Aw, such good dogs!

I am up having a satsuma by the fire, which is pretty Christmassy! After breakfast it's all chores and cleaning, which is not so festive but needs to be done and I am grateful for the days off from work to do stuff around the house!

I hope you all have lovely days with minimal drama and lots of joy.

My Xmas eve was enlivened by my cousin-the-professional chef doing impromptu color commentary on several episodes of the Food Channel's CHOPPED cooking competition show. Since there isn't much he hasn't cooked, and really could compete on a show like that, it was fun to hear.

That does sound like a good time!

Merry merries! We are moving from family visit #1 (which involved an ER visit and family drama) to family visit #2 (my dad, who believes in no drama). Florida here we come. I wish all who celebrate a wonderful Christmas filled with joy, love, and no drama.

Christmas here has been drama-free! My nieces are actually speaking to each other and laughing and having fun! I guess they've forgiven each other. K. made little rock star jackets for S.'s little dogs; so adorable.

We've been up since 6:00. All presents are opened. Twins are on the couch reading. ADORBS.

I made dutch babies with the Martha Stewart recipe (zinnged in a blender). HOLY MOTHER OF GOD those are easy to make and given that we only use cast iron, it worked out perfectly.

Take that Original Pancake House with your sexist placemats for kids. I am not going back. Dutch babies are too easy to make at home.

Merry Christmas, everyone who's celebrating! I have a homemade gingerbread in the oven and peppermint mocha cookies to drizzle and then we're headed to my parents'.

What are dutch babies? I've heard of them but I don't think I've ever even seen one.

I know not of dutch babies either! My relatives are happily deep into Xmas dinner prep already, since it's All About The Food. The dining table is already fully set, with the sideboard also set with dessert china and coffee service.

Their ways are so not my ways, but at least they're enjoying themselves.

Dutch baby: [link]

It's a miniature german pancake.

Went to friend's for dinner last night and the dudes played guitars and the other women chatted. I, on the other hand, got to watch Wizard of Oz with Gemma, who is almost 9. We voted and we both like the Scarecrow the best. Plus she explained her theory to me, which is that Dorothy hits her head during the twister and--wait for the big reveal--is ASLEEP THE WHOLE TIME. She didn't know if I'd thought of that and wanted me to get the whole picture. So adorable.