a break.

     I'm writing briefly tonight to explain why I'm having to take a break from blogging indefinitely. I'm sad to report that my camera and laptop were stolen from my house, among other things. Some desperate souls threw a rock through my window and tore their way through my dear little home a couple weeks ago. :( I'm fine, thank God. And Lila, too. I was out of the house and she in her kennel. Everything will be okay, though I've never experienced such a scare. The cops think they were teenagers "just having fun." Apparently it's not uncommon. While nothing about the occurance was good (aside from my being out of the house when it happened), I will say that it's alerted me to be more cautious, and also to urge you to be careful and lock your doors and get light timers and turn on your alarm and record all the serial numbers of your electronics and expensive items (I don't know anyone who does this, but do! Criminals most often take your stolen item immediately to a pawn shop where the employees must enter its serial number. If you have given the number to the cops the item will be flagged and the police notified of a match. This is one of the most common ways they catch the criminals. I so wish I'd known this!). Anyhow, I'm thankful to be okay. And for the support I've received. And that my sweet Lila is safe (and now getting bigger and doing quite the job being a guard dog and barking at everything! Good girl!).

     On a lighter note, I'm sad to have missed several opportunities to share tasty recipes during this season of so much good food! But never to fear, I'll post some of the best ones when I get a chance, including Ina's chocolate cake, a tangy homemade vanilla frozen yogurt, and a smashing apple-pear-cranberry crisp (also by Ina. go figure.). (All pictured below, thanks to a trusty camera-phone.)

Back soon!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!