The local-to-my-work fancy grocery did a Reel or something of their holiday offerings and I think over half was variations on pannetone. But they don't bake it, they import it, I'm pretty sure. One of those things I don't really know what it is, I think because it's full of something I'm allergic to, but I have heard of it...

at Arby's, which has a perfectly respectable reuben

This is good information to have.

We are staying here for Christmas (going to my cousin's for Christmas dinner, which was a lovely invitation to receive -- and there will be a new baby there. I haven't held an infant in years, so, yay.)

But I'm not decorating or anything -- except for one pointsettia. We don't entertain or host family atvthe holidays, so, while the big tree was fun for a couple of years, I do not have the oomph this year. All of my Christmassing will be external!

I just bought our car tickets to the drive through light show near here tomorrow night (Bull Run Regional Park, if anyone cares).

Then next week, we'll go to a walk -through-lights at the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens (where we got married, as it happens). And I discovered on their website that they have Pup Wednesdays, so you can walk your dog there! Birdie will be in for a treat. They also have these hippie mindful movement through nature "retreats" which I may look into. Sounds relaxing. Yay, nature.

My friend M's fancy party is this weekend, and my friend C is contemplating a pre-Christmas brunch the following weekend. Ooh, and yet a third friend is going to host a chill gathering on NYE like she did last year. And finally, tea at the Willard with my birthday dinner pals on Jan. 10th.

I feel like that's a good holiday run!

Arby's Reubens are pretty good--I liked Culver's better, but my closest one closed.

That sounds festive and relaxing, JenP.

An Italian bakery had never heard of pannetone? Who do they have working there??

I know, right? The young woman at the counter went to the back to ask, and was apparently directed to call the other branch of the store. Which she did, in front of me. “Someone was asking if we carried panettone?” [pause for, apparently, a request for definition] “Yeah, I guess it’s like an enriched, yeasted sweet bread with dried fruit?” So that’s at least two people working in an Italian bakery that have never heard of it.

Timelies all!

This week has started in a crappy way for me. I was driving to work when I saw a car turning left right in front of me. I put on the brakes, but not in time. He crunched my front left bumper and other bits. (His car's back left region was pretty damaged.) The car is drivable, I wasn't hurt, but I'm still a bit shaken up. I filed a claim with my insurance and have appointments tomorrow morning at the body shop and Enterprise. Bleah.

I'm glad you're OK, Sheryl, but that really stinks.

That all sounds nice and festive, Jen! I especially like the sound of the botanical gardens

Maybe they are all about the savory at that bakery? You'd think they would have heard of it, though.

That sounds festive and relaxing, JenP.

That all sounds nice and festive, Jen! I especially like the sound of the botanical gardens

Thanks! I'm actually glad I wrote it out; I'm holidaying after all!

Don't understand that Italian bakery sitch. I feel like maybe they need to re-evaluate that claim.

I'm upset the Filiberto's across the street closed.

That is so sad.

Filiberto's are the best, or were. I admit it has been awhile. But, dang, they were the best in Phoenix by far. They are also the best in San Diego but many fine fakey 'berto's exist there so it's not as clear a choice.

In local food, I should really make 2025 the year I have coffee or a meal with meara while she is local again. December Cass isn't the best Cass.

Cass! I am currently sunning myself in Palm Springs all month (well, maybe til like the 27th or 28th, tbd)