Spreading Christmas Cheer

All the "Christmas Cheer" is spreading to my waist! Cookie baking and tasting, extra goodies, fun meals and food... whew!

Peggy and I recently got Trekking Poles, kind of like a cross between a walking staff and cross-country ski poles, for hiking. Nice grips, collapsible, they even have spring shock-absorbers in a section. We went to our Arboretum yesterday to do some hiking and try them out. Perfect conditions for it, about 2 inches of packed snow on the bike trail and fluff on top of that.... a perfect test for the added stabilization they are to provide, along with
upper-body and core strength benefits. As I was getting dressed in my "longies" and insulated hiking pants, I realized that my waist has grown a couple inches in the last week or so.... oops! So I had a snug-bottomed hike... good thing we enjoy doing stuff like this so much.. I'll wear off the cookies and treats in no time. We ordered 2 pair of "Powder-ridge Crest" snow shoes. 25 inchers, one pair with a "women specific" design" This will be a great year to try out that activity.. we've really got the snow for it and we can use our trekking poles doing it.

Peggy (Mrs. Claus), was granted a wish. She
could request any meal she desired for Christmas Eve. She had to work extra long holiday hours and deserved extra benefits from me (Mr. Claus).

Of all the foods, all the wonderful Chef inspired delights I am certified and qualified to prepare, she chose..... TAH DAH!... a Muffaletta!

I had made one for her a long time ago and she remembered well how succulent it is.

Pastrami, Salami, Spiced Dried Sausage, Provolone, Swiss, Tomatoes, Peppers, Onions, Black Olives, Garlic all compressed, layered and
arranged in a hollowed out loaf of crusty bread, before wrapping in foil and roasting into a gooey, juicy, crisp outside, steamy, delicious sammich!

It was AWESOME, and we put away almost the whole thing listening to Carols and feeling very cozy and grateful on Christmas Eve.

We traveled West to visit family, early enough for a Holiday Breakfast with ham... lots of good reminiscing with everyone. And of course, more cookies and treats!

We will be continuing our "Holiday Tour" this
week, heading both North and South for more family visits... (weather permitting). I will have to keep busy and moving around, doing lots of that "putzing" I'm famous for, to burn off all the celebration treats.


Peggy and I hope that the Love and Light of Christmas continues for everyone now and through the coming New Year!

Peace!