This week did not go as planned. In fact, nearly every moment from last Friday evening through Tuesday did not go as planned.

I love planning. There is comfort found in the believed control that writing something down on my weekly agenda pad gives, but all of that can be changed. While a great many changes are hanging in the balance here at Norwyk Manor, this week my most formidable foe was the flu - the ever-dreaded flu. While the seemingly innocent sore throat had set in last Wednesday, I am sure that staying up until 3am Thursday night for the sake of bargain shopping sealed my fate.

I am the first to admit that I am the worst sick person. Not because I am needy or dramatic, but because I HATE being forced to stop. I do not like to stop. I love working, I love checking off to-do lists, and I love getting to the end of a busy week only to encounter a new list of to-dos. This flu hit me HARD and I could not do anything but stop. I certainly tried, but Mr. Pedantic scolded me, and after many times of trying to move only to get sicker, I finally gave up and let the flu have its way. It stopped everything. It destroyed my agenda. Yet, somehow, I survived. It's funny how that works. Even when all the plans fall apart, it's still okay.

I may never eat green bean casserole again (sobs with regret) and I missed a few appointments, but those were the only casualties, and, thanks to Mr. Pedantic, we were still able to get Norwyk Manor decorated for Christmas. I'll be doing a short, live insta-tour Saturday morning for those of you who like to get nosey (I definitely like to get nosey).

Tomorrow is Mr. Pedantic's birthday. I am planning a steak dinner with this potato gratin, a green salad, rolls, and this key lime pie - all his favorites. I cannot wait. This is the fourth birthday I have spent with him and I still feel privileged to be the one he chooses to share it with.

Do you follow Christine on instagram? I cannot get enough of her and her beautiful feed. The colors are so soft, and her photographs and realness are enchanting. Check her out, I know you will not regret it.

I am planning to hand out about half of our Christmas cards this Sunday at church and mail the remainders on Monday. I know I am probably jumping the gun a bit, but it is officially December now so I think it is allowed.

Do you have a holiday baking list? Mr. Pedantic has been hinting for sugar cookies by subtly placing our Christmas cookie jar around the house, so I am thinking that they will happen within the next week or so. I want to keep things a little simpler this year - sugar cookies, peppermint bark, peanut butter fudge, and maybe some shortbread. The only massive treat I am planning to tackle is some sort of festively-shaped cheese danish. More to come on that...

Are you an eggnog drinker? I am, and I have wanted to make it at home for years, but so little of my family enjoys it. Follow-up question... Do you have you a favorite recipe? Nothing too boozy please, especially if I'm going to have to drink the whole batch myself.

I might get down with some Char-cookie-rie platters this holiday season. My mind is churning with combinations.

I would love to suggest that you make yourself a batch of these Christmas pretzels and settle in for a festive movie this weekend. Cozy, December afternoons make for such wonderful memories.

Happy weekend, you wonderful people!

Sincerely,

Pedantic Foodie

LET'S COOK TOGETHER!

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