Best/Worse/What did I learn/chat about our day!Just Gab'n

All the stories are wonderful!
LOL Betty I can just see Jeff as a 15 year old jumping up and down over Greg's car, hilarious.
Susan isn't it fascinating how life works sometimes? Here's a bit of history...

When I was growing up myself, Mom, and Dad would take vacations to Nashville, TN from central CA where we are from. We went 3 times, 1981, 1983, and 1985. I was 9, 11, and 13. We wanted to move there but since Mom and Dad both worked for the City of Modesto, Mom had 15 years in, Dad had 10 years in, their time wouldn't transfer and even though they could get jobs with the City of Nashville, they didn't want to lose their time, so we never moved and it was all but forgotten. I got to the point when I was probably 15 or 16 that I couldn't leave my grandparents (mom's parents) anyway, but always kept the thought in the back of my head.

Well my grandfather passed in 1997, my parents divorced in 1997, and my grandmother passed in 2000. Mom ended up marrying her ex-boyfriend's (from high school) brother in 2000. Dad got into trouble and moved in with me in the middle of 2002. In Nov 2003 I met Dave so I found Dad a small apartment near me. Dave moved in, Dad moved out, but had met a gal who lived in Joplin, Missouri at some point playing free online poker. Mom's husband's father, mother, and brother had passed away between 2001 and 2006.

California was starting to feel the economy crunch, so Mom and step-dad wanted out of California and started looking for property in Oregon. Me and Dave decided to get married in Tahoe, NV and he told me that if I wanted to marry him that was fine (lol Dave's always been a crack up,) but he was moving to Arkansas as fast as he could get back here, he wanted out of California too and his dad and other miscellaneous relatives lives here, which was right up my alley because how long had I been trying to move to the South??? I worked in the private sector and only had 4 years in with the company I worked for so I didn't care if I lost my time. He told my mom, without me knowing it, that they had better move East if she wanted to see me, so they started looking for property in Oklahoma.

They ended up moving to Oklahoma City the week before my wedding, April 2006. Dad invited his online girlfriend to my wedding so they could meet for the first time, and they loved each other! I told her what was going on with us moving to Arkansas, Mom just moved to Oklahoma, and he has all of his stuff, including a 1956 Chevy, at my house and it all had to go, my house was going on the market Dec 1, 2006. So she flew in mid November 2006, they rented a Ryder with a trailer, packed him up and he moved to Joplin, Missouri where they still live.

I got an offer on my house, luckily, in March 2007, I was losing $20,000.00 a month on it so I got out of there by the skin of my teeth, Dave came back here with a load of stuff when we got into contract and rented us an apartment on a 6 month lease in Hot Springs. My house closed escrow and we moved back here in April 2007.
So to sum it up, Mom lives in central Oklahoma, I live in Central Arkansas, and Dad lives in extreme South West Missouri, kinda strange how we all 3 ended up in the South, all in a 12 month period, even though we were all separate and did it separately.

This message was edited Nov 18, 2010 2:48 PM

Nice to read some about the history of those we gab to each day..remember you telling me the story Crissy while we were travelling companions this summer....no one is that adventurous in my family, we all through about 3 generations have lived about 100 miles from each other, only a cousin Gary moved to Windsor, across border from Detroit.

Crissy, think Jeff was overly excited because he knew if Greg got a car on his 16th then 11 months later he'd be getting the same..lol

Drats, called Soujourn Kayak and Camping store this morning, asked them to set out the Optinum Nova mini camping stove so I could pick it up on my lunch hour, at that time she asked if I wanted a few containers of fuel, which I did, drove to pick it up and there she was telling me that there has been a recall so likely won't have it for Christmas now have to come up with a new plan or give him a big/big $$$$ Tim Horton's card.

