ON THE SEVENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS...

On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me... snow, snow, snow!

Cats like boxes, kids like snow!

BUCKET LIST 2020

Quebec Carnival February

Ottawa Winterlude and skating Rideau Canal - POSTPONED DUE TO COVID

Strawberry picking 

Montagne d'argent and climbing with PP - POSTPONED DUE TO COVID

Camp Mauricie - POSTPONED DUE TO SITE UNAVAILABILITY
Louisville inn with vegetarian menu at 100 St. Laurent, Victorian style B and B half way to QC - POSTPONED DUE TO COVID
Hike Hautes Gorges and Grand-Jardins - NOT ENOUGH TIME FOR BOTH
Beach at Malbaie/Ste Irenee DONE
St Felicien zoo DONE

Lincoln Lafayette - POSTPONED DUE TO COVID

Hot Air Balloons Richelieu - POSTPONED DUE TO COVID

Apple picking in Rougement  - DONE VERGER HUDSON

NYC Central Park, Natural history museum, Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Macy's Day Parade, Morgan Library, Brooklyn zoo, Hamilton Grange, Frick museum (temporarily closed 2022-23, virtual site), High Line- POSTPONED DUE TO COVID, last time 2013! ?Sonder apartment hotel

Medieval feast/castle in TO - POSTPONED DUE TO COVID
London - POSTPONED DUE TO COVID
Niagara Falls - POSTPONED DUE TO COVID

Cozumel snorkelling - POSTPONED DUE TO COVID

ON THE SIXTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS...

On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...my own personal designer!
( I was fine with leggings and a winter themed pj top for my birthday bash, until I found this laid out for me!)



48 is quasi-Pythagorean, and here's to a year that has a leap day and is the dawning of a new decade!

BIRTHDAY CAKES

1. Praline (Pecan) cheesecake
A Luther staff room favorite from The Joy of Cheesecake (given by Uncle Laurie)

9" springiform pan
350 F

Crust: 1 1/4 c. graham wafer crumbs
1/4 c chopped pecans
1/4 c white sugar
6 T melted margarine/butter
Chill 10 minutes in freezer until set

In large bowl, beat together:
3 x 8oz cream cheese, room temperature
1 c brown sugar
2 T flour
3 eggs
1 t vanilla
1/3 c chopped pecans.

Pour into lined, greased and floured tin.
Bake 50 minutes.
Open the oven door, but do not remove until cooled to room temperature.

Modified to approach KETO friendly
1 1/2 c finely processed pecans
2 T melted butter
Omit crumbs and sugar.

Bake at 400 for 6 minutes (not more even if pale as will bake further), then cool and reduce oven to 350F.

Cream cheese, eggs, and vanilla together. Reduce brown sugar to 1/2 cup, add pecans,  and use 2T almond flour.

2. Queen Elizabeth cake
IGA.net
serves 8-12
45 minutes: 20 to make + 25 to cook

9"springform pan or 8" pyrex baking dish, bottom lined with parchment paper and greased and floured sides
350F

1 c chopped pitted dates
1 c water
1/2 t baking soda

1 1/2 c flour
1 t baking powder
1 pinch salt
1/2 softened unsalted butter
1/2 c brown sugar
1 t vanilla extract
1 egg
1/2 c toasted chopped walnuts

Place dates, water and soda in saucepan and simmer for 3 minutes once boiling. Cool.

Blend flour, powder and salt together in a bowl. In a second bowl, cream butter, brown sugar and vanilla with mixer. Add egg and beat until smooth. Alternated add in dry then dat mixture on low speed. Add nuts and mix gently. Pour into pan.

Bake for 20-25 minutes.

FROSTING
Preheat broiler on low.
1/3 c 35% cream
1/3 c butter
1 c brown sugar
1 c shredded unsweetened coconut

Bring all ingredients to a boil in saucepan, while stirring. Simmer for two minutes.

Spread icing on still warm cake and place under broiler for 2-3 minutes, until frosting is lightly golden brown.

