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http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1144012/


http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1144012/

Thought I'd move over Shirley's post and recipe..know a lot of us enjoy anything made with pumpkin...

Hello!
It is miserable out, raining turning to ice. It started after I went back in to get Tubby. I had to spray De-icer on the ramp to get up. We are suppose to be back at 8:30 tomorrow AM. I'll get me a pair of spikes to put on the bottom of boots and may have to figure out some form of chain for the wheel chair. I really thanked DG when we made it up. If it wasn't so steep, it would help. I'll have to put my thinking cap on again. Went out and fed the birds. It was slow going on the way home. If it's really bad out we will have to cancel till Fri. Tubby was so miserable cuz his bottom has no meat on it. I'k love to give him some. We'll take a pillow or two next time. It was hard to watch him suffer so. He's resting now. The Dr. said the verbal report from pathology was it is the Myleoma. Dang! I'm not sure what that means down the road, will ask more later. I just don't want anymore bad news now. I'm on overload already.
Betty, please stay in a hotel for the night and hopefully it will be better tomorrow. We want you around for a long time to come. We'll say our prayers.
Linda the potholders are darling. Someone will enjoy them. You do great work.
Pumpkin Choc. Chip Cookies
1 - 14 1/2 oz. can pumpkin
2 - eggs, lightly beaten
2 - cups sugar
1 - cup veg. oil
2 - tsps. milk
2 - tsps vanilla extract
1 - tsp. salt
2 - tsps baking soda
2 - tsps cinnamon
1 - 12oz pkg. choc. chips ( I prefer milk choc.)
4 - cups all purpose flour
4 - tsps baking powder
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In large bowl, combine pumpkin, eggs, sugar, oil, vanilla, salt, baking soda,
cinnamon and choc. chips. In separate bowl, blend flour & baking powder. Add flour mixture to pumpkin mixture and stir until well combined.
On ungreased cookie sheet, using 2 tsps. make small dollops of mixture. Cookies do not bake larger; they bake the size of the dollop.
Bake at 375 F for 10 to 15 min. ( mine usually take 12 - 15 min.) I think it will make a difference on size and altitude where you live.
Cool on wire rack, I use an old newspaper or parchment. What ever is handy. Makes 24 cookies.
Hope you all enjoy.
The yuk outside is to last to midnight and then quit. Won't warm up enough to thaw by morning. Will decide then if we go or stay.
Will get back to mending, talk to you all later. Thanks for all the prayer, hugs and arm wraps. They are greatly appreciated.
T&S

Betty I'm so glad you made it home okay. I thought about you and hope that Paul calls you in the AM. I can see the traffic going down the highway from house, they are moving veryyyyyy slowwww. The semis have their flashers going, so that is a clear indication it's bad on the roads. I'll go out and try and clear the ramp early, but if still rainy or icey will stay home. Our safety isn't worth it.
The other day we were talking at work about cookie recipes and I said I always mix my choc. chip dough up one day and refrigerate overnight and bake next. They stay soft that way and don't run to be flat. I do that with most of my cookie recipes, just works for me.
Tubby feeling a little nauseaed right now, so will close and chat tomorrow. Everyone please be careful out there and God Be with you all.
T&S

Shirley, do you have any old car floor mats or something similar you can put down on the "ramp" for the wheelchair? They usually have grooves in them that the water/snow might run off. If you put them down right before you take him down the ramp (or up) it might help. Thinking of those rubber floor runners at the hardware also....they roll up pretty easy. Might give you a bit of traction, and you can quick roll it up after he is in the car or house.

Betty I sent you an e mail home and at work..the ones to work address got sent back??saying could not contact that address??? so please check your home address...and let me know if you get those (2 mails)

Morning..just peeked outside and it's clear here this morning but that's not saying it will be the same in Barrie..will listen to news shortly so guess it's a work day for me..do have a few things to do in Barrie at lunch and after work though providing weather co-operates, need deer hyde for the boys neckwarmers..some decorations to put in the flower arrangements and flowers and also some jewelery fixings for the girls who come on Monday..could do it all after work tomorrow seeing as I'm off at 3:00pm but Rose will be leaving around 5 and I want to be home when she leaves...

