Beaver:
I DO cook for myself - but very simple. And almost NO baking. So that appetizer for last week's potluck was not a raving success but I have a better idea for another time. Invited to Dinner on Christmas Day: I offered a sweet potato casserole - doubt I can mess that up - apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, maybe some butter or cream - if I can get any fit to eat.

Once upon a time, long, long ago, I cooked LOTS of good food - for 25 to 50. Owned a luncheonette and made "the best veg soup in Montreal". Then I lived alone for many years - and, very poor, I lived on rice, beans and cabbage for months at a time. Quite enjoyed it. Trying to get back into cooking gear...

Yesterday, I was thrown into a tailspin by a letter from Citizenship and Immigration. The good news: I head from them in less than a year! Now they want my bank statements and credit card statements for 2008-2012. Sent me a business size envelope for what will amount to over 100 pieces of paper??? Nope, cannot phone them. Arghhhh!

Then I went to work in the Gallery 'til 4 and could do nothing. Was informed the show would come down"tomorrow". R won't get to see it; it was supposed to be here until 4 January. Then the main artist phoned about sending someone down who might buy a painting. He was miffed. I gave him # for president. Got word that today's vol would deal with it. This is actually breach of contract. Wrote a calm email last night about our reputation and being reliable for both public and artists. If PR says 4 Jan.... Stupid response form pres and a supportive one from an unexpected source.

Left before BF this am, but after stating the still, to get pics of the incredible paintings, before the Gallery opened - prices in the thousands but so wonderful I fantasized about mortgaging the house... Went to a thrift shop and bought 6 place settings of delightful winter china, excellent quality cutlery and blue/white cotton napkins -$35. Went back to the Gallery and found I had somehow set off the alarm. ?? But I was forgiven as I had also broken up the $100 bill someone brought in yesterday - without wallet all day yesterday, I could not do it then and it threw our cash box out of whack.

Went to bank and was easily provided with the statements! Stopped to see fav realtor looking for prop for friend. We had a LONG chat! Went to Credit Union and was easily provided ... AND she gave me a large envelope! R is bringing files of credit card statements. And cookie sheets and a largish cast iron pot with lid. Great for that casserole! I might live long enough to get citizenship.

I have downloaded the pics. put the new dishes in cupboard, took out some that will be leaving, put the old cutlery aside to go to Quebec, had a nice visit with Stu and Les; Stu had worked on house but Les had never seen it. Had a meal, cleaned the distiller and put it away, did a load of laundry and hung it in the BR.- on the extendible line, brought in wood - not a huge lot but enough, as the weather is warm still and I am having to be careful not to make the fire too big.

After near falling asleep while the washer was going, I am now looking around for what else I can do. But while I was on internet, I saw that a new shop WAY out in the country has "spruce bud jelly" . I will phone in the am and if they still have some, I shall drive out and get it for R. S&L really liked the choc covered candied ginger today so I need to make a good batch of that - for R and for the Christmas supper guests. Now...