Umpleby's Bakery & Café

For all of you who have faithfully followed these website posts you know that we, from time to time, have named sandwich specials to honor people who have passed away that have touched our hearts and minds.  I didn’t mention David Bowie (although I wish I did) but I can’t let the passing of Alan Rickman go unsung.  I can direct you to the Grey Lady’s posting of the obit but I’m sure you’ll find it.   I have always enjoyed him on the silver screen as the cultured bad guy.  Wasn’t there an article somewhere published saying that bad guys are much better with a British accent?   Anyway, Alan Rickman was always a favorite of mine.  (all you Harry Potter fans out there – wouldn’t you say that he had arguably the most complex, difficult roll to play in the whole epic story?)  And in Die Hard everyone was a supporting actor to him in my opinion.   The sandwich special tomorrow that we will be running will probably have to be eaten with a spoon.  That movie should have been called The Chronicles of the Sheriff of Nottingham instead of Robin Hood because it was Alan who shined (with a nod to Morgan as well of course but he’s still alive) and everyone else was just there to support him!

Alan Rickman,  Godspeed and thank you.

Besides Christmas and New Year’s one of the days I look forward to in December is the arrival of the Fedco seed catalog!   For all who have been following my posts here you know that I love Fedco!   Seeds are very special in that they offer so many hopeful promises.  I love planning all the different veggies I’m going to plant in the spring – tried and true ones as well as new and adventurous ones.  And have you read the descriptions of the different varietals  in a Fedco catalog?  If that doesn’t get your pulse going a little faster then I guess you are not a gardener!   Making seed decisions and then matching it with a garden layout from the Seed Saver’s software and my winter months are very productive with the dreams of Spring and the growing season in my mind!

Here is our entry for the Gingerbread Festival at Tracy Hall on Saturday to benefit the Family Place.  It was made by my son Charlie and myself with help from Carolyn with some of the figures and painting.    There should be some really great houses to look at there so we strongly recommend you stop by and check it out!  It benefits a good cause! Happy Holidays!