Preparations

There has been a flurry of blogchat recently about preparations for the festive season.

Some people go into utter overdrive and, as a result, make the rest of us feel woefully inadequate. For some reason two copies of Better Homes and Gardens(AKA Better Homes than Yours)are delivered to us each month which is odd since I did not order it.

Since it's there, I read it:"For chef Michel Nischan, his wife Lori, and their five children, the holiday feast is an easygoing affair. Heirloom dishes and crystal come out of the cypboards, and everyone gets involved in the cooking, barely needing to refer anymore to keepsake cookbooks and handed down recipes. Fresh, seasonal and locally grown ingredients take only uncomplicated roasting,baking and pan frying. "This is our tradition," Michel says, "sustaining the family with good food and honoring the farmers who grow it."

Good for him. Be honest. This sounds much too good to be true.  When was Christmas ever easygoing? When did everyone get involved?Hah, I say to you, as per Stanley Kowlaski. Hah!

I spent yesterday trying to copy our friend Motisi's camels. Mine would have to go to a camel chiropractor or have camel acupuncture.

I have a book with images of winter. Isn't the skeletal tree bliss?

These girls were decorating the windows of the High School for Fashion Industries on 24th Street. They were doing an excellent job and having fun too.

This couple are ready for a winter ball. The suds are from the window washer.

Fortunately, they  kept the dangerous tree and the equally dangerous secretary firmly chained up.

PS. For stunning, not to be missed  photos of the window displays uptown go to Susanna's blog here.