Coffee and...For Monday, Dec. 19, 2005

Here's the Daily!
Continued from:
http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/562979/
~julie~

OOOOOHHHHHHH I am first. And it's not even 9:00pm here. LOL

Good morning all of you Easterners..........

Casey

Huh uh, Casey...*I* was *first*! hehehe
(~hugs back atcha!~)

~julie~
Who is NOW going to bed!
(Oh...I guess I shoulda put that in the other thread. LOL oh well!)

Show off...............

Lots of good night to every one of you, see you in a few hours. since it is 12:18 here already

Oh, meant to post this, Russian Tea Cakes, Chocolate with ginger jam cookies and the fruit bread and look who is looking in, he thinks he is getting some but he is not!

But they are for you with your coffee or tea

Well, I'm not sure if I should be saying night y'all or morning. Don't think I've ever posted this late before. LOL It's been a loooong week-end. Been very busy with the last minute shopping. Finally got all my Christmas cards done. Maybe everyone will get them ... but if not ... they'll get them after Christmas.
Maria, those Rushin tea cakes really look good. That recipe does look a lot like the "wedding cookies" which I use to fix. I might have to give those a try sometimes when I'm in a baking mood.
M5, I was just tickled to here about the kitty cat. That's just wonderful news!
Julie, I know exactly what you mean about wanting to give big hugs to everyone. It's really hard to put into words ... but when I have a week-end like this one and can't check in as usual ... I feel like things just aren't normal. I want to thank everyone for all your kindnesses. I really feel like I have made so many new friends. Each of you are very special to me.
Well, I don't mean to be rude ... but I'm worn out and need to go to bed.
Hugs to everyone. ... Elaine

Hee Hee Hee, I am first in the "real morning". The time being that everyone should be waking up. DH left the house this morning at 4:30 am to take DM to hospital for the catherization. Don't know exactly what time the proceedure will be done, but praying that the results will allow them to operate, and soon. We usually do a lot of entertaining during the holidays, but have put everything on hold this week until we know about DMIL.

Julie I know about the "hugs feeling". I have never found so many good caring people. Just does the heart and soul good to know that in addition to neighbor friends, work friends, church friends that I have cyber friends too. And I too get those "looks" from people when I tell them about DG and all the good people here. Everybody usually classifies the internet as a dangerous place, and heaven help those who "chat" with others on the internet. Just courting danger!!!

Well, I am going to get started straightening the house, and I have some bills to be sent out. So will do that while drinking my coffee.

bbl

Good Morning!! Brrr- cold here again!! DH put wood in the woodstove for me as he cut some down that had poison ivy on it and I won't touch it!! I look at that stuff and I break out!

Talked to our neighbors last night and after a day gone from their house, they returned to find their furnace not working- double burrr. I offered our little space heater, but they had one going and were going to hop in the sack. Hope their pipes stay unfrozen!!

I spent a restless night - hardly sleeping. Todays worry is about returning that stinkin book and picking up something else for pouty DIL. Then to plan the food etc for xmas and xmas eve. Im not planning on anyone bringing anything, so I'll just prepare it all. Then I know what we'll be having. Does this sound like Thanksgiving?? LOL

The one good thing I did do last night was to get my Christmas cards all done - I cut the list way back this year. Check that off my to do list!

Maria, those cookies/bread look delicious!! I love a pretty table! Now what are you going to do with all those goodies??? Eat them yourself?? My stomach was rolling all night from eating the whole batch of wreath cookies. Now I don't want to make anymore...yuck.

Defoe - be thinking about you and MIL today having the test. What a bunch of slugs - not helping at all. Seems like that happens in most families tho- you're in the majority I believe!! And do be careful in the tub!! I seldom tub it anymore - I find it too hard to lift a lard butt outta the water/bubbles without the fear of tumbling back in. We have a small shower and I can lean back again the wall!! Why didn't we put one in that had a seat! Maybe in my next life!

Trying a new recipe for white chili for dinner. Had it at a girly luncheon and it was tasty. Somehow things always taste better when someone else makes it tho!

Morning everyone, Maria thanks for the sweets for breakfast. I have been looking around here and nothing looks good, but yours sure does.

D'cat, am praying for your DMIL and also for your husband as these times seem so much harder on our guys! Know that we are all here for you if you need us.

Julie, your thoughts on our cyber family sure ring true, D'cat you too. I laugh, cry, sigh and my guys just look and shake thier heads. My dear 'here' friends are begining to see how special you all are and are talking like you are the (((real))) people that you are.

