341 / 365 A Frosty Gathering

The snowmen are assembling for the holidays across the street at our neighbor’s house.

340 / 365 So Good

Don’t let this beautiful fruit fool you… it is actually made of marzipan, a sugar and almond paste.  These treats were left last night by St. Nicholas (see previous blog), no doubt as confirmation that H and I have been so very good all year long.

339 / 365 A Visit From St. Nicholas

In the lowlands, 5 December
Is a date that all remember
As the birthday of St. Nicholas,
Known to the locals as Sinterklaas.

Along with his helpers, good old St. Nick

Travels by horse… you can hear the clop, click…

To deliver small gifts to good girls and boys

Into shoes they’ve placed to receive their toys.

Much to our surprise, St Nicholas left treats for us on this side of the Atlantic.  Just this afternoon, H’s mom was astonished and delighted to find this wooden shoe filled with a chocolate letter and marzipan fruit.  Gifts are often accompanied by clever poems… which is why I felt compelled to write one myself.

338 / 365 Winter Wonderland

No, it hasn’t been snowing here; in fact, it was in the mid-fifties today.  These are flocked Christmas trees, encountered at the local nursery.  H and I liked their look, but eventually opted to go for an old-school live green specimen instead.  We picked ours up this weekend and began the process of decorating today.

337 / 365 Good Enough to Eat

H and I met with friends tonight for our annual Christmas gathering at a private club that happened to have a gorgeous gingerbread house on display in its lobby.  This thatched roof is made of Shredded Wheat biscuits, icing, and candy toppers.  It was quite magical.

336 / 365 Past Becomes Present

With the holidays gearing up, I’ve been going through my cookbooks and files looking for the perfect treats to make.  Mixed in with a collection of favorites from family and friends are these recipes of Mom’s.  I love looking at them because they’re in her own handwriting… a small thing, but it keeps her in the present for me.

335 / 365 Simple Goodness

This sweet little note was on my desk when I arrived at the office this morning.  It’s the handiwork of the associate pastor’s young daughter.  What a lovely way to start my day.