Tuesday, November 29, 2011

A Smiling Dog

I swear that dog was smiling at me!
It's a foggy Tuesday morning here in the valley- I could barely see down the road as I took my son by the hand and crossed the street to his bus stop. As we waited a couple figures were appearing from the fog walking towards me and my son. It was a young guy (20 something) walking his dog, maybe it was imagination but I swear that dog was smiling. I started thinking if only people got as excited to see each other as dogs get when they see a human. Then the man said "Good Morning" which is rather funny because I am usually the one that offers a greeting first when seeing a stranger. "Good Morning!...cute dog" I said in return. The man laughed and said "come on..." can't remember the dog's name. But could see my own dog peering from our window across the street. The sight of another dog had him on edge- I couldn't tell if my dog was smiling or not from where I was but when I came back home I know he was glad to see me!

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Post Thanksgiving Blues

What can I say? All that built up anticipation over one meal to have it so quickly vanished leaves me a little blue.

I love preparing for thanksgiving- picking out recipes, going to the grocery store and preparing fabulous desserts that I would only make this time of year.

This year I made chocolate covered toffee, a 5 layer pie called banana pecan, my own unique version of sweet potatoes, yeast crossants, prosciutto covered pears, roasted cloves of garlic, peppercorn & walnut covered brie, cranberry covered goat cheese (bought this), traditional mashed potatoes with cream cheese- my wonderful husband made a turkey and family contributed Ham, cornbread dressing, sausage dressing, Blonde brownies with peanut butter frosting, pecan pie, pumpkin pie, pistachio nut jello salad, green bean casserole, and a wonderful spinach strawberry walnut salad.

Any weight I lost over the last month or so is probably gained back- but how can one resist such pleasure?

It's almost like a contest that you train for and compete that has come to an end. But there is no prize or 1st place trophy, only approving nods and comments of approval. I must admit it is wonderful to cook for people that like my cooking, people that complain and are uber picky are buzz killers.

I feel like saying to those finicky non-feasters- "Stay home and cook for yourself-if you are going to be pain in the butt!" But fortunately this year most everyone seemed to enjoy my and others efforts.

Anyway all is not lost-Christmas is coming and another celebration to share my mad cooking skills with those that care!