The holiday season has officially begun. How can you tell? The TPW bakers are out in full force with their amazing and delicious treats. As the person who has been self-designated appreciator-in-chief (because I dare not even try to concoct anything other than a passable banana bread, and then only in the summer when there are just too many over-ripe bananas in the kitchen), I have found that my skill lies in eating. The only difficulty is where to put all of the wonderful treats that appear at this time of year. I have solved this by over- eating. While we had a lovely walk in the sunshine before joining together to celebrate the holidays and to admire one another’s considerable abilities, I found a second walk in the afternoon a necessity. I think I just had to tamp down several pounds of chocolate, sugar, nuts, eggs, fruits, and every other delectable ingredient that made me want to stay at the table far longer than was wise. But, hey, it is just once a year, right? Ummm, did I hear plans for February in the air? I will be there – perhaps with an empty plastic container in my bag, just in case. I offer all of our gratitude to C. for providing a warm and inviting venue and to everyone in TPW for being such warm and inviting women. And I am still feeling stuffed.