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

Susan, going to try this one, you've really worked hard on getting me to take that bread machine down from the shelf haven't you.. your fault when I have to buy new clothes..

LOL .. so sorry, Betty, but Dianne got me started!!!

Doubtful you are sorry Susan..lol

When I was in Walmart early this morning they just took out their fresh bread, you could smell it througout the store..had I been going home a couple loafs would have been in my bag

Mom just called, needs a favor, Aunt Muriel who lives about 10 minutes from me was at her house for the week, left leaving her purse at moms..mom and Jim are on the way to the cottage so if I wait until 4:00pm they'll drop it off to me..so much for 3pm leaving

Forgot to mention Debbie, mom sent home boxes full of books for you..and wool for me..

This message was edited Nov 19, 2010 3:44 PM

Betty - I'm of the mind that, if you have it, you should use it. You have a Bread Machine...... LOL Otherwise get rid of it, cuz it's taking up room!! ^_^
well, going to be an hour later leaving work, eh? Is there something you can do to fill in the time? What's the driving like at 4pm? I hope it's safe........not icy or snowing, or even raining!

Betty, regarding the books....I'm Sorry!

I have been taking my BP meds, its down somewhat. Still battling some issues from a few weeks ago with the PTSD episode. But I am doing better.

Betty regarding money I have the sme problem so now when I go to bank only $20.00 bills is what I ask for now.
Ok since there are recipes floating around I am looking for ans anise seed cookie recipe. I remember they where made day after Thanksgiving and put in container till xmas with an apple sliced up. Any one hear of this recipe ????

Judy...I was wearing a smile while reading your post! How sweet your husband was to introduce you as his "BEAUTIFUL WIFE"! I love it!

My painting came to a screeching stop. I'm going to finish it....sometime. Keith's off work for a few days so I'll try to get it done. :)

Hello All !

Laura - I've never heard of that... but how interesting ! Must be a story behind it?

Susan is bound & determined to get us all cooking and 10 lbs heavier! LOL.... You are right though Susan... I remember back in "the Day" when Grandma's would have a table full of sweets and everyone partaking... Not so much fun nowadays....

Debbie - I am so glad you are feeling better... I always remember Dad fussing at Grandma "You still have to take your BP meds ... even when you are feeling good !" He should know... Dad got his LPN after retiring from Military and graduated #1 in class... So Deb... TAKE those BP meds ! ((HUGS))

Judy - I agree with Betty... you are SUCH a good writer... I feel like I'm sitting there with ya'll. You ought to try writing a book... Love "My beautiful Wife"... High Five Judy's DH !

Oh Betty LOL! I would never 'drop in ' on anyone... least of all sis... I've called her & Dad too several times... I don't have a hotel room... so that might cause a surprise...to the hotel... I don't think I'll have a problem getting one...though. Plan is drive in Friday, dinner with sis... Dinner with sis and Dad & families Saturday night. Drive back Sunday....

Shame Judy - now DH & I are singing together "Keep on Lovin You" REO Speedwagon... That's our generation too...Loved REO and Journey back in high school.....♪♫♪♫

I'll be back in a bit...

Hugs,
Mary

"I don't wanna eat... I don't wanna sleep... I just wanna keep on lovin you... OHoH"♪♫♪♫

LOL Mary - you're a hoot!!

Mary - I'm just remembering times of long ago when holidays seemed like so much more fun, and we weren't worried about the once-a-year indulgence.
I'd heard once that Christmas is actually the healthiest time of the year because we drink our milk (eggnog), eat our fruits and veggies (mandarin oranges, sweet potatoes, and cranberries) and eat turkey instead of red meat. It's just that we eat so much of it. Everything in moderation is good. Even eating the pies, cookies and other sweets once a year can't be disastrous......

LOVE YOU SUSAN! ♪♫♪♫

Yes... I would think after all the yucky food we eat day after day... that Thanksgiving would be an Improvement!

