Fontdom

I was reading an author friend's post about Fontdom and wanted to share my biggest font challenge (up until recent resumes, that is!)

http://www.rubyslipperedsisterhood.com/show-and-tell-wednesday-fonts/

Wedding invitations, with purchased envelopes, pocket, cardstock, vellum, & silk dupioni ribbon.

Laser printed on silvery vellum adhered to teal cardstock then the silver folded invitation stock.

I designed our own logo with our first initials & a stock flourish that reflected the pin on my dress & on the cake.

I am Intolerant.

I am intolerant of the use of the "N" Word. The "R" Word, or any derivative thereof. The "G" or "Q" or "H" or "D" or "F" Word. "S", "W", "C", "T-H", "J", "R", "M", XYZ OMG BBQ!!!11!

I grew up hearing some of these words, but not regularly. My grandma used the term "Darkies" from the pale, pale land of Northern Minnesota, and Grampa fought the"Japs" and saw them encroaching on his Pacific Northwest town. Even when I was young, I knew those were not words we used. There are words for those that speak Spanish, those that wear religious head-coverings, for immigrants, for those with ethnic features, and even for those born with a condition that makes then shorter than average.

"Mental Retardation" was a genuine diagnosis, but now variations are flung and meant to hurt. I know too many people with Autism or Down Syndrome or even learning disabilities that KNOW what these words mean to society and do not see them having anything to do with themselves.

My younger sister is a Lesbian. So when I hear "That's so gay", I am certain they aren't talking about one of the coolest people I know (after all, she did win "Rookie Teacher of the Year" at her school twice!) There are so many more descriptive words in the thesaurus, they just have to pick "odd", "weird", "unexpected", or...??? Any word that describes a person's sexuality or gender is not an appropriate epithet.  Calling a guy a "pussy" or a "girl" or telling them to "man up" conveys the whole female gender as a slur.

Rape is neither a joke nor a metaphor. Period. A friend recently had a tradesman in her house to quote a project. He was polite and funny and seemed to know his craft, but then said that he gave a discount, as he didn't want to rape her over the price. I asked how she dealt with it. Her response:

My approach is to say something like "oh man, please don't use that phrase, I don't like it." Then I continue talking about the job, or the price. I don't like confrontation, and this allows the guy to understand that he said something wrong, but he doesn't have to defend himself. Weak, I know, but it allows the conversation to continue. If he wants to go back and defend the rape comment, I'll be ready to give him plenty of reasons not to use it.

She did not award him the job. I respect her approach. Inform the offender that you do not like that word/phrase. If this is someone you hold authority over (child, student, employee) you can explain why this is not allowed. If it is a friend, you have a teachable moment. For a stranger, you let them know that what they said provoked a negative response. If they choose to pursue, have your reasons. If they do not, then it may be something they recall for the next time, especially if they start losing jobs!

MY EDS

Things I have found helpful for coping with my EDS 

Note, I said MY EDS. Because mine is not yours, or my mother’s or anybody else’s, but mayhaps it could be helpful to you or inspire you to find your own way 

Originally posted to STL Ehlers Danlos Support Group August 2013

Mobile Apps 

Apps for keeping track of pills, alerts for repeating plus “As Needed” 

• Easy Pill for ios (iPhone, iPad, etc) I use every day to remind me to take my meds, and to keep track of my PRN meds for my pain management doctor 
• Your Medicine 1-2-3 by Sombrero Mobile for Android I have not used, but found for a friend with chronic illness, and it appeared to have same functionality as Easy Pill 

Google Drive 
I keep a copy of my current medications, ICE contacts, diagnoses, surgeries, providers & insurance info on same doc. Separate doc with family history, and one with Advanced Directive. Easy to keep up to date once set up, and now have all that info at my fingertips on my phone. 

Documentation 

Wallet Card

I have a word template for printing wallet cards with critical info, in case I am incapacitated & info needed by first responders. No computer, phone or family member required to access. I polled friends that work in ER’s or as EMT’s, and services with online info or USB devices are not generally used in an urgent situation. So I print, fold, and then slide into a business-card sized lamination pouch. Since medications change frequently, I do not seal the pouch. I have plans with my sister-in-law to create some attractive jewelry with the medical alert symbols and text See Wallet ID, but could also add things 

like Latex Allergy or Penicillin Allergy, etc. - things critical in the first few minutes of treatment. Let me know if you would like me to send you the docx file. 