Betty, I don't usually go near a Cracker Barrel except to meet you. I "might" next week...if I do I will stop. You can check the site itself and see what they have, the gift shop is accessible on line. LOL Look at the subtopics...there is one for Christmas that has ornaments and such also. No so sure about clothing listed.

http://shop.crackerbarrel.com/online/shopping/Browse.asp?mscssid=GRDP837R3MPH9NLBF8XAJ9SL3D940S48

Betty what exactly are you looking for, I drive by several every day and have one real close to work here I can go check out at lunch. I remember you saying you have a cousin in Windsor as we drove through town. Bummer!!! That reminds me, I've got to order a pie, Dave wants a pie that I'm not going to attempt to make because it will never taste like Ed and Kay's homemade pie!

Crissy - have you ever had Raisin Pie?

Old-Fashioned Raisin Pie Recipe

2 C. raisins
2 C. water
1/2 C. brown sugar, packed
2 T. cornstarch
1/2 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. salt
1 T. lemon juice
1 T. butter
Pastry for double-crust pie

Combine raisins and water in saucepan; boil 5 minutes.
Blend sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon and salt in a bowl. Add to raisins and cook, stirring until clear. Remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice and butter. Cool slightly.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Roll out half of pastry into a circle large enough to fit bottom and sides of 9-inch pie pan. Place in pie pan. Turn slightly cooled raisin filling into pastry-lined pie pan. Roll remaining pastry, and cover pie with a solid circle, or lattice strips. Trim and crimp edges.
If using solid top crust, cut slits into it. Bake 25 minutes, or until crust is brown and filling is bubbly. Cool pie completely before slicing.
Makes 1 pie.

It's a traditional pie I had, growing up - always at Christmas!

I just got a call from my youngest son, his girlfreind Heather just lost her baby! She was 11 weeks along! Dr, just said it was not meant to be! Not a good year for the babies in our family!

(((((((((((((son & Heather)))))))))))))) It's a tough time for them, but they're still young and I'm sure there are other babies in the future. I guess that 11 weeks is the first trimester? I understand that's the deciding period of time for a pregnancy....
My thoughts & prayers are with them during this difficult time.

YES I love raisin pie! LOL MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM Excellent, thanks for the recipe!

Good Grief LK! Thoughts and prayers from me also.

Linda Kay, I am so sorry for your Son and Heather....such a hard loss, and right before holidays. It is something you never get over, you just learn to deal with different ways. Hugs....

I have never had raisen pie...sounds like something I would like to try though!

Would you like a tasty alternative to plum pudding? It was a tradition in our family - homesteaders who came from England.... they didn't have plums when they first homesteaded in Canada, so they came up with Farmer's Carrot Pudding. It's a boiled pudding, and then you pour a brown sugar (and rum) sauce over it. Very sweet and decadent!!

How overwhelming for the LindaKay, sending prayers for all of you! Had she been having difficulties with her pregnancy?


oops Kyle's here, be right back

What a bunch, Kyle was here while Greg took Noah for parent teacher meeting..Kyle was quite wound up because a young lad from his school tried to commit suicide yesterday, he's in critical condition so long conversation on that.

Greg came in with Noah, storming outside, so he told me he just put snowtires on all his vehicles and asked if I'd done the same, said I would go before Christmas and get 2 new tires and put the front ones on the back, he yaked about that, I told him that my car was great in snow now that I press the 'hold' button, lordy knows what that does, so he went on/and on/ and on..told me what that button was for and that it made no difference in the snow or wet road, told him he was wrong, his best friend owns the car dealership so he called him and spoke with him, Larry told him to get get the manual and read it after trying to explain what it did..out Kyle went and got the manual, meanwhile Kyle and Noah are on computer keying in the Aveo site, about the same time they came up with the answer and yes I was right, not 4 wheel drive but by pressing the hold, it gives better traction in snow and wet roads...shaking my head here...

Then because I was standing talking to them, Missy my cat ate my hamburger which was on the coffee table, got told I should let my animals eat my din/din..so laughing..

He came downstairs to measure ceiling vents, getting ready to put all new heating system so I can have ceiling tiles put in the basement, to finish it all, said as soon as his men have no work he'll send them here, if not before Christmas, shortly after...saw the gifts and did his 'father's bit' about Christmas and my going nuts every year, not necessary yada/yada/yada

That was about the time I told him I thought his wife was calling him for super, better go home..lol

Susan, that was one of Christmas main staples at my grandmother's, that and date pie..