Am off to finish/start my shopping! Most things have been bought throughout the year or else it is checks to the kids far away. But DS foodstuff that he can stash and not share with his dad. In fact both are getting the large size cashews from BJ's so there won't be any argueing!! Does't work to buy mixed nuts we all complain that someone took all our favorites!! Problem is we all like the cashews. DH got DS shocks or struts or something to lift the back end of his truck even higher than it is and a sleeping bag so he can go camping in this winter weather. NUTS that's what teenage boys are, but wouldn't trade him for anything! Going to do different food stuff for DF, he has plenty of $$ but won't move himself to spend it on the things he really likes. But being able to get an 81 year old daddy to smile is worth the effort.

Best be moving myself as I have gotten everyone else out the door. Merry Christmas my ((dear)) cyber sisters.

Sarv, just saw your post and you reminded me of the cards........I finally got mine done last night also. I think after a night of caroling got me in the spirit enough to sit myself down and do them.

Joy

Good Morning All,

A gloomy day today, but no snow....it's now 70 degrees. I know you are all going to laugh, but for me that is chilly and I am sitting here with a sweater on. I can hardly wait to go north next week to my sons houses where the INSIDE temp is about 60. I don't know how they live like that.

Dcat, your entire family will be in my prayers today. It has to be so scary for your MIL....I would be pooping my pants. Even though men don't say much, I think that they are shaking inside.

But as the others have said above, were are all Sisters here and we are here for you. Just give a holler.

Also, what is white chili??? Sounds interesting.

Maria, what a forlorn look Samson has. How can you do that to your baby.....keep him out while you show us cookies....LOL If I were you, I would not turn my back on the beautiful table.....It would all be history.

Sarv, there are small benches that are for showers. They are metal and you can put them in or take them out, whatever your pleasure. I have seen them at the surgical supply stores. They are very handy.

Hope everyone else is OK....see ya all later.

Hap

It is interesting, Happy, you are the only one who saw Samson,!!!!
He came in right after, never showed an interest in the cookies lol
Sarv, I am .going to goive them away

Still catching up on yesterday's thread -

sarv - hope your kitty comes (came) back. re the family gathering with inedible food, maybe that's not really a bad thing in this season of excesses. ;-)

m5 - biscotti with the craisins and pistachios sounds really good. Will you share that recipe?

darius - sorry to hear the reasons that you are back at Molly's.

dmcdevitt - take care with that finger cut and get medical attention if you need it. A severe cut can result in serious problems.

defoe - have you tried making a list of things that need to be done and directly asking some of those relatives to do specific things - or asking them which of those things they would like to do? It might help. I know there are some people who can come into someone else's house and just see what needs to be done. Others are shy about getting in the way (or just lazy) and need direction.

Russian Tea Cakes - there is a recipe in my old Betty Crocker cook book (from about 1957) that I used to make and enjoy. Will have to compare it with the two versions offered here. The only cookie I now make EVERY year is Licorice Cookie Strips (or Anise cookies).
This year, participation in a large cookie exchange netted me a bunch of different types.

Have decided to skip Aquafit today but join the ladies for coffee after. Seem to have pinched a nurve in my lower back. It didn't bother me until late in the evening when we were sitting around after dinner last night. May have sat wrong in a chair, but I'm stumbling around this morning. And I have to get through another concert tonight. The viola section is not so large that I can not go.

So, I think I will take a HOT bath and see if the back starts functioning a bit better. Then, take a look at about half a dozen e-mails from my FC successor and draft responses before I drop by there after coffee. Also think that I will go out and buy a music stand light. Lighting was poor for yesterday afternoon's concert and it caused me to misread some things in the music - especially Peter and the Wolf which is not all that well printed. It's about time I got myself a stand light. Tonight's concert may have worse lighting.

DH and I visited his doctor on Saturday afternoon re the results of his biopsy and learned that he does indeed have a prostrate cancer. So there will be some decisions to be made in the forthcoming months re treatment. It's in early stages; so should be very treatable and he likely will opt for the recommended surgery, but that's not likely to happen until around March. I was impressed with the doctor who is of Indian background, but obviously not first generation. Also impressed that he was seeing patients on a Saturday afternoon in December. And the first people we met when we arrived were a couple I know from past connections who are both retired medical doctors. If they are seeing the same doctor, that's also a good sign, I think.

Need to make a list of things I still need to buy before Christmas - both gifts and food. DD will host christmas dinner at her house. I gave her an instant read thermometer this past year; so hopefully we will avoid the question from last year of whether the turkey is done or not. (It wasn't quite last year).

Have a good day everyone.

Ann

Maria, I saw Samson too! In fact, that picture has gone to the top of my list of my favorite Christmas pictures this year. Your room is so lovely, your treats so inviting, how appropriate that your sweet friend complete the scene.

My "lurking" time is still limited, but this thread is a must read each day. It's like catching up on the family news on a big party line...and if you remember when people shared their telephones with multiple other people, you will be telling your age. (grin).

I am concerned about Darius. Only someone with a loving and forgiving heart could stand so many "hits" from a sister. Thank goodness Molly has an equally loving heart and is there to offer assistance.

