Best/Worse/??? learn today?Chat with friends..all welcome

Oh Bev your sons are a handsome trio!!! We are so lucky to have each other on this thread to help ua along.

Debbie leaky faced here what a wonderful honour for Bev to have those 3 snowmen. I know she will love and cherish them as you do/did. LOL at Axel.... now he is a thief too???? I saw that chocolate peaking out of the stocking Debbie!!

Katie would be so nice for you to see you niece. I have not seen any of my nephews since 1996 and I sure miss them.My 1 niece I have not seen in 20 years. Yep I come from a family that is not close.

Made 8 doz of my heart attack SHortbreads today. DH has helped himself pleanty and I sure don't plan to say anything. Heavens if he wanted them all I would not begrudge him 1 bite..... well unless he got a tummy ache.

Thunder you take care of yourself. I am sure your buddy will more than understand. You need to get feeling better so you can enjoy every second of your sons' visits.That would be the best present your swap buddy could receive - hearing and seeing pics of you and the boys. Chistmas is every day you make it.... some years when we were on the road we didn't celebrate our Christmas until January,Are you listening to me girl?????lol you get better first, worry about your swap gift later, much later if you need to.

OK need to get Stormy in he is communing with the coyotes!

Dianne

Dianne, that is pepperment bark candy....and OMGosh is it good! Got some for our "chocolate hating" daughter....and she just loves it.

Bev, the tray was with the pumpkin bread....so you can always make the bread and use that little tray to serve it if you like. I just thought the picture was the sweetest on there. You like the little animals like I do.

You must be so happy to have all your boys together. Very nice picture!

Hello All !

Deb - you done good gal ! Know Bev and the kitties LOVE their goodies...and what a wonderful thing to send your Dear Mom's Snowmen....
Dianne... I'm sending more prayers that you have a Good night tonight....Think thats a good plan to dial 911... lord knows you've paid for it along the way... time to use it...
Funny thinking of 50's as *warm* temps... we're having warm temps this week... 76 today... I love it...
Snow to me would be like Grandchildren... NICE to VISIT LOL......
Thunder... and Suse - please feel better gals !
Katie - so wonderful to *see* you again! Please stop in when you can... I know computer difficulties can make it... well... difficult... You know... sometimes when familiy doesn't work out....you just recruit Friends to be your family.... LOL...
Feel like I have a LOT of *moms* and *sisters* and *Aunts* on here.... ((HUGS)) my friends....
Bev - What a Good Looking group of Guys... Will they all visit for Christmas ? Love the Amaryllis Deb sent you... we have one like that... they are so stunning in the back yard...
I'll pop back in a bit...

Mary

Jumping up and down waving....Hello Mary!

Dianne, is the houses blowing across the lake over there? Sounds like the Wizard of Oz out side and things flying around. I am worried sick as DS had to ride his bike to work and told him to call when done, and I would pick him up. NO WAY stay in the house Mom. I can drive....just not into the city of Rochester just yet. Won't take but a minute...but him riding the bike in pitch dark after raining all day....and now freezing....worries me.

I am hungry for some homemade soup. Might make something up tomorrow, I have some shredded cheese in there too ....hmmm, wheels turning!

Katie so glad to see you. Sometimes i think the only way to fix a computer is with a hammer....and get back to the way life was 15 years ago! Glad you are doing well.

Judy, BIG arm wraps! Received my BEAUTIFUL card today...OMGosh, you did some work on those! It is taped to my monitor so I can see it all day. Thank you so much!

Suse' Thank you for your beautiful card also....such pretty pictures on them all. Might start a scrap book for a project and put them all in it.

Tomorrow is another busy day with traveling. Just not in the mood on a friday with all the traffic. Have another appt. regarding DHs transfers and all that with the business and retirement funds and all that jazz.

Be back...
Debbie

Hey Debbie ! Wow wish you could just stay in tomorrow... gotta do what you gotta do though... hope you and Dianne aren't having any Wizard of Oz weather....

I LOVE SOUP! Wanna Swap "Favorite" soup recipes ? I can't wait to read my new Cookbook from Canada ! I've just got a few chapters left on "Passalong Plants".....

