Preparing for another afternoon of cooking on Friday, as I work on consumable gifts. Empanadillas are a meat pie from Puerto Rico (and other Spanish regions) that have pork or chicken simmered in a sauce and then put in the pastry with olive and pimento and fried in shallow oil. I'll make a batch and send them over with the kids to their Dad's house for christmas eve. They can eat some and he can freeze the rest. This is his main gift this year. It's so difficult to buy for someone who can get what he needs during the year, but he can't buy these, not locally, anyway.

I shopped some today, and made the executive decision to get a couple of dog beds (they're on sale at Big Lots). These won't go in the garage dog cave - they'd tear them up as a game, but in the house in my room when they come in on really cold nights these can go on the floor and I won't have to put down several layers of towels (that still seem pretty un-cosy, as bedding goes). These are washable and will live on the trunk in my room.

Time to clear a couple of tables and get ready to do some sewing. I have a couple of projects to work on tomorrow.

Michelle, I saw those photos of Jeremiah on facebook. He is such a healthy happy looking little boy! Your christmas this year is going to be remarkable (he might get a little over-stimulated - that can happen, but other than that, let 'er rip!) And remember, the paper and the box (especially large ones) are more fun than the toys that come in them. :)

SRS