Sunday Blatherings

 I thought I'd share a cookie recipe that I tried this week. They are not too sweet and the texture is more like a scone). So good with a cup of coffee or tea.

CRANBERRY DROP COOKIES

1/2 c. butter 1 c. sugar 3/4 c. brown sugar, packed 1/4 c. milk 1 egg 2 tbsp. orange juice 3 c. flour 1 tsp. baking powder 1/4 tsp. soda 1 c. chopped nuts 2 1/2 c. coarsely chopped cranberries Cream the butter and sugar then add milk, orange juice and egg. Sift dry ingredients. Blend with creamed mixture. Stir in chopped nuts and berries. Drop by spoon on greased cookie sheet. Bake 10-15 minutes at 375 degrees. Makes 8-10 dozen.   (to me) Today we are celebrating my birthday with the family at a wonderful restaurant brunch ---Mr & Mrs Santa Claus will be there as well for the little ones. Should be fun, and although this birthday has made me a bit weepy, it's good to know I can finally retire early if I want.  It's a tough decision sometimes as my job is easy and we get lots of time off.    My last day of work is Friday, 12/19 and I'm off with pay until January 5th. Not as good as Congress but hey, I'm not complaining.  Looking forward to seeing Unbroken, which releases Christmas Day -- the book was awesome, and relaxing with a few good books.   It's such a busy time of year for everyone it seems.  I have all of my shopping done, even though I may pick up a few small things (if I don't that's okay too though). I did manage to send out the holiday cards and put up our small tree and menorah yesterday. I'm one of those people who hates wrapping presents, whereas my SIL loves it, so she has once again volunteered to do my package wrapping....lucky me. Last week we had a staff holiday party, a college-wide party and a departmental celebration -- all kinds of food as well.  (not getting on the scale until Jan 1st, but trying to make wise selections).  We also brought in therapy dogs to help de-stress the students preparing for finals -- huge success. Books ---Finished a few books, but haven't had a chance to review them. (2) were outside of my normal genres, but they were light and fun and good of this time of year where I'm finding it tougher to focus.  Collector; Nora Roberts - 4/5 (audio) The Christmas Light; Donna VanLiere - 3/5/5 (eGalley) The Boy Who Drew Monsters; Keith Donohue - 4/5 (library) New Books      Alpha Romeo 1300 and other Miracles; Fabio Bartolomei (paperback swap) The Hanging Judge; Michael Posnor (Amazon Vine & Open Road Media) The Mountain Story; Lori Lansens (Amazon Vine & Gallery Books) The Kind Worth Killing; Peter Swanson (William Morrow) The Girl in the Photograph; Kate Riordan (Penguin UK) Night Night, Sleep Tight; Hallie Ephron (william Morrow) Dark Rooms; Lili Anolik (William Morrow)  Have a great week everyone!