It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Today was the boys' last day of school until 2013; they found that fact to be extremely cool, and I felt happy that they were both glad and sad about winter break. They were excited for vacation but sad because they'll "miss school and our teachers and friends." Now really, could you ask for more? I asked for a little more, I admit, and had a sitter come this afternoon because jesus h can those kids talk and need. I went and had my toenails painted shimmery gold and feel infinitely better now. I also made the most divine goat cheese-crème fraîche cheesecake for tomorrow which I will top with a sour cherry and balsamic sauce. Fab-o! The cheesecake has some freshly ground pepper in it which is ludicrously good with the cheeses and cherries.

Right now I've got a lovely cassoulet-inspired dish going on the stove: tomatoes, white beans, shrimp, shallots, celery, garlic; and a good baguette. Off to chow!

Good/bad

Do you know what's a real bummer? Taking half a melatonin to help ensure a terrific night of sleep and then being awakened three or four times by various animals and children. I am definitely on the gaga end of the spectrum.

On the slip side,we enjoyed a stack of gorgeous, golden waffles for breakfast. 

Early Christmas with T's parents

This afternoon, T's parents came over for an early Christmas together. They're headed to CT tomorrow to celebrate T's grandmother's 90th birthday on Monday so we wanted to get together beforehand. I made a pot of gumbo and a salad, warmed a good baguette, put out some buffalo butter and then a plate of  holiday cookies. The boys tore into their gifts, thrilled to be opening some early. How cool are these Bat chairs!?

Dinner was delicious, and I received a waffle maker which I am super excited about and plan to christen at breakfast tomorrow! In college, there was one dorm on campus - Foster-Walker- that served chocolate waffles once or twice a week. On those mornings, it was as if the ants had been called home to the colony; students trekking to this dining hall of single mind and purpose. I've got these memories in mind as I head into tomorrow's maiden voyage with the waffle iron.