Spreading Holiday Joy and Germs

Hello everyone!

Sorry for the long absence from the blog. I assure you I've felt just awful about it. I've been entertaining family from far flung reaches of the earth. I am not used to children in my living space (currently, one is sticking plastic ants and snakes down my shirt)  and thus I fear I am allergic to them, for I come down with the most awful symptoms. Or, my theory of kids being walking petrie dishes is confirmed.

Sometimes I think I am turning green, not with jealousy, but like the Grinch. I can't stand all the noise, noise, noise. Can't we just carve the roast beast and be done with all this merriment.


I did find this enlightening personality quiz on Buzzfeed, and I scored quite high. But as my wise friend always said to me, "this, too, shall pass."

I think I can hold out. I got some great remedies and am figuring out new flavor pairings (Hot dogs and mac and cheese DO NOT go well with hot toddies.)

But you will all be happy to know that I did complete my NaNoWriMo commitment, though I have no title, I am happy with how the story turned out.

 I had planned on editing it and the third in the Angel Hacker Series, while I was on holiday break, but as you can see, there is a snake up my shirt.

I'll get to it eventually.

So I wish you a great new year, and hope I can get everything edited and published in this next year.

Fish and guests

I love having visitors.  I love playing host to family and friends.  Being a chef, (my real life job) having guests over is a time for me to impress people with my culinary prowess in the kitchen.  I like taking people to fun and unusual places around Missoula and the Bitterroot valley, like Rockin' Rudy's - where you can find decorative merkins and bimbo socks - or the Red Sun Labyrinth near Victor is best seen in the late spring/early summer.  

I love catering to the individual tastes of my guests. Relaxing on the patio with a specialty cocktail, and upscale yet simple hors d'oeuvres (that's French for snackies).  Great conversations and perhaps a board game, or a movie.  I love everything about entertaining.

Though it wears on you after a few days. It's exhilarating and exhausting all at the same time.  Adjusting your regular schedule to accommodate your guests.  Dealing with their animals/kids, hoping they get along with your animals/kids.  Then there is the extra clutter, air beds, luggage, clothes, towels.  I felt like I was constantly straightening and cleaning and washing dishes.

I am recovering from a long weekend with my sister and her dog.  Her dog has a special diet, thus I had to feed my dogs separately.  Her dog was like anyone in a diet, grouchy and constantly in the search for a forbidden food.  One had to be constantly vigilant where they held their plate for fear of an extra snout spiriting away a tasty morsel from your plate.

After it was said and done, I was happy my sister came, though I was equally happy when she left.  The spare room and the kitchen are back to their orderly fashion, and the dogs can eat their food in peace.