((HUGS))
Mary

I have two Mary. One is the cheese & veggie soup. The other is made using a rotissarie chicken with bowtie noodles and mixed veggies. Very basic...but so good.

I have TWO also Debbie... Both basically require opening Cans. LOL....
Chicken Tortilla Soup: Aunt Carolyn passed this along through Mom during Hurricane Ivan when she had to feed my family ...very hungry evacuee's.... They arrived to find "soup" and were very surprised how yummy and filling it is...

Taco Soup: This tastes like chili but is very easy to make (so is the above). Kids prefer the Chicken...but maybe because of the story behind it... Taco Soup has lots of Beans... LOL.....

Pick one of yours out for me... We LOVE CHEESE...but we also love rotisserie chicken....

Mary, it is so simple. Make the "base" with 1/2 stick butter & flour...melt butter, stir in 2 tablespoons of flour. Add some chicken broth to make it creamy.....once thickened add 2 containers chicken broth and 2 cups water. Add 1 bag of frozen mixed veggies. Let is cook/simmer for about 30 to 45 minutes. Your going to need to add some more thickening... Add 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese....and mix and melt it in. My kids like a thicker "chowder" like consistancy....some like it more soupy. If "fussy" isn't home...I add chicken or even a pasta. This makes a big pot for us....has fed up to 8 at a time.

OMG... So good to see!! you are getting my ...Card!! LOL at first with Liz on one side of the Country to Thunder totally on the other side...
Others starting to fill in...Sure brings the greatest HAPPY feeling, so smiling, glad you like them!!! LOL, so funny 'cause, thought Bev would get hers the next day!
I just so hope our Canada friends will get theirs before Christmas!!

Thank You again for the Candles and Beautiful Prayers ( Barb) lol, you and I sure seem to share a few tears, your prayer was wonderful.

Bev, Oh what a handsome bunch you have!! Again congratulations on the engagement. Oh my gosh, Powder sure has matured, lol I barely recognized him!

Mary!!! Thank you! Received your Card today, Love it!


Thunder, Awe, sweetie...you've had this for a bit!...I hope your are resting...We'll talk when you feel better..Meantime, gentle armwraps...
LOL, now you know why I was so "giddy"

Liz!! Girl..Ha, Geesh, thinking about you two for days now!! Saw your Workshop project, You did awesome, Duh, like I should have expected anything less....you got some patients!

Ok... Be back i hope...Jake just got home from a meet.


OH Wait, as i sit her just smiling away at the Fantastic Sleigh deliveries today...this little elf, wink, got to hear all about Thunders items!! giggle, giggle...
Soo glad you like...I imagine Santa Warren and Mrs Santa Warren, smiling away too...

And Debbie, LOL, hands on the hips...Think now your Santa Sleigh went through Betty's GPS??? Hahah, no wonder it did not recognize the coordinates of Corn field this way, or that...oh Bev's house other side of this airport? (sorry couldn't help it!) You did Wonderful , so happy to see all your Gifts!!

ok Being Called...but will say, my Sleigh is getting loaded tonight!!

Love your note Judy ! LOL... I always enjoy how you write...

Dianne... I ordered all the teens and their BF/GF's this book:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1558538356/ref=oh_o00_s00_i01_details

I just read through one of them before I wrapped all SIX for their Christmas.. and one of the "Suggestions" is to "Try Real Maple Syrup"... LOL... YAY! I can do that one now... (HUGS)

Deb... here is the Tortilla Soup Recipe !
Ingredients:

• 3 @ 14 Ounce Cans of Chicken Broth
• One Can of Cream of Chicken Soup
• One Can of Mild Ro-tel Tomatoes
• One pkg of Chicken Breasts (De-Skinned, De-Boned)
• One Can of Chili Beans
• Mexican corn (if desired)
• Try Zucchini next time
• Rice (if desired)
• Tortilla Chips
• Shredded Mexican Cheese
• Avocado


Put one can of chicken broth in pot on stove. Cut up semi-frozen chicken pieces really small. Put chicken pieces in chicken broth and simmer on medium.

In Crock Pot – put one can of Mild Ro-Tel Tomatoes. Add one can of chili beans. Stir well.

When Chicken is completely cooked (not pink anymore), stir in one can of Cream of Chicken soup. Mix completely.