Wow, last night I could hear some metal rattling , first thing came to mind is 'the furnace'..was the furnace, working so well that so much hot air coming out of the floor metal unitls that it had them fluttering so guess my problems are all fixed..yiuppee, warm for the holidays.

June came over and dropped a lovely gift off for Rose for Christmas, she did a tray and inside made in a blackboard so that she could hang on the wall and leave messages...Rose certainly appreciated it..I've a few things for her as well, must go under the tree tonight and see which are hers and get them ready for tomorrow night..

Thunder, will check both e-mails, thanks for doing it, if I don't get them done this week then perhaps for next year!

Will be thinking of both of you today Shirley, be careful and do hope that Tubby is feeling better today..if it's stormy STAY home! You've got it right, when you see tractor trailers driving at a snail's pace you know you best slow down.

Time for another coffee, curl my hair and watch the news..gab later

Good morning everyone,
It's another freezing day here in Southwest New Hampshire and we are still missing all the snow storms. We have had a dusting, that is all. We do have the single number temps and blowing wind however. I sometimes think I'd rather have snow. We are hoping for at least and inch or two for Christmas!! It seems to go just north of us or down to the Mid Atlantic.
Got all my Christmas sewing done and now I can put myself to work on the house. It has been sadly neglected! I don't even have my tree up yet!! (Hopefully tonight) So today is a clean the house day.
We have been busy with a family member these past four weeks which has taken up a considerable amount of time.
Last night, we went to Brandon's band concert. He is our oldest grandson at 15. He plays trombone and is one of the nicest young men you could meet. He is polite, courteous, and an excellent student. He is our horseman. What a wonderful concert it was. Now Sean is learning trombone too and big brother is there to help...
Our small quilting group is having a Yankee Swap (I guess some of you call it Greed) tomorrow night.
It should be fun. I'm giving a hat box with a padded cover with some notions inside. The box is covered with a sewing fabric and looks cute. I'll try for a picture when the camera is ready.
Norm says breakfast is ready - grilled cranberry/orange muffins - so I'm off
Hope the day is a wonderful one for all..
Oh and please wish me luck with the house!! I need it and the energy to get it done!!!!!

Barb, it will be so nice for you to set your sewing and crafting aside and once you get that house back up to your standards just sit and relax and enjoy the christmas festivities...omg your Brandon sounds much like my Kyle, you've every reason to be proud..

Have fun at your Yankee Swap, will have to see what you come home with..

Lucky you to be missing these blizzards..

Schools closed in Barrie/Simcoe region, few miles south of here, seemed to have missed the 2 big storms but for the grace of God..keep watching the clock, cannot believe with me having telephones set to my house that Paul would not call and say 'stay home' but, Suzanne has to drive to the city 1st thing this morning for 4 signings with Trustee so I'm thinking he would feel guilty saying stay home when she has to travel.

Guess I'll go get dressed, start my car and get things together to entertain myself. NOT looking forward to the drive!!!

Drats and more drats

Betty only two more days right??? I thought I had read that the 17th was your last day driving in......
I'm on my 5 minute rest period. I have to do things in spurts or they don't get done. Work for 15 minutes and the SIT for at least five. Otherwise I have no breath to continue.
So I'm starting at the bedroom and getting everything out of there (That's where I had presents hidden.) I'll get them wrapped as I go along. Then I'll put the things that are normally out into the bedroom where I had the presents. When the bedroom is done, I'll start on the bath...And keep going and going and going until it is done. May take a day or two!!!!!
My five minutes are up.. Be back later.....
Edited to add --Be safe everyone today. I just saw the national/international weather and I'm praying for all of you....

This message was edited Dec 16, 2010 8:15 AM

Tomorrow is my last day to drive Barb..1/2 the way was clear and crispt and the 1/2 half towards Barrie is a nightmare..some local towns have to close their streets today/tomorrow so that plows can come and clear them or no one will be able to navigate..snowbanks are already so high that it's difficult pulling out...saw about 2 cars in ditches, few accidents, encourages you to go slower although this morning one guy passed me as though I was stopped and visibility was poor, kind of hoping, know I'm terrible but was hoping to see HIM in a ditch..

