Almost Christmas in England...

I can't believe it is almost Christmas and even more I can't believe I am having it in England. I don't think I ever imagined I would live anywhere outside of the United States.

It has been bitterly cold as they say here and I find myself NOT liking it. Oh I do hate being cold! I also hate being hot so I guess that means I have yet to find the perfect place to live. I am hoping by next winter I will be a little more used to it.  When I go outside now it feels as though Jack Frost himself is reaching right thru me and squeezing every bit of warmth out of me.

The snow on the other hand is gorgeous. I had forgotten how pretty it can be. One of my favorite parts of living here are the tree lined roads, they were spectacular when the leaves turned red, brown and yellow and now just as beautiful frosty white with ice covering the branches.  I can hardly wait to see what spring brings.

I've gone crazy in the kitchen this year. I LOVE my English kitchen and big windows looking out into the garden. It might just be my favorite room in the house. I also think it has a lot to do with my wanting to be in there baking and cooking. I made 93+ cookies for my cookie exchange, 4 different kinds of candy, a birthday cake, appetizers, salsa, guacamole and loads of meals in just this month.  I am off the hook for Christmas Eve as we have been invited to a friends house for a "Real New England" Christmas dinner. I can hardly wait! Christmas day though I will be back in the kitchen to make our traditional chicken enchiladas, rice and a chocolate cream pie (Great Grandma's pie recipe and all from scratch...even the crust)

I think everyone will be happy with their gifts. It's a lot different shopping for a daughter who is now a teenager. No longer does she want toys, barbies or games.  It's clothes, make-up, music and expensive electronics.  LOL  A part of me misses going down the toy row in the store, our days with her are coming to an end and the next four years will be so precious. I want to hold onto each minute I have with her before she leaves the nest.

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas, the old fashion kind that makes the simplest of things the best of things....and maybe it won't be the "things" at all that make this year your best one ever. Much love from my COLD English home to yours. Warm hugs, kisses and wishes to you...