I'm now at that wonderful stage where guests have come and gone and I can now enjoy a tidy house right before the holidays.

It seems people in the area are getting a jump on the xmas season, putting up lights ahead of Thanksgiving because the US holiday is so late this year. I shall do the same - the next two days are in the 70s and my holiday is postponed until Sunday (Dec. 1) when we can get the entire family here. Gives me time to set up, even if I don't light them yet.

I have several small loaves of fancy breads in the freezer, both banana and pumpkin/sweet potato types so far, ready to give as gifts to friends and neighbors. If I get my hands on some zucchini I may make some of that also. The distribution will declutter shelves in the new freezer.