Just playing today by ear, Suzanne's in Toronto, LeeAnn still might not be well enough to come in, Cindy has a few things that need to be done outside the office so it just might be ME/MYSELF and I...great bunch!!! lol

Barb, best you do things in small amounts of time, my favorite when I wasn't well some years ago and suppose to stay on the chesterfield resting was to get up each time a commercial came on and do something and make myself sit down when the show came on, you have no idea what a spic and span house I had,lordy, lots of commercials...

Fun wrapping gifts, you can sit while you tackle them..does Norm enjoy wrapping?

If weather is not the best in your neck of the woods please stay in, stay safe..

Five minutes again. No Betty Norm doesn't "do" wrapping but if I asked him to he would.. He does wrap mine but that is all. Isns't it funny how we seem to take on roles as husband and wife. He does so much that a lot of men wouldn't and I love him dearly for that. So when it's something I CAN do, I do it........
Got most of the bedroom straightened out. I think tomorrow, I may tackle our bedroom closet but not today.......

Doesn't pay to overdo Barb..closets can wait!!!

Not like days of old, each take on roles they most enjoy I believe.

Time for a hot cup of coffee to regenerate. Bedroom is done, Bath is done, Kitchen is almost done.
Living room and dining room to go. Sure wish now that I had left the door on the quilt room. Oh well, maybe if I just straighten out a bit it will be acceptable. No one needs to know what is a current project and what just isn't put away yet!!!!! Hope your day is going well everybody.....

Ok we were supposed to have a chili dinner at school tonigh along with xmas program and now everything has been cancelled. So I guess we are having chili for dinner. And now it is snowing. The kind that will stay for awhile.
Worried as this is the first time oldest DD will be driving in this and her jobs will not close.
Barb if you are done sewing I sure could use a hand.
Betty please be careful out there I have been watching the news and there are so many people stranded.
Shirley and Tubby hope you stayed in warm and safe.
Past couple of days cold and really windy and now snow and cold.

Me thinks you were working at full speed ahead Barb..wow, got a lot accomplished since you 1st posted today. I'm where I need to be re house cleaning, now it will be saving the main clean-up for after Christmas.

You had to know Laura that the s torm would eventually make it to neighborhood..

Forgot to tell you, this morning after giving up on Paul calling to stay home I went out in my jammies/boots to start my car, went to come inside, oh/oh somehow basement door had locked, so here I am, bitter cold, no coat and no way in..had to fight through about 3' of snow to get on the deck of Rose's bedroom and yell until she woke up to come let me in..just thinking, lordy what would I have done without Rose....might have to leave a few doors open so it doesn't happen again..lol

Betty - keep a house key in your car!!!!! I have one of those magnetic key holders and it stays inside the wheel well where my tire changing tools are......

Betty??? I thought you always left your house unlocked? I've been locked out a time or two myself... So I gave a spare key to Bertie....now she can't find it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Betty and Everyone.

Just a quick note here...I have been sick for the last 2 days, Yikes haven't has so much as a sniffle for a couple of years at least.
Thinkingk, i was just run down...Yesterday near froze even though I was bundled up, dizzy and just no energy...Slept off and on since Tuesday afternoon. But today i am feeling human again. I was to work yesterday but just couldn't, I think the guys mad at me...and today punishing me with no work, lol oh well.
So i finished everything that was put off this morning, resting for a few and will venture a little shopping.

Oh Betty, Thank goodness Rose was there, omg might have had to break a window to re-enter.
I sure hope Kyle had a wonderful Birthday! Geeze, would that be a nice thing if Paul lets you go early.
Sure have been hoping you are feeling much better from your fall.
...Betty, the same kind of thing happend to me a couple of weeks ago, it was so strange, I exited the back door, we have a bar across that locks, now one has to physically place the bar. Well, when i went to come back in, the bar was in it's position!! No one was up, just me, luckily i had my cell phone in my sweater jacket...lol had to call Steve to come let me in.

Linda Kaye, saw your new sewing machine! Sweet. i am glad it's running well, your ov3en mitts are so pretty.