Got to post a link... I'm just a crying over this ....

Mary............ you're crying??????????? why, for heaven's sake?

Morning everyone, I'm caught between evening and morning, tossed/turned, it's that time of year, memories come back to haunt me so figured if I couldn't sleep might as well be up and productive, ask me same in the late afternoon..

Oh Mary, no crying sweetie, sending big arm wraps just in case you need them..'would never drop in on anyone??' do you know Mary that this is why this thread got started years ago..went on a thread that asked, 'what are your feelings on someone just dropping in? or something to that effect, went on to say my doors were always open and if someone went to the trouble of coming to visit, they'd always be more than welcome, open door policy...went on to say my 'doors' are never locked, have people coming in all the time wether I'm home or not, I think much of what I have comes from their kindness sooo I encourage it...got told I was a 'LIAR' was hurt terrible, moved on to this thread where over the years I've found wonderful, caring people..sooo I'd be awfully hurt if you were in my neighborhood and didn't drop by..

Laura, Ans anise seed cookie recipe, never heard of the recipe or the tradition either that goes along with it, can you share???

Maggie, am sure you are in need of a rest from painting, enjoy time with family, painting will always wait for you!

Susan, promise, taking the flour out of the freezer to get to room temperature, going to have fresh break for din/din..

Debbie, it will take you a bit for you body to get used to meds again I'm sure..got to tell you, you've much to read, 2 great big boxes, I could hardly pick them up..for me it was a bag full of wool, mom did this before, said she'd no longer be knitting or doing crochet so she gave me all her wool, reason I have so many lap afghans to wrap for the seniors in Georgian Manor which I'll drop off for Christmas..now here I am again with a bag full..

Lordy she's short with me, all week if she's called to ask me to do something or I ask how she's doing she's to the point and that's all..seems I cannot please her, maybe that's why tummy is upset today, don't like to disappoint...anyway, included in another box was a cross stitch quilt top like the one she gave me and I got quilted, a bag with about 150 grannie squares needing to be put together, so I called and asked why the quilt top was in the box, she almost bit my head off, didn't I remember that I was to take it to the church ladies for quilting and I should get a sheet bottom for the backing??? asked about grannie squares, 'if you don't want to put them together throw them away' ok..was just asking what pattern they were suppose to be...can't win!!!

Will be meeting up with Ann first thing this morning to go cutting greenery..did pick up 4 bundles from the greenhouse last night, kinds I wouldn't find out on the concessions..my thoughts are to make all the greenery arrangements minus the flowers, store out in back shed and then closer to Christmas when I give them as gifts I'll only have to add the flowers..think that would work..

Well I'm off to sew, trying to be productive and not waste my time sleeping..lol, gab later

Betty it is the only good holiday memory that I can muster-up.I am going to just leave it at that. I have looked on line and tryed a couple but not quite right.

Hmmm...will have to go in search of it for you Laura .. you are up early as well, been sewing on my placemat swap project, going well..can't seem to settle my stomach, going to have something to eat and if I still feel the same I'll cancel out my outing with Ann, NOT because I can't go but Mike is feeling poorly and I sure don't want to pass anything on to him..

How come you are up so early..guess it's not that early in your neck of the woods, as I type I would assume it's 6:45 a.m. as it's 5:45 a.m. here...

I'll go put the coffee on for us all and try to drum up something sweet to eat!

I am not able to sleep in lately. Been getting up about 2 am. Nice and quiet no kids up at that time. Still have 5 quilts to make. At least they are not big ones. Good idea about not going around Mike if you are not feeling to good.

Think we're both experiencing the Holiday rush, even more so for you who have both Thanksgiving and Christmas..I just looked at calendar and not many days left with nothing to do, I function poorly in the evening, would rather go to bed early and be at it before the crack of dawn..I'll feeling good about what I've accomplished this morning, imagine, didn't even have to rip out anything but then the morning is not over...if it weren't for going greenery hunting I'd be done my placemats maybe just in time for mailing before 12:30..our post office closes early.

