Best/Worse/??I learn today? Come sit a spell, all welcome!

She sure does LK! Thea what a wonderful gift from Mary. You done good Mary!!! Santa Warren and I have been really enjoying each of your presents. Every morning when he gets up DH asks me if anyone else has posted that they had received their gift.

Thunder I am so excited for you and your DH - having both your boys home to meet up with # 3 son over the holidays is just fantastic. Are your boys close to each other? My DB's 2 boys are very close while my DS's boys barely acknowledge each other. I must have missed or have just plain forgotten when is your DH's surgery? I am praying and hoping that he has a wonderful neurosurgeon as I did for my surgeries. The neuro who did my surgeries was not the one originally scheduled to do it but in the end I think I was very fortunate to have had him.This Neuro I had never even met me until about 20 min before I went into the OR but at that point I was in such pain I think I would have let DH have a go with some guidance. Wonderful if you can use some of your sick days. DH retired from teaching with over 400 sick days he hadn't used but was lucky enough to be compensated for almost half of them. I was in a horrid car accident in 1987 and had to use 160 of my sick days before Long Term Disability kicked in - the Board office told me not too many teachers accumulate their days and often think of them as their personal holidays. Heck I didn't ever want them to find out they could do the job without me. Sending positive thoughts and prayers that the surgery will be a great success for your DH.

Betty will Jeff and his boys be coming together for your Christmas celebration? Its so hard to get everyone together in this day and age - everyone is so busy and spread all over the map too. Heavens when I went away to university and it was only an hour's drive from home my mam felt like I had gone to the ends of the earth.Today people commute that distance and don't even think about it.

Mary is your DSD old enough to get a piercing without parental permission? Here you have to be of legal age to get a piercing or a tatoo - if not, one needs parent's written permission and their signature signing off on the procedure.

The tree is back up and has fishing line around it holding it up as a safety feature. Needed to use a drill to make a hole in the trunk base before I could get the tree to co-operate.We've never had to do that before,lol.Santa Warren was exhausted after helping me and ended up sleeping the afternoon away. I sure wasn't going to wake him. He is sleeping more again and also not eating much . He wants to eat and when I make what he asks for he just can't take more than 2 or 3 bites. Our plans to make cookies were put off till tomorrow but he did make his wonderful Sugared Almonds. He uses honey to do this. It is so easy to do it is mindblowing. I often put some in Christmas parcels with the recipe attached.

Bitterly cold day here with a nasty wind. Snow last night but nowhere near what our Betty received. What kind of weather did you have Thea? For years I used to do the 10 day Ottawa Christmas Craft Show Thea at the Civic Centre and we always had at least 1 day where Ottawa and area were paralyzed with snow. That takes a lot as they are hearty people in that area as I am sure Thea well knows. There were actually people coming to the show on cross county skis and snow machines.

Hope Jake made out well at his match today Judy. Does it look like he might have to compete in a higher weight category like he ended up doing last year?

Debbie hope you sleep well tonight after your shopping expedition today. Also hope you don't dream of flamingos!!!lol

Yes Katie you are so blessed to have Tony working for and with you. You must get pretty excited about being able to help Santa out on Christmas Day. Was just shaking my head at the thought of those poor little ones not having their parents sober enough to enjoy the early part of the day with them.

Barb do you have a surgery date? I am sure you want this over ASAP. What a wonderfully kind gesture to send off the ornament to Suse.I know she was broken hearted and you surely put that big smile back on her face.

Time to stoke the woodstove and read for abit. Sleep well everyone!
Dianne

YAY YAY YAY ! Thea got my Santa Warren Swap Pressie ! Oh Thea... I was so worried that you would not like it... Then I was worried that it would not arrive...
Now you've received it and I just feel all Warm and Fuzzy inside :o)

Happy Happy Happy !

This has Been SO MUCH FUN! Thank you Santa Warren & Dianne !

