HickoryBark of Ember

There was a whole page of things I would have liked to get done before the guests start arriving. I don't call it a to do list, because it's just too obvious that these things are not things to do, but things to dream about, to imagine, to hope and wish for. Sigh. I'd say the Sparrowhawk and I each did maybe one, or perhaps one and a half, of the items on the list. He cleaned the hall bathroom, which is very important and necessary. We both went to the farmers market, and he helped me carry things to eat, of which there were a lot. We got the stew meat for the meat pies, and a lot of apples, and mushrooms, carrots, beets, leeks, onions, sweet potatoes, radishes, a cabbage, and more brussels sprouts. I bought most of these things at an organic farm stand run by adorable young people. Their eyes got big and round as they saw me dumping box after box of home grown vegetables into my bag. Don't worry, kids--they will all be eaten. I have plans. One of the proprietors asked how I like to cook beets. I described my favorite method, which is very simple: steam them just until done, then drizzle a little balsamic vinegar and maybe a little honey over them.

While the Sparrowhawk was cleaning the bathroom, I put the food away and texted with Tron. She suggested we each mention something we were proud of. I still don't know if she will make it here for Christmas, but I'm proud of her for doing her best to take care of herself (which included asking for some cocoa bombs) and also for the amazing way she wrapped and packed all her Christmas presents and sent them here to be placed under the tree!

I started trying to vacuum the living room, but it was not working out the way I wanted it to. Vacuum cleaners and I never get along. I think I may have to crawl under the piano with a dust rag. Or not . . . The only reason I would consider it is that I'd rather get there first, before young Aquinas makes a dust rag of himself, to the scandal of his parents. We went to church--fourth Sunday of Advent, and all the candles now are lit. The Sparrowhawk wore his Christmas vest from Vienna for the first time, and his Austrian hat. He looks very handsome in it, and I gazed at him with much pleasure, but after church he took it off to avoid getting spots on it. I had nothing to offer but some leftover quiche, but then I recalled that there was also a leftover potato, and some sausages. So we had quiche, fried potatoes and sausage for dinner. I'm in a state of agitation because the Diva arrives tomorrow, the harbinger of the Christmas party! But, as I only slept for about five hours last night, I'm in no condition to make further preparations. The ALMOST shortest day of the year slows to a halt, and after the long night, I will make the best of tomorrow's frail remaining wisp of daylight.