This and That

--Overseas Christmas packages are stacked by the door, along with filled out customs forms, ready to be mailed today.

--Outdoor decorating is done, except for a bow or two. Window boxes are stuffed with pine and other natural goodies, cedar roping and white lights are hung on the porch, and the lamppost is wrapped with cedar roping and white lights. And Homy is still standing proudly in front of it all. I had the pleasure of enjoying dessert on the front porch last night in the glow of all this, in the balmy 63 F night air, in my bathrobe. I truly savored the moment, because we have a winter storm bearing down on us today, with 5-7 or 8 inches of snow and ice predicted. Well, we shall see about that. But our warm weather is coming to an end. Quickly.

--Rosemary and sage plants have been transplanted to a spot on the southeast side of the house in the wildly optimistic hope that they will overwinter. I have gotten rosemary to survive the winter only ONCE. No luck since then. But this spot stays relatively warm and sunny even in the winter, so hope springs eternal.

--Christmas gifts for the Pennsylvania niece and nephew are purchased AND wrapped, ready to go. The plan is to leave tomorrow morning at 0830 for Chambersburg, PA for a long overdue visit to Tim's brother John and his family. It's been over 4 years since we've been down their way, and I'm actually really looking forward to hitting the road for a family weekend. This winter storm's reach isn't predicted to go much farther east than Toledo, so we should outrun it tomorrow. And enjoy a lunch at Church Brew Works in Pittsburg.

--Rock Cornish game hen carcasses leftover from Thanksgiving are simmering on the stove turning into soup stock. The house smells ever so satisfying. It's chilly and raining outside, the fireplace is lit, and there's a snoring cat next to me on the couch.