Just a few things

I had a good Christmas.

First off, I didn't have to work. Last year I worked nights (BOO!!!) This year, in fact, I had five whole days off (24th - 28th).

Second, I got to spend some time with my family. I actually stayed over at my parents' house on the 24th and 25th. We had the previously mentioned traditional Swedish smorgåsbord on Saturday night. On Sunday, my sister and I made breakfast between opening stocking presents and opening under the tree presents. The menu was from a 30 Minute Meals episode and consisted of gingerbread waffles, chicken sausage patties, mulled maple syrup, and toffee hot chocolate. As Rachel Ray would say, "“Yummo!" After presents we worked on a puzzle most of the rest of the day.

I got some great presents including many little uncomplicated but essential gadgets for my kitchen. My favorite present, however, was a book on CD. The book is a Swedish children'’s classic called "“Vi På Saltkråkan,"” which roughly translates to "“We On Seacrow Island."” It is written by Astrid Lindgren of Pippi Longstocking fame. The book is about a family that rents a summer home on an island (Saltkråkan) in the Stockholm archipelago. The book was actually first written for television and then as a novel. I would love to have the DVD of the television series, but unfortunately US and Sweden are in different DVD zones, and so far I have only been able to find the DVD for the Swedish zone.

Yesterday day night we had a "“fancy dinner."” This event was initially created for the fact that I had these two really pretty cocktail dresses and nowhere to wear them. (I need to find some friends that have or go to fancy cocktail parties.) Then it just seemed fun to plan a fun "“fancy"” menu. We ended up with salad of mixed greens, pears and parmesan cheese; parslied rack of lamb; potato and goat cheese gratin; green beans with applewood smoked bacon, brown sugar and caramelized shallots; and, chocolate mousse. Drinks included Prince of Norway cocktails before dinner, 2005 Beaujolais Nouveau with dinner, and Bonny Doon Muscat Vin de Glacier with dessert. Quite tasty! And we all felt so dignified and civilized in our "fancy"” clothes.

Today I went shopping. I got a bunch of cheap (but classic) DVDs at Target. Then I went to Pentagon City. I spent a good deal of time milling around there, not finding much that I liked. I did, however (as sort of a Christmas present to myself), buy a new cashmere wool coat. It was on sale for 50% off, plus I got an extra 20% off by paying with my Macy'’s charge. Pretty good deal if you ask me. See below for a picture of said coat.