This morning, while others dig into Thanksgiving leftovers, I must admit to sticking to my oatmeal. Morning and evening routines are tough for me to break!
After this breakfast mishmash, the men scatter to do their work and the women (we are four!) band together and set out for Clasen's Bakery -- a place we always and I mean always visit just once a year -- before the Christmas holidays. And yes, we are officially in that winter holiday season!
Snowdrop had been here a year ago and still, she is a bit dazed by the place: it's sort of extraordinary, really. Lots of glitter and sugar and chocolate (and bread too, but your eyes these days turn to the more colorful concoctions). She doesn't necessarily want to eat any of it (and is most happy when her mommy buys her a plain old mini croissant), but she does want to take it all in.
For kids, the piece de resistance is Clasen's gingerbread house.
There are any number of customers who would have taken a picture of the four of us, but I like my timed release shots and despite the crowds, I set one up here.
Snowdrop would really like it best if her mommy, aunt, and gaga would just hang out in the house with her...
... but others want their turn and besides, we have some small shopping to do! (Chocolate covered gingerbread... mmm!)
"But it's so fun in in here!"
We have other errands and, too, we stop at the Hubbard Avenue Diner for lunch. And then my two daughters retreat to their work, which leaves just Snowdrop and me -- the two people of the group who have absolutely no work to do. (Well, folding endless washed napkins and putting away dishes and pots and all other holiday paraphernalia may be work, but I admit, it's all rather trivial. My cooking marathon is behind me. My attentions return to the here and now.)
We play. She rests. Oh, does she need that rest!
Afterwards? Take a look:
Dinner. Take out Laotian. Just what the doctor ordered!
Crab rangoon!
"I like having you here!"
The evening draws to an end. Almost. Snowdrop needs to retire, but we can all go to her home and watch a movie while she sleeps...
Yes, a lot to be thankful for.
After this breakfast mishmash, the men scatter to do their work and the women (we are four!) band together and set out for Clasen's Bakery -- a place we always and I mean always visit just once a year -- before the Christmas holidays. And yes, we are officially in that winter holiday season!
Snowdrop had been here a year ago and still, she is a bit dazed by the place: it's sort of extraordinary, really. Lots of glitter and sugar and chocolate (and bread too, but your eyes these days turn to the more colorful concoctions). She doesn't necessarily want to eat any of it (and is most happy when her mommy buys her a plain old mini croissant), but she does want to take it all in.
For kids, the piece de resistance is Clasen's gingerbread house.
There are any number of customers who would have taken a picture of the four of us, but I like my timed release shots and despite the crowds, I set one up here.
Snowdrop would really like it best if her mommy, aunt, and gaga would just hang out in the house with her...
... but others want their turn and besides, we have some small shopping to do! (Chocolate covered gingerbread... mmm!)
"But it's so fun in in here!"
We have other errands and, too, we stop at the Hubbard Avenue Diner for lunch. And then my two daughters retreat to their work, which leaves just Snowdrop and me -- the two people of the group who have absolutely no work to do. (Well, folding endless washed napkins and putting away dishes and pots and all other holiday paraphernalia may be work, but I admit, it's all rather trivial. My cooking marathon is behind me. My attentions return to the here and now.)
We play. She rests. Oh, does she need that rest!
Afterwards? Take a look:
Dinner. Take out Laotian. Just what the doctor ordered!
Crab rangoon!
"I like having you here!"
The evening draws to an end. Almost. Snowdrop needs to retire, but we can all go to her home and watch a movie while she sleeps...
Yes, a lot to be thankful for.
