taking stock

... as opposed to making stock, which was someone else's task today. (Though I did pull together a passable udon last night, and put roast beef in the oven for lunch, and set out butter and sugar to mold into bourbon balls...)

For reaching this moment, I give heartfelt thanks. And for these things as well (among others not listed for, among other reasons, the sake of discretion, sheer absent-mindedness, and running out of time on a school night):

1. This winter's first Christmas cactus bud, which appeared this past weekend. The plant is one of three divided from one my mother owned:



( More enumerating of blessings behind the cut... )

Hoping this finds all y'all warm and well!