Rebecca is going to London if she has to swim the Channel!

[rebecca_in_blue]

Fortunately, she doesn’t have to! It turns out that when I applied for my carte de séjour on Monday, the clerk told me that she would send my paperwork to the office in Soissons, and as soon as they received it, they would send me my reci-passé. Since Soissons is about a half-hour drive from here, my reci-passé should arrive early next week. Yes, I was told this on Monday, but it took me until today to understand. What’s ironic is that I seriously doubt whether anyone will even check my reci-passé or my passport when I go to London. I just reserved a train ticket earlier this evening, and I’m e-mailing Laura my arrival information in another window right now. I’m going to make a hostel reservation tomorrow.

To celebrate the good news, I made a batch of pecan pie muffins with some of the pecans Grandma sent me. (Her box arrived on Wednesday. Thank you, Grandma!) Marlene told me once that she’s only eaten pecans a few times in her entire life, because they’re so rare and expensive in Germany – can you imagine? The muffins came out too moist, because I put in too much butter and not enough brown sugar. I worried it wasn’t my best batch, but I changed my mind after Marlene kept saying, “Rebecca, these are so good!” and Mariana and Marina wouldn’t stop exclaiming, “C’est géniale! Merci!” I think I’m going to use up the rest of the pecans making more muffins, because it actually felt good to share them with people. Maybe it’s true what they say about it’s better to give than receive. Who knew? I have enough pecans for at least two more batches, maybe three. I’ll probably give one batch to Nathalie and her family as a Christmas present, since she does so much for us.

If the weather is nice tomorrow, Heather and I are going into town to photograph all the Christmas decorations that are up now. I’ll put the pictures in with my Christmas presents when I send them home, which will probably be next week.

Comments

[babygoose85.livejournal.com]

Ooh can you give me that recipe?

[rebecca-in-blue.livejournal.com]

Sure! These are very easy to make and very, very delicious. My batch only lasted a few minutes.

1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
1 cup chopped pecans
2/3 cup softened butter
2 eggs

Combine the brown sugar, flour, and pecans. In a seperate bowl, beat the butter and eggs until smooth, then mix them with the dry ingredients until smooth. Spoon into muffin cups (makes about 12). Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes. Let me know how yours turn out!

[babygoose85.livejournal.com]

Ooh I can't wait, I have left over pecans from making ambrosia. I won't have time until next week but I'll make sure to send you a message and let you know.

Ahem, Christmas presents?

[makebeliever.livejournal.com]

What about the important thing-- Sara's birthday present?!! (Kidding.)

I am so tempted to buy that Chuck Norris book and send it to you, but I'm not quite that pathetic. Oh, who am I kidding, yes I am!

I'm so glad you're getting to go to London! I know how excited you must be. Are you staying in a hotel or with Laura? Are you still planning to go to a showing of Peter Pan?

Adam and I are watching/listening to Star Trek right now. I wish you were here.

[(Anonymous)]

I'll be sure to tell Grandma that you got her package. Yes it is much better to give than receive. So glad your plans are working out, I hope you have a lovely holiday. I am almost finished with my shopping. One more gift for Uncle John, one more thing for Eva, and then it is just a little something for Eva's teacher and I am finished!!! It is hot and muggy here, not very christmassy. Take care, Love, aunt connie