I've still got 1 1/2 large rag quilts to do, Greg's is all cut and ready to sew the last 1/2 together..maybe a 'tonight' project and then I've got to start cutting Julie's...

Think we work by adrenaline rush right? lol

Yes I believe you are right about the adrenaline rush I just wish I had some of that in the evenings.

......can you ladies direct me to the STRONG coffee???

Go down the hall and make a right cup waiting.

ughhhh thank you! Can you tell I dragged myself in here? Whew I need to have my muscle relaxer reduced to a lower dose. OR, better yet......my neck & shoulders FIXED! I have an amazing dr who's trying everything, but he can't seem to find a NEW BODY PARTS STORE! :)

LOL Maggie ( not at your pain though!!) at your doc trying to find the New Body Parts Store. I'm next in line after you Maggie. Imagine there are several of us who would just love to have new knees, hips, back etc. To quote my dad "This getting old is not all its cracked up to be." - oh how true!
Betty and Laura we three could have had breakfast together this morning. No sleep here either. In my next life I am coming back as a sleeper.
Mary make that hotel reservation NOW - can't see you sleeping in the car. Next time you get a James Lee Burke book try and get one that has Dave Robiceaux and Cletus Purcel as the main characters - that is where Burke shines the best.
Laura I am going to go out to the bunkie today and dig out the suitcase/box that has some mementos from my first MIL. She was Italian and I am positive she made ainse cookies - she was an excellent cook. I miss momma to this day too bad her son couldn't have had some of her qualities.
Ok I have ignored it long enough and the good fairy didn't come so I have to clean up the kitchen.
Judy you made my heart smile when you told us how Steve introduced you to his clients.
What are you up to today LK? How about your Crissy?
BBL. Sun in shining but it is chhhhillly!
Dianne

Back for a break,

When you find the body parts store, please let me know, few parts of me need replacing as well..

Wouldn't that be something Dianne if you could find the recipe ??
Not all of us were blessed with MIL's that are cherished, won't go there..lol too nice of a day!

Ann and I left about 8:15 and just got back, car loaded with greenery, sure am going to have some lovely floral arrangements soon..stopped at local church, they had a bazaar going on, penny auction and homemade goodies, came home with tortierre pies for 1 and fudge (didn't need to be buying that, someone talked me into it and chelsey buns, will have one with my coffee though..was too funny, they offer a luncheon for $6.00 so told Ann I'd treat her, go to purchase the ticket and lady said 'won't be ready for another hour' drats, don't they know that lunch for people who are up at 2:00 a.m. isn't 11:30-noon..shaking my head, so came home and made myself a chicken sandwhich, coffee and back to the grind..did take a quick run to the post office though and mailed the Christmas stocking out..guess all and all I'm accomplishing what I set out to do..

Melanie and Greg were going to Toronto shopping, they called just as I was leaving for the post office to ask if I can pick up Kyle at 5:00pm from work and then pick up Noah on my way home..absolutely I can!!!

My thoughts are IF the boys feel like helping and my placemats are done, I'll get them to bring in all the boxes and totes that way here and there I can set things out

Now doesn't this just want to make you cuddle somewhere and have a nap??? Guess Missy didn't like getting up as early as I!

Parts store I am in line for sure. Dianne breakfast would have been nice. Sure samething tomorrow as I have been up all week at the same time.
Betty kitty looks compfy for sure. Thats is get the boys to help you with decorations.
Well oldest DD did it she bought a car last night (used) she is so happy. Me too (I think) I have been driving her around for 6 months to and from 2 jobs so she could save up for it. I do not know if my nerves are going to be able to handle this may need to get meds for my nerves. Or maybe less caffine.

It's a worry for sure, especially as winter is coming, you'll be doing like the rest of us did when our kids started driving, that's having them call when they arrive and when the leave, lordy my boys hated that!

