Best/Worse & What did I learn today..visit with friends

A Happy Solstice to all.

What a Wonderful Day TUBBY!!!!!! So happy you are home! We have missed you here! You don't over do and mind what Shirley tell you!!!! Oh (((HUGS)))) to you both!!!!

Happy Soltice to you as well Trisha...

Guess everyone is playing against the clock getting ready for Friday...I'm here, and you know me, not a cook by any means, just jotting down things I have to do..was thinking of picking up pork and ground beef and making some tourtierre's tonight (meat pies)..a french tradition for Christmas Eve midnight snack, but, am trying to think if I've enough energy to make them tonight..

Would love to have the recipe for them!
Lots of last minute stuff to get done. Have to get up to Parkland and pick up leather for the last mudflap and Laura and I have a few last minute errands to do. Then make sure we have everything in line for Christmas dinner. May have extra guests...two neighbor ladies at the end of the street had a pipe burst in the ceiling during the freeze and are missing large parts of their ceiling throughout the house...it is really a mess there. If they don't go to Beth's sister's for Christmas we have invited them to have dinner with us.

Happy Solstice all!

Hello Laura, how lovely to see you...omg that Sage is growing by the minute isn't she...I've been missing you? Are you all settled in? bet it's wonderful living near mom.....

Basic French Canadian Tourtierre

1 lb ground beef
1 lb. ground pork

(if you prefer you can either do 1 1/2 ground beef/1/2 ground pork or 1 1/2 ground port and 1/2 beef)...we like the 1/2 and 1/2
1 medium onion, chopped coarsely
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp. sage
1 tsp. celery salt or 1/4 cup finely minced celery
1/2 tsp savory
1 garlic clove
1 cup hot water
5 small potatoes

Before starting to make your tourtierre (meat pie) cook the potatoes and mash them until smooth


Then to make the meat pie, combine ground pork, ground beef, chopped onion and and garlic in a large pan or skillet. Cook on high, stirring often until the meat is cooked through (showing no pink)

Add spices and seasoning and the water. Simmer on medium heat for about 20 minutes with a cover to keep the steam in..Remove the lid and simmer for another 10 minutes

Remove the cooked meat from heat and mix in the mashed potatoes.
and a few salteen crackers that I've broken up..if there is still quite a bit more liquid I put in a few more broken salteen crackers

Spoon meat and potato mixture into your pie shell and cover with the crust..slash each top crust making a small hole

Bake at 425 for 15 minutes, the reduce the heat to 300 and bake for approx 25 minutes moreYou can prepare ahead of time and freeze it before you do final baking. If you freeze them remember to thaw before baking...

Makes 2 to 3 pies...

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year all. Tubby glad your home. BEV

Bev you take absolutely gorgeous photo's..you should be a photographer..now wouldn't that photo look nice framed..do you frame any of your work? I'd certainly purchase that one...

Just got in from shopping so no baking tonight..quiet night, I'll set the alarm for 4 or 4:30am and work on my projects..always at peace that early in the a.m.

Well, back to wrapping..should take a photo of the grandchildren that I did portraits of and had framed before I wrap..hard when there is glass in the frame, doesn't take well..

Thanks Betty, that sounds wonderful! Think we will be trying that soon!
I have Onions cooking for French Onion Soup right now.

yummy you make me hungry..I got lazy and brought home Chinese food..going to wrap then I'll sit and enjoy!

Here are my treasures..just too bad I hadn't taken a photo of the sketches prior to them going under glass, but you'll get an idea of what they look like

Barb, here's the sewing thread/remnant catcher..it's lines with plastic and is looped to stay open..

Betty those are great!!

LOL Betty! I was pretty difficult, very independent but too young to know how to use the independence properly.

Wow those sketches are great!! Awesome job Betty!

Barb that's beautiful!!!

My grandmother used to make quilts, I used to help her with the hand stitiching. I have a few, I think, but am not sure where they are. They may have been stolen with our belongings Dave brought here in February 2007 when we were getting ready to move.