 

Medical Alert Bracelet

The emergency services' Star of Life features a rod of Asclepius

The one I currently wear came from the MedicAlert company, where I also paid for online EMR (Electronic Medical Record) with a number or website for a doctor. Since then, I have found that most doctors want to hear it from me, and first responders just don't have the time. I have plans to change to one simply with the Rod of Asclepius with the Star of Life as shown here, pointing to my wallet card.

More info about the symbol & history here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rod_of_Asclepius

Pain Chart
Sooooo subjective. Are they asking about my worst pain EVER? Or my least and worst pain for this specific issue? I smile and joke even when I am at a 9+++. I found the blog Hyperbole and a Half and adapted her post about pain to this one page Pain Level Chart. I did take the liberty of toning down the language a wee bit. 

Interesting factoids  

EDS & ASD
 When I was diagnosed a few years back, I waited for a while to read much about it. Perhaps some denial, or just overwhelmed, but I just didn't do much reading or finding forums. But I do remember one tidbit of info that I will have to look up & link to here. Kids with EDS are sometimes misdiagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, or high functioning autism, as it is now called. One of the big factors is the sensory issues, whether it be the touch of clothing, bedding or humans, reactions to sound or photosensitivity, a kid with EDS doesn't know how to express those intolerances and may be in pain, therefore may not be functioning as typical students. My 12 year old nephew has autism and is barely 
verbal, communicating on the level of a 2 year old, though he very obviously has the intellect of someone his age. Since he lives in CA and I live in STL, I volunteer for the Walk Now for Autism Speaks, sharing my enthusiasm and skills, though these days the actual walk is harder and harder.

Caffeination or Caffeine Nation

G'Mornin'!

I am enjoying this lazy Sunday morning with a glass of cold-brewed coffee, with just a bit of sweetener and no milk or creamer. The beauty of toddy coffee is the flavor is so good and the acidity so low (67% less than traditional brew!), that I do not need to add all the cream & sugar as I do with regular drip. I have IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and yes, it is as unpleasant as it sounds, so the lower acidity is a great help. I think the organic beans I use contribute, too.

The method to my madness

We now have a Kurig machine at the office, but it is only stocked with a breakfast blend, which I find too acidic. So I purchased a reusable K cup from Ekobrew and  bring in my own ground coffee. The metal mesh is not perfect, so I brew into a drinking glass, then pour over ice. Even in the winter I am drinking iced coffee!

I have not owned a drip machine for over 5 years, instead using Melitta pour over cone - either the single serving directly into my mug or thermal tumbler, or the 8-cup into a glass carafe, which then goes into a pre-warmed thermal carafe - or the Toddy Cold Brew system:

Why Toddy Cold Brew? 

During the cold-brew process, time replaces heat. Todd Simpson, a chemical engineering graduate of Cornell, and who developed the Toddy cold brew system, discovered that high temperature facilitates the release of undesirable flavor elements.

A roasted coffee bean contains many compounds that are extracted during the brewing process. Some of those compounds, including certain oils and fatty acids, are soluble only at a high temperature. During the cold brew process, coffee beans are never exposed to high temperature (this only occurs after a rich liquid coffee concentrate has been produced).

Deceptively simple, cold water brewing extracts the delicious flavor compounds (and some of the caffeine) from coffee beans, but leaves behind myriad bitter oils and biting fatty acids, including undesirable elements such as ketons, esters and amids.

These are the same bitter acids and fatty oils that surface to the top of your hot cup of coffee, and give hot-brewed coffee that familiar 'bite' (thus the reason that some 8 out of 10 people attempt to soften the acidic taste by adding milk or cream to their coffee).

The cold brew process creates a perfectly balanced and distinctively smooth cup of coffee - served steaming hot or iced cold. You're invited to taste the Toddy difference: the same taste that has delighted coffee drinkers for nearly 50 years.

Beans, Beans, the magical fruit

Hubby & I moved into our house almost 9 years ago, and just over 5 years ago, this little shop opened up on a corner nearby. I stopped in during the Grand Opening, and have been a loyal customer/evangelist ever since! Besides being a cornerstone of our nation's first "Green Dining District", FoGro has wonderful food, incredible customer service, and a great family of owners, workers, and customers.

Foundation Grounds Coffee House & Cafe in Maplewood, MO

Foundation Grounds uses only Goshen coffee to make their black gold, so I started buying my freshly-roasted beans and enjoy the flavor & supporting two local businesses.

