confection

The band’s haunting tribute to the Carpenters, “Downey CA,” appeared on 2000’s “Sound of Water” — an icy, melancholy confection, possibly the most fully realized album of its career.

In recent years, the confection has been regarded as the symbol of affection with stores and major retailers selling them by the box.

A dozen buildings — if wood and canvas confections are properly “buildings” — constituted the town, which attracted gold seekers from around the world.

I carry these treasures home each year in a frozen plastic tub tucked in my carry-on, feeling their weight as more than confection.

Thanks to this technique, colonists were able to keep fruit from the summer harvest to use in their Christmas confections, and fruitcakes became one of the most popular seasonal desserts.