I heart you

I am signing off for the season. I feel oddly relaxed. Teacher's gifts (poinsettia and spruce soap) have been delivered. The post office has been conquered. I scored a true treasure for my parents with a late night phone call to a very sweet man in Madisonville, Tennessee. I was giddy to hear him answer the phone, after seeing him on TV and reading about him for years. We talked and talked and he said  "yes, I'll go pull a ham for Nancy and Paul and I'll get it to them by Christmas." I had called because his web site said that orders would be at least a month out.

We talked about family names and Southern tradition and the like. What a dear. He supplies the best restaurants in the country and is true to his humble roots. Check out this mini-documentary about Allan Benton and his world famous hams. Order yourself one. If you are Thomasville, invite yourself over to my folks' house.

For all the cousins, I found Swedish angel chimes. These were my very favorite as a child. The magical spinning, the ding dinging. Simple and sweet.

We have no big plans. Max has taken up residence on the ski slopes and that's fine. The wood stove is cranking. The tree is twinkling. I'm going to bake up some cookies for a holiday cookie exchange on Sunday. Tonight we go to a Solstice bonfire down valley. Our Christmas Eve plans have grown and now include cousins and friends, and a white elephant gift exchange at our local Chinese restaurant. This will be the end of the whole 30 and I'm stoked. I don't plan on going crazy, but I might just have an egg roll and a potsticker. And can you say Singha?! HA!

I got a haircut, so the above picture is ancient history. Layers and bangs. Lewis says I look younger. Love that boy. Della is a snaggletooth. Matt has a new office in town inside the Rock Lounge, so I imagine that we will do a good bit of hanging around this winter. If you need a good therapist (family, couples, kids) or coach, you should give him a call...he can put you on the right track this new year! Email me for his info. He works via phone, too.

How about Coon Balls?!
Here's the recipe.

1 young coon, 6-8 lbs., dressed
1 (10 oz.) pkg. cheddar cheese shredded
2 c. Bisquick

NOTE: If unable to locate coon may substitute 1 pound pork sausage.Let cheese and sausage warm to room temperature. Mix all ingredients well and form into small size balls. Place on a cookie sheet and bake 8 to 10 minutes at 375 degrees. Serve hot. (I'm going to figure out a paleo version and I'll let you know if it's any good.) These are good to freeze for a quick breakfast anytime. 

I love how the peanut gallery shows up at the nativity. Everyone is welcome.

We are incapable of a 'real' family portrait. One day I will look back and regret it, but probably not. Bad light, weird clothes and messy hair aside...we send you our love and our best wishes for a warm and cozy holiday and a New Year filled with laughter and big dreams. Thank you for visiting with me here in this space and sharing our life! Merry Christmas, My Dears!!!