Hello everyone.
Tubby, so nice to hear from you! Make sure you stay warm, and well rested. May you both have very Blessed Christmas.
Sorry. I have not posted. but my computer is acting up, and works when it wants to. Today was not one of the days it wanted to work! Guess I need to cal Dell back, and tell them this new harddrive is not working well!
Betty, love the afghan you are making, and love the quilt that barb showed, so pretty.
Betty, I have seen those thread catchers, just don't know what they use for the opening to keep them open?
Good night everyone. Sleep tight.
LK

Just popping in for a quick 'Hello'. It's been absolutely ages since I've been on DG at all, let alone visited the B/W/L thread(s). Things have been a little crazy here. It's nice to see some of the things you all have been up to - and all of Betty's projects.

Trisha - I love your felted animals. I got some needle felting stuff last year but I haven't done anything with it yet.

I've been trying to clear out a lot of our clutter. I have so much craft stuff that I don't use and it's always getting in the way of all the craft stuff that I want to use. Right now I'm just focusing on getting everything ready for Christmas. It has snuck up on me again this year.

If I don't get on again in the next week or so, have a Very Merry Christmas!

Gillian

Gillibean Gillian! Great to see you, it has been a long time! Glad to see you're doing well! Have a Merry Christmas if we don't see you!

LK that darn computer of yours, not having a computer is a National Crisis!

Thanks Betty, Crissy, Deb, and All for your help / advice on the Teen situation...

It is difficult...

Betty - that Meat pie recipe looks delish! Did I ever send you the FOndue recipe? Let me know ...if not...I will send it asap.....

Crissy - the foot problem sounds Horrible... I hope you find some relief soon....Maybe with DH getting some time off...that will give him a time to relax and figure out the next step......

HUGS to TUbby & SHirley! SO glad you are HOME! That will help the healing!

Hello Linda Kay, Bev & Barb, Trisha, Laura, Debbie, Gilli & ALL!

Christmas will be VERY different for us this year. DSD's are at their Crazy Mom's for the first Christmas in 9+ years. We will have a quiet Christmas 12/25 with my DS17. (ME & DH).. When the girls get back...there is much Healing we will need...and we will have a Christmas for all 3 teens.... Probably 12/31...or around there....

I hope we can make this happen........

DH is seeming to understand better now than he did earlier....so that's good..

HUGS TO ALL!

Mary

Hi All..Good night......

Tubby

Sending our love Tubby, Have a good night...

OMG glad I'm up before sunrise..look at the posts..

Jillian, how wonderful to see you post..almost seems like everyone comes home at Christmas...lol..and here you are!
Guess you have a house full right now seeing as the schools are closed for winter break...are your parents coming up for Christmas?

Yes, Christmas has a funny way of creeping up on some..we all know it will come again and we all just think it's ions away..but not...am sure you've been crafting..want to share?

What have the children been up to? and the weather? do you have ice as to enable you to get to the mainland? My cousin Doug is using his scoot right now..in all his years of living up on the islands he says he's never seen the ice come in so quickly..

Oh Tubby, sweetie, thanks for dropping in.. how's Shirley, bet she's thrilled to be home with you but busy catching up with chores...will the girls be coming for Christmas?

Mary, I'd love the fondue recipe..times at a premium, must find where you purchase the fuel for them..I'll check Walmart this morning...need stocking stuffers so thought if I left here around 6;30-7:00 I could shop a bit in town.. I'm sure you'll be able to provide a wonderl Christmas for all..you are much too hard on yourself..imagine to lovely Christmas Eve and Christmas Day you can share with your hubby and son...quality time, can't beat that...

LindaKay, wondered where you've been, let's hope Dell can get your computer well again..hoping if Jeff has a bit of time on his visit that he can transfer all my old photo's onto this computer..when Kyle saw all the photo's I have he told me I should purchase some gadget that attaches to the computer and download them all on it..lot's of memory he says then it would make my computer run that much quicker..whatever this is he says it's $79.99 so maybe after Crhistmas I'll go in search..knowing Kyle he probably will mention this to his parents... you know that Santa likes hints as to what to get adults..lol

LindaKay/Barb the product that makes the hoop comes by the yard, $2.99 and for that it makes 3 if I remember correctly..it's what they use to insert in bra's ..as for the plastic inside liner, it's the sheeting you purchase which facilities buy to put on beds for wetting..at least that's what I use..sometimes you can find clear but it's more difficult, white does the same...

If you can't find these products let me know and I'll ship a kit to you..

Back to painting...

Slow but sure, time to put the paint brush away..but the cd cabinets just might be ready for Christmas....now that all is basecoated it's time to start adding highlights and shades, that's when it comes alive....

Right on schedule, figure I can be in Barrie by 8am and get an hour of shopping done..