Think I had a premonition earlier that it had arrived.... Started out the day taking MIL to breakfast...we did Sams Club and the Mall... ( I didn't see Debbie at Sams Club..... DARN!) LONG shopping day... came home then had a Christmas party to go to with Hubby and was thinking... "What if I don't get on the computer tonight and Thea got the pressie today?"
LOL. You'd have laughed at me Thea at World Market....wandering around looking for the German Candy (they have all kinds there)... which ones to get? Then I started reading the labels... if the candies didn't say "Made in Germany" then they were disqualified.... must have spend an hour....LOL.
Barb - so so sweet of you to do that for Suse ! You and Betty are Angels !
Thunder - So happy for you... Great news ! Judy - Undefeated ! Good Job Jacob ! Wonderful he figured out how to get the uniform washed and ready... Kudos to sis for helping out... Isn't that great when they are starting to work together... :o)
Dianne.... yes - DSD had JUST turned 18... that's the legal age here....
Funny about the fishing line... I've never heard of that... Can't imagine why the tree fell ! Were the furries working together on that one ?
Oh Betty - That is a wonderful idea to read back... almost like a journal huh ! I did a lot of journal-ing when Hubs & I First married..... Your quilt is so pretty...
LK - bummer that you have to go that security route however I'm so glad that you did.

Well - I'm up at Dianne's time slot... VERY late / early however you see it.... will check back in a bit... but need to head to bed....pretty soon.....

((HUGS)
Mary

Mary all of the furries were accounted for - 3 sleeping and 1 standing right beside me when the tree toppled. At least there were no ornaments on it. Of course since I had to use the power drill I had to vaccuum(sp?) up the saw dust which led to a second tour around the upstairs today with the 'sucky' machine going.

How wonderful you and your DMIL got to spend some time together today Mary. The only thing I regret about leaving my first DH who turned out to be a colossal dud was that I knew I would no longer be able to have contact with my wonderful MIL. It is a terrible thing to say but she meant more to me than my own mam. We just clicked and I learned so much about so many things from her - not just Italian cooking.

Hope the rest of you are sleeping. I'll keep this watch for all of us.
D

Morning all, snow has stopped, sitting here with my coffee, bit early to share with you, will make another pot later for you!

Thinking if I sit quietly my head that seems to be breaking over might go away,,more drugs for breakfast..would love to remind to each post but no can use my brain nor my fingers right now..

Did smile and chuckle as I read them

Be back in a bit

Morning everyone! Sorry to hear you have a headache Betty! Thanks for the coffee!
Dianne, sorry to hear Santa Warren is not eating much! Do the pills he is taking make his tummy upset?
Another cloudy drizzly day here. 43 degree's.
Susan, how are you feeling today? Still have your bronchitis?
Crissy, we would love to see what you got from Barb please?

Meds are working, Linda called at 6:00 to say she would be arriving around 9:00 am to time to sweep/wash floors, sit and sip of coffee before my hectic day starts..cleaned a few corners, few old ornaments and pieces..might put my snowboots on and put them in the fire pit and burn..only thing with that is someone might see early morning fire and call fire department..do have a burning permit though..maybe I should at least wait for daybreak, neighbors would be saying look at that crazy Betty..

Anxious to see Crissy's goodies as well

See LindaKay that you are up early, would imagine Laura is up sewing, sure hope the others are getting some sleep

Think I'll go get muffines...


ooooh had an e-mail this morning, advertising from Sony..remember I paid $169.99 for each of the e-readers I bought, then saw they were on sale for $149.99 and went and got $$$ back, wouldn't you know on the e-flyer and I believe it's the same model, they are $119.99 that would mean if they discounted for the 2nd time $120 back to me..wonder if they will????

Oh, that would be another great discount! Hope you can get it! Never hurts to ask!

Good morning all...just a fast note before I am heading to the sewing room....have to put binding on a wall hanging for my sister's BD...which is today!! Nothing like leaving everything to the last minute!! lol

Thunder and whoever else is interested in the Christmas Applique Angel I made for Suse...here is the free Pattern:

http://erinrussek.typepad.com/one-piece-at-a-time/2011/10/celebrate-christmas-quilt-a-long.html

Love seeing all the great gifts we are all receiving and it is truely amazing how unique and so fitting for each person those special gifts are!!
Thank you Santa Warren for making this Christmas Gift exchange so special for us. We will treasure our gifts for years to come and always will be able to look back with fond memories to this exchange.

Dianne and Warren special prayers and hugs coming your way...may today be a painfree day and hopefuly a day where Warren has more appetite.

Betty hope your headache will pass...if not take it easy and REST!!! and like all the others told you...on Monday you call the Doc you saw on thursday and tell him about the Spiderbite!!! You don`t want to upset Debbie any more and believe me you don`t want an angry German at your door wearing the "kiss me" shirt!!! lol Please take it to heart and call.

Well time is up...better get a move on it.
I won't be online much next week...I am involved with 3 Christmas Charities (snowsuit fund for Children...Food Baskets for the Needy...Angel Tree (gifts) for Children) and in our area we combine all three and next week is the handouts for about 70 Families.