Goshen Coffee organic, fair-trade, roasted right over the Mississippi in Edwardsville, IL

To hold the beans, I picked up the AirScape by Planetary Design from Foundation Grounds. At first I used it for the pre-ground beans I use at the office, but the vacuum seal is too good & would coat everything nearby with little black specks. So I took it home & use it for the whole beans - so much better!

Muggin'

I rarely use a ceramic coffee cup. I am waaay to clumsy for drinks without lids, so here is my lineup:

Contigo AutoSeal Travel Mugs - One handed operation, seals completely so I can throw in my purse or backpack.

Tervis Tumbler-Motherboard - Made in USA, lifetime guarantee, with excellent exchange if any issues (I know first hand!) and a full 24 ounces - perfect for the office.

CamelBak Insulated Water Bottle  Flip, Bite & Sip operation, so it completely seals, no condensation buildup on outside, and 20 oz. I have extra straws & bitevalves, so this is a staple for water, iced coffee, or icedtea. I attach it to my purse or backpack with a carabiner through the loop handle.

Coffea arabica: Caffeine - 1,3,7-Trimethyl-3,7-dihydro- purine-2,6-dione

Am I a coffee snob? Yeah, kinda. 

Am I a coffee geek? Yep, definitely!

Long Time, no see...

blarg Life has been busy since I last posted, but I have had the urge recently to start posting again. I have been diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Hypermobility type. If you google it, you will see lots of images of stupid people tricks. I can do some of them, but shouldn't 'cause it hurts more, you twit! More info to come,but I came across an excellent Pain Level Chart a few years back on a blog called Hyperbole and a Half. I took the liberty of formatting to fit on one page so I could laminate for reference. I am guilty of toning down the language so it is suitable for work, too. Pain Level Chart.pdf

so it's been a while...

blarg

Blanket O' Fun

If you've been reading my blog for a bit, you've probably noticed that I volunteer for the Saint Louis Walk Now for Autism Speaks and shamelessly beg for donations to our walk team (still accepting funds, eligible for 2009 tax deductions for a couple more hours! HERE)


Recent prevalence studies indicate that 1 in 110 kids in the US are diagnosed on the autism spectrum. My 7 year old nephew is one of those kids, so I tried to think up something special for his Christmas present this year. I am told he is a whiz with the computer and other household electronics, loves Thomas the Tank Engine, and is as fascinated by tactile yummies as I am. (I, however, usually remember to ask before stroking somebody's arm because their shirt fabric is so scrumptious!)


I had the softest baby blanket in my gift closet, plus own an embroidery sewing machine, so starting on the top right is my nephew's name, with colorful crayons to accent. In the corner is a red STOP button:

My 'signature' is on the bottom right with "Love, Aunt Laura" and three 'Ants' with a yellow SLOW button:

I found a design of a small dragon on a computer, and it went on the top left with his nickname and a green GO button:

And on the bottom left are puzzle pieces, used often in promoting autism awareness and signifying that it is time to find the missing piece. The button in the corner of this one is a glass charm with waves of dark red:

If you follow those circle outlines in the above image, you will find this purchased RECYCLE symbol in plush green on green (of course!):

Along the bottom are strips of interesting fabrics: a super-plush sock (I got two pair and have the blue ones on now!), brown saddle leather, black pebbled leather, yellow butter-soft leather, and a silky faux-fur:

The reverse side of the blanket sports appliquéd medallions cut from Thomas and Friends fleece fabric: 

This is a little pocket of palest blush pink "cameo" silk dupioni, a remnant of my wedding dress from this past May. The swirl motif and silver piping echo the tooth fairy pillows that I transformed for my nieces from their flower girl/ring-bearer pillows:

Finally, here is a scrap of the material from my sister Heather, aka Kyle's Mom'a, wedding dress. Super-soft double-sided silk satin with a store-bought rhinestone motif:

Kyle loves it, and I have gotten compliments from my sis and the autism specialist that helps with him.  I briefly saw Kyle via Skype this past week, though he wouldn't talk to me (no surprise.) I was able to see my darling nieces this past spring when they flew in to be in my wedding, but Kyle stayed home with his dad as he does not travel well. Love you, big guy!

Peace, Hope, Love and Joy!

The Baklava and Spanikopita are out of the oven and cooling. I am adding the final bows and such to the wrapped presents and look to be in bed by midnight!


