teacup and saucer that belonged to their Great Great Grandmother. My loved ones, looking back, stretching in time from 1902 when my Grandmother was born, until who knows when. How cool is that!