Vidler's

Nick and I actually did something for fun this past weekend.  Took a break from the holiday drudgery and took a nice ride out to Vidler's in East Aurora and actually went out to lunch.  So, who cares if all the Christmas stuff doesn't get done, it was so nice to have a nice leisurely afternoon.

But first we stopped at the Made in America store and who should be there but the big guy himself.  Pulled up in his red sleigh (also known as a pickup truck).  A couple of his reindeer were even there.

If you've never been to Vidler's, you don't know what you're missing. It's a quaint little 5 and 10 cent store located in beautiful downtown East Aurora where they sell all kinds of housewares, old fashioned toys and penny candy!

Nothing like flossing your teeth with bacon flavored dental floss!

I had a real pair of skates like these.

Second rule for making Christmas cookies ... Don't stick your head in the bowl.

Many years ago when my daughter was in kindergarten there was a school project around the holiday time that involved baking cookies and answering a few questions on a worksheet about what you learned.  One of the questions was name two rules for baking cookies.  My daughter wrote:
   1.  Wash your hands
   2.  Don't stick your head in the bowl

While cleaning a drawer in our basement, I came across this little gem.  It brought a big smile to my face.

Trying out the camera

Been trying to get some cool Christmas pictures this year ... first year with the DSLR.  Here's my first effort.  I've got to get out and about and get some of Niagara Falls and downtown East Aurora.

What is a crudite?

Look at the amazing appetizer table we had on our ethnic progressive dinner last week.  Almost too pretty to eat.  The dinner was delicious, the company was great and another one is planned for New Year's Day.

Linda's handiwork

Let the cookie baking begin ... and the best sugar cookie recipe ever!

I found this recipe for sugar cookies and made the first batch this morning.  Needless to say, another batch of dough is in the fridge for tomorrow.  These cookies were delicious and the blog I got them from has some other fabulous recipes!

http://creatingpostitnotes.blogspot.com/2010/02/almondine-sugar-cookies.html

Now, what other cookies should I make?  These are going to be hard to top!