the week before Christmas...

This is how I've spent the last week or so... baking Christmas goodies to mail out to a few friends and family. We don't buy a lot of gifts anymore, but I prefer to spend the time baking and FedEx-ing it. Just seems more personal to me than sending a gift (possibly no one wants?) or a gift card that takes no time or effort. Not that I don't love Gift Cards myself... (usually use them for restaurants or getting us something we wouldn't buy for ourselves). But somehow baking something seems right for the holidays... 

As some of you already know, there are things I'm 'not supposed' to eat or drink due to various conditions... but although I follow the guidelines to some extent, I do 'cheat' a little (sometimes it doesn't matter, other times it does 😞)  But I won't give up coffee or tea completely, so here is a picture of my coffee cup.

not always with whip cream and Cinnamon...
but it's Christmas!

I have 2 dear friends that live fairly close... (one I met in our 20's and remained friends for 60 years and one I grew up with - so have known each other our whole lives) We have both moved around in the last 80 years, but fate seems to have landed us close by. However, we don't see each other as often as we used to since we don't drive anymore. We used to meet at a coffee shop or have lunch once a week. Nowadays it may be months before we can get together. 

One friend has a companion that helps her and can drive her here when she comes in town for a doctor visit. They came by last week and we exchanged Christmas gifts, had coffee, and thoroughly enjoyed our visit. We give each other a bag of 'little things' that we find handy to have ... in the kitchen or elsewhere (and of course we exchange Christmas cookies). One of the things she gave me this year is something I could really use. Here is a picture of it...

These bookmarks automatically 'follow the page'. The back hooks onto the back of the book and the front is put on the page you're reading. It automatically flips to the next page as you turn. Great for me - as I read in bed at night and almost always lose my place as the book falls when I fall asleep. Such a simple thing, but so-oo useful.

Guess I should close this as I have espresso shortbread in the oven and one more batch of whiskey balls to make today. Daughter and granddaughter will be here this week for a few days and I must prepare the guestroom, etc. Grandson has been off to Canada visiting friends, but will be home this week also.

Thinking about having a relaxed Christmas day dinner - just smoked turkey and ham sandwiches, home-made potato salad, and chips and dip (rum cake for dessert). May put it all out and people can help themselves and sit anywhere... rather than a sit down fancy dinner (not up to that this year). 

Hope all of you are having a good week. Sending love and good vibes to all. If I don't get to post again before Christmas...

Merry Christmas! 

Hugs (virtual), 

Rian