It's ok about CrackerBarrel, Wayne is going to take his wife Chris for a ride either this weekend or next and will go and look what they have himself.

Sitting upstairs, watching the snow fall, pin'ing my placematt pieces, yikes over 150 pieces to do 4 placematts..one would think I would have picked an easier project..

Rose just came downstairs, said all the wax in my hand waxing machine is melted so time for me to put my hands in-in hopes that the ache leaves...cold is not good!!!!

Betty - raisin pie, and date pie? How about mincemeat pie?

Betty, she said she started bleeding last night, so off to the the ER they went, and the Dr, told he heard no heartbeast, that she must have had a miscarriage. They were told to go home, and call the OB dr, this morning, and they did. When they saw the Dr, he verified there was no heartbeat, that she had a miscarriage. So now she has to go home, and wait for her body to naturally get rid of the remains! No Hopsital, no D&C!!! Guess that is how they do it these days?
I don't know all the technical terms, so I hope you can understand what I mean.
Thanks for the prayers!

Hello All;

Barefoot - So difficult to watch your son head off like that... ((HUGS))

Dianne & Betty - Yes - Thank you for being supportive... I really need to see my sister... we've had our differences but so much history that no one else in my life has.... Should be a good visit...

Betty - I read the article...and I believe some parts are in line with how we are trying to cope now... The article references having the biological parent to step in and give support... well that is what I have not had...DH just expected me to do it all...and I just can't. I remember that you had adult stepchildren... this is kinda the situation I am in... with the DD's being 17 and 18 (in 2 weeks).... and they know everything and WAY more than I know...

LOVE your snowmobile story ! How funny....

LK ... ((HUGS))..... I am so sorry. So sorry.....

Hugs,
Mary

Mary I can't say enough how happy I am that you are going to see your sister over the holiday. I miss my sister so much but really didn't realize how much we 'connected' until she passed quite suddenly five years ago.We sure had our differences over the years but always seemed to know instincitively when the other needed support.Her 2 sons who are in their late 30's and 40's are in contact with me by email every day. I am the only living relative they have - well there is my brother my sis' twin but that's another story. So I guess what I am trying to say is to continue to make those memories with your sister while she is allive.
LK I am so sorry for your son's and DGF's loss.Hugs for you as I know you will be hurting for them too.
Susan it is your fault. I mentioned that I read mincemeat pie on here and my DH is all gungho "Let's make a mincemeat pie!" Had absolutely no intentions making one but guess I am now.lol
Oh my Betty how hard it will be for Kyle in school tomorrow. The first year I taught one of the Gr 8 boys hung himself. The school was all Gr 7 and 8 - those poor kids wept buckets. Back then there were no such things as grief counsellors and as a staff we tried to do what we thought was right to console them and make some sense of the death.
Hope the wax helps your hands Betty. I in somewhat of a jest told my DH today I wish I could dip my whole body into the topical soothing cream Dr. Death advised me to use.The longer I think about it the better the idea sounds.
Yum my mam still called it Plum Pudding even though she made it with carrots. An old Welsh custom was to hide coins in the pudding - as a child I personally thought mam did that so we kids would eat the pudding.
Time to go sit by the fire and read - make sure you all do something nice for yourseelf tomorrow.
Dianne

geeeeeze Dianne - I'm soooo sorry, it's ALL my fault (snicker, snicker).... but I have MORE recipes if you like...
Farmer's Carrot Pudding

1 cup carrots & 1 cup potatoes (uncooked)
1 cup white sugar
2 cups raisins & 1 cup suet**
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda (dissolved in a bit of water
2 cups flour (put in last)

Grind potatoes & carrots finely. Mix all ingredients together & boil 3 hours. Spread margarine (or butter) on cloth for pudding. This keeps the boiling water out of the pudding. Invert a plate on the bottom of the pot, and put pudding in after water is boiling. Don't let the pudding touch the pan. Keep pudding covered by water at all times. If you must add more water, boil it first.

