November 27, 2003: Thanksgiving Day

A few days before Thanksgiving, Miguel made some comments about the well being of the pilgrims "hanging" by our front door, so Melissa prepared this sign for his Thanksgiving arrival.

After a delicious brunch, which proved to be more popular than dinner itself (and a lot easier to make), the younger crowd retired to Melissa's room to decorate the room-sized tree she had purchased. Melody and Michael cooked.

After a satisfying dinner, we ended the day with a sneak preview of Melody's favorite movie, Pirates of the Caribbean. (One of Emily's job perks at Hollywood Video is that she gets to bring home new videos before they are released to the public.)

Pilgrims at the door

Getting ready to watch movie while digesting dinner

November 30, 2003: Beginning the Fruitcake

As some of you know, I am very interested in seasonal foods.  Thus, it has greatly disappointed me that I don't love fruitcake. Last year, however, I came across a recipe that inspires this year's effort.  It uses dried rather than candied fruit, and the cake is sandwiched between two layers of marzipan. I realize this limits potential tasters even more because now we have the fruitcake haters and the marzipan haters to offend. Never mind. I'm excited. As it costs about $1.00 per bite to make, samples will be mailed out by request only. Today's photo shows the figs, dates, raisins, currents, cherries, candied orange peel, pineapple, macadamia nuts, and walnuts bathing in rum.

This is my largest baking bowl.

This will all go into one cake. Amazing.

December 1, 2003: Baking the Fruitcake

"Pouring" the batter.

December 18, 2003: The Stamper's Dozen

My contribution to the annual gift exchange was inspired by the following quote:

"I know the look of an apple that is roasting and sizzling on the hearth on a winter's evening, and I know the comfort that comes of eating it hot, along with some sugar and a drench of cream... I know how the nuts taken in conjunction with winter apples, cider, and doughnuts, make old people's tales and old jokes sound fresh and crisp and enchanting."

---Mark Twain

Nuts and Martinellis for my friends, although

I think Twain had a different sort of cider in mind.

December 21, 2003: Gingerbread House Making

The gathering was smaller than usual this year, but that didn't seem to slow down the zaniness this event usually produces. I don't know what amused the kids more--making gingerbread houses or straightening Miguel's hair.

December 25, 2003: Christmas Day

I didn't think I ate that much.

Morning                                              Evening