Serve warm, as Queen Elizabeth prefers.

3. Sponge cake with mocha icing and toasted almonds

Mocha Frosting
From Mom

Roast 1 cup sliced almonds in the middle of the oven for 5-7 minutes at 350 degrees. Let cool.

Mix up 1 double package of Dream Whip or 1 (250 ml) carton of Nutriwhip as directed. (Lately I have been using 1 tub of Cool whip to save time.)

Add:
1 cup icing sugar
2 tbsp cocoa
1 tsp instant coffee granules
1 tsp vanilla

(I usually mix the coffee granules with a wee bit of hot water to dissolve.)

This should cover one Angel Food cake. Sprinkle over top and sides. Keep in fridge.

4. Pastel de Tres Leches
Martha Stewart - Cinco de Mayo
serves 12
350F
 Generously butter a 9-by-13-inch glass baking pan.

1 stick butter (8 tablespoons), melted and cooled, plus more for pans
6 large eggs, separated
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups milk
12-ounce can evaporated milk
 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
 1 fresh coconut (approximately 300g  dried; consider soaking)
 2 cups heavy cream
Assorted tropical fruits, such as pineapple, star fruit, mango, and pepino, for garnish

In an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine egg whites, baking soda, and salt, and beat on medium speed until soft peaks form, 2 to 3 minutes.

Add yolks to the whites, and beat until completely combined. With the mixer running slowly, add sugar until combined. Remove the bowl from the mixer. Using a rubber spatula, fold in butter.

Sift 1/4 cup flour on top of the mixture, and fold in to combine. Repeat with the remaining flour, folding in 1/4 cup at a time. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, and bake until golden and a cake tester inserted into the middle comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from oven, and transfer to a wire rack.

About 5 minutes before the cake is done, whisk together the three milks, and set aside. As soon as the cake is removed from the oven, pour the milk mixture over the entire cake. The cake should absorb all the liquid within 3 to 5 minutes. Set cake aside, and let stand until cool. Cover cake well, and transfer to the refrigerator to chill, at least 5 hours or overnight.

Before serving, heat oven to 450 degrees. Place whole coconut in the oven, and bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven, and using an awl or a screwdriver, pierce the three "eyes" of the coconut. Turn over, and drain the liquid. Using a hammer, break open coconut. To remove the meat from the shell, insert a small spatula or a grapefruit knife between the flesh and the shell to pry the meat out in large pieces. Using a vegetable peeler, shave off thin curls of coconut. Transfer curls to a baking sheet, and let stand uncovered for 30 minutes. Place in oven, and bake until edges are golden, about 10 minutes. Remove from oven, and set aside until cool. These curls can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days or frozen for future use.

When ready to serve the cake,  take out for at least one hour.  Whip cream to soft peaks. Slice cake into twelve servings, top with whipped cream, and serve with the fruits and toasted coconut curls.

Cook's Notes
The most time-consuming step is making the coconut curls; in a pinch you can use store-bought shaved coconut.

5. Fruitcake

6. Carrot Pudding with hard icing

ON THE FIFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS...

On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...8 days of Hanukkah!

ON THE FOURTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS...

On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...chocolate walnut fudge in red and green!

ON THE THIRD DAY OF CHRISTMAS...

On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...a picture perfect present on the wall.

CREDIT: Gigi's Pizza, Pointe-Claire Village does this every year and gave me the idea!

ON THE SECOND DAY OF CHRISTMAS...

On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me... rainbow pastel coconut sweets!

ON THE FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS...

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...a bright star on our Christmas tree!

Merry Christmas to all! I celebrate the 12 days of Christmas for the practical reason that I work a lot of Christmases, this year included.  I hope you have a wonderful holiday, and, if you are not having a wonderful holiday, I hope that a beautiful stanger reaches out to change it! Thank you to those who have sent wishes, early, on time, and late! 

STILLE NACHT

Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht
Alles schläft; einsam wacht
Nur das traute hochheilige Paar.
Holder Knabe im lockigen Haar,
Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh!
Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh!

