Happy Winter Solstice to all! And to my one blog friend in the Southern Hemisphere, happy Summer Solstice! It seems crazy to think of having Christmas in summer, but honestly, this is South Carolina and our temperatures are often close to summer-like this time of year. Last week we had a morning so cold the temperature was 18 degrees (-7 Celsius) with a wind chill of 10 (-12C). But our forecast high for Christmas Day? 70 degrees! We have crazy weather here and you never know what you're going to get. *
Check out our Christmas tree alternative. When we bring in our huge Ficus from the porch in the fall, it doesn't leave much room in the house for a traditional Christmas tree. I strung some lights on this baby and called it a day. Hey, at least it's a tree, right?
I finally finished sending out this year's Christmas cards. I swore I was going to cut down on the number I send out but still ended up sending about three dozen. It's one of my only holiday traditions and I love doing it, despite the rising cost of postage. So far, we've gotten four. They're all pretty, but I noticed this morning that the sun was shining in and illuminating one of them from the inside. Isn't it pretty?
And speaking of pretty...look at this beautiful cake one our book club members made for our holiday meeting last week! Not only is it gorgeous to look at, but the woman who sent this wasn't able to come herself. She was having back surgery the next day, and her husband has just been diagnosed with brain cancer. I can't believe she took the time to make something so lovely for us to enjoy in her absence. (We're discussing ways to support her at a time like this).
It was red velvet cake on the inside.
We're on an extra-long holiday break this year, just shy of three weeks! This past Tuesday was our last day, and we go back on January 5th. I'm taking things so easy this year, and I love it. Tomorrow after an early appointment with my allergist, I'm going to prepare three large batches of cookie dough (I've already shopped for the ingredients). On Tuesday, I'll bake it all up and prepare trays of cookies to give to our friends and neighbors for Christmas. I'm trying to keep things simple and mindful and as non-consumerist as possible this year.
*Except in summer. You always know what you're going to get then!
7 comments:
OH MY GOD! That cake looks amazing!!!!!!!
I too still send cards, but it got out of hand. Now I only send to people I don't get to see much or those that are far away. Not sure why I sent cards to those I saw everyday in the first place.
The lady who made the raspberry cake is the soul of kindness.
Her thoughts went to her friends in the book club, when she was preparing
for surgery and when her husband had received such a serious diagnosis.
Raspberries as much as strawberries are the taste of summer. In my day they were only available in summer. I was in Richmond (London) in November and had coffee in Ole & Steen a Danish bakery chain. Their
raspberry pastry was delicious. I hope you enjoy a slice of cake before
your appointment at the allergy clinic. Merry Xmas and enjoy the holiday !
That cake is gorgeous. I'm glad you and the rest of the group are thinking of ways to support her. She's going to need it. That card is very pretty with the sun illuminating it. I don't send a lot of cards -- about a dozen. I've received four, including one from Maddie! Your ficus is a great Christmas tree substitute.
Love,
Janie
That Christmas card is truly glowing like stained glass. There is something extra special about Christmas cards in the mail. The three dainty charming birds on the one you sent me are delightful. The lady who made the raspberry cake for her book club friends is a dear, when she and her hubby are facing serious health challenges.
That cake is a work of art and the woman who made it is unbelievably kind. Wishing her a successful surgery and perfect recovery and her husband better news about his diagnosis and treatment.
I love your book club and the way everyone tends to each other. Good luck to your friend and her husband.
Your Christmas Ficus looks great! And oh my, that cake made by your Book Club friend -- spectacular! Enjoy your holiday time off work!
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