About 5 min before the pudding is ready to be served (you can keep it hot or reheat by steaming it), make the sauce.

Sauce
Melt butter, add brown sugar, then flour/water of a consistency the same as for making gravy. When the brown sugar is melted into the butter, slowly add the flour/water mixture until it's the consistency of a sauce (nice and medium thickness). If you wish, you can add rum to it for flavouring to taste. You can also add vanilla to flavour/darken it.

**Suet is available in most grocery stores, especially around Christmas and wintertime (some people use it to feed the winter birds).

Tomato Aspic
4 cups tomato juice
1/3 c chopped onion
1/4 c chopped celery leaves
2 Tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp salt
2 sm bay leaves
4 whole cloves
2 envlopes unflavoured gelatin
3Tbsp lemon juice
1 cup finely chopped celery
Mix 2 cups tomato juice with next 6 ingredients. Simmer uncovered 5 min. Strain. Meanwhile soften gelatin in 1 cup remaining cold tomato juice. Dissolve in hot mixture. Add remaining tomato juice and lemon juice. chill until partially set. Add celery. Pour into 5 cup ring mold. Chill until firm. Makes 8-10 servings

Noel Smells
4 c water
2 Tbsp ginger powder
1 Tbsp allspice
4 cinnamon sticks or 1/2 c cinnamon
10-12 whole cloves
Bring to a boil, reduce to simmer. Add water as necessary.

You can leave this on the stove and reheat as necessary to bring back the smells.

Is that enough, Dianne?
Or do you want the Raisin Pie recipe?


Raisin Pie

2 C. raisins
2 C. water
1/2 C. brown sugar, packed
2 T. cornstarch
1/2 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. salt
1 T. lemon juice
1 T. butter
Pastry for double-crust pie

Combine raisins and water in saucepan; boil 5 minutes.
Blend sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon and salt in a bowl. Add to raisins and cook, stirring until clear. Remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice and butter. Cool slightly.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Roll out half of pastry into a circle large enough to fit bottom and sides of 9-inch pie pan. Place in pie pan. Turn slightly cooled raisin filling into pastry-lined pie pan. Roll remaining pastry, and cover pie with a solid circle, or lattice strips. Trim and crimp edges.
If using solid top crust, cut slits into it. Bake 25 minutes, or until crust is brown and filling is bubbly. Cool pie completely before slicing.
Makes 1 pie.

btw Mincemeat pie - I usually buy the mincemeat, and add some ummmmmm (rum... shhhhhhh - did I ever say I was a teetotaler??? LOL

Oh yum Susan! I used to make my own mincemeat for years and years. Originally I used venison, then hamburg, of course I am told or reminded at least that the mincemeat from the store does not taste like mine.
Raisin pie was my sweet dad's favourite pie. Being a diabetic he didn't have it very often but when he did he enjoyed every bite! Thanks for bringing me a happy memory!

Thank you Dianne ! Sounds wonderful ... "sit by the fire and read"... I haven't gotten to read all day... LONG day...

But I will read and probably at least finish the James Lee Burke book this weekend...

Yes - Sis & I had conflicts like crazy when Mom was sick, and after she passed... I attribute it to Sis's husband's Money hungry family.... they were like vultures.... and they are RICH... so don't understand why so concerned about Mom's little money...

But I just gave in and gave in... and then held my ground with NOT going into business with them... and we had some rough times but it's all over now... and here we are like 2 little Orphans... me and Sis..... YES - it will be good to go see her...

Susan.. I'm gonna have to start calling you Betty Crocker ! LOL... I don't believe I've ever had mincemeat pie....

I do want to cook this weekend... My Christmas "Thing" is my Cheeseball. DS LOVES to help me with that and it tickles me to death... my big strong DS18 helping me roll a Cheeseball... LOL.....

Also I think I'm gonna start a new tradition with the peanut brittle. I'm gonna try to add cashews also...

