Coffee and...for Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2005

Here's the Daily...
Continued from:
http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/558218/
~julie~

Hey y'alls, you were not going to do much nattering while I was away, remember? It has taken me all day to catch up and now I've forgotten all the things I thought of saying on the way through.
So instead I'll just say I have read it all, am exhausted by the energy of most of you and fascinated by the hobbies of others. You are a lovely lively bunch and a Happy, Safe and Friendly Thanksgiving to you all.

Carol
The English One

Good Morning- up at 4:45 and have the pecan bars in the oven. I was talking to DIL last night and told her my problem- she said she had a good receipe - so I am making hers (no whipping cream tho) I'll pass judgement when I snitch a bite.

Good grief who is the crazy one having 30-50 people??? That would give me a mental breakdown and a guaranteed visit to the doc for anxiety meds!! I am only having 6 and it has cost me an arm and a leg - plus undo stress already. (DH is still in bed snoozing....no stress there)

Glad furniture is put back right!! DH ONCE moved ours around - it was awful and I hated it, but my DM told me to keep my mouth shut- it was his house too. I left it there for the winter months, but come spring it went back MY way. I had a stiff neck from watching tv from a crazy position. He never tried it again...

Oh Suz, that rat that took your trip is rotten. I'm wishing a rocky plane trip for her (maybe she will have to use the 'bag') That stinks.

There goes the buzzer- off to take out the first of many dishes that I will cook today... no rest for the wicked they say... Take care.

That's "no rest for the weary," lol. I don't think you are wicked..
darius, I saw this talk about water. Did your apartment flood? I hope not. Are you going to keep it over the winter and come back in the spring? You had done so much to it that it would be a shame to give it up. The rent really is the most reasonable I've seen since your landlord pays the utilities.

Wow, Sarv, up and running already! Not surprising with having such short notice on being the designated cook for Turkey Day. Somehow I am not surprised that you ended up doing the work!! So, don't get all stressed about it, everything will turn out fine in the end, and if it doesn't, you have a very good reason! About the paint, if the store doesn't want to darken it for you, they usually have small tubes of tinting color that you could use to darken it. You can change the tone by adding small quantities of black tint, a little at a time until you get the color you want.

Hap, I think 25 years is the standard for collector vehicles in most states in the US, but if you get the special plates for a collector vehicle you are limited to the number of miles you can put on it. Here, you only pay for the plate once, and not the annual renewal but can only put 400 miles on the speedometer. Not that I've ever noticed that they check it. I'm not letting DH find out about the steel beam car lift....it would be too tempting for him not to do it in the upper garage. He had to rent space for one vehicle this winter as he's already increased the "fleet" in excess of garage space. Our DGS is driving a '77 Ford pickup that they picked up two years ago at a big swap meet. It only had 14,000 miles on it and was in mint condition. Price was right too.

Woodspirit, that green house is looking better everytime you show us the progress. I'm soooo envious!!! I have one of those little plastic jobs too, and it's looking pretty pathetic next to yours!

Maria, Samson will learn to stop and stay at the door when he learns your commands outside. He's picking things up pretty fast already, so that will be helpful when the weather is ugly.

Suzieq, my DH wouldn't think of rearranging furniture. He likes things to stay exactly as they are. In our previous homes I was always shoving furniture and relocating it, and he always looked disappointed with the "new" look until the next time I moved things, when suddenly it became his favorite ..... I get bored with the same old, same old, but all I can do here with this goofy big room is change accessories. Open concept isn't all that good when you have only two walls you can use for big objects. Fireplace on one side with windows 8" off the floor, and open on the opposite side to the entry way. So, now I change the furniture, not the location!! LOL

McCool, I'm with you...clean after company leaves, not before. Yesterday I tackled the bedroom, did all the unders/behinds/ etc. Found dust bunnies eligible for SS. Spritzed glass, waxed wood, eliminated misplaced odds and ends, and then decided I didn't want to play Suzy Homemaker any more and hit the road. Took DH with me and went to Sams. Broke my record on spending there, but got some nice buys on meat, and some gifts. I'm stocking up for winter with food and books too in case we get snowed in for a month!

