There's been some talk about snow and the hope for a white Christmas, but even if the weather doesn't cooperate--we do have a white tree this year, which I absolutely love. Yes, I do miss the pine scent of a live cut tree, but that's about all. No muss, no fuss, no awkward watering, no creepy-crawlies on the ceiling--or bizarre insect noises coming from the branches--like last year. (When you get a truly fresh tree, you are likely to find anything.) So yes, LOVE it! The initial set-up is always a bit of a chore, but I plan to throw one of those covers over it instead of breaking it down and trying to get it back in the box. Armchair shopped here and got very fast delivery. I've actually been dreaming about a white tree for a couple of years now, but it took awhile to convince the family. Some traditions are hard to break. But they all agree this tree is beautiful. Lilly's cozy place underneth is slowly shrinking as presents trickle in. We left a spot for her in the back but she's a bit disgruntled. Unfortunately, she will also chew and swallow any type of ribbon or string, so our presents have to be left rather plain for her sake.
But I found some snazzy wrap at Michael's to (help) compensate. I'm "mad for plaid" and this paper is wonderful. I want to paper the walls and line all my dresser drawers with it. Wouldn't that be grand? BTW my 'Gift Wrap Holiday Special' has run its course and the links have been taken down. It's getting down to the wire and time is up for Christmas deliveries. Thanks again to those of you who took advantage of that. I only have one book left! I'll order more soon to keep on hand for anyone who wants a signed copy. I also want to take a moment to thank everybody who visited my blog this year. Your kind words and gestures of friendship are precious to me and reminders that there are still a ton of good peeps out there. Love you guys!
Unrelated, but I keep forgetting to mention this; someone asked me if I was "Turkey Feathers" on Facebook, and the answer is NO. Infact, I don't even have a Facebook account. (Nor am I part of any other social network sites, games, or discussion boards for that matter---just mentioning that so there's no confusion.)
Anyway...now it's time to finish wrapping a few more gifts and start the holiday meal prep to freeze for Christmas morning. I'm going to make my mini-quiche brunch cups (recipe here) and the usual apple turn-overs with puff pastry. (With much gratitude to Pepperidge Farms for the frozen sheets.) Everyone always asks me if I'm going to make them again, so I guess it has become another tradition we can all look forward to. Sometimes I make a few with our blackberry or raspberry jam. Can't go wrong there, and it's quick if I run out of time to prepare the apple filling. The girls have been baking and decorating an array of cookies all week. It seems everytime I leave the house and come back there is something new and delightful cooling on a rack. They made peppermint bark with white and dark chocolate a few days ago that was quite impressive too. I think homemade peanut-butter cups (for Papa) are on their agenda for today. I tell ya, the smells and aromas coming from the kitchen have been intoxicating! From here on out I expect we (and you too) will be fairly busy...so farewell for now. See you on the flip side in 2011!