All is quiet here at the office where I've sent all the staff home and am covering the silent phones just in case. Been catching up on the blogs and sending merry, happy comments to all. Last night was a late night as Gomez prepared two pumpkin pies and the black beans and I prepared the mojo to marinate the lechon (pork loin) for tonight's Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) dinner for 10. I also chopped veggies for appetizers and salad and we discussed the timing of who does what, when so that dinner comes together all at once. We did it all while scarfing homemade fruit salad laced with peach brandy (yes, bomb the kids so they'll sleep. joking) and drinking Lakka, a Finnish liqueur made from cloudberries. Which, if you've never tried it or them, are these yellow raspberry-ish berries that grow up in Lappland in the bogs. They are absolutely exquisite as is the liqueur. Though the Finns kind of sneer at it, it's actually quite good.
Gomez also wrapped presents and played Santa and we ruminated and harassed each other as best friends will. We estimate that we've known each other for 39 years, since the start of 7th grade. (we both hit 50 this year, how did that happen?) We've got a lot of catching up to do since it's been 2 years since we've seen each other and some things just don't translate to email. In the week before she left her divorce became final, she bought her ex- out of her house and finally became lord of all she surveys. Peace, even bittersweet peace is just the best gift ever.
Well, it's time to blow this popsicle stand, so I'm off to the post office to mail off some gifts for her then home to whip the house into shape for the dinner tonight. Have a wonderful, peaceful and warm Christmas and/or weekend from this Finnish/Spanish/Cuban/Italian/Ukranian mutt household to yours!
Did I ever tell you that my great grandparents were Finnish immigrants? I missed out on the culture and tradition, though, as my grandfather ended up being raised by Swedes and adopting their last name.
Still--you're only the second person I've ever heard mention cloudberries. I'm gonna have to find some of that liqueur.
Merry Christmas, sweet soul sistah, and keep yer toes warm. The Lakka ought to help!
Posted by: Laurie | December 24, 2004 at 09:00 PM