Have a wonderful Sunday and be good to yourselves!!

Love and many hugs
Thea

God bless you Thea for all the work you are doing on behalf of the needy..

I think like you many of us are wondering how we got so behind when we started early..my problem is I didn't realize just how big a project the 12 months of Christmas was, then nuts city, took to do 3 ..then mom wanted rag quilt, you can't say no..then Cathy was admiring, just this week went and bought material to do one for her..then, the, the, moll

So imagine that is how your Christmas projects got started..but soon Christmas will be over and we will be looking for something to do as we are bored..bet that is during the week of Christmas and new years. Lol

Daylight out, time to burn

Thank you for the pattern Thea. It will look so pretty on my front door next Christmas!!!!

It's adorable Thea

Barb, do you mean on your door THIS Christmas??

Fire going, muffins cooking, doors drying and now I start my day!!

Have to run to Foodland, bought garbage bags, opened them up and they are only sealed bottom and 1 side..what good are they. Lol

Besides, have a hankering for chicken and slidders..need chicken

Because muffins need 18 minutes to bake, I am tempted to make a mad dash but then I thing, hmmm burnt muffins?? Haven't been burning anything of late so best not start now

Chicken and slidders?

Old French meal,

Boiling chicken, taking broth and setting in refrigerator till cold

Adding salt,pepper,flour, rolling out like pie dough, thin, take chicken out of broth bring to a boil..with rolled dough cut into strips, 2" by maybe 1" and gently drop into boiling broth..if I called my boys and brother and said what I was cooking they would be here for sure..a favorite of theirs

Linda mentioned she would like to know how to make them as her mom and grandma always did...sooo, chicken is cooking, muffins cooked, just a tinge of brown, no not burnt just a bit toasty. Shhhh don't tell Barb and Norm..would ruin my reputation of not running anything since they have left

At some point this a.m. I'll show her how..that is between making candle holders, flower arrangements. Lol

Just a quick post this morning. Someone asked to see the mug mats I've been making. Here are three sets that I still have. All the others have been mailed (8 mores sets) I really like the size and look of the 3 cut pattern for these. Makes a nice size - 9"square.

Like noodles or dumplings? Sounds good.

Barb, those are very pretty!

Thanks LK. And they are really easy too.!!!!

Good morning, I am dragging this morning. Didn't get out of bed (the second time) until 9:45. Can't believe how sore I am right now especially my back. When using the walker I have something to support my upper half and did the mall with nothing to hold onto. Think I woke up some muscles! OUCH.

I am going to have to attempt one of these rag quilts after Christmas. Might have done before next year....make one for each of the kids. Haha, listen to me...high hopes as if I ever finish anything I start. I am very bad with that....what is the word procrastination!!! lol

Betty, I just got very bad news last week about my dear Aunt. She has ovarian cancer, and she is about the only family I have left. NOW.....Bessie Lou....PROMISE ME....I mean it woman...PROMISE ME...you will get on that )*(&*&)#&$ phone tomorrow morning....and call the )(%)(@&%$ Doctor...and tell him about the spider bite....and STOP ignoring us telling you.

(off my step stool...I almost fell...its your fault)

Going for breakfast

Good morning!
The DH has been sick this week-end so I've been trying to be quiet ... I'm going to watch church on T.V. this morning.

Oh Betty, those sound like Chicken and Dumplings to me. Grandma use to roll them out very thin and slice them with a knife ... drop them in the boiling broth and add the chicken back to the pot. Me, I'm lazy and buy frozen ones already rolled and cut. They're easy, but not Grandma's! Eat some for me! Hope your headache is better now.

Crisssy, Crissy ... I can't handle this suspense! Pleeease open your present girl!! I'm starting to bite my nails. LOL

Thea, just wanted to tell you again how much I've been enjoying my gifts. My angel is so very special, but most of all, I'm not sure how you knew the colors would look so gorgeous in my home! I had eggs, sausage, waffles with syrup and hash browns the other night for supper. It was cold and rainy, and I love that when our weather is nasty.

Dianne, I hope you and Santa Warren know how much cheer you have given our group with this swap. I know it has meant the world to me. I want to thank the rest of y'all for letting me be a part of the group. This has been a special Christmas. Thank you, again, Betty , and Barb also.
Off to watch my Church ...
Hugs&blessings ...

Sugar cookie dough is in the fridge chilling. After Santa Warren has a rest we will tackle putting the lights on the tree. Need to collect all my cookie cutters and let DH decide which ones he wants to use.
BBL
Dianne

thanks for the pattern Thea, and a few others I got from that link...