I'm sure she's able to handle it otherwise you'd not have let her buy the car...what kind did she get? Now what will you do with all that extra time you'll have on your hands? Tell her while driving around town, look for the body part store please.

Nerves of steel is what you will need!

Kyle just called, he has another game at 6:00 so I'll pick up Noah and then Kyle and take the for supper, maybe Chinese, haven't had that for awhile then drive Kyle back to work, don't think Melanie and Greg will be home on time to pick him up at 7:00 or 7:30 so I will go..got to do what you can when kids are willing to go to work at a young age, beside I'm a 'grandma' right?

I have 2 more seams and then the tops of the placemats are done..know I need a break but the minute I stop we all know what will happen, it will be Bettybye for me so must continue pushing myself..look how much better I shall feel tomorrow with all my sewing behind me.

Well maybe not!!!

Betty she bought a some kind of van. My extra time will go to quilts,laundry,and house cleaning and cooking......Oh Chinese for dinner I want to come ! My DH hates the stuff so we do not get if often as I would like.
And where will you mail your placemats to???????????????????????

No can tell..lol

Hi Everybody -

Just a real quick note to say hello and that we are hanginh in there. Tubby is about the same. He is taking a nap right now, my Mom is here with us so she can stay with Tubby while I was working Fri. He gets pretty teary if I'm gone more than 4hrs at a time. She came to help and stay till after Thanksgiving.

The group come out from the hospital a got the house wrap up and weeds cut and windows covered. They did great and will come back if need anything more done. They brought rolls and hot cider.

I came in to get warmed up after they left and my DD in Wisconsin called and said they found an anerysum on her brain Wed. They will do an MRI on Monday to get more details about the size and what they will do. They know that it's on the main artery runnning through the brain and it's back by the brain stem. It just took the sail out of me. I need to finish up picking up outside and will call it quits outside for
day. I finish up out there tomorrow.

Linda am so sorry to here your sad news. God knows what is best, it's just hard for us to understand.
I will go back and read all the messages and recipes later. Gos Bless and p & t's to all.
Shirley

Shirley I am so glad you posted and is keeping us posted, let alone chatting. Many prayers are going up to your DD that they find it fast and can get it out! How scary, I bet it did take the wind out of your sails, you have a lot on your shoulders. I'm still praying for Tubby too.

Betty mom's are so difficult sometimes, especially when they're behaving badly. It wouldn't surprise me a bit if that's the reason you can't sleep, I wouldn't be able to either.

Waving to Everyone!!! It's cold in here so I'm going to scoot.

It is so true how difficults Moms can be at times....my children are so blessed to have an Angel like me. (bwaaahahahaha...just had to do that!)

Linda, lots of hugs sweety. That definately would knock you for a look. Our kids are our kids...regardless if they are 2, 10, 20, 40 or 60's....and we just want them healthy and safe.

My Carrie came over yesterday to tell us her knews, and well, she needs lots of testing. The insurance company denied an MRI...and thats just not good! We "think" it is something to do with a pinched never or something in the neck area....but it is speculation on my part. She went to the gym...and a personal trainer was working with her, just starting, to find her indurance. All she was doing was standing on one foot....touch her finger to her nose......and she passed out cold! So, right to the doctors....and now....lots of testing.

DH is going into work tonight....leaving here at 6:40ish....working from 8:00 to 6:00 a.m....coming home...and doing the same thing tomorrow night. HOWEVER, when he gets off work on Monday morning at 6:00 a.m....he immediately starts his day shift for his department 6:00 to 3:00 p.m. We need the finances so much he couldn't say no.

Waving to all....going to do some project painting tonight I think....if the kids settle down!

Debbie

So happy to read your post Shirley. My prayers will include your DD as well and you two...

Crissy, you say it's cold, lol, how cold is it? Most likely the reason Crissy, had quite a day Friday with her giving me the cold shoulder..