So hope that is my Sunday... with DS to help !

Hugs,
Mary

you're welcome Dianne!!

I don't have much luck making sweets like we used to do, anymore. Anytime I make a spread like we used to, I run into people saying "my diet.... my diabetes......my heart...... yada yada yada........." Even when I've had a New Year's Eve party and get meat & cheese platters, I end up having it for the next week..... I no longer do the big parties, cuz there's No Point......
I know, I know - these are serious choices people make, for their health, but sometimes I long for the old days when we just enjoyed ourselves......!!! simpler times when we made sure no one left hungry..........

Guess what I found, when tooling around on the web...... an original recipe for making mincemeat for the pie filling!!

Mincemeat Pie Filling
Ingredients
* 3 1/4 pounds lean ground beef
* 12 cups apples - peeled, cored and diced
* 6 cups raisins
* 1 cup brandy
* 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
* 1 tablespoon ground allspice
* 1 tablespoon ground nutmeg
* 3 1/2 cups white sugar

Directions
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef thoroughly. Being sure not to over-brown it.
2. Place chopped apples and the cooked ground beef in a food processor and pulse until the mixture is made up of pea sized chunks.
3. In a non-reactive skillet combine the apple and ground beef mixture with the raisins, brandy, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, ground nutmeg and the white sugar. Simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Cool filling to lukewarm and pour into freezer bags (2 cups per bag). Freeze filling until needed. One baggie will fill one 8 inch double crust pie. Thaw filling before using.

Betty-you really do have a great son!! And he is just worrying about you-you worried about him for so many yrs, now it is his turn;) He just loves you....

Dianne-yeah right-what is sleep?? LOL It would help if DH could take at least 2 feedings every day, but alas it isn't to be....

Judy-PHEWT PHEW (that is my whistle;) LOVE you in that top!! I love the spice color!! I would get a yellow a couple shades dardker and do my kitchen in those colors maybe adding in a sage green, fern green or olive green....You are right-so warm!!

Sorry-kinda skimmed-so far behind and I have to be quick with everything since as soon as I really get into something Jonathan needs something...I did manage to get 4 of the 7 rag quilts done....Yeah me!!LOL

Morning everyone! Susan, those recipes sound yummy!
Stacey, good for you to get 4 quilts done! Sounds like you have managed your time well with Jonathan!

