Donut Pajamas All Around

How to Chop Onions Without Crying

Using a knife, cut a cone out of the bottom of the onion (where the roots come out). The diameter of this cone should be about a third of the diameter of the onion, and about 1/3 deep. Take this piece and throw it away (don't put it down the disposal!). This piece contains the part/gland that makes you cry when you're chopping it up. Once you've gotten that piece out, chop off the top, peel, and slice the onion.

You know your cone is too small if it doesn't work, because you've cut into that teargas grenade.

The prettiest tree yet

My Christmas Wish Came True

Every year I hope for snow at Christmas.

I experienced a beautiful, quiet snow storm when we were in Denver just before Christmas, and thought that would have to do. I sat in a glass room at the spa, sipping detox tea and warming myself in front of the fire as I watched the snow swirl. It was a wonderful moment.

But not as great as having snow fall in Portland on Christmas day. What a surprise! So here is Lucy, the Arizona puppy, experiencing her first snow, and Boomer, impervious to snow with his thick fur coat, getting out for some fun in the white stuff.



















And the family Christmas Eve dinner in all it's mayhem and glory.












Cheers!

In honor of my girls

This year was our 14th Christmas Cookie Exchange. Along the way we added a gift exchange and it has become the highlight of the evening. Lots of good-natured fighting and stealing takes place, but in the end we're all happy with our presents. Best of all, everyone also goes home with a huge bag full of cookies.

Happy Holidays

I love these guys!