Our big adventure this week was our annual wine tasting with a select group of "coon a sewers" of all things bubbly red and white. We normally hold our soiree around All Hallows as a Fall fete, but covid knocked that back a few weeks. I had five selections this year starting with a refreshing sparkling reisling that I asked all to hold while I presented a toast to Christmas, to all we lost since we last imbibed and promoting hope for the future. We were assisted this year by one of the couples who braved a couple of days with the OH and myself in Traverse as we scoured wineries for our 2021 party. Exhausting work, but someone has to do it - I think we made 8 or was it 9? They just played along and drank whatever they wanted; party worthy or not. Great attribuite in traveling companions.
I prepare an elaborate description about the nuances on each choice, which no one reads anyway. I gave up reading it out loud as the lively conversations already occurring require no other punctuation. Yet I persist in the name of full disclosure. Though we do find it fun to pretend one found and correctly identified the grapefruit, kiwi, black cherry and toffee notes advertised. Though the description that mentioned weathered wood and fallen leaves I felt was better left undiscovered. Also realized a couple days later, I served the wrong red wine. I had similar bottles but intended to serve a different one than the one I actually set out. As that was number four on the hit parade, no one really noticed. Also our generous friends all follow the rule that you never accept a party invite without bringing a hostess gift of yummy food! Our Traverse City traveling buddies made cookies utilizing the cherry concoction they got on the trip. Another brought his mind-blowing brownies; cashews from a third and a goodie basket from the fourth couple. We were pleasantly wined and bloated with our cheese fondue and various other snackies.
We are tentatively, well actually full-blown, restoring the Ide Family Christmas dinner. Although as families grow and change we realized we suddenly have 17 people rsvping. Whoah! We had decided to forego the whole turkey carving schmear for simplicity's sake and stick to ham and turkey breasts (for my S-I-L). Carving takes over all available counter space, it's messy and the dog goes nuts waiting for something to inadvertently hit the floor.
The turkey breast choice proved to be both prophetic and inspired if one believes in Godwinks (coincidences) My sister's step-son has married and has a wonderful new family that we love. Then my sister wrote to say, "you know, they don't eat pork". This after I had already invited them saying you may have in-law responsibilities but you are welcome here on Christmas. Though they revere Jesus as a great prophet, the Muslim religion is not so much into celebrating his Winter Solstice birthday or any feast days for that matter. Happily bottom line, they're coming and I will discreetly whisk them in first to the table to grab the turkey entree LOL.
Oh yeah I mentioned respirators. Attended a Christmas concert which was just what the doctor ordered for holiday kick-off. Mask or not? Though not crowded (community band) it seemed prudent to don the "gay" apparel. Wonderful concert with band members similarly masked-at least the percussionists as they're not blowing on anything except each other.
Reminded me of a favor I did the Fire Department. Upon obtaining new air supplied units they neglected to buy individual mouthpieces for each fire fighter reasoning if they had to be used, they would sanitize between wearers - which is acceptable. Only problem was, one had to take the unit apart to dry which took much longer than advertised. Complaints, to me, of tasting the previous wearer's chewing tobacco, etc., arose. Whether it was really true I have no idea, but everybody got their own and everybody was happy. Sometimes you just have to go with it.
In keeping with our last few year's tradition, daughter, s-i-l and grandson will spend Christmas Eve night with us. Santa (Mom) has already made a visit so a little someone will not be disappointed that Santa will find us at Nana's house. Cookie decorating and Chinese dinner are on the menu.
Merry Christmas and definitely Peace to All.....
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