OHhhhhh great, I come on here...read recipes and gain 10lbs! It comes right threw the keyboard!

~~~~ waving good morning to everyone

Judy, how did your "date night" go with you and Steve all spiffed up on the town? Pictures??

Morning all, got to print off those recipe's..been so busy haven't tried any of the previous ones but know I will shortly..need t.v. dinners as all that remains is 2 roast beef..

It's been years since I've had date pies, have to go see if I can't find the recipe, always make raisin to honor grandma's christmas efforts but I don't think she put the date recipe in the cookbook..who knows, she might have thought I'd be looking for dates and get confused..lol Isn't it funny at this time of year how old memories come back, when the tombstone finally got put into the ground the bottom area had 'as long as you remember I'll never be gone' took grandma to see the stone, and of course in the high 90's we talk (or I) to them as though they can't comprehend, she said 'I know what it says but you need someone who can dance' guess it was her profound way to say 'remember the dead but get on with your life'..little things like her sayings, her traditional cooking, meat pies included come to mind..maybe I'll have a grandma Christmas this year!!!

Stacey you have managed your time well as LindaKay said, wow, bet you are feeling great about it and only 3 more to go..yes, the kabitsing is our way of expressing affection I guess...he is a wonderful son, love them all....I've certainly been blessed!!!

Worked on my swap project last night for a couple of hours, got up extra early and did 2 more hours..if I keep to my schedule I'll be doing some mailing on Monday morning..lots to do in betwen though

Mary, does your sister know you are coming or will you surprise her..anyone decide to go along with you?

Dianne, hands feel 100% better, takes some of the ache away..Rose enjoyed doing same and thinks she may purchase one for her mom for Christmas, then, Cathy dropped in while on her walk, saw Rose and I sitting as she passed by, made her a tea, did her hands and lordy, didn't even realize she had left because I fell asleep..temped to do my feet, says you can use for same.we'll see.

My step-father Jim comes from Wales Dianne..plum pudding, wasn't in our menu at Christmas, more french type recipe's, not even sure I've tasted plum pudding..imagine that!

As for school, think it's wonderful they give help after such a traumatic event, my kids when in high school went to more funerals than I did with youth of their age, either suicide or accidents..got to the point each time they went out they got the 5th and 7th degree..always asking them about their feelings, must have drove them crazy!!

Susan, you know my cooking, are you going to say 'fool proof recipe's??'

As for sweets, Aline (friend) always bakes for week on end, have to find out if she's doing so this year as she needs hip replacement but if she does, I'll purchase a few trays of different sweets as she sells them..kids are especially fond of sweets and usually they remain for me to eat..no wonder I keep putting on weight!

Debbie, laughing here, maybe he was so struck by her beauty that he's whisked her away!!!

Amen to the food part..how are you doing today, taking meds, headache gone???behaving yourself?

LindaKay, things certainly are different these days, our day we'd certainly have had a 'd and c' hard to lose a child, don't know how many times it comes into my head that I would have had a 43 year old daughter and a 39 year old daughter..you just wonder what life would have been like..drats and more drats as I always say..

Sending prayers for you and your family LindaKay, know it must be terrible for you as well.

Good Morning, all - have some coffee here, to share with the blueberry muffins and raisin/oatmeal muffins.
I'm going to be making 3 doz eggs into egg salad for our Poinsettia Tea at the church tomorrow, and a square for the bake table. I'll be there at 9am to set up for it, then at 1pm at the bake table and 2-3 serving tea (or the other way around LOL)

Betty - it's a fool-proof recipe for the pies IF you use the Robin Hood Flaky Pie Crust Mix
I do...... I used to use my DM's "no fail pie crust" recipe (with 7-up), but then I always had some left over, and would freeze it. Then I'd forget the frozen dough and it would stay there till the next year, getting freezer burn while I made new pies during the year LOL

I have a non-fail recipe for pie crusts as well..for me that's a plus..
Sounds as though you'll have a fun filled day tomorrow, not sure if our church is doing their Christmas tea tomorrow or next Saturday, saw it posted in the Post Office but can't remember.

Always nice at these events getting bake goods and having luncheon, so many different types of foods brought in..think they should have the recipe on hand to share with others..lol but, many are for their family only and do not share!

I've got my list made up for when the clock strikes 3:00..
might take a run at lunch to the wool shop so I can purchase wool for the grandchildren's snowmobile dickies that I attach deerhide to, had a few skeins which I brough in this morning to do the start of them then on to the knitting machine they will go..

