Ho Ho Humbug

It really isn't the best of holiday seasons. My Dad was the master orchestrator of Christmas and we have all missed him in our own special way. This is one holiday season we just want to get to the other side of. Simple as that.

That's not to say we have been completely cheerless, we haven't. There are good friends to visit with while shopping or dining out. There are gifts to wrap and give, holiday music, snowflakes, cookies and crackling fires. Memories to make and others to revisit. Most of my gifts this year were handmade by me, others by someone else. Etsy was my stomping ground this year for almost everything that didn't come from my two hands. Friends got a lot of jam!

I also treated myself this season. maybe more than I normally would have but, but no one is counting.
I have long been trying to wean my household away from plastic. We went to old fashioned Pyrex glass containers, good for storing and baking in.  Cindie and I met last Saturday in Grants Pass for a little shopping, gift exchanging and some lunch. We started at the Kitchen Store and I snagged some fun items for storage. First up is Bee's Wrap.



I bought two large pieces and cut them down to sizes I would use. Frankly, as time goes on I'll buy more and slowly change most things stored in the fridge to this. We always keep many

different cheeses on hand and it represents a lot of wasted plastic. This is made in Vermont, my favorite state, hands down.

These little silicon cloches expand.



The base is a cutting surface, the top forms an airtight seal for cut onions, tomato, or what have you that will fit. The little tab on top is for grabbing because squeezing the silicone cloche will allow it to be opened. These are made by Prepara. Certainly better than wrapping the half of a ? in plastic wrap or a sandwich bag.

I love honey and this is so much prettier to keep it in than the jar our local honey producers used.



I was really just looking for a wood honey dipper, but who could resist the set? Not me!

Oh and the sparkle sugar on the cookies rounded out my finds



along with some replacement stirrers and such in bright colored melamine.

 I was GOBSMACKED at the beautiful shawl Cindie made





 and competed with a fox shawl pin.



 How beautiful and special. Cindie, I have worn it everyday since. It's like a continuous hug from a good friend. Thank you.

As you can see, little sewing has gone on. That's it for the week.



Nick has been threaded with his linen warp and is being sleyed, slowly.  Cookies baked, a lovely cauliflower and potato curry



made for grabbing on busy nights, with rice, or a bit of baked fish or a sandwich. I might turn the rest into samosas.

My Mom got the apartment she wanted. The manor works on a first come first serve basis and we were particular as to what she desired. Today I will go work with renovations as I did for my folks when they moved from MA to OR. Flooring, cabinets, countertops, lighting and paint will all be selected. The 10th floor apartment with a view will be ready for her in 45-60 days. She will only have to go down an elevator to be with friends and have access to all the activities provided, along with 4 restaurants on campus. Woohoo!

Parting shot: Peek a boo! I see you.