UH OH Betty...you gettin Deb upset......BETTER LISTEN call the Doctor !!!!

very nice mats Barb.

I have had a headache for the last 4 days!! feels like it is finally going away. and I can talk :) again...

found a really cute little bag, to make for Malena. gonna use some of the monkey fabrics that hubs bought when he was in Washington state....If it is easy enough to do, I may make a larger one for her Momma. ??
http://www.modabakeshop.com/2011/11/rubys-party-bag.html#more

time to get a bite to eat, then jump on the sewing machine..lots to do

Y'all have a great day, I will pop bake in on a break later....

Love those purses Thunder! Glad you can talk again!

OMG!! Just cleared off Kitchen table and To my very surprise a
Birds & Bloom magazine in the mail pile...With MY name on it!!!

You have made my day Linda Kay, again!! Thank you so much for the year subscription.

I am going to sit and read it cover to cover, while the family watches football!
Just love this magazine, what an incredible treat.
I am sooo smiling!

Happy Birthday to Carrie!!

Be back in a little while, mean time, sure hope Betty, Thunder, Susan, feeling better!
also, every shopping,baking, sewing, making marvelous progress!!

Yikes it's 4:00pm and the girls just left..fun day though! Don't know how many times I thought, 'should be sewing' but that is not all there is to life..family first...thought to myself, tonight after a hot bath I'll put in a few hours..

drats, Noah called, asked if I'd pick up some grapes on my way...my way to where??? ahhh must not have been listening or Greg must have forgotten to tell me they were have a big dinner for Kyle..he turns 16 on Wednesday..as far as I remember we were going out for supper on Wednesday..guess plans changed soooo hot bath awaits me, got to get changed from crafting clothes and off I go.

Suse, yes think we're talking about the same thing..was hungry for chicken and slidders and now into the refrigerator they go, can't have 2 suppers..

They managed to get their candle holder done..Dianne has never had a paint brush in her hand so she was excited as can be

Greg and Kyle just dropped in..no sooner in the tub did they come..was so looking forward to sitting in a hot bath!

Was told, out of the tub, get your bathing suit and come over, I'm heading for the hot tub and you can join me..then I heard a yelp 'omg mom, my favorite, when did you cook it, lots left over for my supper tomorrow night, can't wait' shucks I didn't even have any ..off it went lol

Kyle beconed me to the window, just had some new handle grips put on his snowmachine..said he can't go snowmobiling, no insurance and he wants to save for his drivers permit on Thursday so it will have to wait..from what I understand, funds for both will be given to him on his 16th Wednesday..Grandma adding to it as well..

Sure wish I had put sit and relax in this weekends schedule.

After doing the candle holders we did the basic greenery for 5 arrangements..put out in the cold until a few days before christmas then babysbreath and roses will be added to all..girls took theirs home happy as can be..even cleaned the mess before leaving and said we'll be back after Christmas to spend another day...

Linda said she'd taken a run to the rose greenhouse and pick up roses and carnations
Only greenery now but I'm sure once they add their florals it will look nice on their dining room table

Gab when I return..must go back and read your posts..read bits while on the fly..

I hope you can all enlarge this picture. It shows the three (Blue colored) ornaments that Betty painted and the two roses (one pink and one yellow) that Ann painted for us that we received last summer in Canada. It was the fourth blue one that I sent to Suse....
Edited to add: Tomorrow I will get close up pictures....

This message was edited Dec 11, 2011 7:43 PM

That is a pretty tree Barb,can't wait to see close up's of the ornaments.

Hello To All !

Oh Deb... you have me laughing ((HUGS)) Love u. Happy Birthday Carrie! Such a beautiful girl and looks just like our Debbie... So sorry to hear of your Aunt though... prayers headed your way....
Dianne... We do Sugar Cookies every year ! Kind of a tradition... I don't even think we always eat them LOL... Do you hang your cookie cutters on the tree ?
I am so lucky to have my MIL... have had times of anger with DH (like tonight) when I think.... well .... I can't divorce him because then I'd lose her... LOL.... Wonder if you reached out to your old MIL ? well anyway it's wonderful you have those memories with her...

Crissy - Oh Crissy ? Where art thou? Has someone called ? Maybe I'll send my search party out....
Barb... those mug mats are so pretty.... I can't wait to see what Crissy's goodies are....

