A Great Weekend

I've finally been able to get a few pictures taken around the house as we celebrate the Nativity of Christ. Here's a picture of the tree that is sitting in front of the bay window:

You can see what I mean by rustic. Some of the ornaments are heirlooms. Mother, several years ago, made quilted squares and she gave these to me. And other ornaments I've collected over the years and intend to pass down to my children, if I ever have any.

Yesterday we hosted the dinner here. Originally there were going to be about 12 people, but a couple of them couldn't make it, and sister and bil had to go over and spend the day with his parents (and they're off to Hawaii tomorrow as her friend is getting married on New Years Eve . . . I'm so jealous).

But at least, I was able to get my good china out at last. Here's how the table was set:

For dinner, we had the usual traditional dishes - turkey, which we injected with butter, and stuffing with onions, celery, garlic, and shallots; sweet potatoes puree laced with bourbon; rice, collards cooked with onion and garlic, and cranberry relish :

I found this recipe from a website:

Cranberry Relish, by Elizabeth Powell

1 cup sugar
1 onion, finely chopped
6 whole cloves
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 whole cardamom seeds, crushed
1 pinch cayenne pepper
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup vinegar
2 cups cranberries, fresh
1 cup seedless raisins
⅓ cup brown sugar
1 cup water

Combine all ingredients in large soup kettle. Bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer 45 minutes. Serve chilled.

It is truly delicious. It tastes good warm, but even better when it is chilled, and so much better when it's been allowed to stay in the refrigerator overnight. This just may become a family favorite.

And I finally got to take a picture of the sock. Here's how it looks right now:

Lovely, isn't it? I'm getting ready to turn the heel. I love this part of the work and I never cease to be amazed at how the 3-dimensional shaping forms. Isn't knitting amazing?