Darius, those pillows were well beyond wash and fluff, although I have done that the way you describe. I wash my down comforter too but I take it to a laundromat because it's too big for even my big load washer and dryer. They'll be ok for the spare bedroom, and won't encourage people to stay overlong.....esp. the BIL who is not so welcome that I want to make him comfortable.

Anne, how did the concert go? I hope it turned out well and you got all your gear into the Embassy without any delays.

All I have to do today is make a pie, stop at the stupormarket (I love that description) for a few items. DH and I are having lunch with DIL and then going to see Harry Potter movie before the kids are all out of school for the long weekend. He's been pretty helpful this week, but we're only up to Wednesday. Hoping he'll take the basement vac apart and get a new belt for it. It's one of those old Kenmore puppy dog types, not an upright and I got the wand that has the
beater bar when I got it and now it doesn't work. Vac part works but I need that extra vibration to get the cat litter off the carpet. All our excess ended up in the basement in strips, between the door to the lower garage, and between the litter pan and the steps. It collects lots of debris.

I'm sure everyone will be very busy today, but if you have time to read, here's some happy thought waves to Okus,Betysbug, Dcat, Mary E, blooms, tgif, Jasmerr, and anyone else who pops in for a visit, may the turkey be done on time, the gravy lumpless, the mashed potatos luscious, the cranberries tart, and the pie crust tender!!! Any day that's followed by turkey sandwiches, turkey divan, turkey soup and turkey casseroles is a good day!!

I'm here, but just to say HI......I got 2 days work to do today and I can't get started.....Lead in the pants I think...

Hap

Okay Goblets, I am up and there are pancakes, real butter, and several types of syrup on the counter. A pot of coffee, orange juice, milk, and other assorted beverages. I was responsible yesterday for at least one member here being hungry mid-morning, so I didn't want that to happen again!!

Good golly Sarv, slow down!! You will have it all cooked, and partly eaten by the time TG actually gets here. I know, I too, like to do things in advance, so that it takes some pressure off at the last minute.

Susieq, someone took your trip away from you? Well, lets just hope that she has a horrible time. And as for rearranging furniture, I have a great room, and it is really hard to place furniture in such a way that you have easy entry to the room. My bar separates it from the kitchen, hallway on one side, fireplace, and a double patio door. My DH had an aunt who would not only move furniture, but would change rooms with it. His uncle said one time that you dare not come in after dark and try to find your way to bed, as the bed may be in an entirely different room!!

Meezer, sounds like a good haul from Sams yesterday. I am going to the grocery today, after my weekly visit to the chiropractor. Since I am not hosting TG, I will just be getting the regular, weekly groceries. I am stopping by Cracker Barrel to buy 2 gift cards as christmas gifts. Most of my Christmas shopping will be done on a trip to Gatlinburg the first week in December. Sure am looking forward to that mini-vacation. Twin sister and her husband will be going with us. We always have such fun, and can come home, and endure the daily drudgeries, until vacation time next spring.

Well, if I am to get it all done, have to get fanny in gear. I will check in when I am back home about noon. Have a productive morning.

Oh Meezer, I really chuckled about some of your dust bunnies on SS. Thanks for the grins, this a,m.

taking a 15 minute break

Here's what's happened today:

pumpkin pie in the oven as I type
Pecan bars done - they are good too - I sampled two of them!!
snow salad all made and in the mold

beds made and a load of laundry in the washer
and dishes done

DGS put white candy coating on 35 pretzels- I think he ate another dozen doing it!

He brought me long johns for breakfast (the kind you eat!!)

as soon as the pie is done we're off to the store.....so much to do.....

Good morning all bet a busy day ahead of cooking and wonderful smells through the house in preperation for the bid day tomorrow!!!!!