I've been sharing my projects and schedule with you, what's happening in your neck of the woods...

Betty- You do very nice work. You are multi-talented!!!

thanks and yes one certainly could say that, especially Christmas season..

Betty those cd holders are coming out great. You have so much talent.
The recipe you posted sounds delicious. Norm would like it very much. And the sketches you did are fabulous. As a parent, I can almost feel the pride your sons will feel when they see them.
And Thank You my friend for the patterns. I never did get downstairs yesterday so I'm hoping for this morning. I do want to try one of those armchair holders.
Tubby, your little hello is so BIG to us. It is just wonderful knowing you are home. Please be good for Shirley and Shirley, you get as much rest as you can. How long will the girls be with you?
LK computer problems are a pain anytime but especially now. Hope it clears up soon.
Trisha hope your neighbors home is fixed again quickly. How nice of you to invite them for Christmas dinner.
Mary, sometimes the peaceful day is a winner too. Gives you a bit of rest before the chaos of teenagers!!! Hope it's a good Christmas for you..
I'm off to my sewing room and I'll check in later. Have a great day everyone and I'm ~~~ to anyone I missed this morning. (Memory is on it's way out!! haha)

Ohhh Barb...sewing room want to see what you are working on..

I bought more wool yesterday at Michael's..afghan will cost 1/2 the price of the other because the balls were 2 for $6.00 this week versus $3.99 each..big savings so can't sew or paint but I can crochet..lol

LOL Barb, at least you have one to lose!

Mary maybe it won't be as bad when they come back from crazy mom's house as you're anticipating. Prepare for the worse and hope for the best, I always do. That way when the worse doesn't happen, the best is even sweeter.

Tubby!!!!! Hi!!!!!!!!

I have these new shoes on thinking that would help, but it's not. It's still real sore and bruised around that shot area, it's got to be that, that's causing the problem. If it's still bothering me after Christmas weekend I'll call and get a referral to an orthopedic specialist, I'm wondering if I should wait until the bruising goes away first?

Betty those are gorgeous!! My goodness you have some talent there girl!

Crissy, giving it through the Christmas holidays and resting it might be what's needed...got to give the meds a chance to work girl...

Lost your mind??? hmmm I'm watching teletubbies here at work..all I can get other than Ellen..to cartoons it is..lol that's how my day is going

Today's the 5th day. I know Betty, but he said it would feel better instantly but the soreness from the shot would take about 5 days to get over. I think my hot doctor is lying to me! LOL

I seriously need to get to to work here... LOL

Either he's lying or you are keeping the sore foot just to get to see him again..couldn't you have found a better ailment for him to look at..lol

Paul had me change a 3pm appt. to 1:00pm..COULD he maybe tell us to leave for the holidays a few hours earlier..now I'm being greedy right..he's giving us until Jan 4th off and here I am wanting to get off early..

He asked if I was going to Florida, said most likely not with just a week off, told me not to worry if I wanted to go just GO and he'd see me when I get back... what a sweetie..he reminds me of his brother in so many ways even in looks .. at times I think I've Roger with me..

Morning everyone.

Tubby, a great big h ello to you. So glad to see your home, and you must be feeling better to post here!

Betty, I would love to have one of those kits, just let me know what the cost is for the materials, and postage. Thank you so much! And there is no hurry, when ever you get around to it.
So nice of him to tell you to just go, and see you when you get back. Enjoy your time off, and make sure you post here when you can.

Crissy, have you tried icepacks on your foot, that may help, if n ot try a heating pad. Hope it is feeling better soon.

Merry Christmas to all those popping in. May you all have a very Merry Christmas!

LK

LindaKay, not likely going anywhere...after Paul told me about not being concerned about getting home, I thought, hey why not go to Myrtle Beach for a week..18 hr. drive right? So check on rooms, reasonable for an oceanview suite..called mom...said pack your bags we're going..leaving Boxing Day ..back she comes that she's not sure now she wants to go anywhere..omg..I'm shaking my head...sooo told her I have till Thurs. aft. to get my health insurance, after that it's NO GO!!! so you are stuck with me for now...lol

LindaKay, I'd not send the material for the quilt, I'd send how to make one and the plastic for the liner and the hoop...

I've tried everything like that, Ice only as heat doesn't work for swelling. I think I need to stay off of it, but unless he's going to pull me out of work I have to come in.

