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| December 2019 Wreath |
November 2020
We typically prepare and host a Thanksgiving dinner in our house for 15-18 family members. COVID-19 caused us to reconsider our holiday celebration this year. While thankful that family members have avoided major illness this year, we certainly didn't want to create a situation where an infection could be unknowingly shared among members of multiple households. So, we prepared a much smaller dinner for three, with one family member joining us for a much briefer gathering.
December 2020
For the past several years, my wife and I have enjoyed taking an evening class in holiday wreath design. Our local florist conducts these classes, supplying the wreath construction items and instruction. Once again, the current pandemic altered these plans. Concerned with being in an indoor environment - even with shop roll-up doors open and a smaller class - we wondered about gathering with multiple household members. Despite viewing another holiday activity disrupted, we arranged for the florist to create a wreath, with us simply purchasing it (which was actually similar to the course fee but certainly not as much fun). Thus, we support our favorite florist shop and we still have an attractive wreath to place on our front door. Wreath making will hopefully restart in 2021.
With a simpler two-person Christmas dinner, I've been thinking about brining and smoking a small turkey
(10 pounds). We continue our search for the moistest turkey breast and this will be the first time we won't be oven roasting a turkey. I've experimented with smoking a spatchcock chicken and it turned out pretty tasty. Leftover turkey will be frozen for later soup and/or a pot pie.
Lately, I've been ripening a couple dozen Hachiya persimmons for making a brandy infused steamed persimmon pudding. This is a dessert that my father often made during the holidays. He is no longer with us, but recreating this dessert helps me recall the sharing of his many home-made desserts. My creation may not reach "Paul Hollywood" approval levels, but this is the first step towards perfecting my recipe.
2021 Travel
In March, our final payment is due for a summer polar trip that includes Helsinki, Murmansk and the Russian Arctic. At this time, this trip looks either unwise or extremely unlikely. Given a nonrefundable but transferable trip deposit, we'll probably move this to a 2023 polar trip.
In December, we have a 15-day cruise scheduled. Currently, the cruise line has placed a hold on all US cruise departures through November 1, 2021. The final payment for this trip is in September 2021, which hopefully will bring some clarity in respect to cruise line cancellation. There might be a broad COVID-19 vaccine distribution by this time, but it is much too early to tell. If not, perhaps another trip moved to 2023.
If the above travel plans fail, we'll load up the car and take a spring drive back to Shingletown. A week spent in the fresh mountain air and hiking opportunities are always a terrific respite for us.
As travel this year has ceased, we’ve been stepping up our donations to local non-profits and businesses. Food banks have been one of our focuses as food insecurity is an urgent problem for many. We’ve also supported regional performing arts and student services. As indoor dining has become risky, our take-away meals are more frequent. Finally, patronizing your local hardware, clothing, grocery stores and service companies can really make a big difference to many of your neighbors struggling with the economic toll of this pandemic.
Best wishes to you all for a safe and healthful Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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