Christmas Goodies

Ok, folks. I am still pretty broke for Christmas, so here are the goodies I am planning to make and distribute. Speak up if you actively WANT any of the below:

Sekanjabin. (Also called "Oxymel".)
I am halfway through two different batches. The usual Cinnamint but with honey this time (Plus vanilla, I have BEANS!) and a new "Asian Inspired" variation with rice vinegar and star anise. The results should be a very drinkable basic Sekanjabin and a very smooth licorice-flavored beverage. Mmm. Almost hate to give them up!

Nitey-Nites.
This is my favorite cookie, both to make and to eat. For those of you who are not 'in the know', these are little meringue-type kisses, usually white with chocolate chips and or nuts. My variations have been interesting, to say the least. Mom used to make them with peppermint flavoring, and I do this too. (When I can find them, I use mint-chocolate chips instead... mmmm.)
Other variations that are likely:
Orange flavor with semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (Orange colored)
Cherry flavor with milk chocolate chips (Pink)
Rum flavor with butterscotch chips (experimental, probably yellow)
Vanilla with chocolate chips (White)
Vanilla with nuts (Pecans, probably) (white)
Lemon with no chocolate or nuts. (Almost certainly yellow.)
I think I want to make a whole bunch of "types" and give everyone an assortment, sort of like a box of chocolates. These are very rich, and really are more like candy than cookies.

Gift Certificates.
These are for chunks of my time. Undivided attention. I used to give out cleaning certificates, but I can't do that anymore. (Not until my back is well again, at least.) These certificates will have all the rules and disclaimers printed on them, and will be good for as little as 3 hours or as much as a whole day. The point and purpose is to get you to schedule some time with me, preferably one-on-one so that I can reconnect with my friends. I know that some of you are feeling neglected. Speak up if you want a coupon!

I wish I could post my Christmas List of what everyone's getting... but too many of you read this journal!

UPDATE!

Papa's home!

They sent him home today. He was still having trouble sitting yesterday, but was eager to walk, so they traded "sitting time" for "Walking time" so he got to go home.

He's in bed playing with his new ibook, so things are more or less back to normal.

(Sigh of relief.) My StepMom says that Christmas has already come for her. I see what she means.

Also:
Went to my Chiropractor today, and he was optimistic. Enthusiastic, even. He's pleased with the things I have been doing for my health (mostly under my StepMom's care) and says that I should keep doing Taiji. (Uh, ok, but after the winter is over...)

In the mean time, I would love to get my exercise from swimming which I haven't done in a long time.

Um.
Does anyone have access to an indoor pool that they would like to share? It would be great to get a swimming buddy, too.

... And it would've worked, too, if it hadn't been for those darned kids and their dog!

Sigh.

That'll teach me to read labels.

I got the "Asian" style Sekanjabin done, but my taste test was... ugh.

It was... strange in ways I didn't expect.

My SO (who came home from work early due to his health) tried it, too, and said, "It's SALTY? Did you use SEASONED rice vinegar?"

I went and read the label:
Seasoned Rice Vinegar.

(Smacks forehead)
D'oh!

That's right, this installment of the Big Ol' Dork show is brought to you by Seasoned Rice Vinegar! It's LOADED with SALT!

Grumble grumble grumble.
This means that I wasted a great bottle of seasoned rice vinegar (suitable for SUSHI) and an expensive packet of imported chinese star anise to make something barely drinkable.

Except that it occurs to me that salt *IS* sometimes added to Sekanjabin. Hmm.
Does anyone want Licorice flavored medieval gatorade?

Psst! Hey all you Paganfolk!

Festive Solstice to all!

Burn that Yule log, and dance the night away!

The night is long, but the light returns soon. Light something ON FIRE tonight!

Yay!

Psst. I think I hear the Solstice Fairy on the roof. I better let "her" in the back door...

And now, a Yuletide Carol for all of you to enjoy!
( But I'll cut it for your convenience. )