Well, now I will go back into lurking mode, but remember, I treasure each and every one of you and I'm never far away!
Pati

Thanks loads, Patishell, it is appreciated
Ann, this recipe is from my old torn and very used Betty Crocker , loose leaved cook book , first Edition 1950, had then been married three years, it was a Cristmas present I asked for lol, I think I must have tried every recipe that it offers

Maria, I find that my Betty Crocker book is the one I return to when all the others (a considerable number) have failed me and what I want is generally there. Maybe because I grew up with it - acquired it in 8th Grade cooking class. Mine is also in bad shape. but then I pitched it across the room in 1974 when I had a week-old baby and was trying to make a pie crust which wasn't working (Canadian flour is a higher gluten flour than most US flour). The loose-leaf binder has never been the same since.

Ann

Viola Ann, so sorry to hear about DH. You said it so casually, I don't think everyone caught it. Sounds like a really good Dr, Saturday hours, and other medical professionals seeing him too. Gave me confidence, and I wasn't even there.

Maria, I didn't see Samson, but am going back and look at that pic again.

Sarv, yep the only way to go on holidays, do it all, then you know it will be done well. Now you stay out of any goodies today, and let your tummy settle. Did the cat come home yet?

Mary and Maria, not too much difference in your recipes. Are these cookies by chance sometimes called, Mexican Wedding Cookies? They seem very similar. Maybe different names in different areas of the country.

Patischell, I remember party lines, but you have to understand I was about 4 years old!!

Happy, poor baby, only in the 70's there? When you go north to a house that stays at 60, better borrow a nice heavy winter coat, or you will get frostbite.!!

Well have done 2 loads of laundry, wrapped the 4 remaining gifts, am straightening the house, and doing bills. So far I feel pretty productive. Let's see how the day goes.

Where is everybody else, Hey you slugs, WAKE UP!!

bbl

edited to add:

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and prayers about DMIL. I know DH is worried to death, but hasn't really said it. I will handle him with kid gloves until this crisis is over.




This message was edited Dec 19, 2005 9:27 AM

Ann, so sorry about DH, hardly noticed it either, but he will be ok, know quite a few men who had it years ago and are clear of it now, Good luck, it just is not a pleasant thing to face,

Defoe, Samson is on the porch looking in '-)

Good Morning All,

Have missed you all, these last few days,,,just didn't have time to post but have *skimmed* through most. Have been running around like a chicken with my head cut off. Last week was another Busy week in the Salon,,,,,yippee,,,,

We had our rehearsal Sat. morning at church for the Christmas program. I made nice sheets for all of my kids, so they could follow along and it had their speaking parts on it. The original program was printed on about 9 sheets of paper and I didn't want them all standing up there flipping through that. Well, Sat. at rehearsal I discovered they didn't know the words to all of the songs,,,,,so, came home and re-vamped their whole sheet to include the songs.,,,grrrrr,,,,took me Most of the afternoon. Didn't get all the other things done that I wanted to,,,but,,,what are you gonna do????

Sunday, the program went wonderfully. One of my kids Valerie (6th grade) has the most beautiful voice. She had a solo in the program. She sang it twice during Sat. practice perfectly. Sunday morning, we had practice at 9:00. She missed the last note during practice. She stomped her foot and was owly all morning after that. Her Mom came down to talk with her, telling her it would be o.k.,,,,If she didn't hit that note it would be fine,,,just don't stomp your foot.

Before going upstairs, I tried to reassure her that it would be o.k., while giving her a big hug and telling her God would make sure she hit that note. She wasn't convinced,,,,I started praying really hard,,LOL During the Whole program (her solo was at the end), she was preoccupied with that note. I could just see it. She sang with the choir a couple of times so that got her voice warmed up. It was time for her solo,,,,still saying a little prayer, she got to that last note and Nailed it! I could see the change in her instantly. She came back to sit down and I looked at her with a big smile and a tear in my eye and said Perfect! She was all smiles when she sat down.

We all went downstairs to our classrooms after the program,,,I couldn't wait to get down there. I went up to her, gave her a huge hug, kissed the top of her head and told her how beautiful she sounded and that she just nailed that last note,,,I had tears in my eyes. I was so happy for her. I wish I would have taped that song,,,it was a gorgeous song, that was beautifully sung.

Got home yesterday afternoon and got a bunch of stuff done around the house. Even cleaned the oven,,,LOL Today will be more sprucing up around the house, wrapping presents and finishing the decorations in the house. All I have done is the tree and the beautiful new Nativity I have been lusting over for about 6 years. I finally caved and bought it this year.

Too many posts and happenings over the last few days to comment on all,,,,but my thoughts have been with everyone.

