A jumbled bag of thoughts is what I bring for Christmas Eve. I just reach in and pull them out. You take or leave as you see fit. Options may include, and may or may not be limited to fruitcake, covid, and serious crafting.
Lets start with the fruitcake because the picture is pretty. I have unexpectedly turned into a fan of fruitcake this year. Maybe when you reach the age where your palate is more refined it happens naturally? This one from Drakes has been a treat and will be added to the annual list of things I must do for it to really be Christmas. Angie, I am eating a piece for you because I know you would want me to. What's that? You want me to eat 2 pieces? Will do.
No photos for the next topic, just a report that here in Kansas City our Covid numbers continue to rise. Yesterday we were up to 83 hospitalized patients. This wave is of the unvaccinated. Of these 83, 80 have not been vaccinated. Of the 19 in the ICU 18 are unvaccinated. Of the 14 on ventilators 13 are unvaccinated. As I said in an earlier post, I am done telling people to get the shot. That doesn't work. The evidence is clear to me, but each must judge for themself. I continue to be amazed that family members are so shocked by the severity of illness and how quickly one can deteriorate and die. It is very hard for someone who see's this to understand how it's possible so many people do not know the complete devastation that COVID can be when it is severe. Families question if we are doing all we can. What about X and what about Y? Are you using that? Can they be transferred somewhere else where they might have more to offer? I avoid asking why their loved one was not vaccinated. It's not helpful when someone is grieving. Listening is best. Santa, if you are listening, a light at the end of the tunnel please. Can you get the elves working on that?
Chris and I will be spending the holiday alone. I am not comfortable being around young children who can't get vaccinated and anyone at high risk for serious illness. They need to be shielded from this virus in every way possible. We will take a walk outside with vaccinated and boosted family members. We will sing a few off-key carols. It will be perfect. Pajamas will be the dress code when we get home.
In the crafting arena we are cruising on high speed around here! I got the idea that we should make snowflakes after seeing them hanging up in a coffee shop and at the library. Oh boy, they are fun to make, harder than you might think initially, but so entertaining. Let me mention that it is helpful if your partner was an art major in college, has an eye for detail, and can still recall from the 3rd grade how to make a German Christmas bell.
I like them outside looking in as much as inside looking out. Plus, the shadows they make on the curtains are super cool.
The pygmy forest has been set up and the wee jolly elves are frolicking in the trees.
I feel the need to make one more mitten to add to the garland before midnight tonight.
I may or may not make it. It’s fun to try though.
In case you get the urge to fold and cut and tape, this video tutorial on making snowflakes was what we used: Papercraft snowflake tutorial
I hope you will read yourself a fairy tale right before you drift off to sleep tonight. Something magical and sweet.
I so love how you enjoy each holiday and celebrate life. Bravo~!
Posted by: jacki long | 12/24/2021 at 09:05 PM
Merry Christmas to you and Chris!
Posted by: Chris Oliveira | 12/25/2021 at 08:30 AM
Merry Christmas. Thank you for writing your blog... it's always a treat to "hear" from you.
Posted by: Emie | 12/25/2021 at 10:00 AM
I have been wondering how you are doing at work and am not surprised by your post. It is tragic so many are dying needlessly. There is such an easy fix available. I feel very sorry for all who like you work in healthcare and are doing everything they can to help and who are often criticized and attacked for trying to help. Some days must be particularly draining.
On a more cheerful note—I loved your little trees from last year and now have a small forest of my own. My neighbour loves them and I am trying to convince her that cables aren't difficult. I am determined she will have a small forest of her own next Xmas. Next up are some elves. I also have a bunch of pumpkins to display in the fall. Love these small projects that don't take all winter! Thanks for the inspiration.
Posted by: Debbie Jordan | 12/25/2021 at 12:31 PM
My favorite book to read each Christmas Eve is A Christmas Memory, a memoir by Truman Capote. It's about fruitcake and friendship and so much more. Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Maureen | 12/26/2021 at 02:28 AM
Debbie: so glad you are passing the forest along. As soon as your neighbor does one they will need more, that's the nature of them.
Maureen: have not heard of this book but will check it out. Sounds very interesting.
Merry Merry Christmas Jacki Chris, Emie, Maureen and Debbie!
Carol
Posted by: carol | 12/26/2021 at 08:33 AM