Baking, Shopping and Eating, Oh My.

December was full of fun with lots of time to enjoy my family, my friends and even myself—I may have enjoyed a few too many sweets though. Here are a few of the highlights.

December Highs
How about baking to my heart’s content? Yes sir! From cinnamon rolls to peppernuts. Peppernuts? They are these fun little crunchy gingersnap-like cookies that are as addictive as movie popcorn. In German we call them Pfeffernüsse. I employed the boys to help in making them as it can be quite a chore rolling them out, cutting and putting 30-40 on a small baking sheet.

Also December is when we make Apfelkuchen—a long time Molzen/Dreier tradition. It’s a small round doughnut-like pastry made in a specialized cast iron pan. Family lore is that when our family came to America the matriarch hid her pan under her dress because she didn’t have money to pay the customs. Knowing my family I think she likely just didn’t want to pay.

Other highs? Fun times in the studio with clients and crew—see also silly antler on heads. Catching up on some reading. Window shopping with Amy. Fun Christmas socks. Testing photo techniques with grapefruit. Launching rockets with our nephew. Christmas concert with my folks. Candle light service with in-laws. Impromptu dinner outings with friends…a rare luxury.

December’s Low
It was on a Friday afternoon and I was casually checking in via Twitter and learned of the shootings in Newtown, CT. My heart sank. The unimaginable. Even at this moment it’s sobering. I am changed in how I relate with my boys because of it. We all sat down and talked about it a bit and their questions was “why?” All I could say is that’s the same question everyone is asking. My heart goes to everyone in Newtown.

December was a month of much gratitude, appreciation and reflection. It can be an emotional month, and it was for me. I’m thankful for the people in my life…my wife and kids, my extended family, friends, co-workers, clients…it’s all good.

– Kyle