At 3:00 I'll go to the Garden Gallery, always so much different greenery that I can't pick in my neighborhood concessions so will pick some up before it's all gone

then off to Craighurst, looking for a few sewing supplies

Once that's done it's homeward bound..

Hoping that between sewing I can take mini breaks and start bringing in all the Christmas boxes and at least get started with the decorations..great time of year.

Good morning!!

It has been really neat to hear your stories and holiday memories, I have enjoyed getting to know you this way.

Betty, the story of the snowmobiles is funny! So cute they still rival in jest about having the equal!
So glad to hear the wax helps the aches and pains...OH My so sorry to hear of the young one offing himself. It is such a shame that it had come to that. I hope that the kids can work through such a tragedy.

All the recipes look mighty good!

Linda Kay, How sorry I was to hear of Heather and Son's loss, and yours too.
I do know the pain they are suffering. And well time does heal, and may they have a Child in the near future.

...A little story, I lost a set of identical twin boys. They would be 19 this year...They are always thought of even by Julia. I always say, it wasn't meant to be. We were gifted with Sabrina and Jacob instead! Sending you (((((((Arm Wraps Linda kay)))))))))

Mary, So glad that you will go to see your sister. Ohhh and have lots of fun making Cheeseball with your DS.
..Oh I can totally understand the "orphan" feeling. When I came into this family, mine lived 382 miles away. My first dinner DH's was Christmas, OMG, I was so overwhelmed when gifts to each family member was handed out and his Aunt handed me a small, beautiful package. It was a candle, but i burst into tears that she had thought to present me with a little something to open!
I am so Happy for you that You M/FIL are so loving to you. Makes the tough times so much better.

Stacey, How great you got your blankets done! Glad to hear Jonathan is doing well too.

Wow, thank you ALL for the compliments, the bridge, the kitchen and me...lol, grinning as I soak it all up.
Family is funny sometimes. DH was thrilled to see me all dressed up!! LOL, asked what I did all day. Told him how it took forever to find shoes. By time i got home it was time to get ready! LOLol, I know he was just trying to make small talk, He was nervous, because it was Clients...Oh goodness, he was late because he had to get the radiator or something flushed on his van...So He rushed about, saying how we were going to be late...By the time we got to the highway heading South, it was rush hour. Again, were going to be late, should have left earlier, etc.etc...OK so we find the mall, so i start watching for Tuscany's. Well turned out it was on the other side of the street, so we figure we'll just turn around, Welll, turns out the road we get on to turn around is another highway!! LOL, missed the first exit and ended up going 10 miles out of the way. Now, he starts getting really upset, He wanted to be first there. All the while i just stay quiet. Turns out we were the firs to arrive, so found a nice table in the lounge while we waited. LOL, I don't think i've ever seen him that nervous, he kept watching out the window for them. We had a really nice dinner and very good conversation. The Designer kind of took over the conversation with the client, so I just chimed in when possible.
But when DH introduced me He said "this is my beautiful wife!" They were very glad to have joined us for the celebration, which was really good...After Dinner they all left and Steve and I went back into the lounge had another glass of wine and listened to Vinni. LOL This guy is a riot. He was performing in the lounge. When i got up to go the restroom, He targeted me and escorted me. LOL He was amazed that we are the same height, lol said Oh you just my size! So when we sat in the lounge, He was standing right in front of us, I was blabbing about something when DH says he talking to you. LOL, I was looking up everywhere and realized he was standing right there...LOL, he asked what was our song...Hahaha, we couldn't remember! So we sat there name a few songs and with each one, he sang a line, We giggled like kids, At the moment all we remembered was that it was from REO Speedwagon! After Vinni went on to someone else, it dawned on Both of us our Song, Keep on loving you, duh, and we laughed some more. Awww and on the way home he told me I was the best dressed of the wives!! We got back home around 10:30. While DH went right to bed, i stayed up and waited for the kids. Chatted with them for a bit.

Yesterday, I painted all day and did Jake's laundry! Today, I am determined to finish painting the kitchen. Last night, had Steve and Jake move the table out. All I have left is that side with tall cabinets...And I noticed several places that were missed, so alot of touch up to be done. And! When DH got home, He said "you Know, I really really like it!! Finally he approves, lol..Her purchased some Track lights for the dining nook! So the Very ugly hanging light will finally be gone! So, when the light is gone we can paint the ceiling, oh and the floor trim needs to be painted too...That won't take but a few minutes...Finished up in time to make dinner, meatloaf. While that was cooking, I painted my snowman scene with the base and applied first coat of white. Ate dinner and then went to watch TV in my room. LOL, fell right to sleep!

