It's that time again. Presents are wrapped and packed. The ginger spritz, raspberry-almond jam thumbprints, rolled spice and sugar cookies are nestled between sheets of wax paper in their respective tins. Special treats - pretzels and smoked salmon and maple honey caramels - have been collected from every corner of Manhattan and stowed away. We've dug out our warmest sweaters and socks, rounded up all the holiday DVDs and packed Nora's Christmas bone. In an hour or two, we'll be on the road, headed west, listening to carols and watching for the mile-markers.
A few days ago, we got a card in the mail from friends who signed themselves 'abundantly blessed.' As we drive back to Ohio, I'll be keeping that feeling close.
