Best/Worse/What did I learn today? chat with friends

Now you all know why Norm and I formed such a close bond with Thea and Bernie. This is the kind of people they are and we love them so very much!!!!

Oh Thea what a wonderful way to wake up this morning and have this fantastic story to read. Thank you for sharing this with us! I am so happy you and Bernie got to share first hand the little one's reaction to her snowsuit.

Happy Christmas Eve Day everyone!!! What is everyone up to today? This used to be my favourite day of the whole Christmas season and I am positive another year it will be again. My morning started on such a positive note as my sweet Quill is still with me. She seems more alert this morning and managed to get outside under her own steam. She even had a bit to eat which is usually a sign she is ready to rally around. Thank you all for your positive thoughts and prayers, She appears to be in no pain so I have not shuttled her off to the vet. Our vet is on a cruise and I am very wary of the person who covers for Dr. Heather - unlike Heather I feel this guy just sees dollar signs when you walk in the door not the dog at all.This substitute vet and I crossed a couple of years ago when I had to take Stormy in for an emergency. By the time I was ready to leave the office and let me tell you this guy did little more than look at Storm the bill was over $1000.00. I just about blew a gasket. I paid the bill, didn't say anything and waited for Heather to return. She agreed the bill was rather high for services rendered and gave me a credit.

LK, how is Luna doing today? Big hugs to the both of you.

So Judy are you all finished, ready for Santa?

WIsh I could just bop around and visit you all and sample your goodies. Some of you have been very busy!

Betty, how are you and Darlene this morning? What are you up to today?

Diesel is here with his leash so off I go.Hope you all enjoy your day!
Dianne

Morning all,

Here I am, Christmas Eve day, sitting with coffee in hand, who would have thought I'd have tears in my eyes so early in the morning....it was deninately a moment of 'this is what Christmas and giving is all about!'. Sending hugs for Bernie, another earthly Angel..

Love the photo Thea,feeling of peacefulness came over me when looking at it.we all missed you terribly..

Not any signs of chrismas here except when I look at the lake in front of me I see a Christmas Santa/tree decorated by street association.

I can imagine today you all will be rushing about getting last minute chores done or a few likely who got everything done get to sit with anticipation waiting the arrival of Santa..

Some are working, believe our Mary is...

Oohhhh what shall Santa bring you..with me he's been and gone, now I get to see all the goodies you've received.

An aha moment, have mailing to do, best I get it read, not that they will reach their destination before Christmas but I can hooe!!

Oh Barb you are so right about Thea and Bernie. Big hearts, kind souls with a great sense of humour!

We have been fortunate enough Dianne to know them personally. It was the same with you my dear - instant friendship and love.......
And the same with every other DGer I have been lucky enough to meet!! Mittsy, Betty, Judy, Debbie, Jean (qwilter) and Cher. I feel very honored.....

This message was edited Dec 24, 2012 7:40 AM

Two reasons tone teary eyed, Quill will play Santa for Dianne tonight..Dianne, not overly exciting here, we shall keep busy today..know Darlene doesn't want anything or to even think about Christmas but I'd like to get her a little something, what do you think?

Hard days are yet to come this week as its the anniversary of Mike's death and also here we are time on our hands for her to think no father, mom in a home and mom's house sold and she won't be there to help in the move..just breaks my heart..

Going shopping in a bit and dropping in to Joann's, that will make me smile. Lol
Not all somber

Debbie, you into Christmas yet?

Everyone enjoy you Christmas eve day regardless what you are up to

I'm still baking cookies. We made 4 dozen no-bake and 7 dozen anise yesterday. This morning I have made 5 dozen chocochip/mincemeat spice cookies and will be doing two applesauce cakes and frosting the anise ones in a while. When Norm gets home we will do the snickerdoodles!!! Small price to pay for my prime rib dinner don't you think? First year ever that Norm and I haven't done it all. The kids are ready and really able to take over the traditions and we are finally ready for them to do so. At least they seem to want them to continue.

Betty I think that getting Darlene a little something is a good idea. I said I didn't want anything too but Steve, Pam and Tia came yesterday with gifts for me. It meant a lot that they cared enough to get something even though I had said I wanted nothing. So I vote yes for getting Darlene something. I didn't think I wanted to get a gift this year but when I did it reminded me that Warren would have wanted life to go on and for me to enjoy Christmas. They gave me the best gift too!!! Now don't laugh ........ they got me a LED light that I can wear around my head so when I walk DIesel in the dark I don't have my hands filled with leashes, flashlights, and whatever else I manage to cram into them. I love it! Diesel and I were a couple of walking fools last night when we were out. Diesel's night walk has been cut chort on these dark nights but now we can go as far as our little legs will carry us.

