The End of a Love Affair

For as long as I can remember, I have been enamored with Coca-Cola.  In my childhood I drank (what is now called "classic") sugar laden Coca-Cola out of frosty glass bottles.  When Tab was introduced in 1963 I became an instant devotee, when Tab was no longer available on the rock upon which I dwell I switched to Diet Coke, but my brand loyalty always stayed with Coca-Cola.  I collected Coke trays, during the hols Coca-Cola holiday screensavers graced my computer screen. 

It was a love affair I thought would last a lifetime.

But, sadly, Coca-Cola outgrew me.  I feel betrayed by the new can size.  Oh, you say, it's less than 1/2 inch... what difference can that make?  The old can was 4.83 inches high, the new can is 5.25 inches.  The soda shelf in my fridge holds two conventional 12 packs cozily nested side by side.  "Move your shelf," said a friend.  I tried that.  Repositioning the shelf to accommodate the new can height rendered the space below it almost unusable. 

As my supply of the old Diet Coke cans dwindled, I reluctantly sought a substitute.  A silver can winked at me.  "Try me."  Oh, why not.  Diet Pepsi.  Hm-m-m-m.  I could grow to like it.  And the cans fit my shelf.  As long as Pepsi sticks to the 4.78 inch can height, I'll stay true.  Otherwise, it's all over between us.

Penny Pincher

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Judy Garland singing to Margaret O'Brien in Meet Me in St. Louis... a holiday favorite along with Mel Torme crooning about chestnuts roasting on an open fire.  For Christmas movies, top on my list is Christmas in Connecticut with Barbara Stanwyck. 

My kitchen has been filled with the scent of gingerbread.  I found a wonderful, easy, recipe online for gingerbread baked in a square tin.  I had all the ingredients in my pantry and in less than an hour a pan of gingerbread was out of the oven, cooling on a rack.  It was SO good, I made a second batch yesterday.  My favorite holiday treat is peppermint stick ice cream.  When the local grocery stores stopped bringing it in each year, I started making my own in a Cuisinart ice cream maker I bought for myself a few years ago at a Black Friday sale.  Happy Christmas to me.

What wonderful things are you doing for yourself this holiday season?

However you celebrate, may it give you joy; and may your new year be filled with peace and prosperity.

Penny Pincher