Hi Barb, Isn't that nice your finished with your sewing, Ahhh, now you can decorate in the comfort of being stress free.
We just got our Tree, it's waiting out on the deck, hopefully we can get it up tonight or tomorrow, so we can decorate it on the weekend.
Sounds like you are making great leaway to your cleaning!

Shirley, That recipe sounds wonderful!! Sending Prayers and good thoughts for Tubby. Hmmm, trying to think what could be used on the ramp.

Everyone in this house hold is just about finished shopping! LOL, I haven't even started, took the kids to start, but i can not shop for them if they are with me, lol. the 3 times we wnet, thought, I'll look at things and each time they seemed to be right there, so decided to wait to go alone. I am off, hoping to get most of it done today.
Be back in a bit.
Enjoy your day Everyone and please be careful out and about.

Door are unlock, Rose said she just turned the handle and it opened so not sure if it froze or what happened, as for door unlocked, yes always leave one or 2 open but what happened is now that the back deck is closed in and I put a victorian door on it and it just clips shut I found that with the high winds it sometimes opens so I put a hook to keep shut so that the snow doesn't blow in..not sure I'll do that now seeing as I got caught downstairs..maybe I can spray oil on the doorknob

Judy, glad you are feeling better, at least having it this week almost guarantees you'll be ok next week, let's hope. you are probably overtired..you best go shopping with Debbie and Susan, they are keeping their shopping for Christmas Eve...

I know you all have probably been wondering where I have been been, and I am sorry. I have been trying to get some Xmas pressies finished, keep the house clean and take care of Bubbie-so busy it seems!! Exciting news though-we got our oven fixed on Tuesday!! Yeah-it hasn't worked right since like Feb;)LOL

I did do a blog update on the little man!!

http://stacey-jonathansmom.blogspot.com/2010/12/sweetness-of-marking-3-mos.html

Will try to catch up tomorrow!!

Enjoyed reading about Jonathan's Christmas photo experience and enjoyed the photo slide, omg he's getting so big, is hard to imagine Stacey how quickly time passes by. Glad your stove is now repaired so you can bake..nice to have the tree decorated and shopping done so you won't be fretting..

Lordy, now I remember why I quit selling those snowmobile neck warmers (dickies)!! Went to Tandy leather and checked deer hyde, would have to purchase one whole hyde, about $145. and I would have except all the imperfections and holes which is the norm for deer hyde; sometimes the individually doing the tanning does damage to the piece so that was no good. They had the nicest lamb hyde, the softest I've ever seen, would have done about 3 pieces and was about $90. so I kept searching and found 2 small pieces, enough to get 3 out of cow hyde, really nicely tanned, should soften up even more once used for $40. so a bargain for sure. Am going to Michael's tonight, the glass shop and Garden Gallery before heading home as the weather seems to have cleared and if I get home early enough I'll cut and sew hyde to the neck warmers...ohhh asked if they had the arrowhead (glovers) needles, yes they did, 6 in a pack for $11.98, passed on that, surely I have a few at home somewhere..who said giving something homemade was to keep from spending too much??? nope, not I..

Hi !
We made to dialysis and back home now. I had to chip ice for an hr. before we could leave, so was a little late. The cat litter helped alot and ramp was pretty well dry by time we got home. I picked up more de-icer and will keep a pail of kitty litter by the door. We took a couple of pillows along for Tubby to set on and that helped alot. We go back tomorrow at 11:30, then just 3 days a wk. after that.
I picked up some yeast and other goodies to start to bake this weekend. I'm not sure what I will make, but will go through recipes and decide. I'd like to run to Omaha tomorrow when I drop Tubby off and get a couple of gifts for the Wis. group. If it's not nice won't go. I have some paper work I need to get done first.
I have to clean house also. I probably will get the heat gun in laater to help remove the epoxy from the floor. I better have a cup of coffee first. Will make a list of things I need to get while sitting around. Chili sounds good, I think I have to get some more beans first, will check to cupboard first. I feel more like getting things done today, hope it last.
Everyone be careful out there and God be with you all.
T&S

Glad to see you home safely Shirley, you've put in long day perhaps you should just sit and relax tonight! Would imagine Tubby is tired and resting..from the sounds of it Shirley you enjoy cooking/baking..Chili does indeed sound yummy..should make a pot and freeze some. As for kitty litter I keep a bag in the trunk just incase I come across some icy patch of road and get stuck, seems if you have it on hand you don't need it. I'm sure the relatives in Wisc. understand Shirley but I also know it's been bothering you not to have it done..just don't go if the roads are bad..