Silent night, holy night
All is sleeping, alone watches
Only the close, most holy couple.
Blessed boy in curly hair,
Sleep in heavenly peace!
Sleep in heavenly peace!

Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,
Hirten erst kundgemacht
Durch der Engel Halleluja,
Tönt es laut von fern und nah:
Christ, der Retter ist da!
Christ, der Retter ist da!

Silent night, holy night,
Shepherds just informed
By the angels’ hallelujah,
It rings out far and wide:
Christ the Savior is here!
Christ the Savior is here!

Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,
Gottes Sohn, o wie lacht
Lieb’ aus deinem göttlichen Mund,
Da uns schlägt die rettende Stund’.
Christ, in deiner Geburt!
Christ, in deiner Geburt! Silent night, holy night,

Son of God, oh how laughs
Love out of your divine mouth,
For now the hour of salvation strikes for us.
Christ, in Thy birth!
Christ, in Thy birth!

O TANNENBAUM

O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum
Wie treu sind deine Blätter!
Du glänzt nicht nur
Zur Sommerzeit
Nein, auch im Winter, wenn es schneit.
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum
Wie treu sind deine Blätter!
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum!
Du kannst mir sehr gefallen!
Wie oft hat nicht zur Winterzeit
Ein Baum von dir mich hoch erfreut!
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum!
Du kannst mir sehr gefallen!
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum!
Dein Kleid will mich
Was lehren:
Die Hoffnung und Bestndigkeit
Gibt Trost und Kraft
Zu jeder Zeit.
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum!
Das soll dein Kleid
Mich lehren.

TWELVE APOSTLES: TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS: TWELVE GOODIES

John the minor, son of Zebedee
James, the brother of John, son of Zebedee
Matthew, taxman
James the lesser, son of Alpheus
Thomas
Judas (replaced by Matthias)
Simon Peter
Andrew
Philip
Bartholomew
Simon the Zealot
Jude

Rainbow squares
Peanut butterscotch squares
Apricot squares
Cranberry squares
Maple fudge
Rum balls (make day of, store separately)
Popcorn Balls
Cornmeal biscotti
Butter tarts
Toffee bars
Pecan Fruitcake bars
Chocolate fudge topped with crushed peppermint

ALTERNATES
Magic bars
Gingersnaps
Pecan turtles
Almond Crescents
Snow cloud meringues
Toblerone shortbread

I LOST MY APPETITE

When your patient tells you they lost their appetite, there is whole differential diagnosis that has to be explored. But what if your patient has multiple reasons. And what if that patient is you.

Last Thursday, I went to bed overstuffed, having eaten too much holiday peppermint bark ice cream. When I woke up in the morning, and didn't feel like eating, I thought it was GERD, took a TUMS, and walked to the train.

That was two days after my daughter's Opa, and my ex-father-in-law died. For good or for bad, he was resuscitated, and everyone has been living in limbo for the last ten days. My connectedness to his illness seemed remote, being that I am estranged to the family since my divorce, but, as the week wore on, I would have to admit that his ICU stay, and the little I knew about his case through his very non-medical son/ my ex-husband, was more distressing than I could have guessed. The financial grievances mostly over, it had cleared the way to the bigger grievances of divorce. I have lost whatever family I spent investing in for the last 15 years. Now I am outside of even their deaths, but never truly disconnected. Strangely, because of her age and the ICU policy of no visitors under the age of 16, my daughter is living this limbo also, and bearing it about as well. She is getting support from school friends, and we have talked about her Opa, and how she sees death, but it weighs on her, even if she believes he might end up, like the Wolf Pups of juvenile fiction, transported to Canus Major and Minor, to watch over her from the familiar constellations, just as her cat Nancy Drew does, from a full moon.

For 5 days, over the weekend, I was on call. The hours sound stupid (24x5 equals a ridiculous 120), but really I was free from calls all except the last night, so it was much closer to 50 hours of time on site, which shouldn't have felt so bad, but it did, and I was so exhausted by the final night, that when they called me just shy of midnight to announce the death of a man we had been expecting for 5 days, I was afraid they might need to call me in, and was planning to negotiate another in house MD to declare his death, because I did not feel safe to drive by them.

