Christmas in Santa Cruz

Though we tried valiantly, we were unable to make it past Salem, Or. We returned to Santa Cruz via the 1 and have enjoyed a pretty fine Christmas here in the at times sunny, at times rainy, central California coast. Seen below, Mark and Cate open their gifts for each other (books! mostly cooking themed), make a Christmas themed cocktail using a frozen cranberry concoction (Granita!). We've got pork shoulder, white bean dip, mashed potatoes, Deviled eggs, cinnamon rolls, and a chocolate lava cake being worked on as we write. Also, awkward Christmas portraits!!! Christmas - woo-hoo!!!