Betty I have a condo rented 11th floor beachfront Daytona Beach that we're probably going to have to give up, I'll have to look at the paperwork but I think it's $600.00 for the last week of April. I'll find it online and send you the link if you want...

It's ok Crissy, if I was going to Florida mom has a place in Clearwater..thought we'd go somewhere else..ohhhh (*&&^^&^ moms..I know, I'm lucky to still have one, she's wonderful just can't make up her mind...lol

She will Betty.. She will and just when you've given up!!!! Heehee. Today my Mom would have turned 101!!!!!!. She's been gone for over 22 years now but come Christmas/Birthday time I still miss her terribly. It was she who taught me to knit at six and crochet at 7 and embroider at 8 and 9. My love of handwork and crafts is all due to her. She was a lovely lady loved by all who knew her.
Enough of that for today.
I may be traveling (not too far) over the next few days so if I don't pop in please don't worry. Hope to take the laptop and may get a few minutes here and there. I'm sending my very best wishes for a wonderful Christmas to everyone along with my thank you for being the fantastic DG family you are to me. May all the powers that be bring you peace and love....Barb

The best to you and Norm, Barb...enjoy your travels..hope weather is co-operating for you..feel the same, it's like having family when you key on these threads...sister of choice aren't we...

Speaking of sibbling..what a tangled web..

My youngest brother Mike who is so down to earth just called..wanted to talk..about who? MOTHER! His wife Kim goes over to her house and takes her all over since she's had the stroke last year, mom can get around now on her own but Kim thinks it's safer...Kim (SIL) has a heart of gold...now the story begins..

Mike came home last night and Kim was crying her eyes out..apparently mom was telling her about being at my house Sunday morning and receiving wonderful gifts...she went on to tell Kim that Jim my stepfather said 'oh thank you Betty, this is probably my only gift I'll get at Christmas'

SOOOO knowing that Mike and Kim never miss a birthday/father's day, thanksgiving, Christmas and always bring gifts she was upset to think he'd say such a thing...

I TOLD Mike no such conversation took place BUT I could tell him how those same words came into play...

When Jim opened his gift and was so excited that it was the tool he'd been looking for I went on to say I bought myself one, one for a friend and also one for my brother Bernie...(he's the one going through such hard times because of a fire and insurance not paying and health reasons)...I gave it to him a few weeks ago and at that time he said those exact words..likely it would be the only thing under his tree...

So I do know how it's come about..since mom had the stroke, she goes from one conversation into another and you have to sit because eventually she'll come back into first conversation (oooohhh bit like me) lol..so while telling Kim how pleased Jim was, bet it struck her what Bernie said and she just went on and on without adding it was Bernie and not Jim...

Hope I put out that fire...lol

Skipping through...
Waiving hello.
Smiling big that Our Tubby is home!!
Sending hugs,and continued prayers, that your healing continues, best place is at home and so awsom to see you post.
Shirley, Hello and special hugs to you, hope that you do get some Shirley time in.

OMG, How exciting and so happy to see you Gillian!! Think about you all the time, so i am glad you got a chance to pop in and say Hello.
Wishing you the Best for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Hug up the little one for us, and you and DH too.

Crissy, sweetie, geesh, so sorry your toe is still hurting. Hopefully that shot will take full affect in might short time...

Liz, WOW that zipper broach is just too cool! Amazing, I just love it! LOL, thought those were beads, duh they are the zipper part.

Barb, I love your Quilt top, so very pretty! I hope you have a wonderful trip and a lovely visit. Be safe on the roads. Have a Merry Christmas and A very happy new year...Thank you for sharing a little of your mom with us, sounds like she was a wonderful mom and friend.

Mary, sending you Warm Hugs. I am sorry to hear you were having teen problems. I hope that you and Dh will be able to smooth things out...Remember your love for eachother, and stick together on all the decisions.

Debbie, Prayers going up for your and family. I am glad you were able to come and say hello too.
LOL, Skittles has a potty beak!! Darn kids saying a very bad phrase that i cannot repeat here, Almost fell on the floor when she flew into sunroom to discover our tree and said the phrase as clear as day! What the Heck, only a very different heck...Bad bird and kids.