I often get too busy to eat lunch, but I wasn't feeling hungry at breakfast, or supper either. Was it my gallbladder? But it wasn't painful, just uncomfortable. I had gained some abdominal weight since the end of summer, and that would explain the GERD. Maybe I was just resetting. Maybe I was exposed to a disease during the week. I had been in rooms with C difficile diarrhea, RSV, pneumococcal pneumonia, and other unexplained respiratory and diarrheal infections. Maybe I was fighting those off, or experiencing a mild form of the cold viruses going around.

The definition of depression cannot be made unless symptoms have been experienced for at least 2 weeks. I could not be depressed, but I felt increasingly depersonalized and numb, as there were daily visits to one dying skeleton whose family spent the entire time wishing he was dead, instead of looking around at each other and taking care of the living, other visits to a young woman who had spent ten years with chronic pain as such a terrible experience that she avoided potential treatment of a newly found cancer until it was untreatable, and was still waiting for it to be worse to do anything about her new steps. There was the 90 year old woman with two doting sons who advocated for her, but she still could not decide who to choose to be her decision maker, and was not yet ready to decide for herself while she still had her faculties, because she only had metastatic renal cancer that had spread up to her lungs and stomach, but she might not die for a while yet! There was an elderly man who was no longer able to take care of himself, who had been held a virtual hostage on the floor for months, awaiting a long term care bed. Both he, and the unhappy girl with cancer had been fed this pipe-dream of the next place being better, so therefore doing nothing to make it personal, even though they had been there for weeks, and would likely be there for weeks more. It was enough to drive a sane person to insanity. Decide your level of care! Put up Christmas decorations! Let your family visit! What are you waiting for? Tomorrow could be too late!

So, when I was hungry, once or twice, I ate. Sometimes I felt weak,  so I would make a salad, or eat some banana bread. I used up leftover bread in toast, and occasionally had a bowl of cereal. I had no fever, and I tried to get enough sleep, which I did.  But 10 days after my daughter's Opa was revived into an incomplete recovery, and now 2 days after the skeleton finally took his last breath, I am still exhausted, and not hungry.

I don't think it's GERD, biliary obstruction, C diff,  or any other colitis, pneumonia, viral respiratory illness, or other physical ailment. I know it is not depression, and could hardly explain it by grief. I know I am burnt out, and that my stamina is terrible to have it happen in 4-5 days, but that doesn't explain my loss of appetite. I don't mind for now. I haven't binged since the night of the ice cream incident a week ago, which is extraordinary. But I wonder what is truly happening, so until it passes, I will continue to increase the list of the differentials, for now avoiding the worst ones that it could be: esophageal obstruction, extrinsic duodenal obstruction from a renal mass, pancreatic cancer; all diagnoses I saw this week. I'll take a TUMS, and reach out to friends. I'll take a walk, and keep hydrated. One day soon, I expect I will be hungry again. I hope it's before my next shift.

I AM A NANOWRIMO WINNER

Truth be told, this sounds more impressive than it is. While I realize I have gotten closer to the goal of writing a novel, what I have is a short version, incompletely edited, first draft. I have beat out no one, completed nothing, still could never edit, and truly "write my first novel". It seems self-congratulatory, but also like I finished running 42.2 km, even if I didn't do it on race day, or actually compete against anyone. So if you are still impressed at this definition, I accept your congratulations! I suspect, however, that this will not go over well at parties, causing people to scoff and express disillusionment at their romantic ideal, and disappointment in the idea that we are are not all meant to be winners, but no one wants to be a loser. Maybe we could learn to just be proud and celebrate the average, sometimes subpar, sometimes colossal, daily efforts we all make, everyday. That way, when a concerted effort that succeeds on 26/30 days with better than expected results, and significant personal effort and self-sacrifice can be lauded in the way a person's daily triumphs should be.