Happy Holidays!

We are on the cusp of "Christmas break," and even though I only get a few days off I am thrilled. 

SB and I have both been feeling something resembling the onset of flu for about a week -- never becoming full-on sick, but consistently having a little bit of everything: throat scratchiness and congestion, soreness, hot/cold, and general fatigue. A restful break will be good respite! 

In other news, this happened a few weeks ago:

Truman 2 (The original Truman met his end quickly and mysteriously)

And this has been happening every day since:

Cricket could watch the fish all day long... and does.

And this also happened - an easy little craft project that made our apartment door look a bit more festive. Got to keep up with those Jones'.

Speaking of being festive, I did not listen to any Christmas music until a few days ago and, to my surprise, listening to it completely lit up my day. I feel like such a nerd, but I can't deny the joy it brings me! These are my favorites:

• Christmas Time is Here, Vince Guaraldi 
• Christmas (Baby Please Come Home), Darlene Love
• Merry Christmas, Baby, Otis Redding
• Happy Xmas (War is Over), John and Yoko
• The Christmas Song, Mel Torme
• Christmas Island, Bob Dylan

The Joys of Winter Part I

Winter is back in full force. The temperature right now is 2 degrees (and "feels like" -11!). I could complain (and do), but winter does have perks, too. For example:

While I have to be persuaded to take winter walks,

their unique beauty is always a pleasant surprise.

It is peak season for my favorite styles of beer.

I love to cook year-round, but in winter our little apartment is made so rich 

and cozy by the heat and aroma of dinner cooking in the oven or on the stovetop. 

(Pictured is a recent miso soup with mushrooms, cabbage and udon noodles.)

A few other notes...

Thanksgiving is still hands-down my favorite meal of the year. This year featured: turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, creamed onions, scalloped corn, wild rice hot dish, mixed greens, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin and apple pies. How can one not feel grateful whilst sitting in front of such a spread? My brother and his family were out of town which was a major bummer, but SB and I and both sets of parents got together for an evening of eating, getting sleepy, telling stories, and laughing.


Also - I recommend that you see this movie if you're interested in a wonderfully unique movie-going experience: