the best Hanukah treats ever

Hanukah is a minor holiday, but full of light and happiness. Since we weren't planning a trip east to New York City to see his family, the professor got homesick for his favorite deli food. With the wonders of modern shipping, he ordered and shipped it to our house. First, I insisted the professor learn to make his own rye bread so he could enjoy his treat. Then, we celebrated the arrival of our very own hunks of corned beef and pastrami. There is nothing like going to Katz's but having a sandwich with some of their ingredients was as close and as good as we'll get in Kentucky. Plus, even with the overnight shipping, it's cheaper than flying to the Big Apple!

Another treat has been the professor's mushroom project. A few weeks ago, this big package arrived in the mail from Fungi Perfecti. The professor started another fun winter time science project...growing fresh mushrooms. He chose varieties that are hard to buy here, and there is nothing so good as a just harvested mushroom, sauteed with a little garlic and olive oil. Here is part of the blue oyster mushroom harvest. Next to be harvested: Lion's Mane mushrooms. Yum.

The little treats we plan each night of the holiday, like a couple of doughnuts (cooked in oil, as is traditional for Hanukah) make the end of regular work days something to look forward to. At night, we know we'll have a few moments of small presents and treats. The best treat ever happened when we were least expecting it.

Yesterday, my new nephew came home from the intensive care unit at the hospital. Noodles (as his older brother calls him!) is now 10 weeks old, and last night was his first at home. Our family is so happy. Nervous and anxious, too--Noodles will require a lot of unusual care, including using a nasal-gastric tube for feeding and lots of physical therapy. The diagnosis for his future is unclear-but of course we're thrilled that he gets to be home now with his mom, his dad (my brother) and his big brother Nate. Now that's a heck of a Hanukah present.

Have a good and meaningful holiday, friends!