Good morning, Thea, that also gave me tears. I was in that woman's position in from 1985 to 1989. A single Mom with two very tiny girls.
If it wasn't for the Lions Club, we wouldn't have had a Thanksgiving dinner, and several organizations would help with Christmas. Then also in 1994
when DD Shannon was diagnosed with cancer at 3 yrs....and having four small kids again, we were in that situation. I learned all about Christmas Angels
and Thea, you did a world of good. Maybe today if I get this mess cleaned up here.....I will write about Willie The Christmas Angel.

Betty, Dianne is right, get Darlene a little something.

We had a Christmas Eve party at Carries last night. DS came, things went well and I looked over and the sisters were hugging on him (the wine helped) but
I was happy to see that.

Hugs to you all, my Christmas Angels many times over.....

Debbie

Good morning and Merry Christmas Eve everyone,

I almost got sick yesterday but slept almost all day and all night instead. Nothing like almost twenty hours of sleep to ward off a cold.

The van is full of stuffed animals, candy, Mardi Gras toys and bead and various other goodies. My friend Barbara will be here tomorrow morning to be my helper elf.

I have presents to take to Tony's family today as Christmas Evvve is the Big Day here. Cutest is a big teddy bear chai that unfolds into a bed for his grandson. I couldn't resist it at Walmart.

I got big snuggles from all the fur babies when I finally woke up this morning. Watching "Elf" while I do my last bits of organization. I have lemoons and red grapefruit for Saul and his family. They will also get a visit from Santa tomorrow.

Thinking especially of those for whom this is a hard time. We get through it together. Don't know how I'd be doing without all of you.

Loved Thea's story. That little girl will always know there is a Santa.

Love you all, katie

Not only did I have tears but chill bumps as well after reading Thea's post. That is what this is really all about. My daughter and some of her friends at work decided to "adopt" a family for Christmas. What better group than teachers who are so aware of needs for some of the students. I contributed some to the items but nothing compared to what Thea did.

Glad to hear Quill was better this morning Dianne.

Got to see if I can get down to see my mom before much longer and if I am lucky, met up with Betty. Trying to stay off of the knee so I won't have so much trouble riding for 7 hours. The sitting position can be very painful at times so will see how the next day or so goes.

Sending hugs to all for a very Happy Holiday and Merry Christmas!!!

Afternoon all..

starting to slow down?? Prep almost done?? Hope you can sit, give out a big sigh and just wait for Santa to arrive.

We were up early, decided to beat the crowds, get what we need for tomorrow's dinner and a few items..few items included a sewing machine with quilting features..huskevarna 835.. They couldn't guarantee the sale would be on day after Christmas so I hymned/hawed and bought it..paid for it and then the girl came back to say last person who sold same machine didn't take it out of stock sooo it was either 'forget it' or 'I will wait till end of week for it to arrive..so here I am, spend all my Christmas dollars and don't have anything to show for it except a receipt..seeing I have no hubby to buy it for me I just know Roger would have told me after asking why I needed another did I need it but would have gotten it for me sooo now it will be how to get it home..wonder if baggage on airplanes get tossed the same as with post office

Ooops be back in a sec

Betty, have it shipped home via UPS and it will be there waiting for you when you get home. AND you won't have to pay extra baggage charges on the airplane.

If you want to save $$....see if they will ship it hear if it is easier. Your call

I've been a busy girl today, too. Off for plasma donation at 8:30, home by 9:45 and started in with the baking. Have 5 different cookies finished. (Toffee is cooling on the stove right now!). Had to stop because I had to get the 8.5 pound brisket in the oven to bake. It won't come out until 7:15 and it will have to cool some before I can put it away for slicing tomorrow.

If I don't make it back on here tomorrow, please all know that I love you all very much and I wish you the best Christmas ever!!!!

HI - apparently I lost you all!! Thank you Joyce, for sending me the link!
I didn't get a chance to read all the posts (3 days worth from this, and how many from the last? I'll need to go back to it.....)!!