Shirley, prayers for you and yours..glad your mom is there with you, perhaps you can rest a bit more while she visits..sorry to hear about your daughter, quite the shock, luckily they know what it is. Let's hope the tests come back and results ease your mind..you certainly don't need something else to worry you..Wiscounsin's a fair bit away, know you and Tubby went a few times but Tubby would not be able to travel that far now; what kindness having friends from work come and help and brings treats as well..the Lord surely will bless them! You must feel a lot better now knowing that you are set for the winter.

Darlene's hubby brought my snowblower back last night, all serviced and full of gas..they are so very kind to me.

Well, picked up Noah then went and got Kyle and out for chinese, tummy full, ate a bit too much but I'm sure in an hour I'll be hungry. Kyle got offered to work Fri. night and Sat. night for the senior teams..games televised..said they'd give him $25.00-$30.00 for the hour-hour and a half it takes to do the gate, she he's staying..he'll have put in a 13 hour day..ahhh he's much like his old grandma..lol

Noah decided to stay with him and watch the game, not sure if Greg/Melanie will be home by the time they need to be picked up but if not he'll phone and I'll go back into town..best I not get into my jammies and lay down..

I'm absolutely thrilled with my day, or some might say 'day and a half' seeing I've been up since just after 2a.m., proud to say my placemats are done, ready to mail on Monday so that leaves all day tomorrow to play with setting up the 4 trees, outdoor decor and bring in all the Christmas boxes..of course with the boys at the arena and it being dark out when they come home, no help from them.

Going for a coffee and feet up, must be a good movies on somewhere

Hope you've all enjoyed your day
Gab later

Debbie, now that she passed out will the insurance cover the MRI to investigate why? not quite sure why you have insurance if they won't cover you when you need it!!

Your children are lucky to have such an angel, no kidding, I'm sure as the years go by they'll know and understand just how great a mom you were..don't you think that's all we can ask for ?

Barb, you'll have to take photo's of your goodies you bought today..most likely you are tired out so we'll wait until tomorrow morning, can I buzzz you at 4am so I can see them?

At 4am I'll still be snoozin' my friend...... But I will take some pictures. IN THE MORNING!!!
Edited to add:
And don't get me going on insurance companies!!!! Debbie, my prayers will include you and yours.....

This message was edited Nov 20, 2010 8:56 PM

Hello All !

So sorry - didn't mean to worry anyone... I was just reading one of those stories you get on email and got teary... probably overly emotional... had some bad news yesterday...but just not going to share... everyone got so much going on...

My thoughts and prayers with you all... Shirley, LK, Debbie, Barb.... ((HUGS))

Dianne - I'll try that series when I'm done with these 2... There is a gruff likeable character in this book... but I had only written authors names down...so wasn't sure if it was the one you liked...good book so far though...

Dear Sis lives near the Beach in Florida... so I don't think off season I'll have issues...
Back in high school... my first "real" JOB was cleaning rooms at a beachfront hotel... (Tough for a teen to find a job in tourist town with lots of retired military folks)

SO It's always been my dream to go back and stay there... so I might fulfill that this visit... I've never stayed there before... (age 16... so it's been about 30 years) LOL....

Oh Betty - I would NEVER doubt your open door policy... seen it in force on here so so many times.... Even having Rose come stay... I would love to be like that one day....

Folks have their reasons for being either way. I get embarrassed at how messy the house is for some folks to come by (this won't be the case when teens move on)... I do have a friend that 'drops in' to help clean and I really don't care when she comes by... (I pay her but not much)....

DH & I had to 'lay down the law' with drop-ins for the teens. IF we happened to come home unscheduled there were often times we'd drop in on teens having "guests"....

Such a coincidence too... in EVERY single case... that Guest had "Just showed up right before WE did !"..... Isn't that a coincidence? Hm.....

