Mid December Outtakes
2024, Here We Come

Well we are half way through the last month of 2023. As time continues to fly, some mid-month outtakes. First, the tremendous pumpkin that the teenager picked out for Halloween, preserved nicely in the cold Western New York temperatures on the porch, would need to be processed. I needed the pumpkin for the holiday cookie haul! It was an all-day thing, but resulted in several gallons of pumpkin purée.

What to make? What to make?

Though we missed the official tree lighting of Genesee Brewery‘s famous keg tree, a quick stop and a bask in its kitschy warmth was a must.

My Mom has no mobility and now my Dad’s knees are giving him trouble… so they couldn’t put up a tree for our Christmas Day celebration. My Mom is so into Christmas that it just was not an acceptable predicament. I bought her a small turquoise tree and will bring it on the big day. Here it is hanging out with my beloved tree.

I have had so much fun hitting the antique shops around Rochester. It is so amazing to not have to deal with the terrible upcharge and inflated prices of living in the NYC area. Though I have been spending way too much on increasing my vintage Christmas stash and not find much in the way of gifts.

More vintage ornaments for the tree

These prices were too high for my taste, but they’re pretty cute.

My favorite $5 spent… this amazing faux fire!

The sun finally out and me in a parking lot

Looking all Christmas-y

A vegan breakfast sandwich at New City Cafe & Roastery… some just egg, arugula, vegan bacon and a bit too much vegan mozzarella, but still yummy!

Things I just have to get used to…

My old classroom supplies have new functions!

A tofu bao from Crepe & Go… very yummy few bites

I made a pumpkin cake well, because I have a ton of pumpkin puree. It was ok… I try to use only coconut oil now and my doing so made the texture a bit odd. But it looked kinda pretty!

Ok, we are back at Swillburger.

Making a quick chili

Let’s see what the latter half of December has in store!