getting ready for christmas!

… and lots more where those came from, here and here!

holiday letters

Dear Trader Joe’s,

Thank you for making my year-round grocery shopping and eating such a joyful experience. I don’t even remember what life was like before I found you. And at this time of year, I want to thank you especially for Candy Cane Joe-Joes. I think you might put crack in them, but I won’t tell anyone.

And last but not least, thank you for introducing me this year to Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels. They are heaven in my mouth (and only 2 Weight Watchers points).

Love,
Liz

Dear G. F. Handel,

Thank you for writing Messiah. (I learned in a master class a long time ago that it is not The Messiah. Just Messiah.) It is one of my favorite ways to celebrate the Advent/Christmas season. Especially “And he shall purify the sons of Levi.” You really hit the nail on the head with that one.

I feel quite sure you and I would be friends if we knew each other in real life. Is it okay for me to call you George?

Love,
Liz

Dear Aaron Sorkin,

Thank you for writing The West Wing. Seth and I have been enjoying the reruns for a couple of weeks now. You are brilliant. I bow at your feet. That is all.

Love,
Liz

norwegian almond bread

• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1 1/4 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup melted margarine

Beat sugar, egg, extract, and milk, add flour and baking powder, finally add margarine. Pour into bundt cake pan sprayed with cooking spray (or specialized Scandinavian cake pan). Bake at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes. Edges must be golden brown. Cool in pan before removing. Bread will break if removed too soon. Sprinkle with confectionary sugar. Cool cake in pan before removing as it can break apart.

Variation: before pouring batter into pan, sprinkle sliced almonds on the bottom.

happy halloween...

...from our little penguin!

Lots more October photos are up here.

happy october!

Today we went on a picnic near Sandia Crest! New pictures for October are up here.

Next week's plan: a pumpkin patch!

more photos than you could ever hope for

The last few nights after Anna's gone to bed, I have been organizing our photos on Flickr. Now, every (good) photo taken since Seth & I met in 2004 is categorized and labeled for your viewing pleasure. Whew - I'm just glad I've only had a digital camera for five years! :)

where have we been?

Iowa, that's where!

We went to Seth's parents' for five wonderful days and just got back on Tuesday night. Anna had a fantastic time exploring the farm, watching Grandpa's train set, and meeting lots of animals (Sophie the dog, Chewbacca the cat, and assorted farm kittens). We also enjoyed trips to Lauritzen Botanical Gardens and Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha just across the river. And, Anna got to meet her Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa Hartwell and many other friends & relatives!

Bonus: Anna rode over 30 hours in the car and only cried for about an hour or two total. (When I say it that way it sounds so good - it sure didn't feel good for that hour or two, though!)

It's such a lovely time of year to be in the Midwest, and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves! Check out lots of photos here.