I got my pressie box from my buddy, JOYCE! Thank you!
Here's a pic of all the great pressies she sent!
Homemade Peanut brittle, and Cashew brittle, AND homemade Caramels (Bob sure loves these!), 3 scented clays (what a neat idea!); and the little spotted and black item with "In A Fix" on it is a clever thing - the tab in front is a measuring tape (measures 1 yard - how quilt convenient!) and when you pop the black from the spotted section you have 4 small drivers and hole to put them in so you have a screwdriver! How VERY clever! She also put in a pewter angel for my tree. It says "Faith makes all things possible. Love makes it easy". I love angels!!
AND a set of 4 sweet "bee" magnets!
It's amazing what you can put in a small package! There's so much here!
Thank you Joyce - I love this pressie parcel! You're soooooo sweet!
Merry Christmas!

Debbie, great ideas..thought I could leave my suitcase full of summer garb until I come back in March and take the machine home..anyone have luck with doing such a thing with no breakage??

Susan, wonderful that you got your Christmas box before Christmas...I sent out a box today, because of storms at our heels while travelling I worried about taking time to find a post office!

Joyce, you will be in bed by 7:00pm, exhausted..imagine so will Jean, what a tremendous amount of cooking!

Darlene is having a rest, guess I should as well..different today, not sure I should just be sitting

oh oh oh....... how Could I have forgotten the necklace Joyce sent?!?! Well......... maybe it's because I'm wearing it! such a pretty blue & silver - goes perfectly with a new top of mine!
I put it also on a red chair so you could truly see the beautiful necklace!
Thank you, Joyce!

This makes 2 Christmas boxes I've gotten before Christmas, from my online buddies!
I got one from Jaye, too! (2 different Christmas swaps).
Mine went out to them last Monday, so maybe they'll get them before Christmas? or maybe couple of days after......... siiiiiiiigh..........

Have a magical Christmas Eve everyone!

Dianne, Quill, Diesel, Streak and Sassy

Same to you Dilanne, bet you are all copied up to the fireplace, furries by your side and looking at the view..

Darlene is sleeping, I'm watching a Christmas moviee..telephone can't be connected (repaired) till late week..had hoped to call kids/family..might have to call collect from pay phone. Payback time from when they were in college. lol

Susan, those sure are some nice pressies..just love the necklace.

Susan, i got my package from you today!!!!
and i wanted to make sure to post pic a.s.a.p lol
thank you so much i love all of it.
the ornament is so pretty, and the snowman i just love the traveling jewelry case i have admired them for a very long time but never got around to getting one ,oh and Canada socks those are so cool! i love the smell of vanilla i was running low on lotion and york patties yummmmm, and the towel did you make that? such intricate crocheting so pretty, thank you so very much wishing you and your hubby a very merry christmas and a happy new year.

SO glad you got your gift before Christmas, Liz!!!!

No, I didn't make the towel - I got it at our church sale in November, and one of our church ladies made it :-) I really don't know how to crochet lol
Glad you like vanilla! I went to our local Heritage Village craft fair in the summer and got the tree decoration then. I like to support local artisans whenever I can.
Didn't know if you would like peppermint patties - glad you do.
I just HAD to send you some Canadiana lol Enjoy the socks lol
Merry Christmas!!

Hello everyone! Just popping in to say hello, been really busy here today with our early Christmas with the Grandkids.
Love all the boxes your all getting!
Luna is doing a little better, she still gets sick to her tummy, but not everyday like she was doing.
I got a wonderful box from Judy today, but so tired, I will post pictures tomorrow!
Merry Christmas everyone!

Hello to Everyone and Very Merry Christmas Eve !

Thea- that is beautiful... Thank you for posting.

Loving seeing the pressies....Wonderful Santas we have on here inspired by Santa Warren... Great insight Dianne on the present for Darlene....

We started celebrating with Sausage Balls and Fondue, then listening (annual event) to DH read the Cajun Christmas Story. Then my book "A cup of Christmas Tea" (Thomas Hegg - it's a Wonderful poem). Then we watched "Its a Wonderful Life". DS bought it for me last year for Christmas. Then the "kids" (DS20, DSGF19, and DSD218) got to unwrap just one pressie....

