A CUP OF HAPPY

 A dear friend of mine gave me this cup for Christmas:

Nothing like a good hot cup of coffee topped with frothy milk and sprinkled with cinnamon to make things right! Now, if only life were that simple. If I could just hand you all a cup filled with happiness. 

I've had a sharp learning curve this year, thanks to a Pandemic. 

This time last year seeing people wearing masks was absolutely foreign. Now it's the other way around and I can whip on a mask in no time. In fact, I'm working on a one-hand only technique!

I've learned how much I miss hugs, and the busy hum in the office that always went up a level at closing time on Fridays or before a holiday. 

I've learned the almost impossible trick to opening those plastic produce bags without licking my finger first! 

I've learned a lot of things I never even thought about.  We all have! 

But back to that cup of Happy. Along with a few new skills, we have all experienced a level of grieving, some of us very deeply. 

After this past year of reset, we are all ready for fresh hope and beginnings. Here's to 2021- I wish you a full cup of health, happiness and lots of Hugs. 

THE OLD GIRL'S STILL GOT IT!

 About a week go my hubby helped put together a new cupboard for my parents. Gushing with gratefulness my Mom wanted to pay him, which he refused. 

"Make me some of your shortbread and we will call it even!" was his request. So a couple of days later my Mom arrived with a dozen of her shortbread. 

"I hope they're OK...the old girl isn't what she used to be", said Mom as she handed them over. They were perfect - I have the recipe yet they never taste quite as good as hers. The Old girl's still got it!

With COVID and all, I was feeling a little pouty about baking, feeling what's the point and all. But my daughter encouraged me that now more than ever is a good time to bake and even try new recipes! Besides, I remembered: you better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout, I'm telling you why...

So, here come the pics. I was busy in the kitchen this weekend!

This creamy Gnocchi soup was a new recipe for me, but will probably be a staple for cold winter nights! Rich and warm and has comfort food written all over it!

Then I made Rumballs a traditional item on my list. Like a good wine they have a smooth finish that warms your tummy with that rummy aftershock!

Randi came over and we made Ginger Cookies and "Split Seconds". Split Seconds are a basic dough with jam and are so quick and easy and one of my son's favourites. Wish he was here to enjoy them..(be careful, I'm falling into the pouty zone again). 

But there is always FaceTime! 

Like my mother, I'm getting on. But this weekend I tried some new recipes along with old standbys. I'm happy with the results 

 - the Old Girl's still got it!