So it is that a new year has arrived, with the midnight madness of fireworks, toasts and resolutions, the anticipation or anxiety toward the year ahead. I’m not much of a New Year’s Eve person. I never do resolutions, preferring not to set myself up for disappointment, instead feeling that each new day, with the first one of the year or the last one of any week, holds opportunities, much to be grateful for, sadness to hold in my heart and for joy to ripen like summer fruit into gratitude . . . on and on as each day goes.
Our Christmas was on the quiet side, with Christmas Eve church services and a Christmas Day meal at our daughter and son-in-law’s house with cherished family. Burrata and pesto slathered on crusty bread from Heather and Andrew and an amazing frittata from Suzanne whetted our appetites and was a recipe/tradition of her grandfather’s. Jennifer, always daring in her menus, served us the most succulent of meals: duck comfit with a pickled raisin sauce, lentils, potatoes and smashed Brussels sprouts. It took her days to prepare it – and mere minutes for us to consume.
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Vase appeared, as did holiday cookies, pastries and Jason’s crullers – another family recipe.
Gatherings with others and quiet time, as well as moments of pure delight and those of poignant memories. Elegant meals as well as simple suppers, my mountains of Christmas books and the cheerful cards that came through the mail – it was a meaningful and lovely Christmastide.
My Antler Man and I dined in for New Year’s Eve – we usually do. A rare treat of steak and potatoes to celebrate year’s end, and some Belgium chocolate gelato for a wee desert. I baked and baked and baked some more this year. I don’t know where the flurry of flour activity arose from, but, it did and I will confess that it is rather nice to end the year, any year, on a “sweet” note. My pièce de résistance was a most delectable pork tenderloin on New Year’s Day. Gently stuffed with spinach and Swiss cheese, I topped it with cinnamon apples, baked in a very hot oven and ate with wild abandon. (Well, not exactly wild abandon, but, we did eat well 🙂 ).
So it is that a new year has arrived – and with it gratitude for each and every one of you that visits here on the Cutoff. I appreciate all of you and am humbled that you take the time to read my ramblings.
Thank you, one and all, and best wishes for a healthy, happy New Year!
Penny
and to you )
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Thank you, thank you!
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Lovely post, Penny! Pork tenderloin–yum! Love the flower arrangement with the mints. They match each other well.
Someone else mentioned that she had pork tenderloin on New Year’s Day. I was invited to the home of some friends who served prime rib, green beans, and potatoes. A fine meal.
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Happy New Year, L. Marie, and thank you. The arrangement was such fun to make and it just happened that the carnations matched the mints. 🙂
The pork tenderloin was delicious – and I just stuffed it with what I had. Yum, for certain. Prime rib! Oh my! I am sure it was outstanding and that you enjoyed it all. 🙂
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I’ve never been a resolution type either, Lisa. I do love a nice empty calendar at the start of the year to help me map out my goals. Wishing you and yours peace and joy in the new year!
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OMG! I was just taking to a coworker named Lisa and I typed her name! Sorry, Penny. Yes, I really do know your name. 🙂
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Jill, I’ll answer both comments with a bit of a grin. I know you know who I am and am grinning because I have done the same thing, more than once. 🙂
Thank you, Jill, and the same to you and yours.
PS – I love those nice empty pages – though, today I have some appointments to make and so it will fill up soon.
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They do fill up fast. Thanks, Penny!
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Beautiful post. I enjoyed your philosophy of no great resolutions. Your idea of enjoying each day as it comes is so much like my fictional heroine’s famous quote of “Tomorrow is new day with no mistakes in it.” I love that, it speaks of peace and forgiveness.
You did much more baking than I did. You are quite the cook as are your daughters. I know you enjoy it and the memories that come with it. I hope you have a blessed, peaceful, and healthful 2019. Continue making the memories. They are precious.
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Thank you, Janet, for your kind comment and for the quote. Anne! 🙂
I don’t know what got into me. haha I usually do a lot of baking, but, this year I was way over the top. I think I was maybe making up for last year. It is the memories. Each cookie brings back a long ago Christmas, a relative, a friend and much of what I make are brought to others.
I wish the same to you and Jim, Janet, and I appreciate our long friendship.
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Lovely message and memories! Enjoyed reading this.
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Thank you, Jennifer, and so glad you did! You are the BEST.