OMG, Betty, for someone who has been done with crafts, lol you sure have been the busiest Lady, lol thats our Betty!! Wow, the portraits of the the Boys turned out incredible. I love your crocheted quilt. it turned out just lovely. Shaking my head only you would find the neatest quick craft for scraps! The arm chair pocket is really cool. And a very neat painting on the CD rack!...LOL, you said you had some shading and other things to do, lolol I thought it was finished....Betty, we are leaving on the 25th, will be in Tampa area on 27. Will send you a d-mail. I hope that whereever you and Mom decided to go, will be a wonderful time for you.

Bev, Sending you and scotty warm hugs and Best wishes for the holidays, always glad to see you post, What another beautiful picture! I agree with Betty, it should be framed.

Hi Linda Kay!! Daw you were having computer problems, big bummer, I hope you get that fixed. I am having withdrawles! lol, not being able to come and visit is driving me a bit bonkers...Oh, yes thank you and all about my new neice! You asked if i can visit, no I am sorry to say, They live 6 hours away. I haven't been able to talk to my nephew, seems they borrowed a phone to make the calls...So I guess i will just be patient, lol no choice.

Well it is crazy times here, working my fingers off now almost done, just have to mail a couple of things, But I know some won't make it in time, my fault! Anyway, thought I had good intentions. Then we went to a family gathering, was ok except that i took a great fall down the steps and bruised my knee cap pretty good. So limping along, can't sit with leg bent or it gets stuck.
Trying to keep house going, so When i get back won't have a ton to do. Packing soon, and getting ready for Christmas Eve. A small gathering, Then of course, DH and my temper had another flare up, wound up in tears for his lack of being nice! He is exhausted and that took over his mouth. Soo forgave him this am and all is well again. Now we have a ton to do, like getting in some shopping. also got to get my van fixed again, stupid heater fan not running right...And Finally got our tree up, it's very small compared to usual, but very pretty.

Other then that, just one day at a time.
Have a delightful day everyone, Waiving Hello to anyone i've missed.

Hey Judy, glad to see you! Wow, your just as busy as Betty is running all over the place. Please drive carefull when you go out?
Betty, the parts, and instructions will do just fine, I have lots of material here. If not, I can always use the excuse to go get more! LOL!
Funny how some stories can get so mixed up. Hope they get it straightened out.
Barb, you drive careful too! We don't need any more accidents, or missing friends.

Judy how nice to see you post...poor Steve, bet you are saying 'right! poor Steve!' lol...he does work hard, must be exhausted..do him good to get away...

You will have to d-mail me your cel # just incase mom gets it into her mind that she wants to go south..her place is in Clearwater so not far from Tampa at all..I should go check flights..shaking my head here, I'm just as bad as she, want to go somewhere and yet, would enjoy staying home and playing just as much...omg Judy, lucky you've no broken bones...trying to rush I'll bet...

Linda Kay, guess most of us have some of these characters in the family..makes life interesting..

1 hr. but who is counting...can't wait...here on my desk is half the wood store..will take me 1/2 hr. just to clean it..but, I've managed to almost get 3 rows done on my afghan..don't think I like it as much..where the brown was in the other one I put forest green, doesn't show up as good, oh well, just for me so it really doesn't matter...

Went to the mall at lunch..took over 15 minutes just to find a parking place..I had called MV to put 2 wii packages away called 'resort' for the boys so I didn't have to shop BUT there was a store clerk directing people to the line up..had to have 7 tellers on but think I might have been 30th ...then looked at golf clothing for the boys..there were some nice shirts but I'm not sure of sizes so if they return my call (either Greg or Jeff) I'll go back after work and pick up a few..keep saying I'm done but there is still $$$ in my christmas budget, don't know how but there is so might as well spend it..Roger used to say 'money burns a hole in Betty's pocket'...oh boy, Noah is just like me...

Just checked the weather channel, light precipitation on Friday and then for each of the following days I'm off, light snow..good travelling weather you say?

Betty, we're as settled as can be expected. Sage is growing up fast. Yes, it is nice being near mom. Hope you're having a good holiday.

Laura, nothing like having mom nearby and grandma as well..Sage is just adorable..a little one that likes crafts..lordy, wish you lived closer to me and would share...

Just got in and already in my jammies...it was a toss up, go get some food platters for tomorrow's get together here tonight or come home and put jammies..Walmart a few miles away is the super store and is open 24/7..you know me, I'm up early morning so opted to relax and go in the morning..the girls and George most likely will be here by 9:00 so I've plenty of time..