Lights + Leftovers + Trust Issues

It's still Christmas in my corner of the world. My neighbors decorate our house every year and this year is more of a light fantasia than the last. Every year I try to remember when "Christmas" ends (i.e. when the lights come down), but for now the answer to that question is a definitive "not yet." This is great news because it means you still have a little longer to drive by and get the full effect. From this picture you can't really enjoy the blow-up Santa on his motorcycle or the entire village of Snowmen with spotlight. If you won't be able to make the drive may I recommend you hack into NASA and check the satellite photography. I'm pretty sure we show up. I'm also pretty sure we are on CPS's "Nice" list every year. Before I go further, let me clarify for my non-San Antonio readers...round these parts CPS has got two meanings, but City Public Services is the one to which I refer. This electricity bill subsidizes the river walk lights.

Christmas continues in the leftovers arena as well. When my mom and I were packing up my ziplocks of joy I was stymied as to the best way to transport a slice of carrot cake. (Yes, let me retract the statement that there were only 8 desserts at Christmas...we had 9...the carrot cake was under wraps until late in the day.) My mom and I decided that the best way to get the cake home with icing mostly still in place was to use a plastic plate with foil over the top. My parents have an assortment of kid-friendly dinner ware and mom pulled down the one from the top of that stack -- the Winnie the Pooh plate.

I witnessed an inner struggle. I think she nearly snatched the plate back to offer me a different one. Evidently this is a favorite with her niece and nephew who are both 3. She made it very clear I could take this plate, but only if I brought it back. I would like to note, I have a pretty stellar track record for returning tupper ware, but this plate is clearly a family heirloom and I am a shady character. Mom, I'll have you know the plate is drying and will be returned tomorrow. Oh, and thanks for all the delicious leftovers!

Hope you all have a good wind down to 2009. You ready for the teens?

Bliss of Nothing

Today is the first day in months where I have very few plans, commitments, errands that *have* to be done. I woke up sans alarm and I just lay there. My one major must-do outing today is lunch with friends and then I can sit and stare into space if I so desire. It feels so wide open and spacious to have a whole day that is Mindy-centric. I may choose to clean or run errands, but it is a choice and there is zero hectic frenzy involved.

Allow me to share my day of luxurious time so far:

I sauteed mushrooms with garlic, cut up a home-grown jalepeno, and scrambled an egg with some cheese and avocado. Wrapped up all that goodness in a Central Market tortilla and finished off my deliciousness with some Ritual Roasters espresso. Not too shabby.

Craft time was up next. I have had the supplies to do iron-on stenciling for months. My friend and fellow blogger, Rachel, inspired the freezer paper acquisition and I have been putting off craftiness for far too long. This morning I realized I finally have the time to find my exacto knife, cut out the stencil, and play with fabric paint. I'm fairly pleased with the result, and can see how this could become addictive!

I had lunch at Twin Sisters with fabulous folks and I am now headed out for a long walk in crisp, sunny, "winter" air. After that the next major agenda item is Christmas leftovers...the day is shaping up well. Hope your boxing day is also glorious and relaxing. Best boxing wishes to each and to all!

Merry Christmas

Hello dear readers. Merry Christmas! I hope your day is full of food and fun regardless of whether you officially celebrate. Yesterday the familiy + my Jewish boyfriend decorated Christmas cookies. This was a first for him and he was a star. He even decorated a gingerbread man as Grimace (see picture at right). Last night my family gathered with some family friends of 26 years for Suppe de Pesche. Shout out to Chef Matt on an amazing feast and for noticing Grimace as soon as the cookies were unveiled. Today is just family with plenty of food and at last count I tallied 8 different desserts...it will be a good (read sugar frenzied) day. All the best to all of you!

PS - If you are still reading here is the dessert line up for all you Baker Peggy fans out there: Date Nut Bread, Forget me Cookies, Fudge, Christmas Cookies, Apricot Squares, Walnut Cranberry Cookies, Nut Butter Crunch, Peasant Apple Pie...This holiday brought to you by the sugar council (and Grimace).