Do not take my computer.........ever

photo ~ Country Living

Ok, finally feeling a bit better, helped my father move into a new apartment, then head down last week to the studio ready to wrap up some holiday cheer and publish overdue Christmas blog posts. Hear a scary rush of water, somewhere, somewhere and walk into water, lots of water, pouring into my basement studio. This is not good, not good at all. Hint: always know where the water main is located (thankfully I did). For the next eight hours crew of helpful men move all gift wrap materials and work space to temporary and much dryer location, tear down drywall, rip off baseboards, remove all soggy material and inventory, set up 6 loud fans to dry wet studio, then leave for weekend. Plumber starts repair but will finish Monday, in the meantime no water over weekend as problem is not resolved. We both sleep all weekend with one eye and ear open. Overloaded breaker system fails and security alarm beeps non-stop for 2 days, repeated breaker failures zap and fry computer screen.................are you telling me I don't have a computer? Husband concerned, non-showered, shingles- recovering wife looks like she is going to lose it. Lets edgy wife make non-disputed executive decisions, buys one new Mac laptop and books 2 flights to Oklahoma to see son at Christmas. My plan this upcoming week? Wrap and blog while ignoring non-stop workers and repairs in other part of basement (can't leave house), wrap and ship orders, forget holiday decorating (out of town), find Tulsa restaurant that serves full Christmas dinner on Christmas day, nap at whim, and go with the flow. I just tell you everything, don't I?


While I get settled in my temporary work space and get on with holiday wrapping ideas that should have started weeks ago, I did come across a Christmas Crafts section on the Country Living website that reminded me of what I think is a great holiday gift. Baking, pure and simple. I know you already know this, but if you think it is a tired, worn out, magazine kind of idea, it isn't to anyone rushing through the busy holiday season. Especially when it is that delicious signature item everyone just loves. Make the best apple pie? Give them one fresh, warm one and a few unbaked for the freezer. Wrap them up in white bakery boxes with baking instructions and pretty ribbon and your gift is as good as the latest Coach bag. I probably have too many purses as it is, but a freezer with homemade apple pies.........what a treat since my pie-baking weekend is pretty well shot. If you want to put it along with a lovely linen monogrammed apron (instructions online- click here) and some baking accessories, all the better, but really it's the home baked pie (or that specialty) that they really want this year. Pure and simple. It's that kind of year.





Both photos via Country Life