I also want to give each of you a ((((((((Big Hug))))))))). I haven't been to coffee and....until recently, but I feel comfortable here and that is because of all of you,,,you are really special people and I am glad Julie invited me over here.

So, back to the decorating.

Will try to check in later.

Oh, here's a pic of the Nativity,,,,,Pictures Don't do it justice,,,but you'll get the idea.

Kelly

Morning all! Didn't post yesterday... some dumb bunny forgot to watch the thread!! Wondered why it was so quiet. LOL.

Thanks everyone for the encouragement and thoughts about the situation with my mom. I know she isn't a very brave person, she didn't leave the abusive relationship she was in until I moved out and she met the troll. I moved cause I knew that eventually he would kill me, or I would snap and kill him. I was 17 when I left. I had already told him that if he ever raised a hand to me again, I'd shot him in his sleep. I really would have, too. I had just had all I could take. I'm not sure how mom willget out of this relationship, or if she ever will. The worst part is, she considers him her best friend. She told me when this was all happening this summer, that something that upset he as badly as this, she would immediately go to her best friend. I said well, then go to her, mom, and she said no I can't its Tike. I can sort of understand, DH is my bestest friend too, but I make sure I got someone to gripe at if he ticks me off LOL She has pounded in my head since I was a kid not to give a guy a second chance..... and now here she is...... OK enough of that.

Got the Christmas tree up last night. The real ones have gotten so expensive :( Its really pretty though. DeWayne put on the lightsand we are gonna decorate it today.

Pinched the nerve in my shoulder again yesterday, not sure how, just moved wrong I guess. I keep those therma care heat wraps here all the time, because of that, and I had 2 of them, so I wore one as soon as it happened and another to bed last night. It is much better today, but still twinges occasionally. Just gonna have to be careful for a few days.

The kids had a 2 hour delay today... roads still look crappy. Gonna wait for the mail and maybe go get some groceries. I hate the cold and the snow.

I read all the posts from yesterday but responding to them all would take way more brain cells than I posess so just know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers :)

Hugs,
Janis

Morning All ((((((GOBs)))))
Dfcat - I am thinking about you your DH and DMIL and sending positive vibes your way this morning.
Ann again positive thoughts for your DH, that is not a fun bit of news at this time of year, or any other. You do seem to have a good doctor though, which inspires confidence. I believe that caught early it is the easiest of the big C problems to fix and that it progresses very slowly which is also good news.
maria I did spot Samson - that is a beautiful picture! It has all the elements of being a real winner in a greetings card competition.
I know I'm not as active at contributing as other members of the cyber family, but I don't miss a post. I laugh and cry a lot with you all too. Being a stranger in a strange land can be lonely at times, but I feel I have a great bunch of friends here.
Talking of hugs I had a visit from my 2 year old DGD yesterday, she asked daddy to drive this way home so she could give Granny and Grandad a hug. When they arrived she hopped out of the car hugged us both hard and then hopped back in the car. Told DS they could go home now! Wasn't that sweet!! - She interupts phone calls too, told me on Saturday she had "a plan", we could go to lunch with them then she could come here to play with grandad. She is 2.5 going on 16, bright as a button and pretty with it - I can see trouble ahead!!
Carol
The Odd One

Good morning. Yes, I did see Samson, he is so pretty and so is your table, Maria.

Ann, I'm so sorry to hear that your husband has prostate cancer. I'll be praying for him and for you, and for his doctor. I would agree that when you see what doctor the doctors go to you probably have a good one. Is tonight's concert the last one for you this season? Hope you can find a light stand, it would seem as important as your instrument.

This morning the wind is blowing, I knew our quiet winter was too good to last. There will probably be drifts in the driveway for my hubby to drive through, and some for me to walk through later. I was feeding the horses for a few days wearing my tennis shoes and just walking where I had walked before but it will be back to boots now. After a few days of the boots I felt very lightfooted out there in my tennis shoes.

Today's must do item is getting the envelopes addressed for the cards and Christmas letter. Hubby will get copies today, and they will be in the mail tomorrow. I dislike getting cards with only a name on them, it just lets me know people are alive, but I want to know something more. And so I don't ever feel good about just signing my name on a card to send to people we only hear from at Christmas. When I don't write a Christmas letter I always write the same thing to everyone which takes a long time and a lot of writer's cramp. I do remember those unsealed cards that went for 1.5 cents but had forgotten until somebody mentioned them.

Party lines, I remember those too. We had a 14 party line at one time, and we heard everybody's ring. Ours was three short rings, others had combinations such as one long and one short or one long and 2 shorts. Our entire phone number at one time was 3 digits. Anybody's phone ringing was the signal for most folks on the line to quietly pick up the phone and listen to conversations. We could hear click, click as each neighbor lifted their reciever. It came in handy tho at times, because if the line was busy and you wanted somebody on your line, you could just say "excuse me" and ask if they were on the line. Some would respond and others hung up so we knew they had been there. Other times we could tell by the background noise if somebody didn't have their hand over the mouthpeice. We never had one of those big old wooden phones on the wall, however, I'm not quite that old.

