Robert's Executive Staff

Thanksgiving break came to an end all too soon, signaling a transition into Christmas holiday preparations. Robert left town on business the week after Thanksgiving, giving me ample time to clean, decorate and bake for parties we would host upon his return.

Chocolate Covered Akmak

I made several homemade food gifts for  Christmas this year: Coconut Jam (otherwise known as KAYA, a very popular treat in Malaysia and Singapore); Lentil Soup Mix; Sweet & Spicy Pretzel and Nut Mix; Cinnamon and Rye Shortbread; and probably our favorite of all - Chocolate Covered Akmak Crackers (as pictured at right). Though utterly delicious in nature, this treat is rather innocent in nutritional profile. Spread an Akmak cracker with a layer of peanut butter, cover the peanut butter with melted dark chocolate and sprinkle with chopped peanuts and slivers of crystallized ginger. Sprinkle tops with coarse sea salt. 

 

Tennis in December? YES!

With Christmas preparations well under way and Christmas not quite here, it was time for an unexpected work out on the tennis courts. Daniel took several vacation days over the holidays, giving us a week of fun together. When the temperatures rose above 40 degrees one sunny day, we decided it was warm enough to practice our swings. Little did I know I would soon be using a brand new racket when it next gets warm enough to swing it outdoors. At this point, it is still wrapped and under the Christmas tree! Other activities Christmas week included "gaming" together from great distances (thanks to internet play in IA, WI and NY); brewing beer; watching movies and going on long walks. Yes, Daniel even showed us new Ab exercises!

Aprons for everyone, thanks to Grandma Kay

Ready for Christmas

A new Jolly Ball for Asia

What has Daniel made? Marzipan!

As is evidenced by the surrounding pictures, it's easy to see we had a wonderful time together over our Christmas holiday. Technology enabled us to open each others gifts together with Tristan and Kate Christmas morning via Face Time. It wasn't quite the same as being together, but far better than nothing at all. Grandma's aprons are beautiful and fit perfectly. The pups, large and small, seemed to enjoy their gifts - Jolly Balls (thanks for the idea, Joy Graveline!).

Lucien enjoying his new Jolly Ball toy

 Boathouse Brewery Label

And the first Boat House Brewery artistic rendering has been completed and is hanging proudly on our living room wall.

Daniel tried his hand at making homemade Marzipan. Now we wait to hear what Sarah and Trevor decide to do with this delectable treat.

We ate a lot of delicious food: Spaghetti Bolognese; Potstickers and Edamame; African Peanut Stew with Anadama Bread; and Shrimp, Scallops and Salmon, to name a few of the main dishes and perhaps a Christmas cookie or two. The weather cooperated for everyone's drive and even turned out nice enough to allow a walk each and every day. Thanks to Daniel's new Fit Bit, we were able to track our steps, making sure no extra pounds were acquired unnecessarily!

Walking off Christmas Dinner

New Year, new snow!

Many a memory was made during our time together, making parting difficult for all of us. But the hope and promise of things to come in 2015 is ever on our minds. Robert and Tristan are teaching classes this semester; Sarah starts new rotations; Kate continues her command of Quality Control; Trevor begins new responsibilities at work and begins to narrow his ideas for future career aspirations; Daniel accepts new responsibilities of the "In Charge" associate, continues learning in his role of Board Treasurer for Miracles in Motion and survives yet another "BUSY SEASON"; and I keep the household running, plan upcoming trips, cook/bake healthy, delicious food, work on my drawing and water color skills and get a varied and fun amount of exercise with friends and family. God has looked over this family for a good, many years and I pray he continues to do so in the coming year and beyond.