Pour Cooked Chicken mixture into Crock pot and stir really well.

(Add one cup of cooked rice and/or Mexican Corn(drained) if desired)

Add cans of Chicken Broth one at a time until soup is about one inch below top of Crock Pot.

Let cook in Crock-pot on low for at least one hour.

When Serving:

Garnish with:

• Cracked up Tortilla Chips
• Shredded Mexican Cheese
• Sliced Avocado

thunder, keep your eyes out there is another box in transit.

i know judy me to! great card you did good.

Judy, I got my wonderful card too! Thanks so much! Check your email please?

Bev - great looking trio of men - you said your middle boy lives with you, does the youngest too?
So, you're going to be a MIL! Have they set the date?
Soup - how lovely - so nice and warming on a cold winter's day!

I GOT MY BOX TODAY!! Thank you, Janice!! She made the most beautiful set of 4 placemats and a table runner! All in my fav colours for my favourite holiday of the year!
Here's a pic - it will be lovely on my Christmas table this year! I usually decorate the table in white tablecloth and white dishes for the serving set, and red & white for the plates. These will be a beautiful addition!

I see that my buddy has received her box today, too! I won't say who it is, until she posts..... :-)

Mary along with Debbie I would love to swap Soup recipes. Who else would like to? I have an excellent recipe for Turkey Chowder..... my mouth is watering just thinking about it. Plus it freezes well. Also have an outstanding recipe for Split Pea Soup with ham and I put carrots in mine. Yum!

Debbie I hope Shane is home now? Just when you are ready to crack his head for being "so NOT Shane" he puts gas in the van when he used it and didn't want you to come out in this awful weather. Good going Shane!!!

I have my Ruby red slippers on right now does that tell you what the weather is like? How about you Thea and Betty?

Judy will Jake have wrestling over the Christmas Break? Often the school teams around here do, just to keep them in shape.Who cooks Christmas dinner in your house?

Need to get STormy in between the wind and the coyotes he is howling up quite a chorus out there. Good thing is I think is that it is so windy noone could possibly hear him. I HATE barky dogs.

BBL
Dianne

My buddy received her box yesterday afternoon - I hope she's ok.........

YAY! Susan and Janice... How Beautiful ! Wonderful GIft !

Susan - You never know... I might have missed my gift with the electricity out and all... so wait & See... LOL..
Dianne - Would LOVE the Turkey Recipe ! Split Pea sounds VERY yummy but around here I'm the only one that would eat it... LOL...

Goodness.. Ya'll take care in that weather ... "There's no place like home.....There's no place like home.... "

Mary - you weren't my box buddy..........
hope my buddy likes the Rum Fruit cake I put in lol

Judy, I got your card thank you. You did a wonderful job on it. Debbie what an honer to have these special little snowmen. I lost my mother when I was 12 so will think of them both when I set them out every yr. Thanks for the comments on the boys. No date set for Joe yet but he is 49 and happy for the first time in his hard life. Rick lives with me and Fred lives in Springfield, The moon shot was taken in Sept Betty. HUGS BEV
Will sleep part of this day away. I am out of my Klonapin that knocks me out and only got 2 hours. It is so miserable when you can't go to sleep. HUGS BEV

Morning all, omg slept in till 6:30..that is something considering the time I went to bed..
Will move slowly today, lots of hand sewing so get to sit a good part of it..love this working from home!!

Susan, you hit paydirt..LOVE the runner and placemats..how they would match my table as well..I know how much you enjoy decorating your table so you will outdo this year...Janice what a tremendous amount of work..yikes..

Janice how are you feeling, are you gaining strength..will the children come to you this Christmas or will you feel up to travelling..Jonathan will be in full swing this Christmas..pictures please!

Bev when will younget you klonapin? Is it for sleeping more soundly?

Dianne, wind settled late last night, no snow in sight..lucky I'm not driving to Barrie this mornimg because fog is heavy. Warching breakfast television and it doesn't look like a white Christmas but things can change in a week!

Mary going to pass your tortilla soup recipe on to Suzanne .. With just being one I rarely make soup..should learn how to cook for 4 when I cook rather than 12..think that is an art.

Thunder I know what is in the 2nd box our Liz sent out...am excited!!

