Coffee and... For Christmas Day, 2005

MERRY CHRISTMAS...To ALL my 'Coffee' Friends

You can read our Christmas Eve thread here:
http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/563792/

I wishing you all a very Blessed Christmas Day. May there be Peace and Light for all.

~julie~

Merry Christmas to All,

I hope each and everyone of my friends here have a Marvelous Christmas Day today.


Blessings and Hugs to All,
Kelly

Just got done doing the whole parent on Christmas Eve thing. I am truly humbled by the generosity and my DH Jeff says to tell you all thank you again. Almost embarrassed to post pictures, it looks like Christmas exploded at my home, or possibly Santa's sleigh crashed in front of my tree. Got to get to bed, didn't sleep last night, but wanted to pop in and say thanks to all who posted about my temper tamtrum yesterday teenagers and step parents aren't always the best combination... but we'll make it. Today was a good day, DH and I went to a grocery store we had gotten a gift certificate for, and spent it on the rest of the grocery stuff we needed for dinner, and then we took his gift certificates he got from work and spent them on last minute gifts. Its really hard to pick out a present for DMIL's boyfriend LOL finally got him some sauces from Emeril LOL WHAM!

Gonna crash now... kids will be up bright and early I'm sure, so.... Merry Christmas my friends, hope you have a wonderful day. You will all be in our thoughts tomorrow.

Hugs,
Janis, Jeff, DeWayne, Tori, Sarah and little Jeff

Morning Everyone. and MERRY CHRISTMAS!! We had DH gathering last night at his sisters. There are usually over 60 there, but this year it was considerably smaller and it was fun. There was actually room to talk to everyone. SIL gave me dish cloths for a present!! We don't exchange presents anymore, but SIL is a 41 yr old downs syndrome gal and she loves to buy for everyone. And we all get her gifts - it is the highlight of the year for her. Neither of our kids could make it, but that was fine. They'll be at our house today.

Speaking of which I have to make pigs in the blanket yet - dough has to rise etc, so I need to get my hinny in gear.

Glad to hear so many of you had a wonderful Christmas eve - may today be so blessed as well. Off to another round of baking!! DIL called last night and wants us to come to their house for another gala tomorrow - it seems like a continual food fest.

Good Morning and MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL. Well DH is off to work, DS has had his stocking and one gift and is back to bed till church time and here I am with my DG friends.

We will not have Christmas till dad gets home. Have done this before so it is OK. Church will be very special today with a communion service and I am sure some very special music. Many of the young men were asked to read scripture this morning son included, sure hope he said yes! After church time to feed momma then home to cook steak, beans, mashed potates, cole slaw and all the little goodies that make it a special meal. I was voted down on meal selection, I would rather bring KFC or something like that home the day before but the guys win.

My DF will also be joining us. He will have breakfast at my brother's, lunch at my sister's and then the evening with us. My parents started doing that when we kids put our foot down and said that we didn't want to drag the kids around on Christmas Day and it has worked except that mom is in the nursing home and my daughter has not been home for seven Christmases now.

Julie, so glad your evening went well, those kids they can surprise you. D'cat, sounds like you had a great time and are looking forward to even more!! Sarv, here is my hand, we will both hold tight.

Maria, please go any one of us would give our first born to have you with us! Kooger so glad about your DH job what a relief and what a time of year to be encouraged.

Okus, Darius, Molly & Jeremy, M5, I01, Kelly, Ann, Anne, Ginni and all our DG family ((((((Christmas))))))
--Joy

Good Morning All and Merry Christmas,

Off to church with my Jewish husband. He comes with me on special Holy Days and this is one of them. It really makes my Christmas not to have to go to church alone. Only at church do I really question my life and what I have done with it and sometimes I have a hard time justifying things. But, what done is done.

Anyway, to all my family,..... hugs, kisses, and blessing today, and always.

Nancy Lee

PS. Didn't see today's thread, so this is copied from yesterdays....

Nuh uh, not my first born, but someone could have the last...been a PITA since she was 13. Didn't expect to see her this Christmas,...again...she usually accepts invitations and then changes her mind and doesn't come, or if invited but not chauffered, is offended ........ah well...what can't be cured must be endured. It's her choice. DD is picking her and the boys up this morning, but she might renege again, so who knows. I sent the boys gifts home with DD last night.

Waiting for DH to wake up so he can "open" his unassembled book cases...LOL...don't know what to expect from him, sometimes he gets me something wonderful, and sometimes I just look at it and wonder whatever possessed him.

Thought I'd sleep in this morning, but woke up at 5:30 as usual, and found my friends already up for Coffee.... My coffee has a slight raspberry taste this morning because I used the flavoring in the coffee I used for the tiramisu....and it lingered on in the pot. I mentioned the "serves 12" for the dessert? hahaha not so, we polished it off with only eight diners, and it took no time at all.

Some people must think I like chocolate, I have Godivas, Ghiardelli, and Ferrero Rocher, which should carry me through most of the winter.....unless......... well, ya never know.

Sarv, the smaller gathering seemed to work well, maybe it's a trend. Glad you had a good time. We didn't expect to have anyone come over today but DGS and his wife decided they needed to see us again today LOL maybe it's the lure of the leftover ham we got to bring home with us....

Dinner was ...interesting. The ham was delicious, but DIL hasn't quite nailed the getting-everything-done-at-the-same-time-so-it's-hot technique, but since her GM who raised her never let her in the kitchen, she's doing a lot better than I would expect. My folks had me peeling, stirring, chopping etc. standing on a kitchen chair at a very young age. And I haven't stopped yet. Oh, but I did stop the standing on the chair part.......