Lots to do here but pretty set!
Will be trying to catch up around here too LOL
Have a great day everyone!
Anne

Good morning! Thanks for all the supportive comments regarding my bad day. Sorry I let loose on you all. I'm determined that today will be a better day. I came in to work early so that I can hopefully get out early and start my weekend. Planing on going to Michaels tonight then come home and make my pecan pie.

Who is having 30 - 50 people! The most I've had for a holiday meal was 18 and that made me crazy. I worry about runing out of food if I only have 8-10 people.

Sarv, any extra pecan bars? Love anything with pecans. You've got alot done already today. Making me want a nap already. LOL

Defoe - Thanks for breakfast? Sure was better than that cold english muffin I brought to work with me.

Welll, gotta get back to work. Have a great day all!

See ya!

Well, I got the broth coming alond nicely ( please ignore the pink tinge on the onion, it was just a small cut and really didn't bleed much!) Hope the "onion tears" dripping on the keyboard don't smear this too much for you to read it. The big skillet of cornbread is in the oven, eggs are almost boiled. The cornish hens are thawed - will season them this afternoon and return them to the fridge til tomorrow morning. Now, to get the ambrosia made and decide if I'm going to make that pumpkin pie. I came home from shopping yesterday and found a beautiful pecan pie cooling on the counter. DH makes the *best* pecan pies!!!!! With only three people for tomorrow, I don't *need* the pumpkin pie, but its tradition! I'm sure SIL can use some of the extra, cause she has a houseful coming, lots of growing grandkids.

Kitchen is all cleaned up from round one (thanks to DH) and I'm ready for round two. I'll be checking in once in a while - Happy Thanksgiving to all! Loving thought waves going out to everyone.

ginni

Just prepared the filling for the pumkin pie , will make it tonight.
Sarv are you ever busy, what are Long Johns?
Suzie, I hope you get your furniture back where you want it, when first were married my MIL had a habit of moving my furniture in my house, I don't mince words very often, I told her I do not move yours so don't move mine. Guess she thought what does an 18 year old know, LOL
tgif, never made cornbread in a skillet have to try that
It snowed early morning, Samson was so funny jumping in ti theair trying to catch a snow flake
Lead in the pants, Happy, never heard that one before, guess I still learning after all those years American idioms or expressions.

Yes, Ann, how was the concert?
About now I am ready for some pancakes, Defoe, with maple syrup, hope there are some left
Maria

Morning All,

Wow, such busy bees in here already this morning.

sarv,
4:45????? What time is nap time? LOL

meezer,
Hope you enjoy your lunch and the movie.

defoecat,
mmmmmmm, thanks for breakfast, hope you don't mind, I helped myself,,,scrumptious. LOL Good luck with all your running this morning.

sarv,
Slow down,,,LOL You're making me tired.

mag,
Can smell it from here,,,ahhhh wonderful.

suzieq,
From what I was told when julie invited me to coffee and... I was under the impression that's what we are here for,,,no apologies necessary. Hope you have a great day today and that you can get done working early.

tgif,
You're making me tired too,,,LOL My, you have a lot done already. Don't worry about the pink onion, no one will even notice. Hope you don't mind, Pecan Pie is my favorite,,,I snitched a little piece,,mmmm

Well, I hope everyone has a wonderful day, didn't mean to miss anyone, my thoughts are with you,,, but need to get into the Salon.

For those of you traveling, have a safe journey. I wish everyone a safe, wonderful, Happy Thanksgiving with your families.

Kelly

Good Morning everyone...a busy day here, too. Along with all the cooking and cleaning up, I have a doc's appointment this afternoon for my flu shot and a little conference. Maybe he can do something about this mood I'm in. :-)

Hope everyone's day goes smoothly.

See ya later,
~julie~

Maria -I use only cast iron for cornbread. I think most "southern" cooks still do. I have always had several sizes of these that are good for most things, but I lucked out and "beat" my sister to Grandmother's big 10", perfectly seasoned one. And woe be unto *anyone* who touches it but ME!!!! I'm sure its a mental thing for me, but I think cornbread *has* to be made in a cast iron skillet to be good. I now mostly use my 6" one (again - nobody touch!!!) for just the two of us. Its the right size to have some fresh and hot from the oven, with some left for the next morning crumbled into milk for breakfast. I also have my other Grandmothers griddle which makes wonderful pancakes and eggs.
ginni

Skillet keeps hearing her name !!!!