Hubby made it out the driveway on his first try this morning. Our driveway is uphill all the way to the county road and gets steeper right up at the end, plus there is no way to get a run at it. Even 4 wheel drive doesn't do the job sometimes. We have used the tractor and plowed a lot of snow some winters. Our neighbor plows for us too. Some of our winters are a real challenge.

Pattischell and Joyous, it's good to see you are still with us even if you don't get time to post often. What's happened to Janiejoy? And Leaflady? I guess everyone is just busy with Christmas things and will be back after that. I hope Darius and Molly got the generator going and stayed warm last night.

It's time to get dressed and feed the horses. They are running around in the pasture, bucking, rolling in the snow, having a great time in the new snow and wind while waiting for their breakfast. Have a great day!

Morning everyone
Well, I knew it was going to be one of those nights when I was up posting at 1:30 last night ... or should I say this morning. LOL
Defoe, am saying prayers for your DMIL. Hope the test goes okay.

Ann, will also have your DH in my prayers. I know they are doing amazing things when they catch that in the early stages. You'll both be in my thoughts and prayers.

Darius, so sorry to hear things went sour for you again. You and Molly behave, you hear! :)

Pati, it's *really* good to see you lurking around. Hope you're getting stronger every day. You, too, have been in my prayers.

Maria, I hope Samson is being a good boy and not pulling anymore tricks. LOL Maybe it wasn't an accident. Maybe he was trying to keep you off the computer? :)

I tried to go back and read everything that went on yesterday but I'm afraid I couldn't catch up with y'all, so I'll try to do better today. Just know I love hearing what you're up to and will check in later.

Oh ... before I forget ... Ann, sure hope your back feels better today.
Hugs all way round.
... Elaine

Back from the huff and puff - sure didn't want to go, but with the holidays in the offing, I decided I better make sure I exercised as much as I could. I still have a nasty headache- and my stomach is rolly polly. Came home and ate a bunch of crackers to see if that would settle things down. I didn't take my allergy tab for two days and I think that may be the problem - upset stomach comes when I have all the drainage (hope you weren't eating when reading this LOL)

Maria, I too saw Samson at the door - that was precious!! I was surprised he wasn't on his hind legs scratching to be let in (that really messes up the clean windows!) He doesn't snitch things off the table does he?

Vi - keeping DH is my prayers. Glad it was caught early and Sat hours for a doc is unheard of in this area!

Here's the recipe for White Chili:
2 c. finely cut up cooked chicken
1TB olive oil
1onion chopped fine
1 garlic clove chopped
Saute above ingred and add
2 lb. canned Northern Beans
2 t. hot jalapenos or gr. chili peppers
1 t cumin
1/2 t oregano
1/4 t cayene pepper
pinch cloves
2 c. chicken broth
add 1/2 jar salsa
Simmer or put in crockpot
sprinkle with grated cheese to serve

Time to get the dishes done, clothes changed and tackling the wrapping of presents!

Looks like everyone got here before I did this morning! And got a lot more done than I did, I'm still in my jammies, although I did rearrange some plants and furniture in the dinette.

Dcat hope your MIL gets through the catherization all right, and things will lighten up so that you can enjoy the holidays a bit. Most of the people who think "cyber" friends are dangerous either have gone to huge chat rooms and met some weirdos, or they don't have a computer....or maybe a garden! No one understands the strength of friendships where you can talk avery day, complain, commiserate, swap secrets, etc and probably know someone better than those people you meet face to face or work with. This is a precious community and I am delighted to be a part of it.

Sarv, how about a gift certificate for the bookstore where you got the book for your grumpy DIL? That way she can select her own book and maybe cheer up a little. Unless she's offended by that ..my family loves them! DH got one from work for $100 and gave it to me. I told him that almost covers his half of the Christmas shopping I've done for everyone. But you can bet I'll have a good time with it!

I got all my cards out early, but now a few are trickling in from folks I had hope had dropped us off their list.....Old neighbors we haven't seen in five years and likely will never see again! We were just "hello" neighbors, not close, but the cards keep coming. Got two others ....one from an auto dealer, and one from some mortgage lender........sure hope they aren't expecting one in return!

Ann, a good friend of mine's husband had one of those radioactive seeds planted after he was diagnosed with Prostate cancer, and that was three years ago and he is doing fine, so far. It's minimally invasive and used in early diagnosis successfully. We'll keep him in our thoughts, and are glad they caught it early.

