Feliz Navidad

Let me preface this by saying the Christmas spirit has been void of me this year. I’m usually way ahead of the game. This year, I’m a husk. And empty tamale. It wasn’t until Christmas Eve I felt anything close to what I normally feel. I felt sadness at this realization. The holiday was almost over and I finally felt something. I stood in my kitchen looking at my lights outside and suddenly wished they would stay on for months. Waves of sadness washed over me. Soooo. I miss my father. I miss a lot of things. This year killed my joy.

Monday was the first day of winter. The solstice. It started out at 33. It reached 74 degrees. I was bundled up. Then I stripped and was in summer attire. Typical Texas. Bipolar weather.

I got up early and enjoyed the need not to rush to work. I sipped my coffee rather than inhale it. Once I felt ready, I dressed and went for a burrito. Yvette was still stuck on campus and I thought a burrito and company might make the morning fly by. After that visit I wanted to try and attack Target. Alas, they open early and it was already a war zone. I’ll attempt to breach the doors again. That left me in limbo so I decided to walk. About halfway along the trails I was hot. It had heated up and my pants were too warm. I changed. I read my book. I chilled. Had a rather relaxing Monday.

Tuesday started off with burritos and pow-wow to make up for last Fridays blunder. Always a good time and full of laughter. Pretty nice start to the day. Next it was off to Target for an early attack. I was pleasantly surprised to find it dead before 9. I got what I needed and felt the breathing room to browse. I still managed to walk out with only the one item.

The campus decided to close at noon so I saved 4 vacation hours. It also meant I could finally walk the campus without a mask and the worry of golf cart guys stopping me to talk. I don’t like my flow interrupted and 20 min conversations tend to do that. I also walked the trails again. I was complaining about the warm weather but it’s working well towards my health in December.

Wednesday I was errand boy. Last min grocery runs. Last min liquor runs. Things I’d already taken care of for myself. I did manage to get a campus walk in somewhere between all that. Around 4 o’clock my middle brother arrived so I went to my moms and hung out till dark. Once back at the house Bekah and I loaded up the dogs and went for a drive looking at Christmas lights. It’s a tradition. Lots of lights this season. After that we watched Eyes Wide Shut, which my brother argues is a Christmas movie. Hmmmmmmm???

Christmas Eve!!! Turned on the Hallmark Channel on SiriusXM for some Christmas tunes and made myself some coffee & eggs. I had 2 things that I needed to do. A quick run to HEB for a gift sack ($1.08 later) and a stocking stuffer trip to PetSmart for the dogs and cat. After these small task were taken care I read my book for a little while and got a nice long 4 mile walk in. It was so quiet and relaxing.

The evening rolled around and Bekah & I went to my mothers for dinner and a movie. Lots of insults. Lots of fun. Drinks and banter. That’s what we seem to do best. Watched Elf, Christmas Vacation & Krampus. Great evening. Don’t let the fire burn out.

Merry Christmas!!!! The doggies and cat had some stuffed stockings. They were so happy and thankful.

We spent the day at my moms. Made the traditional chocolate & biscuits. Opened presents and Connie came over. I went for a walk to get some steps in. Got lost in the neighborhood and ended up walking 3 miles. It was nice. A little warm. Kept Christmas movies on all day. I saw them googling how to cook a prime rib. This beast better turn out right for the amount of money that went into it. Whooooo’s roast beef!!! Cracks me up. Holly jolly good time.

I had to escape for a little bit to feed the dogs and bring them another present. Love everyone, but me being who I am I needed a break to recharge! People don’t understand me. The doggies were happy.

I went back to my mothers. Dana arrived. It’s always a pleasure seeing her. She makes me smile. As is on par for our holiday gathering, dinner was taking longer than usual. I told them we needed to start the prime rib earlier. Holding up every other dish that needs to be placed in the oven. Eventually we eat. Just more time to laugh and have fun. Long day. I was exhausted. What a Merry Christmas!!!

Jalapeño

Southwest eggs Benedict w/ chorizo & queso. Queso on eggs seemed weird but it wasn’t. The yoke and cheese together were decadent. Throw in a little Sparkling Almond.

Steak bites w/ pearl onions, mushrooms & red wine gravy. The gravy turned out so yummy.

WTF man!! Why haven’t I ever made a Philly cheesesteak. I don’t know!! So since I’m trying, trying real hard to do away with carbs, I made a breadless version. I don’t think I’ve ever had provolone cheese before. It turned out really good. I’ll make this again.

More beef. BBQ steak bites with some spicy slaw. I used a BBQ dry rub. It really didn’t need the sauce but I’m a sucker for sauce. Bekah didn’t use any. I don’t know why I’ve not made this before. I make BBQ everything else. Well, not fish. Maybe next?

Salmon and broccoli cheese. The salmon was nice but the broccoli was the real star. I think I honestly just got the salmon to have something to eat with the broccoli.

Tradition calls for tamales, queso & guacamole w/ some beans. After having tamales for breakfast I thought I’d just go ahead a fry up and egg. It was so good how it compliments the meal.

Christmas lunch tradition, chocolate & biscuits. this is a recipe from my fathers southern side of the family. A secret. It’s a real chore for a diabetic. Not to mention it’s so filling. Once a year is enough for me.