Time Flies

Time really flies and Christmas is just around the weekend corner.  I can't even imagine what it would've been like had I not taken time off from work; although, I'm not looking forward to trying to catch up and go through all those hundreds of emails that are probably sitting in my Inbox.

I was actually quite productive the beginning of the week - started paperwork for loan payoff, brought items to the Salvation Army donation center, got some additional things for the homeless outreach gift packages, got an oil change, and had a friend over for dinner.

Then, I went with my friend and her family to her graduation in Arizona.   It was nice to meet many of her friends.   She is one who has been able to form some really meaningful friendships with godly people.   That is something that I need to do better at.

I also learned how to cook something like a fritatta.   In a large pan, fry ingredients like bell peppers, tomatoes, onion; then add egg and stir until cooked on the bottom but still uncooked on the top.   Add cheese and then put the pan into the oven to bake the rest of the way.   It is a simple but nice looking dish to serve for company.

Today, I had my parents over for lunch.   I made the broiled salmon again.  This time, I mixed the miso, ginger, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and green onions first, and then marinated the fish overnight.  I also added some hazelnut oil; and then also buttered the pan.   However, the fish came out a little too "oily", so maybe next time, I'll just forgo the oil altogether.    Also, I made a beef hot pot; but unfortunately the bbq sauce I roasted the beef with had too much vinegar; so, the broth was a little too "sour".   And, I stir fried some snow peas with tofu.   Did the tofu first with sesame oil and soy sauce.   The thicker tofu works fairly well, since the middle stays soft while the outside browns nicely.   But, I think my mom enjoyed the bakery items best - I had bought this excellent chestnut bread, and pastry desserts from Paris Baguette.   They tasted great and looked good too!

Fortunately, I had sent out most the Christmas cards I had wanted to; and finished my Christmas shopping.  So, while things continue to be busy; I can still have some time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.