Have a great holiday, even if you only celebrate it as a day off. Merry Christmas!

What Religion is Your Bra?

What Religion is Your Bra?

A man walked into the ladies department of Myer's

and shyly walked up to

the woman behind the counter and said,

'I'd like to buy a bra for my wife. '

' What type of bra?'

asked the clerk.

'Type?' inquires the man, 'There's more than one type?'
' Look around,'

said the saleslady,

as she showed a sea of bras in every shape, size, colour

and material imaginable.

'Actually, even with all of this variety, there are really only four types of bras to choose from .'

Relieved, the man asked

about the types.

The saleslady replied:

'There are the Catholic,

the Salvation Army,

the Presbyterian,

and the Baptist types.

Which one would you prefer?'

Now totally befuddled,

the man asked about

the differences between them.

The Saleslady responded,

'It is all really quite simple.

The Catholic type supports the masses;
The Salvation Army type lifts the fallen;

The Presbyterian type keeps them staunch and upright;
The Baptist type makes mountains out of molehills.'

Have you ever wondered why A, B, C, D, DD, E, F, G, and H are the letters used

to define bra sizes?

If you have wondered why,

but couldn't figure out

what the letters stood for,

it is about time

you became informed!

(A} Almost Boobs...
{B} Barely there....
{C} Can't Complain!..
{D} Dang!...
{DD} Double dang!...
{E} Enormous!...
{F} Fake... 
{G} Get a Reduction...
{H} Help me, I've fallen

and I can't get up!...

{I} I can't believe they actually make 'em in this size...

{J} Jeez Louise, enough already... 

They forgot the Lutheran bra:

Holtzemfromfloppen

Okay, I admit I added the I and J, as those are the sized that I wear. Did you know they also do EE, GG, HH, etc. as a half size in-between?

Habitat for Humanity STL

I had a great time at the Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis  Volunteer Orientation this morning. Earlier this year I had the opportunity to work their first commercial De-Construction at an old Schnucks Grocery. I learned some good techniques from the veteran workers and it prodded me into finally getting a tool belt and steel-toed boots (Redwings which are the warmest, most comfortable winter weather shoes I now own.) My Christmas list this year was mostly hand tools I realized that I don't own, but would be useful on a build site - and in my own home!

Now I am ready to take on an actual build, whenever the schedule is posted, and depending on my employment situation. Today I learned that all 24 of the 2009 STL houses built are LEED certified at the Platinum level! Also, the new homeowners are not given the houses, they are provided loans at no interest and must put in a bunch of sweat equity, the hours equaling pretty much a down payment.

Hey Saint Louisans - are you interested in joining me on a build? Any former APO-ers (Alpha Phi Omega, national co-ed service fraternity) jonesing for a service project? Anybody in need of service hours? No construction experience needed, just the urge and orientation!

 
The next Volunteer Orientation is Saturday, January 9, 2010, 9:00am - 11:00am in the building attached to ReStore.  I've mentioned ReStore before, as a wonderful place to pick up good used appliances and materials, along with new stuff from construction overruns or overstock from retailers and manufacturers. A bargain for homeowners and a wonderful resource for art or craft projects.

Hello, Redbud

Last week some mysterious lime-green circles appeared on the sidewalk easements in my neighborhood. Then some wooden stakes sprouted out of the circles. Finally, yesterday the City of Richmond Heights came around with a trailer full of trees and played Johnny Appleseed. Welcome to our lawn, little Redbud!

NaBloPo...wait, we're all done with that

Back from my day of rest after the 30 days of my first attempt (success!) at NaBloPoMo. Now what do I write about?


With a hard freeze coming, I have been weatherizing the house: putting away the hoses, turning off the outdoor spigots, draining the rain barrel. I've also been adding weatherstripping to many of the main floor windows, as I've already bought the supplies, and any energy we can save before we spring for new high-e windows in money in the pocket. Actually, money to the bank to pay for the new furnace!


I also balanced the accounts in Quicken, which I bought  yesterday at Best Buy for only $39 (instead of $59). I had done this for almost a year 3 years back, but couldn't recover that file. I like keeping an eye on all the accounts, and knowing where the money is going.


Till next time,
Laura

NaBloPoMo Day XXX: Made it! - 30 days and 6 months

Today is the final day of NaBloPoMo: National Blog Posting Month, and I survived posting every single day in November! Yay! And here are the badges to prove it:

And here are some previous years' participant badges that are entertaining:

Finally,

Happy 6 month Anniversary, Hubby!