Awe thunder, hope you are feeling better today,not a time to be I'll. If I'm your buddy, set it aside and I'll have fun opening it after Christmas...honest.

Judy, I'm so laughing about Debbie's sleigh taking the cornfield route..splitting my sides..I often think of Debbie and my trip to Bev's..don't think I ever laughed so much, laughed so much a tear ran down my leg!!

Rotfl

Glad you don't have to drive in the fog. Fortunately for me the dense fog of the last 2 mornings is not present. it is quite balmy out not as warn as yesterday but no freezing rain. I will leave early for my root canal so I can get my shopping done before the apptment rather than after.

Santa Warren decided he should give me a gift yesterday since he got one two days before. This is the only time of year we exchange presents other than the BD box I do for him which is sort of like a Christmas stocking. I knew these were coming but he onlly gave me one of them. I love it!!!! It is a Doodle Art poster of Fairies. We had a blast starting it and I am hoping it will help DH to chill a bit as he gets so calm while working on it.

What a lovely table you will set for Christmas Susan with Janice's lovely gift. My goodness Janice that is lovely work!!

Wanted to check to see how Thunder is feeling today. So glad she is taking a Sick Day.

Dogs need out and I need coffee. Talk later!
Dianne

thunder 2nd box suppose to be there on the 19th

Went downstairs to sew, upstairs now for hand sewing, talk about surprised, ground is almost white!! Think with the predicted weather forecast it will not stay.

Ahhhh, can picture you both Dianne, Santa Warren on his laptop while you snuggle close with your doodle art! Peaceful vision I have...

Good Morning!

Susan I recieved your package Wednesday and what a delightful surprise. Thank you for everything! The glass angel is beautiful and everything else is also. Enjoyed the candy & fruit cake. I will think of you everytime I look at the statue of the polar bear and angel. Thank you again.

Judy I recieved your card and how darling it is. I have it hanging up. Thank you for your thoughtfulness.

Hey, does anyone have a good receipe for Broccoli cheese soup? I was going to buy it but the price is out of site. Appreciate any help.

Have a busy day so won;t linger long, just wanted to let you know I recieved my package and love it. I sent my packages off Wednesday so hopefully they will all arrive at their destinations before Christmas.

Have a lovely day everyone and will check back in later.

God Bless!

Shirley

Morning everyone! Susan, love those place mats and table runner! Dianne, sure hope they give you some pain killers for that root canal today!
Shirley, glad to see you posting! Hope your doing well? Please post photos's of what Susan sent if you can? We would all love to see your gifts!
Well, I am off for a hot shower, then to get my Christmas shopping done!

Shirley - so glad you got your Christmas box! I saw the angel and thought of you instantly! Your personality spells Angel! I wish I could have been there personally to see you open your gifts! Bless you dear lady for being here among us.
The polar bear is to remind you of the cold Canada north in the winter lol
Glad you enjoyed the rum fruit cake, too :-)

Hope to get my Klonapin by this evening. It is for restless legs so makes me relax and knocks me out good. I have been on it for yrs so that is why I can't sleep without it.

Here's a recipe for Broccoli Cheese Soup, Shirley.

Broccoli Cheese Soup
2 cups sliced carrots
1 cup sliced celery
2 cups broccoli florets
1 1/2 cups chopped onion
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup all-purpose flourr
1 can (10 1/2 oz) condensed chicken broth, undiluted
1 quart milk
1/2 lb processed cheese (Velveeta, cubed - or any kind of soft cheese you like)

In a large saucepan, bring 2 quarts water to a boil. Add carrots, celery and broccoli, cover and boil for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, sauté onion in butter. Add flour and stir to make smooth paste. Gradually add chicken broth and milk. Cook until mixture thickens, about 8-10 minutes.

Add the carrots, celery and broccoli, heat through. Add cheese, heat until cheese is melted and vegetables are tender.

Yield: 6-8 servings (2 quarts)

This message was edited Dec 16, 2011 7:28 AM

Shirley, can't wait to see photo's of your pressie..if you cannot take one perhaps Susan took photo before sending!! Christmas will be difficult for you so please come join us her on chat so we can help get you through it.

Bev, heard of several people lately with restless leg syndrome..will have to mark the name of your meds to see if they tried it.

