Merry Christmas 2008

Snow is falling lightly here in southcentral Alaska. The world is white and pure.

Indoors, spirits are light and cheery. Alicia has just settled into her afternoon nap. The pot roast is cooking in the crock pot. The rest of us are thinking of watching one of our new Christmas movies.

Alicia was so excited to open her presents this morning. It took her a while to even notice the giant kitchen sitting near the woodstove. But when she did, she was overjoyed. She and Sissy investigated all the cupboards and appliances, finding foods, dishes, pans, and even an apron, chef's cap and bowl mixer.

Everyone was pleased with the gifts they received as well as the reception of the gifts they gave. Tess, Donald, and I each received new digital cameras. Mine is a wonderful upgrade from my last camera, which was a nice one, but no comparison to the new Canon. It'll take me a while to learn how to use it well, but I'm excited about the potential for taking wonderful photos of our lives here in Alaska.



For a last minute shopper, I must say, Stephen doesn't do half bad... :o) In addition to the awesome new camera, he also got me a beautiful piece of scrimshaw while he was stranded in Ketchikan last week. And the new camera lets me take a super photo of it! It's done on fossilized ivory. Really nice...




Yesterday, Alicia helped me deliver shortbread to the neighbors. Both neighbors love the shortbread. One had guests coming in today for Christmas dinner. I'm sure they'll share. But in case they run out, I sent along the recipe as well....