The biscotti recipe came from the Food network, and I made a substitution with the craisens (dried sweetened cranberries) instead of candied cherries. It's pretty simple:
Pistachio and Cherry Biscotti
Cream together
1/2 C. butter
3/4 C. sugar
add
2 lg. eggs
1 tsp. lemon zest
beat in
2 C. sifted flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
Once it's mixed, gently stir in
3/4 C. rough chopped pistachios and
2/3 C. rough chopped dried cherries

Make a log 13 " long and 3" wide, on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. This is quite a soft dough and easy to shape.

Bake at 350* for 40 minutes...I thought they were done at 30 to 35, I guess it depends on your oven. Let cool slightly, they said 30 minutes, I waited about 10. Slice them diagonally, and rebake for 15 minutes. I watched them closely and cut that time down a little too.

The recipe called for dipping one side of the biscotti in white chocolate and sprinkling with red and green sugar, but I used dipping chocolate melted and drizzled it on with a spoon, because that's what I had on hand.

I had a terrible time finding unsalted pistachios! I finally bought the salted ones, rinsed them with hot water, and don't-tell-anyone, dried them with a hair dryer! (Julie just changed her mind about wanting one!!) and they worked fine.

The biscotti are crispy enough to dunk if you like them that way, but not too hard just to bite and munch. I had one for breakfast. Yes, just one. LOL

My old standyby cookbook is the BC, but mine is the hardcover. I got the original from my stepmom, in '55, and later gave that one to one of my DD's (the one who loses everything) because I found a brand new first edition in a little second hand shop. I did like the index in the later edition better, but since I've used the book for fifty years, I don't have a problem finding anything.

Getting out of the tub is a challenge for any GOB, I'll bet. DH installed one of those hand grip things on the wall next to ours, so I have something to haul myself up with. It works great! Tubs are slippery, and I think he imagined having to drag me out of a wet tub after I broke a hip or whatever, and had a vested interest in not having to do that!!!

We had party lines too, but our neighbors had a phone and we didn't. Also didn't have indoor plumbing, except for water, took showers at school or the town hall. If it was winter, my long hair froze on the way home. My girl friends mother was the day time operator and she knew where everybody was, so if you asked for a number, she'd say they aren't home, or tell you where to find them!! This also meant you didn't get away with much in a small town!!!

Boy, I've gone on a bit. Guess I'll go get dressed. To do list says, WRAP!! Sigh. I guess I'll have to.

This message was edited Dec 19, 2005 10:26 AM

Hahahahaha, I just went in the bedroom to get dressed and saw that DH had made HIS side of the bed....LOL Is there a subtext to this?

Ok guys...listen up!
I've been here...couldn't stay...gotta say "I'm old enough to remember the Wooden box phones w/crank handle to reach the operator who we would ask to "please ring 331"...and then listen to see how many people on the party line would pick up and 'be nosey'. LOL (Thanks for the giggle Mary)

I'm kinda "Up to my elbows" in ...well...DH says it this way "Busier than a cat covering poop on a cement driveway" (In other words...going like crazy...getting NOTHING accomplished)

Hugs to EVERYONE!!

Thoughts and prayers to ALL who desperately need them.

I'll try to be back later, but I can't promise anything at this moment.
:-D

~julie~

Hi, everyone. Still no time to catch up yet (library internet accessm in very limited). I promise you then sister story when I get time but the "last straw" was when she threw the kid's 9 month old kitten out the door in anger at the kid (and at me).... and he'd never been outside. So I packed up what stuff I could, grabbed my cat and drove 3 hours back up to Molly's.

Jeremy and I got the generator fixed yesterday just about dark thirty, and it runs better than ever. Looks unlikely we wuill get electricity for Christmas. Send warmth!!

|Meezer, that rat, just making his side, why don't you just give him half of his dinner tonight?

DH said he would call when he knew something, but haven't heard from him. This is making me really nervous.

I have had a productive morning, straightened, wrapped 4 gifts, the last of them, did 2 loads of laundry, made some business calls, scanned 15 old pictures that my cousin lent to me, made a meatloaf for supper, and now contemplating something for lunch.

101 sorry for your miserable night. Just take a nap this afternoon, then you can have 2 in a row.

Meezer, don't see anything wrong with gift certificates, then you can get what you want.

Sarv, take those allergy pills, better than being sick.

Mary, how much snow do you have? With the wind blowing, it doesn't take much to make big drifts.

Okus, hug that DGD for me, sounds like she has a "life plan". They are so precious when they are little.

Well, gonna go have some lunch,

bbl

LOL, Dcat, the guy hasn't got a mean bone in his body, all I could think of is he started to make it and ran out of time, or stopped to smooch the kitty and forgot what he was doing..who knows?? It just made me laugh to see his side all neat. Maybe he's getting Old Timer's?