NaBloPoMo Day XXVIV: Prop 8

A change from my recent posts, to a serious legal/political issue on my mind:

Prop 8, or the California Marriage Protection Act, is being challenged in federal court in January and could have nation-wide consequences.

My personal view? Legalize marriages between people of the same gender. If a church or religious organization is not comfortable with that, don't make them perform the ceremony, but allow other churches and civil authorities to proceed. This may open those objecting organizations to discrimination suits, but I believe it is their right to object, just as it is gay peoples' right to get married. 

Simple enough, right? Why can't we all just get along!

NaBloPoMo Day XXVIII: Makin' a List...

'Tis high holy shopping season, and it has me thinking about what items I put on my list, and what I want my gifts to others to say about me.

Most of the items I actually put on the list I sent to family were either tools or kitchen-related. I did some research on each and included links and some prices. I tried for Made in USA and eco-friendly whenever possible. The tools I use to make our house more a home, and the kitchen is the heart of the home. After doing some volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, I realized that my toolbox (still need one of those!) is missing a few key items.


The items I am getting/making for others are reflecting price shopping and usability instead of the sustainability and US craftsmanship I strive towards. Maybe next year when the budget isn't already stretched. Sorry I can't be more specific, but you never know who is reading!


Finally, here are my pie-in-the-sky wish list items that didn't make it on the Christmas list:
-Upgrade of my Bernina Embroidery Software
-Sooner-rather-than-later: Replace crumbling front porch stairs for safety reasons, and replace walkway to sidewalk and add walkway to driveway (so I stop slipping down the lawn when I go to my car)
-Rotating compost bin, because it would be very useful for yard stuff and kitchen waste (elevated, so that none of those wiggly things I am phobic about can invade)
-A new flat TV, in the 42 to 50" range and hopefully energy efficient
-A console table to put said TV upon, along with places for all of the peripherals
-Sooner-rather-than-later: New windows on the main floor of the house (currently original 1920's with later ugly aluminum storm windows, all of which leak like sieves)
-A second rain barrel, to go in the front of the house for watering plants so decorative this time

-The kitchen stuff has its own list:

  +cabinets that are not white & so show every speck of anything spilled
  +oven that is big enough to fit a half sheet pan - really became obvious when Thanksgiving   dinner was 2 hours late, 'cause I couldn't fit enough stuff in
  +range that heats more evenly than the old electric one, and is easier to keep clean
more pantry room
  +no more holy sheet vinyl or linoleum or whatever that atrocity is -bamboo or cork, please!
  +quartz or concrete (with recycled glass) counter tops, as the current laminate stains too easy and the cracks are ugly and dirty, no matter how I scrub
  +tile backsplash instead of the cutesy wallpaper
  +Dishwasher that doesn't leak out the sides and will fit the larger dishes

-Our triangle-shaped Jacuzzi tub was a big selling point of the house, but I wish it were a bit smaller, so would not use the entire water heater supply when it is cold, saving natural gas and water usage
-A mp3 player hookup in my car. Maybe I need to take a look at the Ford Fusion Hybrid...

NaBloPoMo Day XXVII: T-day dinner plus 27 hours & still recovering

Didn't do much today. Brain still recovering from the L. Tryptophan and  body still recovering from cooking and cleaning all day yesterday. I did a bit of Black Friday shopping...from right here at my computer. I am not determined (ahem-crazy) enough to brave the crowds today. My frustration level and hurting body could not cope with that. 
 
So instead I read, surfed the internet, communicated with some family, took a bath, and watched the boob tube. Specifically, Dirty Jobs (and one of my TV boyfriends, Mike Rowe.) He ended the episode "Safety Third" (about individual responsibility in a dangerous world) with a quote from Theodore Roosevelt to his son:

The things that will destroy America are prosperity at any price, peace at any price, safety first instead of duty first, the love of soft living and the get rich quick theory of life.

blarg

NaBloPoMo Day XXVI: T-day dinner plus 3 hours

Family just left, one more load of dishes to wash, but I'm getting a bath first. As soon as the hot water heater fills again.


Too tired for much else. Everything turned out great, though had to do a last minute brussel sprout substitute for green beans that went fuzzy. Gonna go put my feet up and start mentally composing tomorrow's post. 


Happy Thanksgiving!

NaBloPoMo Day XXV: T-day dinner minus 16.5 hours

The turkey is in the brine!

