PICKING UP CHRISTMAS CAKES AND GETTING A COVID SHOT

I wanted to share our post on the bakery where we purchased this year's cakes for the holiday table, with thanks to my guys who did all the pre-shopping for me. I had been staying home for a few days. I slipped in mud and went down hard, with my nose kissing a nobbly tree root, and a lovely time eating grit (when we were out birdwatching). I was very sore but thankfully nothing broken but had a bloody and scraped nose and bruises and sore spots here and there. I have had other falls, a lifetime history of being distracted at the sight of say birds landing on a lake, and Gregg often reminds me, "Now be careful, when you're tired you're dangerous." My guys have taken to reminding me if obstacles are afoot. I'm fine now I hasten to add and well-taken care of by my angels, and I include my sweet daughter-in-law in that statement. 

Anyhow, I was late in getting the Yule Log. Normally I have ordered a Christmas Cake and the Log long before this, but my knights came to the rescue. When they got to the store they sent me photos so that I could choose the decoration. 

This bakery was our son's idea as he and our daughter-in-law's wedding cake came from there years ago, and he and his Dad decided to go to their bakery.

 A few years back I ordered a Yule Log from their restaurant at a different location. They sell an excellent selection of baked goods in their foyer.  At that time I had no idea they had their own bakery. 

 The young lady in the center of the above photo was making one of those Yule Logs. I didn't want to get too close as she was in the middle of putting it together. She noticed me and gave me a lovely smile and was probably used to the curious. I took all photos with my cell phone. Gregg and I picked our order up on 12-22-23. I mention the bakery just in case you live in the area or are visiting.  I get nothing in return and I don't think they need my help with advertising.  They have been well established here for years and the place was hopping. 

Amphoras Bakery here and:

https://amphorabakery.com/baked-goods/winter-collection/

Things to note when visiting a busy bakery, make sure it is your dear other half you are talking to when reaching out and grabbing an arm. As I turned round, Gregg was haloed by the backlit window, and I was caught off-guard by the glint of the sun in my eyes. Putting one hand out to shade them, and the other to reach out and hold his arm, I heard a chuckle and I said to him....well I can't remember what I said because suddenly a strange man was staring down at me with a big smile on his face. When I finally made out his features, it wasn't Gregg at all as still squinting, a big moustache came into focus. Nope, "You're not my husband!" Thankfully he thought it was funny and so did his wife who said I could take him home! I looked for Gregg who had moved position and was chuckling by the counter, looking at my dilemma. I rolled the eyes to the skies/ceiling for the first time that day. 

Didn't take me long to shift thoughts, as the displays were drawing me in. I definitely could have stayed in there for a long time. Somehow, I think the people behind the counter are used to customers taking photos. When I started taking mine, next to me was another lady taking hers, and we weren't the only ones.

Isn't this a cute gnome cake?

The pies were looking good also!

“Baking is the poetry of the kitchen.” 

~Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin~

"I thought maybe we could make gingerbread houses, and eat cookie dough and go ice skating and maybe even hold hands."

~Buddy the Elf~

I also bought a few Christmas Cookies and took these photos at home when we unpacked everything.  

Yes, there's a stormtrooper in there, just for a smile for Star Wars fans we know. There are actually two, one out of sight. 

The size of the Yule Log was a surprise to all of us. It was supposed to be half that. It's all good and we have since shared with more people. We thought we were getting ones the same size as those behind the counter in the photos above. I'm surprised we could make room for it in the refrigerator, but Gregg said I do puzzles, I can manage and I did.

I may have confused people. When the boys texted me a photo to show the designs, I was late getting back and son had already ordered, not this one.  I called minutes later and asked him to ask the lady to change to the poinsettia design. I heard their conversation, it seemed okay. Still, wires were probably crossed at that time.

When I saw this one my eyes got wide and they rolled to the ceiling for the second time that day. I had tasked them with getting the Christmas Cake also and it was large and tall, and beautiful. 

If I ask them to do something for me, they are true to their task and I certainly wasn't going to complain. Next year I am thinking of making both myself, so if you have any good recipes with decorating ideas, send them my way if you would please. Mother always had a Christmas Cake and a Yule Log on the table when we were growing up. That tradition is engraved in me like stone. I have only ever made one log in my life, and that was in my school days. I know that's been a while, but it could be fun.  I'll visit this subject again next year.

We saw this at our local supermarket pharmacy, where we both got another Covid booster shot. We've been meaning to do that since October.  

I can't stop taking photos - it kept my mind off the actual shot, which turned out to be good, no side effects. 

We went through the door into a small office to get our shots. A nice young man gave them to us.  He was very good. I felt something but it wasn't painful, and Gregg didn't feel his at all.  Fortunately, apart from a little soreness at the vaccination site, there have been no side effects.

The supermarket was packed out, it was hopping!  I have never been there with so many people. I was glad to get out of there.

 

This area was quieter. We had just come off the elevator and I saw the poinsettia display tree. Through the doors, back to the car and we were on our home where we sat down, had a cup of tea and enjoyed a Christmas Cookie each from Amphoras. 

I hope yours has been a great day and as always, thank you so much for stopping by.