Yesterday’s sky as I was about to set off on some present buying. I love a moody sky.
And so far, fingers crossed, it looks to be another sunny day. My mood likes that. My plants like that.
I bought the last present for Don yesterday, and it turns out, the most expensive. But it will make him very happy and I confess I was happy at the prospect of seeing him open it on Christmas morning. Up until that point I was sort of ‘meh’ about my choices for him. But now? I’m excited.
Today, I’m going to try out a vegan recipe for Linzer cookies. It’s from the Catskill Animal Sanctuary’s chef. I gathered up the ingredients when I stopped at Whole Foods the other day. We’ll see how they turn out! Then, after the holidays, we’re cutting way back on our sugar intake. We’ve sort of begun already, but as it’s the holiday season, we know we’ll indulge a bit.
The new leaf has opened on the maranta. I’m so tickled when I see new growth on my plants.
Just want to say again how much we love our little table in the kitchen, which was going to be a temporary solution for removing the sideboard-turned-kitchen-island. It turns out it’s not temporary at all! It doesn’t block Stella (a must) and that aging and weathered blue paint makes me smile.
Finally, I took a picture of a picture. This gem is on Mere’s Christmas card this year and we think it’s one of the best pictures of Little Z we’ve ever seen. (Meredith is the photographer.)
Sweet but full of sass and vinegar, I tell you. Our phone conversations with him are such fun! Oh, I love this little boy. Love, love, love.
Happy Thursday.
cute photo of an adorable boy! one for the frame!
i, too, like that blue paint on your table. a keeper!
and glad you found “just the right thing” for don. that always feels good, doesn’t it?
hope you all have a very merry Christmas and wonderful new year.
kathy in iowa
You too, Kathy! We’re almost there!
cute Little Z
He is the cutest!
That’s a sweet picture of a sweet boy—right down to the ‘stars’ in his eyes. I’ve loved the blue table and it’s charming patina since day one. And oh, I’m glad that you’ve found just the thing for Don. That feeling is what makes Christmas for me.
Let us know how you like the Linzer cookies. That type of cookie can do vegan pretty well, I think. Does it use coconut oil?
Yes it does – actually coconut cream (canned).
Little Z is such a cutie! I bet he is so excited for Christmas. My two little grandsons (one almost 3 and the other 5) can hardly stand the wait, as the song goes. My five year old really wants to hear that Santa is real. I told him that Santa is real. Some of us still believe. I am heading out this morning for the last of the shopping. I’m sure Santa appreciates the help.
I still believe, Tana!
Cute, and adorable…there’s a hint of ‘mischievousness’ in Little Z’s eyes! I’m glad you found a present for Don you are excited about….those are always hard to find. I think I may have scored too…fingers crossed. The cookies sound interesting…I’ve thought of cutting back on sugar too…but I am addicted to chocolate! ;)
He is very mischievous! And incredibly intelligent.
I love chocolate, too, but I’m going to ration my daily intake.
;)
xo
What a wonderful photo of Little Z! He is such a cutie! It always feels good When I find just the right present for someone. I think I’m doing OK but need maybe a few little things. Taking Mom shopping today so I should finish up. It’s cloudy and grey today but I’ve still got the spirit! Hugs!
Sunny here, but it’s 4:37 and the sun has gone down!
Merry Christmas Claudia and Don. Sounds like you are all ready. Me too! That is the most precious picture of Little Z. He is so adorable.
Talk to you soon,
Judy
Merry Christmas, Judy. Love you!
I’m catching up on two posts at once. Congratulations to Don on the cast album! It would have been so disappointing if his illness had kept him from singing. I love hearing about your Christmas plans and seeing your nephew’s photo, too!
Thanks so much, Linda!
oh little Z!
it’s all right there in that face. oh my gosh. yes he’s adorable.
don’t you wish they could stay that little for just awhile longer?
it’s such a precious time to have with them. ♥
I had that with my nephew. and now he is a Master Sgt in Air Force Special Operations
and he’s 6 feet tall and can crush all my bones when he hugs me! LOL!