Got myself into a situation...Darlene called and as far as she can understand from Dannie both she and her son are moving in for the winter..yikes, we never talked about that..Darlene said Dannie will go to her home and bring all her cooking equipment to my place, starting to have some doubts

OHHH Betty, that doesn't sound good at all. No no no. That is really incringing on your privacy. One thing to have a girl friend, but a teenage boy...hmmmm. Don't know of an easy way out of it...but something needs to be done for you.

For some reason I keep losing this post ! So I'm typing this to keep on reading! Sorry - a LONG day a LONG week...but I'll post real soon...

Betty - i don't know what to say about that... doesn't she have several kids? seems to impose to bring the kids when you invited her only... although I suppose if it's a bad situation... the kids AND D need to find arrangements....

BUT if that's the situation... perhaps a local apartment would be best.... Is she home schooling the kids ?


((HUGS))

Mary

Morning, not as cold outside as it has been and that's a plus on this Friday morning, lots going on..oooh finished work at 3pm today and off for 2 weeks..

Jeff called me last night and thought he might drive up to Barrie today, boys told santa one of the things they wanted were the light weight kayak paddles, custom made so he's to pick them up and take me out for lunch, yikes, forgot to tell him I only have 1/2 hr. on Friday's but am sure something can be arranged! Said he had been out since early morning doing his shopping, cannot believe the gifts these young ones are getting, they'd all best say a prayer and thank the Lord for their blessings.


Last night after work I had planned on doing many things, had stopped snowing for most of the afternoon, few flurries at the time I left, about 1/2 hr. into stores another blizzard reared it's ugly head so headed home.

Rose was packing up, her dad will be here about 5 to pick her up..so partially wearing a sad face today! It's been an enjoyable experience and I hope same for her.

Kyle called last night, he'll not be going to school today and will be spending today, this weekend and Monday assisting local Charity drive wrapping gifts, filling food baskets ..hats off to that kid..hmmm remember organizing the same at the Community Center ions ago, their dad did same so must be a generation thing...but still, you got to give these kids credit..

As for Dannie, know I'll so enjoy her staying here, even with Sultan, did I tell you about Sultan???? he's a RAT, she carries him all over, I just worry that my furries might think he's Christmas dinner...maybe the whole situation is just that she has conversations with Darlene every day and yet hasn't mentioned it to me..but, perhaps Darlene got it wrong and he'll be going home to stay with dad and 2 other brothers..they are the brothers who are recording a cd right now, quite talented and yes, they are home schooled.

Mary, starting to worry about you, usually I'm up and reading all about your day so going to send you off some big arm wraps and prayers just incase you need them.

Well, time to get organized, dressed and coffee and head out, sooner I leave, sooner I'll be back home right? lol

Hope some of you are around to gab today

Oh Betty-sorry that today is Rose's last day and hope that all works out with Dannie...I am pretty sure the rat wouldn't make it at my house-Jade the kitty would have him for Xmas dinner:(

Betty, we had a pet rat a few years ago. Sweetest thing I have ever loved. And, there was not a dry eye in this house, including my DH when she passed. They only live 2 to 3 years. When Carrie brought her, I swore up and down, was so upset....but within a week when Carrie was at school, Mooii (like a cow says Moo with e sound on end) was riding around inside my shirt and sharing my lunch. She loved spaghetti....as do my cockatiels!

