Christmasing

 

The countdown is upon us and all the Christmas preparations and lead up to the actual holiday are winding down.  I am getting excited to see family and especially my sweet granddaughter.  All the presents are wrapped and shipped, the food shopping lists are prepared for when arrive and our plans for Christmas week in Michigan are set.  It will be hectic as always, but so much fun too.

There have been festive breakfasts, lunches, cocktail parties and dinners with friends to get us in the holiday spirit.  It is always a different feeling in Florida, but no less festive with palm trees decked with lights and Christmas parades both on land and by boat.

I tried a new recipe this morning, thinking a could recreate one of my favorite cookies my Mom used to make, but they were not a success.  Ginger Molasses cookies that should have been chewy, were dry and crumbly. I have a lot of my Mom’s recipes, but couldn’t find that one, so I will keep trying.

And, I will leave you with the cutest snow bunny with pink mittens.  My daughter lives in an area of Michigan that is known for lake effect snow and they have already had a bunch.  Audrey will have so much fun growing up there. 

Happy Wednesday and one week until Christmas!

Hello December in Photos

 It was a week of Thanksgiving food prep including a pie crust I am pretty proud of and my famous homemade Cranberry, Apple and Ginger Chutney.  We drove a bit north of Tampa to my mother in laws in New Port Richey this year, so no big turkey to prepare for me. It was a nice change after so many years of hosting, but also a little sad too.  I do love a big holiday crowd.

My very full, beach inspired Christmas tree is up and I added some sparkle in a corner by the kitchen this year with this cute little flocked tree I found at Target.  I seem to shop at Target less and less, but do find something good now and then.  I also, planted some poinsettias at my neighborhood entrance for some holiday color.  This Michigan girl will never get over poinsettias planted outside in December.

Finally, we celebrated our anniversary (42) with lunch in Siesta Key.  It looks so great after being ground zero for Milton landfall just under two months ago.  Florida you are amazing!  And, I can say the same about my town too.  After a lot of clean up, Venice is almost back to normal, palm trees are decorated and the annual Christmas parade was a much needed lift to everyone’s spirits.

Bring on the holiday season.