12/13/2020

 

Update 12/13/2020

A pretty busy week, actually, but I think it’s because of the holiday season. I’m generally not this busy.

Monday, I decided to decorate the gingerbread house. I had bought a kit last year when I could get 50% off. But, then the kit was stuck in a big box, and was moved twice. I had little hopes that it would be ok when I opened it. The frosting was a little hard to work with, but everything else seemed to be ok. I was pleased that both Hannah and Sarah (along with Jack, who doesn’t have the history of gingerbread that the girls do) also made houses.

Because I believed that street parking was free on Tuesdays and Wednesday during the holiday season, Barbara and I went downtown to wander a bit. Of course, I got a parking ticket, because it’s only free parking in the garages, not on the street. They must have taken pity on me, however, and the fine was $0. We took the water taxi across the river to the Westin Hotel to see the gingerbread house exhibit. It was not there, and they didn’t know anything about it. I thought I had read that there would be a “trail” this year with several hotels displaying a few gingerbread houses each so that crowds did not gather in one place, but the Westin was ignorant and could give us no information. We then walked to the Power Plant District to see the Christmas Markets – another waste of time as the booths are only open Thursday through Sunday. At least I got to spend some holiday time with my friend, and the parking, eventually, was free

Although I’m no longer on the Board at Bonaventure Historical Society, I was invited to help pack the fruit baskets. The Society gifts nice fruit baskets to staff at the cemetery in thanks for the help and support throughout the year. Elizabeth gathered the baskets, fruit, cellophane wrap, and everything else needed to make the baskets festive and wonderful. I have helped in past years, so she included me again. It was very nice to meet with those friends and visit while we packed baskets. 

I have been trying to walk regularly, but it’s not easy. I was not home much this week, and generally I’ve been walking around the pond at AP. I returned to old haunts this week, and walked at Daffin, Forsyth and Lake Mayer. Daffin was boring, but Forsyth, because there were lovey holiday decorations in the park and on homes that face the park, was easier. (A funny story there: I often will volunteer to take a picture of a couple or group if they seem to be struggling with a selfie. After I offered and was accepted by two ladies, another young woman approached and asked if I would do the same for her group. I was wearing my Buffalo Bills mask, and one person in her party joked and said “I don’t know, I’m a Miami fan”. So we exchanged a few good-natured barbs, and I took the photo). At Lake Mayer, I met Roseann, and that made it easy to walk as we talked and got caught up with each others activities.

For a special treat this week, Sarah entertained with a live piano concert on FB. That was really nice to see her, and listen to her music. And I had a glimpse of Jack, as well, as he was slipping something under the tree in the background.

I have been intrigued by ads on google for microwave peanut brittle. We used to make this candy, but I haven’t done that in over 40 years. I thought that a microwave recipe would be easy. When it came right down to it, though, all the recipes warned that you would need a bowl that was safe not only for the microwave, but at extremely high temperatures. I wasn’t sure if Pyrex would meet that requirement, so I did it the old fashioned way – stovetop. I don’t have a candy thermometer, but I remembered how to test for hard crack stage, and the candy was a success. Except – what am I going to do with it? I can’t risk breaking a tooth! I boxed it up for the staff at AP.

Saturday, I spent time with Kay. We went to BC so that I could put the poinsettias on My Soldiers graves, and she could put a nice arrangement at Liam’s site. Then we went downtown. The Christmas Markets were open, and I wanted to see them. Kay humored me. I was not optimistic, because I have such great memories of the ones I’ve seen in Europe, and I felt Savannah Georgia would not do this well. I was surprised! The highlight, of course, was hot spiced wine. That was so good! This is going to be a tradition, I think, because I enjoyed it very much. We also had a nice soup and sandwich at the Little Duck diner, which is one of our favorites. What a great way to spend a Saturday.

And, finally, Merry Christmas to me! The Bills beat the Steelers in the Sunday Night Football game, and that’s the best present I could get! Since the Pittsburgh team was undefeated until last week, I did not expect Buffalo to be able to win this one. The first half was boring, and Buffalo came alive just before the half. And they kept it going. I’m so excited by this! Along with a Miami loss, the Bills are now alone at the top of the AFC East! Playoffs – here we come!