Christmas is approaching ........... FAST!

I can't believe how quickly Christmas is coming. The stores are full of decorations and it's a reminder everytime we venture into the shopping centre. I am going to make my tree, black and silver, so I have already bought some new decorations. I couldn't help myself, and I figure that I normally wait and my selection is through everyone else's dregs.....so this year I decided to get in early, and now I don't feel so ridiculous anymore. Ahh, but I digress......we have many family days which we all really look forward too, but Christmas is our favourite. It's a time we all get together, and we imbibe in great food and wine, and the best company.  This year we are going to be all together again, as far as the Schimak side goes. The girls will be here as well as Aunty Ricky and Aunty Dee.  I already have notes on my computer (Stickies widget) with food reminders - and the rough beginning of a menu.  I am going to make Stuffed Chickens - well Peter is going to debone them and I will fill them with a mixture of mince, ham, garlic, seasoning and pistachios.  I will make two of them because one will not be enough and it will go quickly. This Christmas I will have a cold selection - so that after lots of wine has been consumed, I don't have to worry about cooking anything. I love the cooking beforehand, so this will work in perfectly. I am also looking for a terrine or something of that nature - maybe I'll just have a ham, not sure yet. I am going to ask my Mum to make her delicious belly pork dish, which is just divine, and something I haven't eaten in years. I haven't decided on the salads yet either. So - even though it sounds like I still have lots to plan, it's certainly high on my list of organizational priorities at the moment.  The baking list hasn't been confirmed, but I will of course make my Vanilla Kipferln and Linzer Augen.  There would be a revolt, if I didn't make them.......

Dinner is prepped. I have roasted pumpkin for a dish I found on www.taste.com.au  It's a bacon, pumpkin and pesto and pasta dinner - should be yummy.

Kids are all inside and hopefully looking forward to dinner. Their faces are always a little uncertain when I cook something new. 

I stayed up late last night. The return of Californication. It's been ages since something half decent was on TV, apart from Idol anyway. Actually I have never watched and entire season of idol before, I normally watch the first auditions, because it's the best comedy. And then I usually watch the final episode.  This year however, I find the talent line up to be just awesome.  So I am happily watching each episode. Wes Carr and Mark Spano are my stand out favourites. I also believe they are the stand out artists, with Wes Carr being far and away the best on the show.  When he comes to the coast, I will definitely  go to watch him perform. Ah, and Californication, I know it's tripe and trash but I enjoy it. I like watching David Duchovny and it's unlike anything else on the TV, so it's unpedictable......it can be crass, funny and touching all in a matter of a few minutes.....

Okay husband, I am organized, you can come home now.......