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As I mentioned to our mutual friend the other day, I don’t make resolutions, I have ‘want-to-dos’ — a mental list of things I hope to accomplish in this new year, and certainly nothing I will suffer horrible guilt about if I do not
Even though I know you were busy beforehand, Penny, you seemed to take all you do in stride and still make time for your peaceful moments throughout. I admire that in you. Sounds as if your holidays turned out just right. Please keep sharing your gentle stories with all of us as we head into this new year and whatever it may bring.
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We are on the same “page” when it comes to resolutions, Karen. 🙂
I do try to make time for myself, though I don’t always succeed, I keep trying. I appreciate your recognition of this and your kind words, both of which are encouraging to me. I find that just the simple rituals of a cup of tea mid afternoon or a walk in the woods for a spell help keep me centered. The holidays were “just right”, in spite of some sadness and longing, which both you and I deal with. Thank you so much, Karen – and I will.
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Penny, like you, I baked and made so many treats this year. Cookies, cinnamon pecans, chocolate-covered pretzels. And people gave me MORE cookies and treats, both at home and at the Church where I’m librarian. (The English toffee was irresistable.) And we’ve had too many good leftovers, like stuffed shells. Honestly, I’ve gained ten pounds. The holidays are over and it’s time to buckle down and lose weight. I hope you’re not in the same predicament, and I wish you a Happy New Year.
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Oh, Sue, a friend who is well known for her toffee gave me some and it is as irresistible as yours must have been! Yum. I managed to keep my weight steady but not so sure what my routine labs will show the truth in a few days.:(
I so enjoyed your post – huzzah! I have been having trouble posting comments on a few blogs lately, yours being one, but do want you to know I am reading your words and that you are an inspiration to me. A very Happy New Year to you as well – and here’s to staying true to ourselves. 🙂
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Penny, I applaud you for being able to keep your weight steady while enjoying treats during the holiday season. I have a physical and bloodwork coming up in a few days. Uh-oh! I was supposed to lose a little weight! Thank you for your ongoing support of my writing.
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You are most welcome, Sue. Your words are uplifting and encouraging. I was relieved that the weight stayed steady but we’ll what the bloodwork shows. Sigh.
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Happy New Year Penny! I love your philosophy about New Year’s resolutions. Also, your holidays sound like gourmet’s delight – like mother like daughter!
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Happy New Year – and thank you, Janet.
It really was a good year for holiday eating here, and Jennifer “nailed” it with the duck confit! and we did eat well. 🙂 She doesn’t shy away from gourmet challenges, that is for certain. Looks like your holidays were wonderful, too.
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Such delicious and loving festivities Penny and lovely to read. I’m just catching up now as I don’t have the broadband to read blogs when I’m away in the wilds.
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It is such a wonderful thought thinking of you at your bach or elsewhere warm and summery, Juliet, though we are having some rather warm and unseasonable weather here right now (knowing that cold and snow can invade our environs at any time 🙂 ). Thank you. It was such a pleasant holiday here – and I have been well fed. 🙂 Happy New Year from up north. 🙂
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I love the way you describe your holiday season, Penny. I had a brief visit up north with my cousin (very brief, but wonderful) and shared several afternoons with friends, allowing for time with those I love as a priority instead of the “tyranny of the urgent” that often typifies my life in December! And I, too, baked like there was no tomorrow! LOL! What do you think that fervor was all about? I don’t even enjoy sweets all that much. I made the Chex Mix, too, however, and did serious calorie damage in that area. Ha! I do hope that you and your beloved Antler Man, as well as the girls and their families, have a wonderful year. I don’t set resolutions, either, but I grow contemplative and give consideration to any area where I think my life needs attention. I feel very optimistic going into this year…haven’t felt that for a while, and so I’m taking it as a good sign. Hugs to you, Penny!!
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Thank you so very much, Debra. I appreciate your kind words – and your long distance friendship. Yes! Those simpler times of just being with those we love is what is most important. It is good to know that you were able to savor those moments, especially with your cousin. As to the baking”fervor” – no idea what that was about. I’ve always baked my share for Christmas, but, this year??? I think, perhaps, I was making up for not doing much last year and maybe capturing the flavors, recipes, essence of the women no longer with me – and now, I want Chex Mix! It’s been ages since I’ve had that. 🙂
I am feeling optimistic as well. Let’s go forward with that in our hearts! Hugs back to you, Debra, and the best wishes for you and your family.
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