oops!

Apparently our big crockpot isn't quite big enough for a double batch of apple butter.

At least now the house smells all cinnamony.

ETA: Moved the batch to the big 18-qt. electric roaster instead. All is well.

from Candlegrove.com

In the former Yugoslavia, Father Christmas (AKA Deda Mraz) makes an early appearance today (a week before Christmas) to ask children what gifts they want.

Today is also the ancient Roman festival day of the goddess Epona, the only Celtic goddess to make her way into the Roman pantheon. She was protectress of horses, riders and stables. Horses are one of the animals most commonly associated with winter solstice.