Croquembouche! Whoo, Jesse, that's impressive!

Went out with a friend and we ended up in a new place that's a mid-20th-century lounge/bar with live jazz and cool velvet couches and whatnot. The drinks were fine and the food was fine but the decor and atmosphere were very cozy Frank Sinatra-ey. Just a chill place.

Now I should make a tart crust. Gonna make this tart for Christmas: [link]

I just helped SIL do an elaborate wrapping disguise/diversion and yo, bought the nephew half a car. But biggest brag is that I got the fucking gigantic bows for the car & younger nephew's overpowered go kart to fucking be bows. Goddamned crafty shit. There was a lot of swearing.

All my ~ma~ is yours, Daniel. Best wishes and love for everybody involved.

Wow, Sara!

Mmm, that tart looks good, Suela.

Best thoughts to your mom, Daniel.

So it's just about 7:30 and I've finished putting bows on things, put away all the wrapping supplies, had breakfast, taken out all the trash, and maybe that's it. So far. I guess the rest of my list is just finish dessert, clean the kitchen, take a shower. I don't know how long the croquembouche will actually take to put together, but at the same time, I don't want to do it now because we aren't going to eat it until like 3. Hmmmmm. Maybe I'll shower to get that out of the way?

Croquembouche! Whoo, Jesse, that's impressive!

Indeed. I would love to be near enough to taste test. Take a picture!

Much ~ma for your mom, Daniel. It's a tough age for bones.

I'm still moving slowly, and was surprised to get a work call. People shouldn't be working because then I have to. Better look at my recipes. Thinking of baking something for the new neighbors next door. Haven't met them yet but someone has moved in. Anxious to see how much the place sold for but not sure how long before the county will post it with holiday schedules. DH may just ask our former neighbor.

I'm in MI at my sister's. Today's all Christmas prep and party, and tomorrow we're driving to my niece's in NY state. My cold is being held at bay by OTC meds. I'm not sure if it's the meds or mucous on the brain, but the Hallmark Christmas shows are vaguely surreal.

I think that's just the Hallmark Christmas shows - but that said, you may as well enjoy them either way!

Wishing that everyone who needs feel better may do so! And those who celebrate the holiday have a fabulous time, and those who are celebrating a few extra days off enjoy that!

Much ~ma, Daniel.

Why am I awake? I didn't go to sleep until 4. Argh!

So it's more of a pile of (delicious!) cream puffs rather than a croquembouche, because I could not make caramel today. I tried three times and gave up. My mother: "It looked so good last time!" I FUCKING KNOW. Jesus christ was that not helpful.

Gonna make this tart for Christmas:

Mmmm, a classic.

I got the fucking gigantic bows for the car & younger nephew's overpowered go kart to fucking be bows.

Totes bragworthy.

Heal-ma for your mom, Dan.

My cold is now a painful sore throat. Bah. Not my xmas plan. Even drinking coffee is unpleasant.