Almost ready for Christmas

It's been a crazy several weeks, but it looks like we're almost ready for the big day. Grant brought a tree home a couple of weeks ago, and we actually have a string of lights along the porch. Last year, we were pretty dim compared to the display of lights our neighbors' string. I'm not talking "seeing the house from space" type displays, but it's really nice to take a walk in the evening. Maybe next year I'll rally the troops to do a luminaria display like we used to do on Rose Crossing in Kalispell.

There are a few differences this year… particularly in the cooking and baking department. Grant had surgery for a hiatal hernia a few weeks ago, and still can't have solid foods. As a matter of fact, anything thicker than eggnog gets hung up. His brother is bringing up a prime rib, but I don't know if pureed meat is going to be very appetizing.

So I'm also not baking cookies. I don't need them, and if Grant can't eat them we have a problem. I think Sam and I will make a batch this week just so he can help me – he's such a good baker – but other than that, we're keeping the sweets on the down low.

One thing I am making is bread for friends. I delivered a couple of loaves to editors, and now I need to make a plan to get to baking. I also made jam this summer to give away, and managed to put together a batch a soap a few weeks ago for gifts. It's not as much as I'd like to do, but it's what's manageable. After years of going crazy with the lotion bar business, Montana Mercantile, and oftentimes working until the middle of the night to fill orders, it will be nice to have a relaxing holiday.

Now, before I forget again, I need to go dig horseradish for our prime rib. After several days of 40 degree temps, the ground is thawed, and it should be good and hot!