I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas.....

Well, they have been predicting snow for Christmas Eve all week, but I know better than to believe them. Weather in the Midwest is extremely unpredictable and each year we are told there is a chance of a white Christmas, only to be told on the 23rd that the storm will pass us by. I refused to get my hopes up this year. Well, it is now Christmas Eve and we are still in a Winter Storm Warning until tomorrow night --- so it looks like Christmas 2009 will indeed be a dream come true for me! I think we are supposed to have about 3-4 inches of snow in my local area, which is enough to cover the ground, but not too much to cause major problems. (the picture to the left was actually taken last year -- but I am hopeful that the backyard will look like this in a few hours).

My back is still causing me problems, but that has not kept me from doing all the food preparations. I have solicited the help of family members in ironing the holiday linens and bringing up the Christmas platters, but other than that, I have paced myself to do what needs to be done without overdoing it. Truth be told - this was probably a blessing in disguise. I rarely take time to sit down and relax during this hectic season -- always rationalizing that there is something else that needs to be done. The pain in my backside has forced me to take frequent breaks - and what better way to take a break than to read a good book.

I have read - and became completely engrossed in Time was Soft There: a Paris Sojourn at Shakespeare an Co. by Jeremy Mercer (my review will be posted soon); I skimmed Book by Book by Michael Dirda (a mini review will also be posted); and I have just started reading The Children's Book by A. S. Byatt, which I am thoroughly enjoying (yes -- my copy arrived at the local library two days ago and I am thrilled. It was like an early Christmas present).

I need to assemble the spinach bread, make the aioli sauce, set the table, and wrap a few more presents. Otherwise I plan to sit in front of the tree, patiently waiting for the soft snowflakes to blanket the ground, and read a good book.

I hope you are having a memorable Christmas Eve as well, filled with the joy and happiness of this special holiday season.

Merry Christmas to all of you --- my most precious cyber friends!!