LindaKay, enjoy your shopping day..what ever will you do without sewing all day?? Will you have withdrawals?

Susan, going to copy your recipe

Thunder, thought I'd best come back and post motherly advice and hope you listen..

Not sure if I'm your pressie buddie, regardless if I am or am not I must say on behalf of those who have not yet received their gifts that I know we would rather you spend the day in bed, get yourself healthy and look after yourself so you can spend time with your Sailor and Soldier as well as that lovely grandaughter.

Nothing like getting a pressie when all the excitement of Christmas is behind us!

Soooo on behalf of your swap partner, off to bed you go

oh darn - forgot to take picture of pressies.......... hope you can post one, Shirley.

Sunshine out there..hard to know what the weather is like minute to minute..

Think I'll carry some boxes upstairs and wrap in between sewing..it's such a none pressure relaxing kind of day..could have stayed in Jammie's but made myself get dressed..can you call track suit. Dressed?

Sure feels good hewing that by end of weekend Santa could arrive and all would be done!

Good afternoon ladies. Sorry to have been gone all morning but had a dentist appt. No where near the work Diannne had today. Thinking of you Dianne, and hoping you are okay now.
Judy, I just love the card. It now has a place of honor on our tree. You are so sweet to do this for all of us. We love you girl....
So happy to see you too Shirley. And I'm sure you were thrilled with your presents. Please know that we are all with you for whatever help we may give.
You certainly scored big time Susan with Janice's handwork. She does beautiful work. Very nice set.....
Trying to get a few odds and ends finished up so will chat more later.

spoke to my doctor, she said stay home in bed...called in some scripts for me. just having a little bit of a stretch, then it is back to bed, for some more nap..

Oh, I know I scored Big Time - she really does do beautiful work.

I love the champagne coloured fabric she used for the trim - she really does know how to pick colour combinations!

Thunder, so glad you are following dr's instructions and staying in bed! A few days and you should be on the mend..you probably overdid with working, sewing etc.

OK, what is wrong. Where is everyone?

Hello To All !
Hey Susan, I think what I meant above is that your swap buddy might have missed the package...but now we know... It is Shirley !
Yay! Please Shirley pass around that Rum Cake ! YUM! Another wonderful pressie with much thought into it... yes I think Shirley is an Angel as well... I've learned so much from her and from all of you wonderful ladies...
I LOVE Broccoli Cheese soup.. matter of fact had some from Jason's Deli today... I'll definitely try that recipe Susan... I do have an excess of Velveeta in the fridge ... will have something to use it for....
Shirley - SO glad to *see* you posting... Thanks for stopping by....
Dianne... Is that Doodle Art the one that has the velvet and you color with the pens ? That's awesome...
I sure hope you had the best day possible....
Betty - Sure hope Suzanne likes the soup... we really love it... and you can keep in the crock pot for visitors (Kyle, Cathy?) or freeze it...
I AM SO GLAD it's Friday !

last weekend before Christmas Ya'll ! THUNDER - YOU get better gal... Chicken Soup! Lots of it LOL....
(HUGS)
Mary

Great minds Deb... we both posted.... How was your day ?

Hi Mary! Had quite a busy afternoon, but it all went well and turned out enjoyable!

Had to take care of some of DH's "retirement papers" and on way home we stopped for dinner at our "favorite" high end restuarant. We usually reserve it for our Anniversary....but it was a celebration of sorts with him leaving his 30 year job/switch. Do you want to know what we had???? Your gonna drool! LOL

Lets see...started with the fresh baked bread they brought out with wipped butter, still warm from the oven. Then...appetizers which were stuffed mushroom caps (sausage, breadcrumbs and seasoning). I haven't been able to eat lettuce lately...so I had a cup of clam chowder, which was the best I have EVER had! Paul had a salad with blue cheese and homemade croutions!. THEN the final dish. I had a delmontico steak with sauteed mushrooms and a baked potato, and Paul had the small cut of prime rib with mashed taters!! We both brought boxes home for another meal tomorrow....too much to eat, but OH so good!

We even went to Central Tractor and picked up some goodies for SILs for Christmas, both are farmboys and had some stuff on there like workshirts and such.

HOW was your day?