Lets see, i know i am missing some posts...Crissy, i enjoyed hearing your story about the move! Amazing how that all happened together...

So waiving to Debbie, how are you doing, hahah, i know, i am sure i gained 10 lbs too, Just reading about all the foods!
Hope you are feeling much better today and DD too, was sorry to see she has had so many difficulties with dentist...

Bev, HI!! How are you doing these days? Getting your rest in and healing I hope.

Tubby and Shirley, I hope you are doing well too. Did the weather hold out for you?

Alright well, been typing for a long time! I got to get rocking on the kitchen, also clean this house...tomorrow we are renting the carpet cleaner

OH, before i forget...Waiving Hi to Maggie and Laura as well...You two are busy, busy...How's the painting going.
laura was glad to see you got your sewing time back.

Will see you on a break...

Dianne, will think of you reading by the cozy fire, LOL I am going to stoke mine up today, very chilly in this room!

OK, OKOK...really now got to get to work!

Betty that button turns your car from front wheel drive to all wheel drive, like a 4x4 in a miniature sort of way. Mud and Snow tires are exactly that, Mud AND Snow, as long as you have traction you shouldn't have much of a problem.

Look at the recipes! I'm gonna print those out too as I don't cook and I have none other than what is on the back of a chocolate chips bag or on a pumpkin pie can LOL

Well for some reason I can't focus on what I'm reading so I'll have to try again later. Poo.

I learned, just now, that November is Epilepsy Awareness Month. Don't know if that's Canada Only, but it's something I support............

Judy, smilling here, I always get so excited during your posts, can feel and see how you'd be telling me the story if I was there..Just made your day I'm sure listening to Steve say how beautiful you looked..can't imagine Steve being nervous about anything...always one in the group who takes over the conversation, nice sometimes to just listen..

I so laughed last night Cathy dropped in and someone had given her a ride and dropped her off when she saw my lights on, minute she came in she said, 'boy that woman talks, never saw anyone talk so much' this from the queen of talk..lol

Susan, years ago I purchased knitting machines and sold to snowmobilers these neckwarmers with deerhide..regardless of the temperature, -30 or so, cold cannot get through the hide. Stopped making them when everything became so high in price..to do 2 the hide would be about $60. maybe more now and then the wool, 3 to 4 skeins at $3.89 so not worth making..been asked to make them but no person would pay $100. Now those who already have them wouldn, some are over 25 yrs and still in great condition..my grandsons have outgrown theirs sooo it's time to make them adult ones..

Crissy, I told Greg you were with me when it was raining and I showed you how it grabbed the road..he just kept saying 'no, you think it makes a difference but it doesn't.' glad I proved him wrong..lol

Don't you just love days that you can't concentrate!!!

Susan, don't you know I play crafts at work and get into the heavy working once I leave this office..know I'll be ooh'ing and ahh'ing when I go to Garden Gallery, so much Christmas stuff...should have brought my camera..will next week and I'll go again just to take photo's and get us in the mood.

Keep meaning to say hi to Bev, hoping you are almost back to your healthy self..Scotty behaving?

Shirley, how are you and 'Tubby' doing..have you managed to get all your winterizing done? Sure hope family and friends returned to help finish the job

This message was edited Nov 19, 2010 12:19 PM

Drats, had picked up a few Ott-Lites for Paul, he paid me with a $100. bill, grabbed wallet only and went on lunch to the wool shop, picked up just a bit over $37. worth of wool, added purchases and when I handed her the $100. she said she could not accept it, so told her I could not buy wool..too much on the go for me to take time after work to go back, will have to be another day..have no idea WHY if they still give out 50's and 100's why they do if nobody will take them

I found a great recipe for a Bread Maker bread for the holidays!!
Sweet-Potato Bread

1 1/2 lb 1 lb

1 1/2 tsp active dry yeast 1 tsp active dry yeast
9 Tbsp brown sugar 6 Tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp ginger 1/4 tsp ginger
3 cups bread flour ** 2 cups bread flour**
1 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp dried orange peel 1/2 tsp dried orange peel
1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup & 2 Tbsp canned yams * 1/4 cup canned yams*
3 oz orange juice 1/4 cup orange juice
3 oz warm water 1/4 cup warm water
2 eggs 1 egg
1 1/2 Tbsp butter 1 Tbsp butter

Note: for Panasonic/National machines, use 3 tsp of yeast for the 1 1/2 lb loaf.
*I keep yams in the house, so I cook them from scratch.
**In Canada, you can use plain white flour, in the US you Must use Bread Flour


My machine prefers the wet ingredients first, so I start adding from the bottom UP.