Hackberry Trees, etc. #9

Ahhhhh, thank you!!!
I'll print this out for sure, and will read more about it.

Well, I will when once I can see clearly.
Hate headaches.
Thanks, SK.

Thank you Christie. I have been told many times how to do it but the light finally went on. Yes, you have to open the site where you want to place your copy. DUH. Goggle is so good I thought it could read my mind...

just for fun
http://www.theonion.com/content/video/more_american_workers_outsourcing

Since this world has gone so crazy, is that true or a joke?

I think Onion is a comedy satire kind of thing.
Whats funny is it comes close to the truth.

I no longer know whether to believe anything I see or hear.

It was funny as long as it is not true.

Christi

Hi Sharon,
Not much being achieved here. Lots of things to do and lots of distractions.
Really need to get back on track with Christmas preparations. For instance, have only half decorated the tree and Carol has only just started inside decoration.
Would like to think things are more relaxed for you. Unlikely, with all your wide commitments.
Charlie

Hi Charlie...
I am pretty far behind too.
But my tree is up and decorated, and I have lights out front beside the door, and most of my shopping is done. I still have cards to mail, but not many of them.

I will be out of town the week following Christmas I think, so there won't be many here to enjoy the decorations anyway. The cats seem to like them though.

I am trying to get all my writing done before I leave, and also get caught up on all my chores. I hate coming back home to chores.

It is cold here and I miss summer blooms. I do have two amaryllis that i found on the floor of my hall closet last weekend. Forgot I had them. But they are already about 6 inches tall, so they might be blooming by New Years day. Or maybe they'll wait till I get home to bloom for me. I will have a daytime house sitter to care for the cats while I'm gone. Maybe she'll care for the plants too.

Hope you are staying warm. My fingers are like icicles.

Hi Sharon,
Hope all going well. Bet you're busy too.
Have almost finished decorating the tree (will send picture when done) and almost finished wrapping presents. Got to be ready for Tim's Christmas on Dec. 23 (as said he's working on Dec 25 and 26). He wants a trifle too, so there's two to make.
Charlie

I missed something. What's a trifle?

It's a more or less layered dessert made of sponge cake (we're using ladys' fingers), jam, fruit (could be raspberries), custard/pudding, with (heavy) cream on the top. The sponge layer is often soaked in sherry or rum. We're using sherry this time.

Took Italian as my undergraduate language:
Heard it in Italian as zuppa inglese (English soup!)

Carol reminded me we're making it on Tuesday. The cream.

OK. I need a sample.
Pack in ice and send fast fast fast, please!!!

Ahhhh Charlie, that does sound so good.
Enjoy an extra one for me.

Wish I could send some.
It's really good.
English food, when I was a kid, tended to be pretty plain stuff.
What was good were desserts, cakes, cookies (biscuits), candies (sweets).
See where I'm coming from!
Nite my friend,
Charlie

Good night, Charlie.
Yes, I completely understand.

Merry Christmas to all of you, and Happy New Year too.
If I have internet access, I'll talk with you during the week, and if not, I'll join you sometime in early January.

Be well, be safe, and I'll be thinking of you.
Sharon

Have a wonderful time. I know you will. Merry CHRISTmas and Happy New Year to each of my friends on DG.

Christi

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year All.
Charlie

Tree

What is it Mom?
(also retro light fixture of Tim's)

It is snowing!!!!! I am 68 and we have never had a white Christmas. It is beginning to stick.

Christi, make sure you watch your trees. If the snow is heavy, it will break branches so you will need to have someone knock off the snow if it does settle. I learned the hard way. Also be careful walking in it on sidewalks because under it could be ice. Now you know why they call me Mother Winter. Even if you are two days older than I am.

Christi,
Sounds scenic.
As per SharonKW's advice, the snow can melt a bit during the day, on asphalt or concrete, and the melt water refreeze at night. Gives icy conditions. Then it's safer when sidewalks and roads have rock salt or sand on them. Worst situation is freezing rain (when seasons are changing). Very ill-advised to walk outside, or drive, in that case.
Charlie.

I know Charlie. We have people from the northern states make fun of us because the weather can completely shut down Dallas. It is because it quickly becomes pure ice and no one, no one can manipulate on ice.

