Oh that we, could always see, such spirit through the year

Google just blocked its own pop-up. Irony rocks.

So, today is the first day of winter. Not that you'd know going by the thermometer or the landscape. Christmas dinner officially has a menu. (oh, and bygones 'jem, I forgot I wanted to make burgundy poached pears. I promise you'll like them just as much as the orange salad. Though maybe I can make the oranges Christmas Eve...). We are having: for appetizers homemade fresh gravlox, with assorted cheeses and olives. Dinner is roasted leg of lamb with garlic and parsley, double baked potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, (no mini marshmallows!) spinach, and the pears. It will be pared with fabulous wines courtesy of super wine guy Bob, which I will post the names and reviews of after they are consumed. (If I can remember.:p) Ack, I have not thought about dessert. I usually make a pie. Hmm... perhaps pumpkin for dearie darling girl who loves it so. I love to cook, and I revel in how much my family enjoys the special meals I make at Christmas.

I don't understand why hitting the return/enter key in Google's document program does this funky extra-space thing. It translates into a double line break once you publish it to the web. Very annoying.

I do really love this time of year. It's a time of good karma. There is no need for heroism, just small acts of kindness and appreciation. My garbage men will Run on Dunkin. I will treat the sitter to a manicure. I wish I had all the time in the world because I love to bake, and doing the whole holiday cookie thing would be right up my alley, but it just wasn't to be this year. (Yet again. LOL) I loved seeing people at work today, going about their jobs with red sequined headbands, or singing Rocking Around the Christmas Tree as they pushed a meal cart down the hallway. In my department, we listened to carols, and hugged each other with well wishes for the holiday when it came time to go.

It came too fast. I want to savor and enjoy the next three days. I want to sing and decorate. I want to cook, sip, and taste. I want to look, listen, and laugh. I want to memorize each image, every feeling, and file them away so I can recall them when I am eighty---God willing. I want to share it with more friends. My parents always had an open house on Christmas Eve. All our good friends and neighbors, and anyone who had no close relatives and no place else to go was invited. My mom cooked up a storm, and it was these occasions that hold such a dear place in my heart and memory. I would love to do that now with my own home. I know I will someday. And it's not that I want to recapture something as much as I understand the impact such an outpouring of spirit can make on people. I want to be a vehicle for that. I want to give because I can, and I like to do it.

K. That is my serious "George-Bailey-Yes-Virginia-God-Bless-Us-Everyone" Christmas post for the year. I may not get a chance to write again until after the holiday, and then I will be without a local internet up skiing so... I can write tons of posts while I am away and then just have them stored for your reading pleasure.

Peace,
G.