I hope you all have a most wonderful Christmas...
(HUGS)
Mary

I feel horrible i haven't posted pics of Liz's wonderful gifts to me. I have them on the camera and need to sit for 15 minutes and download them over.
I looked at the last pics I did, and they were Dec. 10th, so not like me to not do pictures every other day at least!! Will put that on my agenda in the morning having
my cup of coffee!!

Merry Christmas everyone. Great pictures, and wonderful memories.

Hugs Mary,

Debbie

Everyone is up late waiting for Santa.lkind of lonesome for home,friends and family!

I would like to wish you and yours the very best of Christmas
Love you all...he
Ar the ho ho ho

merry christmas everyone


linda kay wow your box is great!

Morning and another merry Christmas

Holy wahhhhh LindaKay,what gifts from the heart..wouldn't you just love to move into that birdhouse, it's gorgeous as is the windsock..talk about creative..

Merry Christmas everyone!

Well, I am not for sure if it was for this swap or for another one in the other room. After I posted here, I realized it may be in the wrong room. Judy please let me know if it was for this swap or the other one please?

I'm sure it was for this one LindaKay as Judy showed me her efforts, could be wrong though!!

Merry Christmas Dianne to you and the furries..sending hugs to get you through the day,

Debbie glad as well that yesterday was a good day for you, may today be lots of the same

Good morning and Merry Christmas!

Woke up to LOTS of snow. Every thing is white out there, and the dog is just thrilled/. Must have at least 5 or 6 inches, enough to play in and not over
kill. lol

Wishing you all a very wonderful day. I am having some coffee and working through a hot flash or something....and will be back!

Debbie

Merry Christmas everyone!!! It is snowing here - only enough to cover the ground and make it look pretty. Had a wonderful evening at my daughter's home last night with one of our sons and his family. Had Chinese and opened presents to each other and then had a wonderful time toasting marshmallows and singing around the fire pit. It was so nice. My little ones are growing so fast - I have no babies anymore. Today we will go back and have our Christmas with my daughter and family and then our traditional prime rib dinner. God is good.

Norm and I want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas. We are so grateful to all of you for helping us through this year. It has been long but we are looking forward to a much better 2013 and we know with your love and prayers, it will be so. We wish you all health, peace and happiness for the coming year and we pray to continue this wonderful bond that we all have together. We think of all of you as our family. God bless you...
Barb and Norm

Good morning and Merrry Christmas, everyone.

It's cold here but no snow.

Barbara will be here at 9:30 and we will do our Sant rounds.

I took presents to Tony's family yesterday. Showed off the back of my van (filled with stuffed animals) to several adults and gave animals to a couple of kids. A yellow lemon tree for Manual and Araley, who have a farm and keep me supplied in fresh orange and grapefruit juice.

Off to get into my Santa suit.

hugs, katie

Good Morning and Merry Merry Christmas!!
Wowwie yep Linda Kay this is the right thread...I am your secret Santa!!
still just smiling away you got the package right on time..
SEE singng must have helped!

Whew what a whirlwind of the last couple days...had a
A pretty fantastic family gatherings.
Sigh, still no photo of my kids but wwoopie I did get a few tools!
One of which is a dremel like tool...Lol been asking for one for a while and some much needed clamps, lol now I dont have to use stones!
BEST: we got my Mil a new bird!! A very cute parekeet she named it Freckles.

I hope you will all enjoy the Day with lots of Love and many Armwraps.

Oops be back in a bit...here enjoy some nice hot coffee.

MERRY CHRISTMAS! !

Judy, that is what I asked for for Christmas, a family photo of my kids. I won't know until the older girls get here this afternoon, but I do not think that happened
for me either.

DH did very well and a few nice surprises.

Katie, can you take pictures of those kids getting their gifts....I bet they are so excited!!! You are definitely Santa to so many. A gift for sure.

Debbie

fuzzy picture above taken with my new phone !!! sure it will take me days to learn how to use it ??!!!

LK where's the pictures of your gift?? and Debbie you too....want to see the pressies....

Tin of wafer cookies with the wood cut outs Judy made, the cut outs spell SNOW, with pretty snowflakes! An ornament that say's 2 peas in a pod, and a note book for notes!
A beautiful garden Angel, a stocking Judy made with beautiful beads around the edge, and my name. Seeds from her garden. I can't wait to get them planted. Cookies she made, with a cute stocking shaped tray! I need the recipe please? And a cute Christmas tree pin!

very nice, Merry Christmas Judy and LindaK.