Ruby's new collar.

It's decidedly stylish. But Ruby has long legs and is as skinny as a super model. We think it sets her apart from other dogs without getting into the whole punk rock leather thing. I don't think it will make her any less prissy when she has to go out in the rain, though.

Upstairs WC

Here is the new paint job and crown molding upstairs. I will post more photos as I finish the renovation. It is getting a new slate floor that will be heated. New toilet. New pedestal sink. New curtains. Thanks, Lana, for helping me strip the wallpaper.

The name frame.

Here is a frame I made with Calliope's name. Starla got some flower fairies that I can decoupage onto it.

Hello humidifier

Here is Calliope's humidifier. It, also, works as a night light.

Christmas day

We had quite a houseful on Christmas day. Ten humans and two dogs. I didn't snap nearly enough photos but the ones I got are here. I prepared a grand meal for our luncheon. We had ham (provided by the Lewises). And I provided all the vegetables. Cooking for ten is as much work as it sounds like. I have a brand new respect for Alice from the Brady Bunch. I made salt crust potatoes and salt crust beets. Sadly my beets were underdone for the second straight year. Maybe the third time will be the charm. Parmesan carrots were great as usual. Honestly, how can you go wrong with anything cooked for an hour in butter and cheese. Hank said my green beans were cooked exactly long enough. I rather agree with him. I happen to like them a bit crisp myself, too. But the wilted chard with the red onions and vinegar was probably the most complimented. I've always loved greens with vinegar and these were quite flavorful. I baked three sweet potatoes until they were just mush inside. We scooped the insides out and they were just as sweet as any yam casserole with marshmallows but twice as healthy. For Keith we had canned cranberry sauce but everyone was happy to see it. Sometimes the low brow can't be improved upon. I opened a bottle of Bordeaux from the St. Julien region. It was just beautiful wine. I may have to purchase another bottle. I got it for myself last Christmas at the wine shop in Grand central Terminal. Chateau Gloria 1999 - for Christmas you see. Matt and Bryan whipped up a very light sour cream dip with onions. I didn't get any with lunch but I have been enjoying it with my Lay's for the past two days. It's nearly gone guys. Send me a recipe when you get a chance. (Also, I noticed you left the Moet White Star behind. I'm looking forward to opening it the next time we get together.) For dessert I baked three pies with homemade crusts. Maple cream, Pear-pomegranate, Apple-cranberry-ginger. I think each was good in its own way but I will likely try three different ones next time.

Keeping Asheville weird

Thank you anonymous camera man and belly dancing duo. Your work is definitely keeping Asheville weird. This morning in the cold air Beaver Lake was the location for some exotic filming. Our yard on Marlborough Rd. was their parking lot. I'll be seeking royalties.

Ruby takes a nap

Ruby just needed to stretch out and relax. Apparently, I am the most comfortable thing in the room. You can see she got interested when Starla pulled out the camera.

Ruby's first snow

She looks curious, doesn't she? Not too playful, though. Perhaps when it gets thicker she will do some cavorting to entertain us. Mostly she was confused when the snow hit her on the head or nose. Maybe she's too cool for snow now that she's growing up.

A caroling we went

Here is the group I've been caroling with recently. It has been a bit of fun but so much singing is quite a bit of work. At Biltmore we sing for 30 minutes and then rest for 30 minutes. Last time we did 4 sets over 4 hours. Anyway it will be coming to an end for me soon. Another singer will take my place and I will go on to different singing.

Watch me go

I have been working double time on the nursery. I hope Calliope likes green and lavender. I built this storage unit in the shape of a house. Starla is working on filling it up with gifts for our daughter. I'm not really sure if the gifts are chiefly for Calliope's benefit or Starla's delight. Oh well, either are fine with me.