Almost There!

I've been reading the intro to many books this week as I make some final selections. for presents. I have looked beyond my genre of mystery and crime; in fact the season moves me to examine lives of the saints, Christmas traditions around the world, culinary specialties of the seasons and on and on. So little time! So much to read! So many choices!
But when I sit for a few minutes to catch my breath I tend to look for crime plots and the good people whose role is to solve them.

I went to a stellar Irish traditional pairing of food last night with accompanying beverages at the Irish Cultural Center of Western MA. The taste of the oyster stew was particularly satisfying as all four dishes were. Today I will join in the Christmas party at the Line Pub for a construction company. The food there this year will be traditional Italian-American. Each setting in my western Massachusetts area triggers my love of observing people, customs, and celebrations. On Monday, I am invited to a Hanukkah luncheon where I will enjoy one of my favorite dishes, kugel. To recover from all the rich dietary aberrations, tomorrow, I'll chase some soup at Pho Saigon's Vietnamese Restaurant.

All of this is in preparation for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. On Christmas day, my hosts, Joey and Janet, are having a traditional English dinner of roast beef with all the sides for 54 guests comprised of family and friends.

I have not forgotten the focus of the day; Bethlehem in an impoverished setting where my King was born. How do we fit all the pieces of our living puzzle together with the historic setting of our faith? It is a mystery we must solve and I do: Faith.

My love to you all.
K. B. Pellegrino, Author