It has been a quiet season of deep reflection for me this holiday time. My aunt did pass away a couple days before Christmas. But this was only one of several deaths that have touched our lives in the past few weeks... two of which were rather freakish accidents to young, vital people. And although tragic, it is a vivid reminder that each moment really does count.

So this year has really been more of a subdued Christmas for my family, and myself in particular. I felt the need to make a nurturing, yet simple meal for our Christmas dinner. I roasted a leg of lamb, with only garlic and olive oil for the seasonings. So simple... and yet perfect. And with the new knowledge that the A’s in the house are non-secretors, all were able to enjoy the lamb, well, all could enjoy the lamb, that is. My husband is still a die-hard veg-head. Sigh.... at least he has the knowledge of his blood type and secretor status. We also had a winter squash/cranberry dish, scalloped potatoes, (... OK... those were just for me...), brown rice, steamed broccoli and a green salad. A very simple meal, stress-free to prepare, and oh so nurturing. Oh... and I made a spelt-crust pear/ginger pie for dessert. Delish!!

One of our holiday traditions is what my brother-in-law fondly refers to as the Arctic Death March, which usually takes place on Christmas Day but this year it happened on the day after. We bundle up my Californian brother-in-law, and drag his oxygen-deprived body up the foothills for a hike in the white stuff (snow... that is). He appreciates this tradition oh so much! Ahhh... it’s what he gets for visiting Colorado in the winter... we just want to make sure he gets the “full’ experience. But this year he was rather lucky, as the weather here has been downright balmy. There is still snow in the high country... a little slushy... but still snow. And certainly enough snow for my monkey-boys to frolic about. I had to dodge many a snow missile launched in my direction.

Yes.. that is my life with boys... but also uplifting to experience care-free moments in the midst of difficult times.