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.

It is snowing... big fluffy flakes drifting outside my window this morning as I write this. So picturesque... and bitterly cold. A perfect morning for a steaming batch of steel-cut oats. I cook mine in a mixture of cow’s milk and water with chopped apples, vanilla, fresh-grated nutmeg, a splash of maple syrup, and dried, unsweetened cherries. So warming and nurturing on these wintry days.

So tell me... where did November go? It seems a blur to me now. It started out with traveling to Seattle to visit my favorite aunt who is gravely ill. I met my mother and her sisters there. And although this was a very sad time for my family, it was wonderful for me to be in direct contact with my matrilineal heritage. I gained a little more perspective on how I was shaped by their presence and influence when I was growing up. And with no men around... I must say it was indeed quite blissful... for a time, anyway. My aunt lives just a couple blocks of a Trader Joes so it was easy for me to have my food needs met while visiting.

Thanksgiving took us to Santa Fe once again, amidst a bout of flu that ravaged my family. My youngest son was the one sick during the trip. I thought for sure that I had packed the elderberry syrup but could not find it anywhere in my suitcase... until we arrived back home, that is, and there it was hiding in one of the pockets. Oh well. My husband’s aunt did not make her signature apple and green chili pie... which was a little disappointing but probably for the best. Of course... when in Santa Fe we must eat out at a Mexican-style restaurant which are akin to torture when a B. For me it is the temptation of corn. Of all the avoids for B’s, this is the one that still challenges me. So I had to employ my “corn deflect”... when everyone else is enjoying freshly made corn chips and tomato-based salsa, I order a margarita and before too long, I no longer care about the corn. Sure... I am trading one avoid for the other but... since agave nectar is usable for all blood types, shouldn’t tequila be as well?? Ah, yes... I know... but I’m not ready to shatter this dream just yet...

Yes... I did get the flu... and happy to report that I did survive. I am fortunate in that I only get the flu once every 10 years or so... thankfully... and with the BTD certainly I suffer less than I used to when I do. I drowned myself in elderberry syrup, elderberry tea, and vitamin C which helped... and rested, reflected, and finally recuperated.

And now... here it is... a week before Christmas. Wasn’t it just Easter? Where does the time go? I remember when a teenager and impatient to become an adult and be on my own out in the world, a wise woman said to me, “Oh Kris... don’t wish time away..” I could not grasp the truth of her words then, but I do now. Time is indeed precious.