Freya started having engine problems. Those who came back with me on Thanksgiving may remember the rough idle and Check Engine light problems. These were annoying, but didn’t really hinder anything so I just ignored them and hoped they would go away. Predictably, they didn’t. When I got home, the engine started running very rough and even backfiring. I thought it might have been caused by running in 10 degree weather instead of the 60 degrees back in Longview, but it turns out that a gasket under the throttle body had slipped as it was being reinstalled, allowing air to slip in. After we had that fixed, everything got better. Now I just have to track down a possible short in the interior lighting, my battery was dead this afternoon and I think that may be why…

New Year’s Eve was a good time, as always. I had Jason (MrPilot) over and we watched National Treasure (a surprisingly good movie, I highly recommend it) and played our traditional New Year’s game of RISK. This year we did the Lord of the Rings version my brother has, and actually read the rules this time. It adds some extra dimensions that the regular RISK doesn’t have, I really enjoyed it. Winning didn’t hurt my opinion of it either. :-)

I decided to try some cooking this break. Since I got home, I’ve added pancakes, hash browns, ham, a turkey cheese dip thing, and scones to my not too terribly extensive repertoire. The scones were the same ones I helped make my freshman year for a “tea party” some of the guys on 41 put together for some G2ers. I’ve slightly modified the recipe and clarified some parts; if you want to try it yourself, I present:

Fjord’s Cranberry Scones

• 2 2/3 c. all-purpose flour
• 2 2/3 c. cake flour
• 4 tbs. baking powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/2 c. sugar
• 2 4 oz sticks of butter, softened
• 2 eggs
• 2 1/2 c. half & half
• 1 6 oz bag of sweetened, dried cranberries
• Eggwash (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Mix all of the ingredients (except the eggwash) in a large mixing bowl with dough hooks.
3. Drop spoonfuls onto a lightly-oiled cookie sheet.
4. Brush with eggwash (optional)
5. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes or until golden brown.

Makes 41 scones. Serve with jam, cool whip, or whatever you want, and of course, some fine tea.

Christmas break in pictures