Sounds like the people in Dallas are smart, Christi. If it's unfamiliar weather conditions, common sense says go very carefully.
We have people here who aren't used to winter driving, including don't get snow tires. As said last winter, we hit a car that came across the median, after it was hit by another car whose driver didn't know how to handle ice. Our van was totalled. If we hadn't been exercising due caution in maintaining an appropriate speed and distance between cars, the accident would have likely been much worse.

pffft on snow in dallas. I am up nawth in middle Illinois and only a raindrop or two.
Enjoy, christi, hope it's beautiful just for you.
Choo choooooo .....

.....And then on Christmas evening the snow started and snowed and it snowed and it snowed.....and it is gorgeously beautiful. I have lots of pictures, and will post them when i get home. Hope your weekend was beautiful and I also hope you have a safe and Happy New Year.

Take care my friends, I'll be home on Sunday.
Be well!
Sharon

Well here in Las Vegas it is cloudy and overcast but no snow or rain. Actually the great thing is no wind. Had a great Christmas and I am spending this week putting the house back together. All the kids are skiing so we are alone and it is quiet. Been ordering seeds for spring. Need to get my heirloom tomato seeds planted next week. We plant outside early March. Happy New Year, Christi, Charlie and Sharron #1. Also Elvis, Betty Davis and Cary Grant......

you are a bad woman, SK...you are so bad i just choked on my hot chocolate.
XOXO

Well I threw in Betty Davis because I felt she had to be an evil woman. Or at least mean. I could have said, George Clooney and believe it or not I know no other names except DH, Vern... Love you all......My cat is 18 and only loves Vern so I am getting me a new cat.

What if your new cat loves only Vern, too. Then you'll have to get a new new cat and the same thing will happen all over again and again, I think I'd get a goldfish.

I have goldfish and Koi. No, I will just get rid of Vern...He very seldom leaves the house so no one would know he was gone.

No no no . That is not the answer. Let me sleep on it. Surely there is a better solution than that.

hahahahahaha! You two are a scream. FYI. Have *unwatched* the saga.

Still at Marcus' home and am enjoying myself immensely with my DIL and two teen granddaughters. The girls have taken the jeep and gone to see Avatar. 15 and 16 years old. Will try to get pictures when they get home.

Amie has a new Singer and although she is a professional genius on a PC or any other kind of electronic device, she has never messed with a sewing machine. I was born watching my grandmother with her Singer treadle and went on from there. Expecting another snow storm by afternoon and there is still 2 feet on the ground. Marcus flew from Tulsa to St. Louis yesterday and is due back tonight. Will feel better when the girls are back and Marc is home. You already know I am a professional worrier.

Glad you are enjoying your visit Sharran. SK, when you are finished with your home, flights are cheap between Las Vegas and Dallas and you could come work on my house.

TaDa.

PK

Today you can call me princess Leia of Stat Wars fame.

Enjoy the snow, PK.

Do not harm Vern, SK, Surely we can find an alternate solution.
Hello Charlie.

Hi Sharon, Christie and Sharon.
Remember feeling disappointed when Christmas was over as a kid.
Now somewhat relieved. Also, first step to St Pete Beach, then St Patrick's Day and the first bulbs (snowdrops).
Did have a good time though and the creme de cacao/peppermint schnapps martinis were quite popular.
Happy New Year All,
Charlie

Presents on Boxing Day:

Buddy in with the kids:

The parents towards the end of a long day:

Very happy photos Charlie. Thanks for sharing.

I need the pink boots the little girl is wearing!!! It is so cold here.

Your house is very festive, very beautiful. I love the nutcrackers, the bouquets on the table, the holiday decor, and I would have loved the 'martini', too. I am glad you had such a good time. I had to search for Buddy's ears, but hope he is doing well. The painting on the wall is nice, too.

When do you leave for Florida?

I am enjoying playing in front of the fireplace...I know the house is warm, but you know me and the cold. One whiff of it and I carry it around with me all day. We came in an hour ago from the grocery...I still have a scarf around my neck and a hat on my head, I am such a winter wimp. Ethan thinks I'm funny, but I tell him I am making a fashion statement. I am still Princess Leia, and as such can wear whatever I want.

You all have a good tomorrow.....stay warm, stay safe!
Talk then.

Charlie, you better have your computer with you when you are in Florida.....don't you think?

DGer's go nowhere without their computer. Right Charlie.