I finally opened my last tin of Christmas gift nuts--the "gourmet" tin with no peanuts, but plenty of almonds, cashews, pecans, Brazils and pistachios. Lightly salted, nicely roasted and totally yummy. As I sit back in my comfy chair and select the nut that suits my fancy, I thought about how nuts are like people. Now, I didn't say people are nuts as that has a slightly different connotation--and I do know a few who are off the charts in humour and temperament. But I digress.

As I munch my way through the tin, I contemplate the almond--sleek, elegant, refined. With its distinguished bronzey-tan skins, it stands out in the crowd.  Cashews have a looser personality. It's the "fun" nut, if there's such a thing. Cashews are more liberated and not as restricted as the almond. Pecans have a duel personality. You eat them whole or break them in half. As small pieces you get more pecans for that fabulous crumb topping.  Brazils are the "hunky" nuts. They're the gym-buddies that enjoys its workouts and eggs you on; the big guys who break a path through the crowd for you; the body-guard. Then there's the pistachio, petite and green. In its own dainty, green way, it makes a statement in the nut tin. It says, "Eat me first!"

Whoa--I think I better get back to the "serious" business of writing.  Nibbling these nuts makes you kind of, well, nuts. . . .