Ya'll come have some while its hot!

OH I Love yoyr kitchen!!!!!!!!

Good morning all
Defoecat, thank you so much for that yummy breakfast this morning! You couldn't have picked a better morning to do that. How did you know pancakes were one of my fav things?
Sarv, the pecan bars are wonderful. I am lovin Thanksgiving. Breakfast and now dessert! LOL
Maria, Samson will learn to "stay" when you tell him to. When my girl comes in from the rain ... I tell her to "stay on your rug" which is the rug at the door. When it's raining, I always have an old towel handy and say the same words over and over. "Let Mama dry you off." Now if she goes out and it's sprinkling and I'm not aware of it ... she'll stand there as if to say ... "well, dry me off! I don't like to be wet." :)
Suzie, I don't like my furniture changed around either. Sure wouldn't have to worry about anyone doing that in my house, though. ;)
Well, I managed to get a lot done yesterday. I baked the cornbread for the dressing and chopped up the celery and onion. I've got the sweet potatoes ready to bake and the turnips are already cooked. I cut the broccoli up in flowerettes for broccoli salad and will make the dressing today. Won't mix it until the last minute as have found that makes it better. Am going to prepare the mac and cheese so all I'll have to do is bake it tomorrow and fix the congealed salad today, also. I'm not responsible for desserts, thank you! :) I'm also fixing refrigerator yeast rolls. The turkey will go in at 6 on TG day so that will give me time to finish up with all the extra baking.
I hope everyone has a nice day just in case I don't get back in here. It's a stressful time, so be kind to yourself. To all those I've missed, take care. To those who are traveling ... stay safe. To those who are with families ... remember it'll be over before long! ;) (just teasing)
Hugs&blessings to everyone ... Elaine

Thanks, magoo. Come and "set a spell". There's lots to see and talk about! If ya get bored with the inside, there's always a ride around the property, or fishing down at the lake. Which do ya like best, bream or bass? Both are easy to catch here and taste good grilled, broiled or fried. (But I HATE cleaning 'em!)

Skillet (upper case), you are invited, too. I'll even let you taste the broth dribbled over your cornbread.

Ya'll come on down. Its a chilly, sunny beautiful day here.

View of the kitchen from the other direction. Told ya I had cast iron!

Sneaking in for a peek and a cinnamon chip cookie before they're all gone. Vac'd and dusted the great room, did dough for pie, and need to get in the shower. I'll do the filling late this evening, and put it in a "other refrigerator" to keep cool. The other 'frig is the garage... and we have snow so it's plenty cool out there. After lunch and the movie, I'm going to sit down and do my Christmas cards so that will be one more chore out of the way.

Had a long chat with my older DD. Seems when her sister moved, she left all her furniture except the beds, in the apartment. Including the pedestal table and chairs I gave her, drapes and curtains, and the tv stand. Unbelievable. I told DD I am not ever giving her sister one more stick of furniture,as she has done this before, left a butcher block cart, clothing, appliances.....When I look in the mirror, I see "Slow Learner" on my forehead.

Edited to add Super Envy of those lovely Black Beauties!! What a collection. I love your kitchen too, three houses ago I had a galley kitchen that overlooked a 30X 30 family room and I could see the fireplace while I was cooking and loved the view! It was great for entertaining because you weren't separated from your guests....

Arggghhhh! What am I doing back here? Oh...right ...complaining. Never mind. LOL

This message was edited Nov 23, 2005 10:20 AM

when I signed up for DG, I had already picked out a second id in case tgif was taken (which usually happens). I would have been ccik - cobalt and cast iron kid - after my two passions!

Gracious, ya'll are making me SO hungry with all the wonderful food you're fixing. I'm so "stick in the rut" same thing every year. I think I just might borrow a few ideas from you for my Christmas dinner! Who says you have to have the same thing every year just "cause Grandma said so"!

