Monday Morning This and That

Slow down and enjoy life. It's not only the scenery you miss by going 

too fast--you also miss the sense of where you are going and why.

Eddie Cantor

(From my tree)

Well, it was a rather nondescript weekend. By Saturday, my cold was well on its way out. That Coricidin for those of us with HPB worked wonders, that,  and staying home and under the covers on Friday, that is. There was a time when I would push myself to go to work. Those days are gone. Now, I take care of me. The job will be there on Monday, and if not, so be it. But health comes first now. By Saturday, I was pretty much up and about. Finished up my Christmas decorations...unless I see something to add that I cannot resist. I missed having my village to set up, but not the work involved.  It was just so time consuming, not to forget the lack of storage space.  I only hope someone is now enjoying it as much as I did.   

On Sunday, after getting my clothes for the week pressed and put away, I finally got to making my Mexican Wedding Cookies. Actually, that is what I call them because that is the name they were under when I learned how to make them.  However, they are a cookie of many names including...Russian Tea Cakes, Butterballs, Pecan Sandies, Crescents, Snowballs, or Italian Wedding Cookies.  But, no matter what one chooses to call them, they sure taste good, and are so, so easy to make. Oh, by the way, they can be shaped into crescents as well. 

1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature

3/4 cup powdered sugar
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped (You can substitute walnuts or almonds should you so choose.)

* You may add about 1/4 tsp of salt. I no longer use it, but that's me.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Cream butter or margarine in a bowl, gradually add confectioners' sugar and salt. Beat until light and fluffy. Add almonds and vanilla. Blend in flour gradually and mix well. Shape into balls (or crescents, your choice) using about 1 teaspoon for each cookie. Place on ungreased cookie sheet,  and bake for 15-20 min. Do not brown. Cool slightly, then roll in the extra powdered sugar. 

I am please to say that, although it has been 15 years, I haven't lost my touch.  They were super delicious.

Christmas came early for me this year. On Thursday evening, I received that magnificent tapestry from Debra, and then on Friday, the mailman delivered the above autographed copy of  Mrs. B's book.  It's fantastic.  Page after page of  valuable suggestions to add magic to your routine household chores. I absolutely love it. This came via the "Mrs. B's Guide to Household Witchery" giveaway held by my dear friend, Jen, at Rue and Hyssop. Thanks a million to both Jen and Mrs. B. I shall cherish this book.

Speaking of books, "From the Cauldron Born: Exploring the Magic of Welsh Legend and Lore" by Kristoffer Hughes became available for Kindle on December 1st, and you'd best believe the first thing Saturday morning I purchased it. I actually tried to purchase it on the 30th, but when they mean the 1st, they mean the 1st. I've waited awhile for this book to become available, and from what I have read so far, I am not going to be disappointed. The book explores the myth of the great bard, Taliesin,and the witch-goddess, Cerridwen, by focusing on core Celtic philosophy and magic.   

Excitement galore, to be sure, but for now, reality must take precedence, and it is time to get ready to head out the door to work.  Hoping you all have a magnificent Monday.

What we accomplish in a day depends upon the way in which we approach our tasks.

When we accept tough jobs as a challenge to our ability and wade into them

with joy and enthusiasm, miracles can happen.

When we do our work with a dynamic, conquering spirit, we get things done.

Arland Gilbert