Today’s task: Black Forest cake for Christmas lunch. None of the elements seem particularly difficult but the decoration will be something more than I’ve ever attempted. Also, what do we think about freezing it until Sunday night? Would that harm it in any way?

I made Indian Pudding and whipped cream. (Not exactly the most accurate or sensitive name for it.) It’s pretty good! The molasses makes it taste old-fashioned, so maybe not for everyone. Rachel says it tastes like the Depression. 😂

Speak softly and carry a big stick. (I cut a limb from a recent oak fall and now I’m lugging it back home to make a walking stick.)

I built a candlestick out of a limb that fell from our sweetgum tree in the front yard. The base is made from salvaged door trim. I was slightly concerned that it would catch fire, but so far so good.

I believe these are red oak acorns. Whether they are or not, I’m processing them using these old farmers almanac instructions.

Rachel made persimmon drop cookies!

My “make things, not content” t-shirt gets a surprising number of compliments. The number of people who see the sickness in the usual mode of life online and the need for a more embodied experience is not small.

Made a pasta tree for Rachel to dry her homemade pasta.

Rachel made a zucchini pie and–you know what?–it’s really good. (Y’all, we have so many zucchinis.)

You know what? The pickled kale is fantastic. Crisp and sweet and sour. It would be good on sandwiches or just by itself. Good use of a pound of kale from your garden.