Well, I have to say I got a *real* chuckle out of a half made bed. LOL I was thinking ... how'd you do that? I mean ... teach him to do that? Now mine's a sweetie and all ... but can't remember him making a bed. :) Now while I'm telling you the bad ... I'll have to tell you the good. LOL Remember that appointment I made last week with that certain department store for my dish washer? Well, you know who forgot about the appointment and just kept right on snoozing this morning. Soooo, when they couldn't get me on the phone ... they called the DH at work. So, he had to leave work and come get me out of bed. Now how embarrissing is that!!! I have *never* done anything like that before. I have another confession. You know they say it's good for the sole. :) Anyway, I made a pot of coffee last night around 7:00. Will not do that again unless it's decaf.
Okay, enough confessing for one day. LOL

Darius, don't blame you a bit for leaving. Something's definitely wrong with a person when they treat animals like that.

Defoe, hope you hear something soon. That can sure be miserable. The waiting and not knowing.

Kelly, I forgot to say so, but missed your posts over the past few days.

Carol, your DGD sure sounds like a sweetie. Know you enjoyed her.

Okay, back to the laundry monster. You know they always appear on week-ends and have to be slayed on Monday's. LOL
... elaine
P.S.
Just ate a SBD frozen dinner for lunch and used my scanacan to find out what it was and also cooking directions that I'd added when I purchased it. Now that's the cat's meow!

M5- LOL making half the bed...do ya need the 2x4 for a day?? No one is using it at the moment! Oops, maybe Darius has it and used it on her sister. That biscotti sounds yummy - I haven't done much of anything today. Made the chili stuff for dinner and then found a bag of candy that I hid. Had myself a good handful, played the chord organ for a bit and watched some tv. DH will be home in half an hour, so I will get moving before he comes. Sometimes I feel like a teenager again - outsmarting the boss! LOL

Sent out the xmas cards this morn and thank goodness didn't get any new ones in the mail. How's that for scrooge!! Oh, just remembered, crazy BIL sent us one and I didn't send him one =- he sent a sympathy card and wrote merry christmas in it!! How that for crazy??? I'll have to find an old one and get it in the mail to him tomorrow.

We had a party line when we were first married- I loved it! Listened to everyones conversations!! (I was young you know...) Sure wouldn't want one now!!

Just dumped a load of ice cubes down the garbage disposer - it had a funky smell. While I was pushing them down the end of the spatula came off and went down the drain. I spent the next half an hour with my arm down the drain thing trying to snag it - I'm not doing anymore work today!

Will everyone stop talking about the "half made" bed! LOL I do it all the time! (Yes...I forget to finish up DH's side)

Hi, again, everyone!

(Special hugs for Darius and Molly)

~julie~

Hi again, taking a break from addressing envelopes. Sarv, just send the same card back to him with a note wishing him Merry Christmas. What's good enough for you should be good enough for him. He'll probably laugh. You've gotta take those allergy pills whether you want to or not, just like my husband, he hates to take them but the alternative isn't good at all. He has a predisposition for pneumonia so has to keep his sinuses cleared out and not let it get ahead of him. I'm wondering why ice cubes needed to be run through the disposal, they would have just melted and run down the drain on their own. You're not supposed to feed them spatulas either, or put your arm down the thing. What are we gonna do with you? Good on the exercise tho, that's commendable.

Where is Babs? She usually checks in about once or twice a week. Hope her mother is ok. She might just be working extra shifts for somebody.

We seem to have about 4 inches of new snow, new since yesterday evening. Although the snow is coming down sideways it doesn't appear to be drifting much. I had the weather channel on a while ago, believe it or not they know the northwest exists today! They gave the region a whole minute or two of coverage instead of the obligatory 2 seconds. You folks in the midwest will probably get this same storm in a few days, so brace yourselves.

M5, had to chuckle at your DH making half the bed, well, it's better than mine does so at least he made the effort. In the morning when you get out of bed make your half and see what happens tomorrow. I guess I missed something, had the small town but not a real live telephone operator to go with it, so we got away with more. We got to dial our calls. Our number was either 311 or 313, the other was the office where my mom worked. Later they changed to 4 digit numbers but I don't remember that one. A few years later, about the time we moved from that town, they added a prefix, just 2 letters of course, 3 came much later. Ours was WYandotte, which meant nothing to a small town in north central Washington where the main products were cattle and apples. Our town had about 400 people, the one 9 miles away had about twice as many and of course that meant twice as many kids to pick the best for a team, and we could still beat them in basketball most of the time. After I moved our school burned to the ground and a new one was built half way in between the two towns, that must have been quite an adjustment.

No more late evening coffee for you, Elaine , unless you need to stay awake. No excuse now that you have the scanner to read the can for you. I know you probably lay there wondering why you did that.

Back to the envelopes.

I am trying to keep up spirits with haveing pneumonia it is hard. I did get a early present a new mattress and that is a good thing. I have been watching Christmas shows which I love and listening to music. I like Christmas.

