Sometimes, no matter how much planning and advance thinking one does, things get left out, or don't get done, or, well, simply get laid to the side as more pressing things rise to the surface and take their spot.

This is what happened to me last week and it why this newsletter is late, will not have any pictures, and will not follow the normal format that some of you might have grown accustomed to.  The short version is that I am once again in Seattle.  This time it is to help Chris, my partner, who has just had neck surgery.  I did an almost perfect job of clearing my desk prior to this trip, but, as you see in the case of this "no photograph" newsletter, I was not absolutely complete in accomplishing everything I should have before leaving town.

The best part of the story is that Chris did very well with the operation, scooching through in just two hours, though they had warned it would go on for much longer than that.  I can tell you that being the one sitting in the waiting room, anxious for the doctor to come out and say that all went well and that your partner is fine is a pretty hard place in which to find oneself.  Some of you probably already have experienced this.  But the doctor did come and find me and showed me an x-ray with the finished work right there in black and white and, even though I am not much for reading x-rays, it was pretty clear to me that the plate he'd told us about was now attached to her and that meant that she was done and I could get ready to see her again, which happened pretty soon after that.

If I had done everything I wanted to, I would have taken a picture of our two new glass Snowmen to show you.  As it is, you'll have to wait until I get home next week. 

They are pretty cute, actually.  They are both filled with Maple Syrup, and both depict classic Vermont characters.  "Snowflake" Bentley was an eccentric fellow who was the first to figure out how to take pictures of snowflakes.  He lived in northern Vermont - you can visit his house when you're up there if you like.  And "Brrrton" is the bear who the maple syrup folks created in honor of one of the coldest winters on record a couple of years ago.  Both of them wear jaunty little hats.  Brrton's is a knit cap. 

These two bears are very cute and might be a great present if you are heading somewhere for the holidays and might be responsible for pancakes one morning.  Hint hint.  (I'll show you the photo next week.  Promise.)

 Oh what a beautiful package!  Such colors!  Graphics!  Amazing!

But, you guessed it.  No picture for this one either.  Next week.  No doubt.

No picture.  But if you come into the shop, look to your left.  There, on the right hand shelves, second from the top in the first and second rows, you'll find our Girl and The Fig section.  Theses lovely folks from California have made two new wonderfully delicious dessert sauces, perfect for vanilla ice cream (those of you who know me know that I consider just about everything to be perfect with vanilla ice cream but THIS time I really mean it!)

Um, yeah, picture to follow...

And now we're home - back at Chris's home out here, that is.  She's doing much better.  I'm a pretty good nurse.  I'm very good at making a pretty tray, carrying it upstairs, watching for how well it is received.  This, after all, is part of the deal and it is fine with me to be here to do this care taking.  She is getting well, and we have big plans for later on: hiking in Moab, biking in Hawaii maybe, building an addition to the Weaverville home. 

For now I am catching up on reading, sending good thoughts to the gang in Asheville who are, at this moment, getting ready to cook Thanksgiving meals for a bunch of you in a couple of days.  It feels odd not to be there for this.  I have always been the one to go to the store early on Wednesday morning to pick up the turkeys.  Our shop's refrigerator has always been too small to store them, and I've always been too excited to sleep on Wednesday morning, so that shopping trip has been mine.  This year Emily has made other plans.  Richard will review the orders and will tell Jon what  to get.  I'm sure it'll be fine.  And, while Richard and Deb and Martha and Kether cook, Adam and Andrew and Virginia and Collier and Anne and Mariah will portion out the mashed potatoes and the pies that Melissa has made.  Noel will jump in and Em will keep everyone calm - I trust.  It's odd not being there but this year I am needed here more. 

Chris's brother and I will cook a small dinner for the three of us.  Some of her Seattle friends will drop by, no doubt.  It'll be quiet.  Nice, no doubt.  Different.  But sweetly fine. 

I feel thankful that this operation is over.  She is over the worst.  All is still now.  It is good. 

May this day bring all that you wish for.  Together with your families, friends, important people.  Don't Postpone Joy, okay?

Turkey and stuffing.
Apple and pumpkin pie too.
Is it time to eat?