Bloody Mary

Reading: Steve Jobs has been placed on hold.  We are saving that one for longer car rides of which we have a few this time of year.  We decided some time ago that I would read to E while he drives.  It is a win-win, really, (I get to read in the car and E has something to entertain him while he drives) and we both enjoy it.  Think of it as books on CD but with a personal reader who occasionally adds her own commentary! I had just reached the part of the book where Jobs gets booted from Apple (not doing a spoiler alert, here, people.  This is common knowledge unless you have no idea who Jobs was, in which case, you really don't understand what I am talking about anyway), and then we decided to read it aloud, so I started over.  That is how much I love you, E.

The other night I finished reading, Mary, Bloody Mary by Carolyn Meyer.  If you have not heard of this one, I would understand.  I bought it probably 8 years ago when Scholastic Books had its warehouse sale that I used to go to.  I think I paid about $2.  It is a "usually-sold-at-school-book-fairs" type of book, a young adult historical-fiction account of Mary Tudor, (later Queen Mary I).  The majority of the book takes place during the Anne Boleyn years, starting right before her father, King Henry VIII, divorces Mary's mother Catherine and declares his daughter a bastard, and ending shortly after Henry has Anne beheaded and takes up with Jane Seymour.  There is a short "historical note" at the end that summarizes the rest of Henry's wives, the succession of the next heirs to the throne and the reign of "Bloody Mary".  I truly enjoyed it and would be interested to read more about Mary or her wacko dad.  Also makes me extremely glad that I live now and not then.  And I really liked that there was a Tudor family tree in the beginning of the book that showed dates and the whole pile of wives so I could keep it all straight.

Apparently I am on a biography kind of kick, because the book I started after Bloody Mary was Paul Wellstone: The Life of a Passionate Progressive by Bill Lofy.  I don't remember when I got this one but it has been a number of years now.  I am not a terribly political person, but Wellstone is one of the few political figures I admire.  I am enjoying this book so far - will write more as I get further in.

Creating: I knit the cutest scarf for my favorite 5 year old.  It is fluffy with sprinkles of pink throughout, just the right size for a little girl with attitude to toss over her shoulder.  I was going to give it to her as a late birthday present last weekend, but I forgot my knitting bag at Mom's.  Whoops.  Maybe for Christmas instead.  I will have to post a picture once I have the bag and scarf in my possession again.

Eating: I don't think I am going to get any holiday baking done this year at all.  Weekends are busy, work is very busy (actually seem to be having a really productive and profitable year-end this year which is great come bonus time but somewhat hellish with the hours and demands for the last 2 months of the year), so I don't see making time for it.  Oh, well.  We don't need thousands of cookies and candies, right?

Our cooking class is this coming Friday and we are both looking forward to that.  We are also starting to decide on what food we will have for our 12th annual New Year's Eve party.  There are a few that we always do (Teriyaki Wings, Chili Queso Dip, Spinach Dip), a few more that are popular repeats (Caramel Corn, Puppy Chow, Chex Mix).  I like to have 3 warm selections (mostly because my electric roaster has 3 separate containers), 3 cool selections, and at least 3 sweet option - suggestions of your favorite appetizer/snacks/treats are welcome!  E, the bartender of the party, is planning the signature drink.  I always enjoy the NYE party, but will even more this year because it is on a Saturday and I don't have to work all day before the party! 

The stew is in the oven and will be torturing us with good smells for the next 2 hours before it is ready. 

Here's hoping for tasty smells at your house as well.

Until we eat again,
Hallie