Simple Gifts

It's tempting to feel so totally oppressed by the idea that the next, oh, five months or so are going to look like this that you forget to stop and enjoy the particular, if ascetic, beauty that winter has to offer. It's sad to see the leaves gone, but the outlines of the big old oak trees are interesting in their gnarliness. And the snow outlining each gnarly branch looks enchanting.

I was able to leave work in the early afternoon. I came home and threw myself headlong into prep--cleaning and then starting The Big Cook. It's fun, and I really enjoy getting out the dishes and silver that don't see the light of day nearly often enough.

The stuffing is made, the squash is cooked, cranberry relish is prepared, two loaves of pumpkin cranberry bread are cooling on the counter, chocolate sauce is finished, and spiced apples are sauteeing. The jury is still out on whether we really need mashed potatoes. I'm leaning toward a yes on the potatoes, but we'll see how I feel in the morning.

I think I'm about done for today. An early start tomorrow and things should be under control.