I was in South Carolina and we stopped at this place called Sparky's. They had the best praline pecans I have ever had in my entire life. I know this is not a common request for our blog, but does anyone know how to make these? They take pecan halves and get a praline crunchy candy coating, then they are apparently rolled in a sugary-salty mixture...maybe baked somehow or made in a pan on the stove. This is NOT a praline candy: it is toasted pecans with this unbelievable coating. I have googled till my fingers ache and can't find out how in the heck you do this. (Yes, I can email Sparky's and order them at some high cost, but I would rather make them up at home...by the truckload!)

For all my friends who know I am NOT a cooking freak, no -- I have not gone insane. Just nuts for these nuts! If anyone can give me some tips, thanks!

We made it home fast. We left MB xmas eve day, stayed overnight in Boone, NC, then came home from there -- a straight 12 hour run. We tried driving up into the Blue Ridge Mountains but it was so foggy we had to turn back. What we could see was dreamy and quiet. Christmas Day in Appalachia. Who would ever think this Yankee woman would enjoy the south? I loved SC, all flat and palmy.

We hit CT at 11 or 12 last night and now I am home, the victim of cat love. Chaunce had two things on his teensy mind: LOVE ME and LET ME OUT. He keeps coming back in and loving me up then scampers out again.

I need to go unpack, then at 2 go get Becky (home from Sante Fe for xmas) then go back to Phil's for the present exchange. Then I need to relax and let the wash of depression roll over me -- home again, house still empty only now it reeks of catbox. Work tomorrow, hello office, hello Headmaster.

What a great vacation, it was da bomb. So long, and thanks for all the fish.

Started out driving, hit snow, stayed at a Howard Johnson (no 's), drove more, another place, JR's (twice visited), a Best Western, lots of gratitude that I am not being asked to drive -- arm hurts, meds, reading. Lovely new Toyota Highlander, comfy in the back. Met up with the K-woman, RIBS, too much fatty food, tummy ok. Nice, relaxing, saw Kong and Narnia HUGE screen, stadium seats. Beach very long and white, not cold, real folks relaxing -- no overload of Xmas, just nice.

Here I am in Myrtle Beach at a lovely resort...did not expect an internet cafe. It is in the 70's outside, pretty nice since back in New England it is probably in the 7's...Bill, thanks for the hello. Thinking of all of you as I prepare to go get me some RIBS!!