"Our" Christmas Story

We had a Christmas that was right from that movie the Christmas Story! It is always so hard to be away from our families. You would think after 12 years, I would get over it! In the past we have tried many different things to ease the lonliness. We have been invited to people's houses, that helps. I have cooked dinner here, that helps. This year we thought we would go to the Navy Galley for Prime Rib! Holiday and Sunday dinners from 4:30-6 is what was posted. Travis made a phone call, but no one answered. Oh, well....we got there a hair before 5. "oh, we close in 5 minutes....get in here and get all the food you want and then you eat....get your drinks and desserts right now too before they put it away!," The little Phillipino dear urged. So, uneasily, we paid, though we didn't want to be rushed on such an occasion. Upon arriving in line, we saw the carnage. The last of the beef and turkey dripping in fatty juices. Paige drew a blank stare and then I knew we weren't doing "this". We quickly bailed out of there while a fight between the cook staff and cashier ensued. Got our money back and made the trek back to the truck. Now what? Tears started to form, and I tried to push them aside as I thought about how lucky we were to be together this time of year. Still I couldn't wipe away the thoguhts of our extended families together and missing out on all of the holiday hype. We drove through an eerily quiet Silverdale and found ourselves at Shari's! The kids were happy, Travis had a burger....far from the Prime Rib he had his mind set on. It wasn't ideal, but it was "our" Christmas, we will always remember it!

A Local Holiday Season

Well, where did the time go between Thanksgiving and now? I wanted to sit down and write about our wonderful Thanksgiving, but in all of the rush...that dream faded. We took the challenge of eating one dish local and got pretty close to all dishes local. I will give you a rundown of our local fare....

Turkey...35 pounder (we raised him)

Ham...from our pork that we purchased from JJJ Farms

potatoes...ours

stuffing...made from Luigi's bread cubes (the best ever)

gravy...made

brussel sprouts...a gift from Nikki

Rolls...made

green bean casserole....our canned beans

green salad

Sweet potatoes...I have never attempted to grow these, but I would like to try.

Apple Pie...Chelan apples

Pumpkin pie...our pumpkin

So, 8 out of 11 dishes came from here or a local source. Wow, it was amazing. I think our house guests thought we were a little compulsive and crazy as we shot down their attempts to sneak things onto the menu that were not local. But, a challenge is a challenge....and we DID IT!