Charlie and me had a nice, quiet Christmas, just the two of us. (As a cashier down to the A&P, I’m on the front lines, so no socializing with loved ones inside for me.) Yes, it was kind of lonesome, but we zoomed with my sister Irene and her family and my dad down to Mahoosuc Green. That helped. We took a long walk with Scamp on the 24th. I cooked us a nice roast pork dinner with homemade applesauce, twice baked potatoes with sour cream and bacon, a green bean bake and a pineapple upside down cake for dessert. Yum! It poured on Christmas day, just like on Thanksgiving. So, 2020, right? But hey, …

Happy Holidays from Mahoosuc Mills

Well, I just had my last performance of 2020, and what a year it’s been. Thanks for sticking with my on this journey! I had a big day yesterday, and am too pooped to write much, so I thought I’d share some video clips from “A Very Ida Christmas!” We filmed ’em a few years back. Enjoy! Ho, ho, ho, and all that jazz! That’s it for now. Catch you on the flip side!  

My Confession

I have something to confess. As weird as this 2020 holiday season is, there’s something actually kind of nice about it. Usually, by this time in December, I’m busier than a one-armed paper hanger: running here and there, working our craft table down to the Christmas Bazaar at St. Hyacinth’s, shopping, baking, wrapping, yikes! Oh, and don’t forget the overeating (some of it stress related, some of it just me getting swept up in the moment). There would have been my book group’s potluck and Yankee swap, customers down to the A&P bringing in baked goods, the Heavenly Treats booth at the Christmas Bazaar, where I can never yank myself away from Sister Henry Georgiana’s …

Naked in Mikey’s Meat Market

Last Saturday, I run into Mikey’s Meat Market to get some bacon, went to order, and realized I was naked! No mask! I have never done that before. Sure, I’ve forgotten my mask, remembered halfway to the door, then had to go back to my car. But I’ve never actually walked into a store without one. The weird thing is, it felt unnatural. I went to order, realized what I’d done, covered my mouth with my hand and said, “Oh my God! I forgot my mask. I’ll be right back.” And I dashed outta there. It’s amazing how we’ve adapted to a new normal. It’s not always easy, though. Here’s Charlie’s latest. Where’s My Mask? …