Frost

And Traditions

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Ah as I sat in my Nook this morning I could see a light skimmer of frost over all the bushes, trees and the water saturated ground from last weeks flooding. It was magnificent My Sweetie bopped into the Nook and mentioned as well how beautiful it was out there. “ Are you going to take some pictures?’ he queried. I smiled.

First things first… 1. Had to wake up TOTALLY. 2. Feed George 3. Feed the outside cats 4. Let the Kittens out for a romp 5. And THINK about the next move I should make.

This week has been something else. Of course this time of year IS hectic. Now that the Stockings have been found and the Angel is atop the tree things seemed to be getting better.

I still have not had the time to get the Embroidery thread, nor do some last minute shopping… UN encumbered from needs of others I am squirreling myself away to accomplish STUFF!

Here is the picture of the WVU Felted Door Decoration, still needs more “things” sewn on. Then to complete the College Football Excel Sheet… enter my picks, then enter the other participants. Heyya the First College Bowl Game is TONIGHT! Utah vs. Navy; Dec. 20, 9 p.m.; ESPN HD; San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl!

Oh yes Football and HA HA, me! This too is a family tradition and a fun one at that.

George and Willow got into the Act; I took 80 pictures just of them ;)

I did manage to get the homemade gifts that we give to some of the local business people in our town. I just finished actually. This year I mixed the Dry ingredients for

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Gingerbread Waffles *** Recipe at end of Post @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

What I will do with the Waffle Dry Ingredients is add the information for the wet ingredients in the Gift bag. The people to whom they are given have an opportunity to share with their families whenever it suits them.

@@@@@@@@@@@ No ordinary breakfast, gingerbread waffles are an easy indulgence and best served with tangy sour cream and tart lingonberry preserves (although, truth be told, they're delicious with any type of berry jam). For a special touch, use a heart-shape waffle iron.

@@ I might cheerfully add, just doing that has my Christmas Spirit topping the charts. @@@@@@@@

I remember years ago when I was a little Girl, Daddy would leave a Fifth of Vodka out for the Waste Management people… Mom on the other hand always added homemade bread or cookies. Think Mom was sorta against the Vodka, But bottom line the bottles were always gone as well as the food and a hasty note left saying MERRY CHRISTMAS and Thank You.

Gingerbread Waffles

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Ingredients Makes 10.

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2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 4 large eggs 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled 1 cup whole milk 1/2 cup sour cream, plus more for serving 3 tablespoons unsulfured molasses Lingonberry preserves (or other berry preserves), for serving

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Directions 1. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices in a large bowl. Whisk together eggs, butter, milk, sour cream, and molasses in a medium bowl. Add egg mixture to flour mixture, and whisk until smooth.

2. Heat a waffle iron. Spoon 1/3 cup batter into each mold, and cook until golden brown. Serve warm waffles with sour cream and preserves.

Copyright 2007 Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. All rights reserved.