I'll try to remember to repost the link back to this month in the middle of January, but at least you'll be able to scroll back to the beginning to find it.

I am listening to the album that Deb Cowan has put up to share for a couple of more days. See her permathread for the links - it's a lovely album, one I'd love to have wafting through the house. I downloaded the zip file and will put it on a CD later. I'm going back and forth between the office and the kitchen this evening as I work on batches of cookies and some gift wrapping. Also laundry folding . . .

There are a lot of reasons why this time of year is very difficult for people. All the more reason to try to find significant reasons to celebrate those who are gone, those who are away, those who are living their own lives and haven't slowed down to remember that we're here. Michelle, I was driving home this evening with some holiday candy that we always get (those from my childhood- ribbon candy, cut rock candy, etc.) and thinking that I need to introduce some non-candy or cookie treats to our day. I'll make some pizza dough for focaccia topped with olive oil and cheeses, and maybe have some ham or sausage to go with it. And carrot sticks to go with a dip. Some carbs, yes, but no sugar to speak of. We need more savory here, less sweet.

I give plates of cookies to neighbors, and I need another type of cookie at least, so I'm working on those this evening. Next door is expecting 6 grandchildren, so I can take lots of cookies to them!

SRS