At any rate... when I drive 300 miles to see my sis... AND WHEN (notice I say 'when' LOL) I drive 20 hours to come visit you Betty... I WILL make a phone call first... :)

Well... I'll be back.... Waving to all others... Crissy, Judy, Bev, Maggie, ETC...

Laura - I think you'll find DD's car a blessing... although I know it's tough when you have to worry... Congrats to her for paying for it !

Hugs to all,
Mary

((((((((((Shirley & Tubby))))))))))) good to see you posting, Shirley - prayers for your DD and Tubby.
Dianne - could the recipe be like this:
Italian Anise Cookies
Ingredients:
* 1/2 cup butter, softened
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 3 large eggs
* 2 teaspoons anise extract (or almond extract)
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (may need up to 3 cups)
* 1 tablespoon baking powder
* 2 -3 tablespoons milk
ICING
* 2 cups confectioners' sugar
* 3 tablespoons milk
* 1/8 teaspoon anise extract
* food coloring
* decorative candy sprinkles
Directions:
Prep Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 1/4 hr
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
2. For cookies, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing after each addition. Add anise extract.
3. Blend flour and baking powder. Start by adding about 1/3 of these dry ingredients to the butter/sugar in your mixer, then add 1 T. milk. Add another third of the flour and another 1 T. milk. Finally, mix in enough of the remaining flour until your dough is like a brownie batter (it should be softer than a drop cookie dough).
4. Use a 1 T. cookie scooper to make simple round drop cookies - use wet fingers to pat any rough edges OR for an Easter-Egg look, roll 1 T. dough into an elongated ball.
5. Bake cookies 10-12 minutes (they won't be brown but the insides will be soft and cake-like).
6. For icing: mix sugar, milk and extract to make a sugar glaze. HINT: When I make the icing, I make it thick but then I microwave it for 10 seconds so it is thin enough for dipping. Also, I like to divide the mixture in thirds, and then add ONE DROP of food coloring to each batch (pink, green, yellow).
7. Hold cookie in your hand and turn upside down so you can dip the top half in the glaze; turn over and immediately top with sprinkles so they will stick.
8. Allow icing to harden overnight; then store in air-tight containers or freeze.

♪♫~§usan~♫♪

Or, Dianne - like this?

Italian Anise Cookies (also called Angeliones)
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cup sugar
4 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon anise extract
1 teaspoon lemon extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Glaze
2 cups confectioners' sugar
2-3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon of any of the above extracts
nonpareils (sprinkles)

Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly grease a cookie sheet or line the sheet with parchment paper.
First melt the shortening and butter; cool. In a separate, medium-sized, bowl combine eggs, sugar, anise, lemon, and vanilla flavorings. Blend in melted shortening and butter mixture. Sift and the flour, baking powder, and baking soda and add to wet ingredients. Mix well until a soft dough is formed. After this point, you may want to chill the dough to make it easier to work with. Place spoonful of dough on cookie sheet. The dough spreads to about twice its size, so leave plenty of space. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until light golden brown.
In the meantime, make the glaze. Combine the glaze ingredients, adding enough milk to achieve desired consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cookies and immediately sprinkle with nonpareils as the glaze will quickly harden.
Makes about 5 dozen, 2-inch cookies.
These cookies have the best flavor after they've been allowed to ripen a bit.

♪♫~§usan~♫♪

Here is what had me crying last night... Probably because it touched my heart as to what I am going through at this point in my life... Maybe you too... Deb & Judy...
Stacey... a good look forward for you...

Hope I can copy paste correctly...


The Gift of an Ordinary Day
Length:7:37

http://www.facebook.com/?sk=messages&tid=10150319303270165

Susan - can you view this ?
Hugs,
Mary

Mary it says only the recipient of the message may view it! Grrrrr!

I will send you a hug anyway......I think we both can use one.

I found "When Harry Met Sally" on TV...brings back so many memories from DH & I during dating time. lol

Well, sweet dreams....I am going to bed so the kittens will calm down.

Debbie