Yes, I do. Don and I want to freeze him at this age!
I have some nephews that have kids now!!
Oh, the little love; look at that face. He is precious.
He is adorable. We’re crazy about him.
What a precious picture of sweet Z. Oh, my!!! One can just see the wheels turning.
So much fun when we find the perfect gift for someone. Like you, I think the giving is the best part. Not that the receiving is a bad thing as I love that, too!!
They were throwing “snow storm” all over the news this week. It all fizzled out, which makes me quite happy, but now there is a chance of some freezing rain over night tonight. ugh. We don’t have any snow on the ground yet. Supposed to be below zero in real temps by Christmas Day. Today, the first day of Winter brings the shortest day of the year ~~ but, thankfully tomorrow we start heading toward the longest day in June. I like being on that side of the pendulum!!
Hope your Thursday is a great one and that your cookies are a success!
The wheels are always turning!
I think we are due to get some snow and ice tomorrow night – there’s an advisory up. Yuck!!
Claudia, i always call the last present the “whew” gift. After that, I can relax a bit. This year, I’m sewing gifts and am on the last one. The “whew” will come with the last stitch! Your youngest nephew is such a cutie pie! I know Santa will be good to him.
Santa will definitely be good to that boy!
Moody sky. Check! I love them too. And “moody” is the perfect word for THAT sky. Linzer cookies? Yum. Love them as well. And you’re brave. I’m far too intimidated to make them myself. Alas, not skilled at all in the “cutout” category of cookies. Marantha? Oops, thought that was a dieffenbachia [I ALWAYS confuse philodendron & pothos too]. Further instruction definitely needed. Little Z? Just maybe THE cutest 5-year old [??] out there today. That shot screams “Frame me.” Well, have a great Thursday. Actually seeing a wee bit of sun here right now but it won’t last for 2 reasons. A – this is Rochester. B – Winter Solstice. Peace. ☀️
#Resist
#Protect Mueller
Yes, we’re getting snow and ice late in the day tomorrow. There’s an advisory up.
I love that little table in your kitchen. I think it’s perfect. Have you decided what you’re going to do with your huge kitchen island that used to be there? I agree that is one of the best photos of Little Buddy I’ve ever seen. He certainly is a beautiful child. I love the stories Meredith tells about him, with the things he says. He’s hilarious! If I don’t talk to you before Christmas, I hope you have a joyous and blessed one with Don and your friends. xoxo
The island is on the porch now, but the weather will just ruin it. I have it covered with a tarp. I may just put it out come spring and see if someone takes it. It’s too big for us to store unless we get the shed cleared out in the spring. There’s an idea!
Oh Little Z…I wish I could give you a great big hug!…Just look at those big brown eyes with a sparkle of angel and a spark of devil in them at the same time…You are a treasure to your family and I can certainly see why!…Claudia I can hardly wait to see what you got for Don if you share it with us…good luck with the cookies!
The cookies were messy to make but they turned out well!
That Little Z is a cutie and a natural when it comes to posing. The camera obviously loves him. He must be excited for Christmas. I have wrapping to do. I hate to leave it until Christmas Eve. Wishing you and Don a Blessed Christmas and a Happy,Healthy 2018.
Marilyn
I almost always leave mine until Christmas Eve! Merry Christmas, Marilyn
Love that table, perfect! Love that boy, what joy he gives you and you give him❤️
He is the best, Gayle!
Impossible not to love that face. Amazing.
Impossible!
Greeting stop in from Sue. Your kitchen is place I would love have a cup of coffee.
If you fine the time stop in for a cup of coffee.
Thank you! So glad you stopped by!
Yes, that is an adorable photo of your nephew; it looks like he won’t be little for long.
Merry Christmas, Claudia. Thank you for the affirmation and the respite that your writing and photos bring; it has helped me to get through a tough year and appreciate that there are many others who also believe that we are all equal and society’s weakest members deserve care and respect.
Thank you, Tisha. That means a great deal to me. It’s been an incredibly tough year but we’ll keep fighting, my friend. Merry Christmas! xo