Weekend Coffee Share

Tags

holiday, holidays, mocktails, Simbang Gabi

If we were having coffee, we’d enjoy it all the more because it’s so cold outside as I write this. The sun is out which helps a lot, but bundle up if you’re going outside.

Mocktail Class

Last night I went to a super fun class at a local library where we learned to make mocktails, one cold, the other hot. The best thing we learned was about making simple syrups and how you don’t have to use white sugar. In fact, the instructor recommended using raw sugar, brown sugar, maple syrup, molasses, etc and infusing the syrup with herbs or fruits. This change leads to greater depth of flavor.

Spirit Week

This week one of the schools where I work had spirit week. Each day people were encouraged to wear different colors or clothes. Monday was Grinch Day and I was surprised at all the variety of Grinch-themed clothing. Tuesday was Peppermint Day so I wore a red top, white pants and a peppermint stick pin. Wednesday was Festive hat day and I forgot my Santa hat that lights up but wore it on Thursday along with a bejeweled top since Thursday was Shiny, Glittery Day. Today I’m at a different school and I’m not sure if they’re doing anything special, but at my main school it’s Cozy Flannel Day.

Often I cringe at these days because they add distraction, but the last week before the winter break is full of distraction anyway. If you can’t beat ’em. join ’em.

Farm Christmas Party

Ho, ho, ho

We had an employee holiday party at the Wagner Farm last night. Just like in Christmas Story, we had Chinese food for dinner. Then we had a white elephant exchange, but I had to scoot to get to the Simbang Gabi.

Simbang Gabi

Lastnight I went to my first Filipino Simbang Gabi mass. I was asked to read a petition in Japanese and was happy to get to practice my Japanese.

The tradition of Sambang Gabi consists of a novena or 9 masses usually at night or when it’s dark, i.e. early morning.

Natalie’s got some super elegant photos on her blog. so click here to get to them and to see more coffee shares.

Weekend Coffee Share

Tags

coffee share, holidays, hosting

Independence Day

If we were having coffee, mine would certainly be iced. It’s quite hot the last few days. I have heard it’s better to sip hot drinks when the temperature climbs, but I like my creature comforts.

It’s been a quiet week in my neck of the woods.

This week, I only worked at the farm one morning. I had a great group of campers. They were fascinated and didn’t complain about the heat. We do modify the programs when it’s hot or rainy.

On Monday I had a hair disaster. I don’t want to dwell on it but an error occurred an my brown hair came out—jet black. A real shock. No one took responsibility and I didn’t freak out. On Tuesday I returned to get it lightened. After a couple hours it’s 4% lighter. It’ll take months to return to what I’d like. Tuesday I was assigned a new colorist, who’s got a good personality and was skilled. “This too shall pass.”

We had 12 people over on the 3rd of July. Lots of red, white and blue decorations to get friends primed for the 4th. I should have taken some pictures. Yet it’s ok that I didn’t. Not every festivity must be captured for social media.

Yesterday I went to mass at St. John Cantius in the morning. Afterward they had a terrific organ concert of patriotic songs. outside it poured rain so the concert was better than a rainy parade.

I got some walking in when the sun came out. We enjoyed the leftovers from the party and watched PBS’ The Capitol Fourth with lots of music and outstanding fireworks as a finale.

My 2024 in Review

Tags

cooking, holidays, Portugal, reading, travel, work, Year in Review

Winter

Hibernating, Restaurant Week, Reading

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Spring

Spelling Bee, Early Voting Judging (not pictured- primary), Cookbook Club, Murals

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Summer

Portugal, Uptown Art Week, Halloween Summit, Cookie Decorating

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Fall

Doors Open Milwaukee, Open House Chicago, Night of 1000 Jack o’Lanterns, Halloween, Election 2024 Early Voting Judging, Tour Guiding,

I highly recommend Doors Open Milwaukee where I saw a Frank Lloyd Wright designed Greek Orthodox Church, a model railroad club, a plaster studio, city hall, Federal Courthouse, and more.

Bob, my early voting colleague and fellow U of I alum

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Holidays

Charcuterie Class

Carols and Lessons

More Cookie Decorating, Music Box Theater White Christmas Theater, Nine Carols and Lessons, Charcuterie Class, Baking

Weekend Coffee Share

Tags

charcuterie, Chicago, Christmas, cooking, holidays, libraries, movies

If we were having coffee, I might ask you to help me bake or wrap cookies. I’m at the stage when I realize I can’t make as many cookies as I thought and it’s time to get wrapping.

I’d tell you that I went to a Making Charcuterie Board lesson at a nearby library. I learned that you should put nuts in a container for people with allergies. This way the nuts won’t contaminate the other offerings. We learned about placing the items. Our instructor doesn’t believe in putting crackers on the board. Put them elsewhere.

On Saturday I went to a Nine Carols performance to prepare for Christmas. The singing was outstanding. Nine Bible readings and carols were shared.

Before the carols started

Sunday was my friend’s almost annual White Christmas Party. We started at a pizza place by the theater. My friend added to decorations with things Christmas tree-shaped chalkboards with movie quotes on them and movie posters. She recreated props from the film.

After lunch we walked to the theater. Before the show started the organist played carols while carolers and Santa led us in song. They showed the nostalgic Suzy Snowflake film. Throughout the movie people yelled out jovial wisecracks or made sound effects. It’s one of the most joyful events of my year.

Weekend Coffee Share

Tags

baked, cookie decorating, goods, holidays, savory

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you it’s been a foodie week.

On Sunday I attended a holiday cookie decorating class at the library.

Before

After

Teacher’s

Monday was my Cookbook Club. Our theme was savory baking using the books Savory Baking

My Parmesan Sablès – easy to make

Cheesy Quick Bread

Broccoli Cheese Breas

Olive Bread

Sweet Potato Corn Bread

Vegetable Stromboli

Savory Goodies

Thursday and Friday I subbed in a third grade Special Ed. Both students have serious conditions but are very sweet. One girl has a GRIN2B variation, which I’d never heard of. It’s a genetic condition which affects speech, socialization and intellectual development. I’m not sure of the second girl’s condition but she has difficulty walking and using her hands. She can’t converse and needs a lot of help with life skills. The people who work with these girls were quite dedicated. This work made me think.