Good Morning!
Betty, glad today is last day of work, drive careful and enjoy your time off. It's always nice to know one doesn't have to go in when the weather gets bad. Sorry to hear about your visitors coming, hope it all works out. Will be thinking of you. Sorry to hear Rose is leaving, it's hard to see a friend leave.
I'm waiting for the garbage man to come. I'll go down and start the wash when I finish my last cup of coffee. I was thinking of going to Omaha, but I think I'll come home and scrub and vacum while Tubby is at dialysis. I know it bothers him when I make all that noise and have to move everything up here in the living room.
Please, everybody take it easy out there and have a great day. Hope the sun will shine brite for you all. I think we'll see some sun, chance of light flurries Sun.. Will chat later if I know more then I know now.
T&S

Shirley - I am truly amazed at all you get done. Dealing with Tubby's necessities would be more than enough for one perosn but you do everything else as well. I hold you in awe!!!! I'm sending prayers that help will be forthcoming for you. Please give Tubby love from Norm and I and we both wish you the Merriest of Chhristmas' and a wonderufl New Year. You surely deserve it...
I'm passing through and waving to all today~~~just got to get my butt in gear!!!!!

Shirley, I'm with Barb, you are indeed a special person!!! just smilled, when Roger was home I was NOT to vacuum, sound drove him crazy, besides, he thought we should be sitting or doing something together..drove me nuts..

Jeff just called, omg, I remembered this morning that he'd be passing the rose greenhouse, asked him if he'd go and pick up 4 to 6 dozens, some baby's breath and white carnations...going to do it IF he can find it!!

Barb, you are on the run again today, still cleaning and wrapping.

You can tell just how busy I am this morning, brought in supplies to finish off another crochet afghan for seniors and stopped at a variety store to pick up a book to entertain me, ended up with a quilt book..nice xmas table runner and there is a lovely apron pattern in it..

Called the 'Betty' apron..must be a sign I should make myself one..lol..

Betty, does it have a pocket for a fire extinguisher?

Yes, I'd say that's a sign to make one, just make sure you embroider your name on it. I know alot of people don't use them, but they sure come in handy and protect alot of clothes. Debbie, you don't need a fire extinguisher.
There is nothing special about me, I just do what has to be done. My DM always said "where there will, there's a way". I learnt alot from her, and the best was not to waste alot of time feeling sorry for oneself. You can do anything you want, and are more capible then you think.
I just got done teaching myself how to pay bills on line. It will be a great help. Wish I had taken time before to learn more. I have one more account to set up and then they will be done. I hate trying to get things in the mail by a certain time. I'll show Tubby later. I hear the garbage man, the crazy dogs are going nuts.
Okay, will get dressed and get somethings done. Have a great day everyone and chat this evening.
T&S

lol, only you Debbie would think of that..

Jeff is here, bought me 8 doz. of roses, baby's breath and white carnations so tonight i'll put them in the arrangements I've had sitting outside on back deck and deliver them

Not sure if men know the value of teaching their wives how to survive should they be found alone..thank goodness with Roger being on the road it was necessary to do a lot more than most women, if something cropped up, I'd look after it so when he pased on I was able to manage without it being overwhelming

Ohhhh listening Debbie for hints on Christmas gift, think I'm getting a unit, not the Nook but another brand..heard him say to Paul he'd download a lot of books so he wouldn't have to do it Christmas day..who else could it be for??? lol

A Kindle perhaps??? Sounds promising!!!!
Off to shower and then off to my quilter's get together tonight. Hope to finish my shopping on the way!!!!

Oh Betty, a Kindle would be great! Much more accessible than the Nook I am sure. Of course soon as I got mine they came out with a new model in color so you can read magazines, see pictures and such. Perhaps in a few years I can ask. lol

You have such a beautiful caring family, you certainly are blessed!! And Kyle, that boy, I just love him to pieces and have never met him. Totally stolen my heart.

I got one of those good/bad news things today. Bad because I won't see DH most of the weekend...but we so need the $$...he has to work 10 to 14 hours tomorrow....and at least 8 on Sunday. The good, it will be in this weeks next paycheck, so can see a little light at the end of the tunnel. His party and the food I sent in went over well, and he said the 2nd and 3rd shift finished up the left overs overnight.

OK, I have to get busy. I have some snowmen to finish assembling! I went to JoAnns and got a few items to enhance and just now have time to sit and finish.