Soul Cake

What you see there was some incredibly scrumptious cinnamon rolls I made on Christmas morning. The original recipe called them orange, date and pecan rolls but I had none of that, so I just used what I did have. Mine were lemon, cranberry and walnut rolls. Really good. I'd be happy to publish the recipe if any of you would like it.
Besides the snow, I had a very different Christmas Day, and I tell you, I really enjoyed it. See, I live on a mountain and all my family lives north of here, where the snow was worse. Getting off this mountain with the ice and snow was tricky so my Mom said not to try it, she was staying home too. Like a lot of families, Christmas Eve used to be a big thing with my family but over the past few years it seems to have just fizzled out. Everyone just eats and then sits around staring at the TV. Not exactly an enjoyable evening in my opinion. I don't know if it's that everybody's lives have gone in such different directions or what but it's not a lot of fun. I did take Mama to my brother's house in Huntsville on Christmas Eve and we had a pretty good time though. My sister and her family didn't show. We had a hard time getting in touch with my sis; she won't return any phone calls, but my brother finally talked to her and she said she had hurt her back and didn't feel like getting out. So, I was actually happy that it snowed for several reasons. I enjoyed seeing my brother and his family but we were to go to my sister's on Christmas Day and honestly, I'd rather drink kerosene. I did miss seeing my niece and nephew though. I know lots of people out there don't really enjoy the obligations of holidays anymore and feel guilty because of it. But is it right to continue to do some of these things when it seems obvious nobody is enjoying it? I'm not much of one to keep doing something just because that's what's always been done. However, I don't want my family to think I don't love them. I do of course, but some people are so critical of others, they make it very uncomfortable for everybody.

But I spent a lovely Christmas morning with Jack. It was so peaceful and fun. He then went to visit his son and family, who live south of here, about lunch time, so I had the whole afternoon to relax and do whatever I wanted. I baked, I walked out in the snow and fed the animals. Then Jack came back and we had a nice dinner and enjoyed the rest of the evening together. A great Christmas Day to me.

So, today is St. John's Day and Mother's Night. It is the custom associated with John, to light a lot of candles today and have wine blessed. Now, I don't know where to get any wine blessed but I think just having a little with dinner will be a good substitute. Today is also the day to honor all mothers. If the roads are clear I may try to visit my Mom, as I did not get to on Christmas Day. I can call at the very least anyway.

*Sting