Monday, November 30, 2020

Monday, November 30, 2020

Tonight's picture was taken in December of 2007. That day I went into Mattie's kindergarten class and read the book by Jan Brett, the Gingerbread Baby. It was a book given to me by Margaret, Mattie's preschool teacher. She loved it because the main character's name was Matti. After I read the story, I brought in home made gingerbread baby cookies, that the children got to decorate. I made royal icing and had all sorts of candies for the children to use to decorate their creation. I am so glad I never missed an opportunity to get involved and to be in the classroom to experience Mattie with his friends. 

Quote of the day: Today's coronavirus update from Johns Hopkins. 

• number of people diagnosed with the virus: 13,525,899
• number of people who died from the virus: 267,888

Since the Governor has shut down in-person dining since November 25, I have been cooking at my parent's home. Given my dad's track record this year with NOT eating at home, I was worried that he wouldn't eat anything I cooked. So far, he has done well and appears to have an appetite. But I have been busy cooking in addition to doing a host of other tasks and chores, which is definitely not sustainable for my mom. The pace here is sickening.

As I was looking for a bowl to serve broccoli in this evening, I found this pretty blue bowl. Where did it come from? Peter! Peter is a potter, did you know that? He created this bowl when he was in high school. The bowl is the perfect shape, a brilliant color, and very durable! As my parents have had it for over two decades. 

Since we were cooped up all day today, my mom and I went outside for a five minute walk up the block and back. My parent's street is decorated for Christmas, and it was a magical highlight of our day. 

I am not sure how holiday lights are done in residential areas on the East coast. But in Los Angeles, there are professional companies that you can hire to set up a light display at your home. While I have been in LA for two weeks, I have seen many of these professionals working on the neighbors' houses!

A charming and colorful glow.

This house had lights everywhere! 

Somehow I love the two swans on the front lawn... but following the 12 days of Christmas song, I really wanted to see 7 swans a swimming! Where are the other 5?

Frosty!

The all white light look is beautiful and I believe it is trying to capture the feeling of snow and icicles. 

Can you see the twinkling stars?

My favorite! It was grand, yet elegant. My photo doesn't do justice to this incredible display. 

Love the stars!

Do you remember the TV Christmas Special, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer? If so, then you know who is up in the tree  is the Abominable Snowman. I can't remember how many times we saw that movie with Mattie. 

In memory of the many times we saw this movie..............

Snowflakes in the trees! Today was close to 79 degrees, so no wonder they appreciate seeing snowflakes in the trees! 

Wonderful to see the trees aglow especially during the never ending lockdown.