Anybody that has attended a major event with me knows that I make lists and try to prepare for any disruptions with a contingency plan. T-day is no different. I spent the last hour calculating how much prep and execution time each step of each recipe required. Then I lined them up to make the best use of time. Now I am off to bed, because I actually have to set alarm and get up earlier than usual tomorrow. Amazing how your body clock resets when you are unemployed!

Bread crumbs for stuffing becoming croutons?

Check.

Starting with the pan, clockwise: sausage drippings for the roux, stuffing wet stuff, eggs for stuffing, dough for apple tartlets,  giblets, butt & neck, freshly squeezed lemon juice, kitty food from stock discards, dinner rolls, butter rub for turkey, stock?

Yeppers.

Temporary prep table with cat-safe foods (like veggies), roasting pan and v-rack ready & waiting, salad spinner for cleaning veggies, pile of fruits, apron?

Ready and waiting for me in 9 hours. 
Off to bed now, but first a soak in a tub brimming with salts and aromatics...ummm...gobble gobble!

NaBloPoMo Day XXIV: T-day minus 2 days

Turkey stock: check

Homemade dinner rolls: in the fridge for a long 1 1/2 day rise

Rustic Apple Tartlets: crust is ready to roll out and be topped & baked

Stuffing: 
a) sausage is browned, celery, onions, carrots & apples are sauteed, pan was deglazed with sherry and is now in the fridge
b) challah and hearty white bread cubed and drying in no-heat oven

Groceries: all purchased

Flowers: lovely!

House: was pretty clean, but items 1-5 above have made it a mess once again! Off to soak in tub with good book (Bite Marks, a Jaz Parks novel by Jennifer Rardin) and candles, then to bed. Night, night!

NaBloPoMo Day XXIII: Thanksgiving Day Menu

Appetizers - Cousin Rachelle is taking care of this, and no clue!

Cocktails - I have Asti and sparkling grape juice to be poured over fresh pomegranates & cranberry-pomegranate juice.

Turkey - pick up on Wednesday from Seibert Meats in Soulard. Brine overnight, then get up early to rinse, pat dry and air dry in the fridge before heading into the oven - makes a nice crisp crust and moist meat. Only a 12-14 pound bird, as it will be me & hubby, Ma & Pa, Aunt Jan, Cousin Rachelle & her boyfriend Kris. We have room for one more at the table, if anybody is hungry. We could also set up a kiddie table if a bunch of you are interested.

Gravy - I started a turkey neck (from Souldard) & veggie stock, now in the fridge, ready for makin' gravy! Will make a roux and generally follow Cooks Illustrated instructions (hereafter known as CI.)

Sausage & Apple Stuffing - an amalgamation of my MIL's recipe, my best friend's mother's recipe, and CI.

Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes - This version is less fat than the classic mashed 'taters. Last time I made it to go with Christmas Prime Rib and included leeks. Credit: CI

Roasted Sweet Potatoes - I've been making single servings of this by peeling the sweet potato, cutting into 1/2" dice, tossing with EVOO, kosher salt & fresh cracked black pepper and roasting until the edges are Carmelina. Drizzle just the slightest bit of real maple syrup, and you have a wonderful alternative to the version that is mashed & smothered with marshmallow goo.

Sauteed Green Beans with garlic & herbs - a lighter alternative to the traditional green bean casserole (which I personally can't stand, even though I was raised Lutheran!) Credit: CI

Dinner Rolls - one component that is actually better prepared ahead and stored in the fridge. I'll take them out in the morning to let rise 6-8 hours, then pop in the oven for that wonderful yeasty aroma. Credit: CI.

Cranberry Relish - Mum is taking care of this one, from a recipe she begged off of ??? (completely slipped my mind at the moment.) I will have a can of the gloppy stuff on standby, if anybody insists.

Pumpkin Cheesecake - Cuz Rachelle is preparing this one, and I am very excited, as I came close to choosing to make it myself!

Rustic Apple Tartlets - Another CI recipe I have used in the past, to great success. I starting the crust this evening, as it will keep, wrapped well, in the fridge for a few days.

Whipped Cream with a hint of orange zest - To top the tartlets (or the cheesecake, or coffee)

Decaf Coffee - my favorite coffee place, Foundation Grounds in Maplewood, carries Goshen Coffee Company - 100% organic and sustainable farmed. Current favorite: Venezuelan.