Holiday gifts
For the first time in my life that I can recall, I got nothing material for Christmas. Throwing on my travel uniform, the only thing I have left clean, today will be a huge laundry day, I went to the mall and started my gift giving and gift buying. I surprised two people whose friendship I cherish despite not treating them very well last year. Their reactions warmed my heart even though what I gave was simple it was what they wanted. It's not about money value it's about givng from the heart VALUE. Insert happy tears here.
I cooked breakfast for my father and two sisters: crepes with sauteed granny smith and rome apples in butter brown sugar and cinnamon, hash browns and crispy bacon. We listened to the loop of modern and classic carols a local radio station was playing on my kitchen shortwave radio. I lounged in the morning watching the Food Network and checked my e-mail sending random holiday greetings by IM to the few who came and went as I did.
I updated my blog.
Around noon my oldest sister finished the first step of the twice baked potatoes so the kitchen was mine. I massaged the eight and a half pound standing rib roast with Kosher salt and cracked peppercorns and cut slits in it for hiding slivered fresh garlic. In the oven it went for 25 minutes at 450 then for two hours and fifteen minutes at 350. The roast was perfect. as it rested under a tent of aluminum foil I started the she crab soup as the radio softly wafted Nat King Cole's classic Merry Christmas.
My sister finished her twice baked potatoes with cheddar and medium sized shrimp on top in the oven side by side with a pan of rolls. The oven beeped and the call to the table was made for the soup course. I said the grace calling for thanks not only for the feast we were blessed to share together but for understanding of each other by looking briefly back at our actions of the past year but letting those things go and showing compassion to those closest to us.
Did I say the roast was perfect? And the gravy! Made with the dripping of the pan, madeira wine flour, butter and shallots added last was like a savory silk blanket for the beef. I stuffed and all smiled.
My sister, Joan, still had a visit scheduled to the home of our 70 plus aunts across town and that was truly fun. Back in my salad days i used to buy my aunt Bessie her favorite scotch a reserve Glenfiddich in a festive cannister. Truly the water of life. We sat with cousins and great uncles and relations by marriage as holiday cheer was shared in all it's forms. I the designated driver drank my egg nog sans alcohol enjoying the laughter and conversations which range from the glorious good ole days of Aunt Bessie and Aunt Addie's youth to what I've been doing in Buffalo and when I get my third star (January 6, 2006 for all of you keeping track of my progress).
I got nothing to wear, I received nothing to play, I was given nothing to use in a departemnt store to buy something I want. I am grateful, I have reconnected with friends and found some understanding of my family. I have health and strength and a job to return to that allows me to give of myself to those I love (and pay some of the bills ;). I could feel my mother and Melissa with me all day in spirit.
This was the best Christmas of all.
Joyeux Noel!
1stcyborg
I cooked breakfast for my father and two sisters: crepes with sauteed granny smith and rome apples in butter brown sugar and cinnamon, hash browns and crispy bacon. We listened to the loop of modern and classic carols a local radio station was playing on my kitchen shortwave radio. I lounged in the morning watching the Food Network and checked my e-mail sending random holiday greetings by IM to the few who came and went as I did.
I updated my blog.
Around noon my oldest sister finished the first step of the twice baked potatoes so the kitchen was mine. I massaged the eight and a half pound standing rib roast with Kosher salt and cracked peppercorns and cut slits in it for hiding slivered fresh garlic. In the oven it went for 25 minutes at 450 then for two hours and fifteen minutes at 350. The roast was perfect. as it rested under a tent of aluminum foil I started the she crab soup as the radio softly wafted Nat King Cole's classic Merry Christmas.
My sister finished her twice baked potatoes with cheddar and medium sized shrimp on top in the oven side by side with a pan of rolls. The oven beeped and the call to the table was made for the soup course. I said the grace calling for thanks not only for the feast we were blessed to share together but for understanding of each other by looking briefly back at our actions of the past year but letting those things go and showing compassion to those closest to us.
Did I say the roast was perfect? And the gravy! Made with the dripping of the pan, madeira wine flour, butter and shallots added last was like a savory silk blanket for the beef. I stuffed and all smiled.
My sister, Joan, still had a visit scheduled to the home of our 70 plus aunts across town and that was truly fun. Back in my salad days i used to buy my aunt Bessie her favorite scotch a reserve Glenfiddich in a festive cannister. Truly the water of life. We sat with cousins and great uncles and relations by marriage as holiday cheer was shared in all it's forms. I the designated driver drank my egg nog sans alcohol enjoying the laughter and conversations which range from the glorious good ole days of Aunt Bessie and Aunt Addie's youth to what I've been doing in Buffalo and when I get my third star (January 6, 2006 for all of you keeping track of my progress).
I got nothing to wear, I received nothing to play, I was given nothing to use in a departemnt store to buy something I want. I am grateful, I have reconnected with friends and found some understanding of my family. I have health and strength and a job to return to that allows me to give of myself to those I love (and pay some of the bills ;). I could feel my mother and Melissa with me all day in spirit.
This was the best Christmas of all.
Joyeux Noel!
1stcyborg