Happy Holidays to Elizabeth and all! Thanks again Elizabeth for the early Christmas gift of your wonderful cuttings! I am trying to hang in there with them. One down unfortunately (salmon perfection, RIP) but I remain vigilant ;) -weebay

She really has had a bad ride, thank goodness she is making such great progress. Hopefully , as I type, that damn thing is out and she is resting comfortably in a new room. Bet 2009 can't come too quick eh Lee ?

No gorgeous table pictures here! The table cloths (unironed and wrinkly) were thrown onto the tables about 30 minutes before we ate. One of these years I'll get the table decorated in advance :) I'm always a little too ambitious with the menus. Roast Goose with Chestnuts, Prunes and Peach Brandy (the gravy was fabulous) and a Roast Turkey breast with make-ahead giblet gravy, individual mince pies, Pommes Duchesse potatoes, two stuffings, pots de crèmes for dessert, and more and a few things I never got to, too. This year was just about perfect! Very happy day, because I had a crowd to feed. Loved seeing the pictures. Mlweaving_Marji - definitely know the feeling when the kids AREN'T there. Isn't it nice when that day is over, when it's like that? (P.S. I've been eyeing the brussel sprouts recipe too).

Bud is a beautiful cat and he must love you very much to let you dress him up like Santa . Jasdip and bud, wishing you a wonderful Christmas too. For those who still have colds or flu, I still have it too. Some days are better than others. But It's been terrible.