Betty - sure think you deserve that discount on the readers. Happy Birthday to Kyle ! The "Chicken Sliders aka chicken & Dumplings" sure do look delicious.
THEA... LOL.... Don't send an Angry German over to Betty's .... Betty you heard that right ? ((HUGS)) For all your charity work... that is awesome....

I had my Hibiscus Club Christmas Party today... we did a Santa swap. Then DS's 1/2 brother came in for just the day from New Orleans (he is 25) so I cooked rib eyes for him and all because that is just a tradition for me when he visits.
I tried to cook a cherry torte for the Model A Christmas Party tomorrow night but I rushed it. I know better...but I'll check tomorrow to see if I have a soupy mess or a torte.

Vacation Day off tomorrow YAY! So will finish up shopping hopefully ! TODAY we are TWO weeks away from Christmas ! Can you believe it ?

((HUGS))
Mary

I have been turning back into a VERY late night owl lately. Then can't sleep once I get into bed.

Tomorrow is a big day here. DS goes for his drivers test, and it is one of those "oh please let him pass....and Oh please...do not let him pass!" Danged if we do or don't!

Today was really nice with Carrie for her birthday. Jeanna and Joe did an awesome job cooking...except I had to fake I liked the mac and cheese. Carrie was so VERY surprised to open her gift and was near tears when she saw the mixer.

Here is a picture of my birthday girl blowing out her candles. Sorry it isn't centered very well.

great pic debbie, hope your doing better.

ok to my swap buddy lol tomorrow it is going going gone!
be on the look out it has to go in two boxes one is a flat rate box and the other a brown box.

Same to my swap buddy! I haven't been able to get to the post office as it closes before anyone gets home.

BUT tomorrow both kids are off work....and they are mailing it for me!!!

Morning..decided to take a coffee break..been up and at it for a few hours and now thinking of leaving early and treating myself to breakfast somewhere enroute.

Barb, those mug coasters are gorgeous..can just see the awe in the eyes of your family when they open your ome made goodies..did Norm ever manage to cut out those trees with the pattern he took?

Debbie, we had same discipussion at supper table last night, Kyle will be at DMV waiting to write his test Wednesday morning 9a.m. Think Greg and Mel are a bit overwhelmed, not knowing if it's a good thing or bad thing. Greg askedif I had checked to see if Kyle was covered driving my vehicle?? Lol. My own personal chauffeur.. Carrie looks so much like you!! Bet she was just thrilled..Greg was saying last night having a birthday near Christmas is the pitzzzzz...his is new years day..joked and said everyone is celebrating with you..day off..lots of pluses

Greg's boss Eric won on the Princess Marguerite draw the condo worth almost $400k, Anne Marie Grigaitis, woman I know won jag..Lordy with the two Mark's i know winning 1.7 million it seems I should be buying tickets..one never knows

Mary, you will be power shopping today, you will be the one in bed early tonight!

Laura and Dianne, hope you get your kits. Today..think it's just the two of you who haven't received..I'm anxious to hear if you do!

Barb, makes me feel good to see my and Ann's ornaments on your tree..did Sean come over yesterday?

Where did that Crissy go with her pressies??

Best I get a move on

Morning everyone!
Betty, enjoy your breakfast on the way to work. Are your roads clear?
Funny on the kits Betty, you mailed them all the same day, I got mine Monday with Debbie, and others are taking more than a week to arrive!
Still raining and cloudy here, but not too cold. 43 this morning, but not windy. Supposed to be mid 50's.

No Sean yesterday Betty. I think I will do mine today so I'll know what to expect with the crackle and then I'll feel more comfortable directing him on his. This is a picture of the ornaments you gave to us last summer. The one on the right is the one I sent to Suse.
The mat under the tree is one that Mittsy's Mom made for me. She is in her 80's and still does this work. It was crocheted with strips of fabric. The angel on the top of our tree was my Mom's. She got it when my Stacy was born and I've had it these 25 years since she passed. So it has been used now for 35 years!!!!!

These are the ones Ann gave to us...So Beautiful!!!

Barb, those are so pretty! I know you are honored to have them!

Barb, those are beautiful treasures for sure! I love them all, but that yellow rose is georgous. That is my favorite rose of all.

I am dragging a bit, haven't had coffee yet and my furbabies are running amuck this morning.

Having some "child" issues and wishing I could send a 21 year old to stay with her Aunt Betty for a bit....as she is just on my last nerve.

Be back in a bit.....Crissy did tell me she has to load her pictures at work...having computer issues at home. Sent me a message from her phone.

Debbie