Beds-making them what is that?? The only good bed is an unmade one LOL

Defoe, I have been thinking of only good things for DMIL.

Ann, I am so glad that they managed to find it early and that its not a run and jump situation. My thoughts and prayers are with you both.

Woofen, I hope your shoulder feels better soon.

I dont think my DH has ever made the bed. I am the last to get out of it and as of late the first in it, so I turn it down, and then remake it. He does help me strip the sheets on Tuesdays and Fridays. Our bottom fitted is a pain to get off and on.

I think I am going to use the 2X4 on Darius's sister. To be cruel to an animal and then to treat your sister with such hatred in her heart she needs a good wack. I am so glad to hear you have the generator up and running, and soon to have power. Hopefully you all will be feeling much better when the stress level goes down a bit.

Sarv, I have started putting an orange or lemon down the drain followed by some hot water once a week. It has helped with the bad odors.

Well I am at work physically, haven't done a thing though. LOL Guess I better try to accomplish something to show I was here. I know I missed a few things and people, but its not that I dont care its just a memory thing.


Casey

MaryE - found an inexpensive battery operated stand light. Remains to be seen whether it provides enough light to really help. But it was under $20 Cdn; so not a huge investment. Yes this is the last concert before Christmas, but I will have to be working on the January OSO concert sooner than I thought. The concert was to have been January 23 and has been changed to January 16 because the Canadian election has been called for January 23. Bummer! We will be putting it together entirely in 8 days instead of 15 for rehearsals. And the viola section rehearsal is rescheduled on Saturday, Jan. 7 in the afternoon. I had already scheduled my major party of the year for that date from 4 -7; so I don't expect to attend the rehearsal.

Elaine, the back is lots better than this morning, but not 100%. Should be able to get through the concert this evening OK though.

sarv - White Chili recipe sounds good. Will give it a try. How long do you recommend having it in a crock pot or simmering it?

M5 - thanks for the biscotti recipe.

Thanks to all who extended thoughts and prayers for DH. They are setting up an appointment for him to discuss options with Drs at the cancer clinic early in the New Year. Some said that I said it casually. I guess because I'm basically an optimist (I think you have to be to run a Food Bank). And with it having been caught early, we can only think positively at this point.

Ann

Well, I hope y'all are *satisfied*! :) You've done it now. I made microwave fudge this afternoon along with an old recipe Mother use to make called Date Nut Balls. Nothing like what y'all are doing ... but baking for me. Heck, there wasn't any flour involved. LOL Anyway, there goes those 5 lbs I was hoping to drop.
Ann, I'm with you on the optimism. No need to worry as it doesn't change a thing. Will continue to keep both of you in my prayers.
Defoe, am still waiting to hear a report on your MIL. Hope I haven't just missed it somehow.
Well, I can tell you right now, it was no accident about the regular coffee ... don't like decaf ... but I don't like staying awake all night either, so I won't be doing that again. ;)
It's time for the DH, so I'll check back in later. Oh Mary, sounds like you're having nasty weather! Stay warm out there ... and do be careful when you go out to do your errands.
Also, I remember seeing makshi post. It's good to see you. I never saw what happened with your housing problem. Do hope things were resolved in your favor. I try to keep up with the prayer forum, but sometimes it's an impossible task ... though I'm interested.
Okay, gotta go. Hugs to all.
... Elaine

Let's see if I can catch up....ice cubes down the disposal? They make any grease that's in the trap harden up, and hopefully takes their smelly selves down the drain. Using citrus rinds helps too. When our market has some less than fresh lemons marked way down, I grab a bag slice them up and throw them in the freezer. Then, when I think the disposal needs a kick, I throw several in and grind them up.

Maybe DH is practicing for retirement. I remind him frequently of the things I don't plan to do once he's at home 24/7, such as make breakfast and lunch every day. He already does his own laundry (so where does all that stuff come from in my laundry basket?). He will often make the bed on the weekends when he is the last one out, and will help when I have to wrestle the down comforter into the duvet cover.

Glad your back is improving Ann, good luck with the concert. Wish we all had front row seats to watch and listen. We'll keep your Dh in our thoughts but I'm optimistic like you and look for a good outcome.

Made a batch of almond biscotti this afternoon, but would you believe it, the Queen of Procrastination did not wrap a single package!! I was gonna .honest. really. and truly, but half way through the biscotti I ran out of flour ***flour*** of all things so had to make a quick run to the store. Then I had a couple of phone calls, and then there were a couple of but firsts and now it's dinner time! LOL Tomorrow.................I hope.

Meezer, you really are my twin......except I thought I was the Queen.....

In fact, I had that sign on my computer......"It's Good to be Queen". My boss never mentioned it....hehehe

Hope all are doing OK. Look it.

Hap