But before we get to that, here’s some good news. In November I had my 1-year-later cancer scan, and everything was clear.

Yaaaaaaaay!!!

And … HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone … so glad to see we all made it, although it was a close call for some of us. All I can say is I’m so glad you decided to stick around.

On with the show …

‘Twas the season for all things made with flour, fats and sugars, namely cookies and tarts … And inspirational songs, ritual feasts and fastings, and Santa, and for those who follow some traditions, a birthday.

Our big day is Winter Solstice.

Mrs Widds and I make special food, and release the year past to welcome in the new year to come, and other stuff to honour our spiritual traditions.

Then we start the baking for the family.

Since we’ve been here on Widder Island we’ve actually had the space to host our immediate family’s Christmas Day feast and present sharing. One of the most requested feasting items are baked goods, of which Mrs Widds is the unparalleled Mistress Of Baking. (I am merely the gorgeous assistant and quality control advisor)

First there’s the mixing of ingredients.

Ingredients – gazillions of ’em

The hands-on approach

Only Mistresses of Bakings know the secrets of perfect pastry

Then there’s the placing on trays.

Chocolate chip, shortbread, spellbinders (pictured) ginger snaps, orange zest … oh, the list goes on, and on, and …

Then there’s the baking and subsequent eating. (and these are the ones I thought to take pictures of)

Apple tarts, and …

Butter tarts, and …

for something savoury, mini quiches, and …

thumbprint cheesy bites

Needless to say the Widds family was well supplied for months … Seriously? Months? … these lasted for as long as it took them to drive home and open their Goodie Baskets!

and then …

It snowed!

SNOW!!!