A little festive progress

Life is crazy indeed these days.  Just a little festive progress being made, including these yummy cookies pictured above.  Mr. T used the recipe for Chocolate Butter Cookies and turned them into Sacher Torte cookies by filling them with jam (some apricot, some cherry) and topping with chocolate.

He also made a batch of Heavenly Delight this past week when he got out of work early one day.  It was delicious and we've already given some as gifts, so he needs to make another batch soon.

As mentioned earlier, I made Chocolate Orange Cookies for a cookie swap on Thursday.  They went over very well, and I've had a couple requests for the recipe.  I'd forgotten to add the chocolate chips when preparing the dough, so made half of the cookies with the chips and half without.  I think I liked them better without the chocolate chips, but many others liked them with the chips included. 

Yesterday was a very busy day which included a dump run, a bit of shopping at the Dollar Tree, cleaning the church, cookie baking, and supper with our young friends Sam and Jennifer (breakfast for dinner -- we love that!😋).

Today, Sunday, has been equally busy.  We both taught Sunday School -- then a church from a neighboring town brought their kids and young people to present a Christmas musical for us in the 10 a.m. service.  Four of our grandkids were involved with this and it was great fun.  They would be presenting it in their own church in the afternoon.  Following the musical, folks from both churches enjoyed a nice soup and bread luncheon downstairs in the fellowship hall.  It was wonderful that their pastor had the idea of presenting the musical at our church as well.  When people go to that much work practicing for such an event, it's fantastic to be able to present it more than once.

After lunch we enjoyed our annual gift exchange at church.  (We draw names.)  That was fun also.  Mr. T received some cozy-looking socks and lots of chocolate.  I received a pretty tree-shaped candle and a generous gift card for Hobby Lobby.  

After that, a handful of us -- two ladies, three men, two college age men and two guitars -- went to a few houses and sang Christmas carols.  (A number of folks had other commitments.)  It seemed a bit surreal to be singing Christmas carols standing in mud, looking at green lawns and enjoying temperatures in the 40s.  There was, however, plenty of brisk wind and even the odd snow shower to give it atmosphere.

Yes, a busy day.  If time allows, we may take four local grands on our annual Christmas shopping trip tomorrow. 

It's been a tradition with three of them for years, but little sister (now 5) may be deemed big enough to come along.  We will see.  And that (whenever it happens) will be another busy day!