To all my new friends here at DG. Thank you for your warm friendship. I hope your whole holiday season is bright and gay!

ginni

What can I say about your cast irons, tgif, but "WOW"

Meezers, how sad when some children do not appreciate the things given with so much pleasure

Love the kitchen and the skillet (lower case) LOL collection wow!!!!

Why is it that every time I get into this forum I get hungry? LOL Good thing I'm on my lunch break now. Just taking a short one today, so I've got to make this quick.

I love my cast iron pans. Nothing cooks like well seasoned cast iron. TGIF thats a nice collection you have.

Maria - My MIL wouldn't dare move my furniture!!!!. She has told me quite clearly tho that she doesn't like some of my stuff. I was thrilled when I found an antique hoosier cabinet at an auction for a great price. When she saw it, she was quick to say she hated it and wouldn't have it in her house. Oh well, if ya don't like my decor, don't visit! (wish I could have said that, LOL)

GardenGeek - I agree this is a good place vent. I was definately blessed by finding the DG website. Everyone here is sooo nice

Well gotta go, I know I'll be checking in tonight as I'm so adicted to the Coffe and..

If I don't catch anyone before tomorrow, have a wonderful and happy TG. I count all of my new friends here as part of my blessings to be thankful for. (((hugs))) to everyone!

I do not want to give the impression my MIL was always like that, she was very generous in giving . Just on the beginning but when she realised I had a mind of my own she stopped interferring. lol, it was that mind that brought me to this country , this is the second TG without my husband but I am not sad anymore or heart broken as I was last year, so many of you have helped and this is what I am truly thankful for and with this I wish all of you a very Happy Day tomorrow
Maria

This message was edited Nov 23, 2005 2:14 PM

I used this as an invitation to another member, maybe we should incorporate it into the "Daily" greeting somehow?

mg,

Yep, that's close to the invitation that you and julie gave to me. ummmm but you never mentioned the sacred part or the 18 x a day posts,,,man I better get posting,,,,LOL

Kelly, I think a GOBette?

Well, since I am not having TG dinner at my house, I am not running around like so many others are. Wish I could come help some of you, to relieve some of the stress you are feeling.

Went to the grocery and walmart, and drug store for me, DM and DMIL. Who do you think I saw in walmart, none other that DMIL daughter (my SIL). She says what are you doing, and I say that I am shopping for your mother. She said well I left so early, I didn't check to see if she needed anything. GRRRRR. Oh well, can't let MIL sit there and starve, just because she has idiot children.

Just wanted to let you all know that I have been a DG member for 10 months now. We always go around the table at TG and tell what we are thankful for, so good health, good family and very good friends, at DG and in my community and church. You have been the wind beneath my wings these 10 months, and I want you to know I appreciate one and all. And before I start crying, I'm going to do some chores before having to start supper.

Bonnie

My house is filling up with those wonderful Thanksgiving preparation fragrances...better than any commercially available perfume in the world. All the memories that meet me in the kitchen are sometimes overwhelming in their very presence.
(((( ~special hugs for Maria~)))) Thanksgivings were tougher on me with loss of family elders than any other day of the year.

I'm taking a break after getting the giblets simmering in the pot, the onions, celery and parsley simmering in turkey broth, the eggs are boiling for the traditional (in our family) Deviled egg plate...the sweet potatoes will soon be mashed and ready for that delightful casserole recipe that MiniSchnutz answered my DG plea for. (Thanks again, Mini!) The pies are ready to be filled and baked when I get home from the Dr. ...and would you believe that I'm not even having the dinner *here* at my house?? LOL

I'm reading everyone's posts when I have time to sit and catch my breath...but I'm not going to try to answer each one.

I do have to tell Gayle that that's one strongly worded invitation. Can you just imagine what this thread would look like if we insisted on 18+ posts from each of our group EACH day??? And as long as i'm on the subject...I guess I need to hang my head in shame. I'm doing good to remember to put up the new threads everyday, so I guess that means I'm not a GOB in good standing at the moment. LOL

Time for the doc...see ya later~!

