Is it me or was it just Labor Day? Sure, they’ve been playin’ carols down to Kohl’s since before Halloween, but still, Christmas kind of snuck up on me. I mean, we have today, tomorrow, then it’s here. ‘Cause our big deal is Christmas Eve. I cleaned the house good over the weekend, but I still have so much to do! You know, those things you can’t do ‘til last minute: pick up a pork pie from Lebreque’s Bakery and pork chops from Mikey’s Meat Market, ‘cause, as Mikey says, and I have to agree with him, “You can’t have too much pork!”
For the last couple of years, Mikey’s been carrying that Iowa Stock Yard pork which, oh, my, God, you have to taste to believe. As you know, I’m kind of a pork fanatic. After all, it is the food of my people. This Iowa pork? Manna from heaven, far as I’m concerned. I’m particularly partial to the center cut loin pork chops. Mikey turned me on to ‘em and I haven’t looked back. Broil ‘em or throw ‘em on the grill; you can practically cut these babies with a fork.
I’m doin’ dinner this time, and my sister Irene is bringing the appetizers and dessert. Each year we rotate, which is a good way to do it. So, here’s the plan: we’re having our pork chops broiled and served with homemade apple sauce, new potatoes and maple roasted carrots. Dad’s not much on vegetables, so basically our choices are carrots or peas. Green beans, too, but only if they’re in a casserole, swimmin’ in cream of mushroom soup and topped with fried onion rings from the can. Well, it is a classic!
I used to do “big meat.” You know, a roast pork or rib roast. But it’s hard to time that sort of thing out, and I found it kind of stressful. Listen, anything I can do to kept stress out of the equation, I’m doing. ‘Cause let’s face it, this time of year, there’s plenty of stress as is. I don’t need to add to it by attemptin’ big meat or a fancy schmancy side dish that some folks only pick at. (No need to name names.)
All the special parties are behind us (thank God), so I can retire my Spankie for now. Just in the knick of time, too. I’m practically at the point where I’d need the jaws of life to get out of it. It’s hard to feel sexy when, really, you feel like a sausage.
Charlie’s work Christmas party was up to the Sky Lodge again. I got all dolled up, per usual, which I love to do. That’s why I get into the holidays so much. You can wear sparkles and glitter day or night and not look tacky. No, you look festive!
That’s what the holiday season is all about: being festive and generous. The world would be a better place if we were all more festive and generous, don’t you think? Not just now, but all year ‘round.
Have a wonderful holiday, folks! And here’s a little tip. while you’re doing nice things for others, please include yourself on the list. That means not sweating the small stuff. Try makin’ this season about spendin’ quality time (not money) with friends and family. Anything else is just window dressin.’
That’s it for now. Catch you on the flip side!
IDA's PODCAST: Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
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