Christmas Is Coming And I’m Ready

It’s been a slow recovery from this mini-stroke but I’ve kept at it despite my balance still being a bit tipsy. I have to keep going or I’ll get settled into that “lazy” mode which is so easy to do. The treadmill isn’t running as long as it should be – I’ve worked myself up to 35 minutes, but have a way to go to get caught up to where I was. At least I’m physically feeling much better, it’s just my bloody mind I have to learn to shut off – it just keeps running like a constant dripping tap!! It’s such a huge struggle to turn it off and I’m going to have to really get into a hobby or reading again to keep the old brain distracted. But the blood pressure rises every time I turn a corner so it’s going to take an awfully huge hobby or book to shut me down. I’m also going to have to get off of Facebook, as that, too, makes my blood boil at some times. There are one or two hypocritical “Friends” I can’t tolerate and I’ve even changed their “settings” to get only important updates, as I have no choice. It’s very difficult (getting off Facebook completely) as Nat likes to check in now and again to see what “his family” is up to as we don’t hear from them at all any more. He gets lucky now and again with a phone call but that’s about it.

In order to really keep my mind busy I’ve started my Christmas baking. The freezer was full of various cookies prior to my little set-back, but they’ve been depleted by a couple of little elves that live here!! So, I’ve picked up the mixer and started anew – Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Coconut (the usuals), Peanut Butter, Empire Biscuits, Jam Sandwich cookies and even lots of Egg Buns. The Empire Biscuits Nat use to buy at a bakery in Niagara-on-the-Lake (and they weren’t cheap) and decided to ask me one day if I could make them. I began some internet research, found a really good recipe and voila they were made. He was pleasantly surprised that they were just like the bakery shops, so it was a done deal. The recipe is now in my collection and they’re extremely easy to make – they just look fancy!! Another feather in the old cap, which always make me feel better and very satisfied.

Recipe doesn’t make a lot, but they look impressive

Always a favourite for hubby and me and fun to make

Look out oven, here we come!

The ever popular chocolate chip. Been making for over 45 years

My soul has been satisfied with the baking accomplishments and now I’m well stocked for Christmas treats. Even surprised myself by buying a few special gifts! Despite the fact that Nat and I don’t buy for his two girls and only give money to the grandkids now, I still like to buy a little something for those special people in my life. There my be nothing under our little tree on the 25th but I still look forward to seeing family and ending the day with a really nice meal. This getting old is a bit of a drag, as your lifestyle and that of family members change, kids grow up and begin lives of their own. But at least the smell of good home baking can bring some smiles. God, listen to me, is this another female mid-life crisis????