~julie~

All of you are bringing tears to my eyes!
I too want everyone to have a wonderful day tomorrow with family and friends!
Know that when I sit down to dinner you wil all be there with me in my heart and hopefully taking some of the calories away while you are joining me!!! LOL

Again not to slight anyone just a special hello and love to Maria and Samson!!!!!! You are both truly lucky to have one another this first Thanksgiving together!!!!
much love to all--- Anne

Thanks for your hugs, Julie,I do need them every so often, a special day to you with hugs in return

GM everyone! I'm up and running, have been since 0600 and on my day off too! I showered, shaved my legs, washed my hair, styled it and had a cuppa, all within the first hour. Whew! I'm making me tired.

I've got the turkey all prepped and ready to go into the oven tomorrow morning first thing. The ham is ready to go in as well. I've peeled the potatoes and have them in cold salted water so they can go on the stove and be made into mashed potatoes before I have to leave for work and take this part of the repast with me. I made extra stuffing and will make the gravy out of the giblet broth that's on the stove still, but that will wait until tomorrow.

I've got things to do this afternoon. Go pick up my meds, drop hubby's uniforms off at the cleaners since he's in Germany and I can get them in and out before he gets back. I like doing this when he's out of the country because I don't have to rush things like I do when he's home.

Then I'm going up to Bellingham to the rheumatologist. Oy vey! I know what he's going to do and I suppose it's for the best, but I really don't want to admit I need to go onto DMARD's and MTX. *heavy sigh* Joint perservation is the desired effect after all.

tgif, I have to tell you, I love your rustic kitchen. All that cast iron just looks so warm and inviting! I bet no one that resides in your home is anemic!

Now, just in case I'm not able to get back here and post in time....I'd like to wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving. May you be blessed with love, kindness, family, good health and friendship. If indeed any of you are the prayerful types, please remember to ask for safety to those who are away from home, whether travelling or in situations that maybe dangerous. Let's keep our troops in mind and give every consideration to those deployed away from home. Remember the police officers, fire persons, medical people and everyone else who must remain on duty during the holidays. They deserve our appreciation.

T.T.F.N. ~Babs~

Just jumping in to say happy Thanksgiving to all. No stress, no worry mate, it will all come together. Having 7 here for the holiday, not sure of arrival times LOL even the day although T&A expected shortly. Then head to the cabin on Friday for hunting and continue the food frenzy up there.
Take care all and have a great day.
Ohhhhhh, that chocolate chocolate milk cheesecake is in the fridge with the pies, better get downstairs and guard them LOL!

The cardamom Bread Pudding still isn't ready. Maybe another half hour. Yesterdays apple crisp tastes great, the oatmeal/almond topping is a bit crunchy but adds a nice contrast to the soft spicy filling.

DW is off to work today, and tomorrow BIL and wife and us will dine out at a nice restaurant at the Marina. Nothing to prepare, nothing to clean up. Not sure I like this program. Better to have family around.
Being here alone today brought to mind what Thanksgiving is all about. Personally, I don't like Holidays. Too much emphasis on a single event once a year. I have to be thankful for every day, not just one; I have to hope for a chance to be with my family every day, not just on "holidays"; I have to believe that maybe today I'll be given the chance to do something good for someone else; and I suppose most of all, I'm thankful that I woke up to another day with the ability to see, and hear(somewhat), feel and taste a day filled with everything new.
With that I do wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving. Enjoy the day, for life doesn't come with a guarantee.

I am with you, Robert, but there have been times when I was thankful for nothing in my life, perhaps to have TG is to remind us to accept what ever we have and not what we do not have and simply be thankful.

bal & Maria,

Amen

Kelly

Yes, we all have much to be thankful for, and I'm at the top of the list. My list starts with my lovely and generous friends on DG who are always here for me, with emotional support, caring, occasional surprise gifts or cards, and above all, the offer of friendship.