DD forgot to bring my glasses, but I'll see her next week as she offered to go out with me, to visit the new kitten and double check his plumbing ...LOL I told her I really didn't care, that a male was a preferance, not a necessity. I think she's just curious. Naturally, I won't mind seeing the litter again. Who wouldn't want to play with kittens?

Darius, are you hanging in there? And, Julie, with all these hands pulling you up out of that hole, the daylight has got to be looking better. The sweet gesture of love from your DS may be the start of him "growing up".

Kooger, Excellent news about the new job for DH...he must be sooo relieved...and Dcat had a pain free day, let there be many more!!

Andy, welcome to Coffee, you are our third fella, along with Robert and Ernie, I'm sure they'll be glad to have a little more testosterone in the mix. Bring treats. We munch a lot. Sarv likes cookies (hint hint). Stop in any time, and feel free to bring Sarah.

Okus, Howard was overjoyed to see DD, he was smiling everytime he came to the door between the kitchen and the living room, usually with a toy in his mouth. The "gate" was just a small cardboard box, but he minded it well. DIL had candles burning on the coffee table and was afraid his enthusiastic tail would be lit up, so he couldn't join us. Your boy in the UK would be just as delighted to see you. How hard it must have been to leave him there, even knowing he has a wonderful home. Those critters just steal our hearts, don't they. I'm taking a red crunchy bow out to Oskar's little plot today, they were his favorite thing to steal at Christmas time, and he should have one. I'm such a sap.

Maria, enjoy dinner with your friends, and tell us about it when you get home. Because you are going. We insist!!

All the rest of "youse guys" have a great day, and check in later and share your events with us.

Why could I not find this thread?? So I posted on yesterdays, but to repeat myself I wish all you wonderful people the merriest Christmas right into Epiphany, I can see you all had a good evening and had Santa's visit.
I had a wonderful surprise last night, my younger daughter who was suppose to spend the evening with MIL came bursting in brought food, set the table, and we had a very nice cold supper with ham, cheese rolls, bread, salad, fruit and I brought forth my cookies. My DH was with us in a way, I went down cellar to fetch one of his bottle of wine he bought a few years ago and sent him good wishes too where ever he is, up there with one of the brightest stars I am certain.

Of course, Samson went bananas over the unexpected visitors, Lende's MIL was terrified over his exuperance and almost did not want to come in, lol.
It did put me in the spirit once again and I will join my neighbor for their Christmas dinner.

I also had another surprise, Darius called me, she is so very nice to think of me, we hade a wonderful chat for which I was very grateful. She sounded really wonderful, let me tell you she is some gutsy, strong lady.
Love all of you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
,

I did post some photos of Samson in Pets, as some one suggested

Merry Christmas to All my Friends here in Coffee and......

Bill woke me up early this morning hollering upstairs,,,,,,,"Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas",,,whoda thunk,,,,(he doesn't like holiday's),,,,however, he had Just gotten home from his Mom's where he had played Santa for his 2 1/2 year old Great Niece, Sawyer. At first he said he wasn't going to do it,,,and then his niece, Angie called and he caved,,,said the only reason he was doing it was for Sawyer,,,,,,Big ole softy where she's concerned,,,,LOL

Well, we had the big Christmas Eve here last night. It ended really early,,,by 9:30 everyone except my Mom had gone home. Mom helped me get all the food put away and I got the dishes done,,,,then we sat and chatted a little,,,,,was a Wonderful Christmas Eve.

Dinner will be at my Aunts later today. We will go over around 3, so we can have snackies during the big Packer & Bears game,,,my Mom is a HUGE Bears Fan (she lives near Chicago),,,all the rest of the family are Packer fans,,,so will be interesting,,,,ROFL We won't eat until After the game,,,so will be late,,,but that's fine with me,,,will prolly be so stuffed with snackies, I won't Need to eat dinner.

Well, just wanted to say Merry Christmas to All. I hope this Christmas Day is blessed for each and everyone of you.

God's Blessings to All,
Kelly

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL GOB'S

Been up for ages, thoroughly read the paper, drank too much coffee, endured a short power outage (don't know what's up with that), had a call from DGD telling us what she got for Christmas. Sounded like more than enough for next Christmas too. She will be here about 6:00 pm, DH is participating in a live nativity, and won't be home until about 8:30. DS and his girlfriend will be here and we will open gifts. Just gonna have some munchies, maybe a pot of chili (depending on how full I am from dinner at DH's cousins today). Cousin's meal is at 1:00, so after coming home from that, will rest this afternoon.

Nobody has said what they got for Christmas. Since I can't open mine until tonight, let me share in opening yours.

Some good news from some, a new job, Maria's unexpected company, and going to friend's, holiday get togethers seemed nice.

Well everyone have a good day, and I will check in later.

LOL LOL - oh man - DIL just called and told me my son was an A** - do you think she wanted to make my day??? Then she went on with a zillion complaints about him and ended by saying - 'we're getting a divorce' (they were just married in July) I ended up not saying a word for a longgggg time, then told her politely that I was sorry they were having a bad time and ended up saying "just once I'D like a Christmas where no one was fighting" (now that was said in a sob)

She then asked what she could bring - I almost wish they would just stay at home and I'll get DGS for the day. Poor kid being around all that nastiness.

If they do come, I am not sure I can hold my tongue- I am so steamed at both of them.

I really apologize for unloading on all of you on this glorious day, but I'm afraid if I don't I'll explode. The hole just got deeper...who has the chocolate???

Good Christmas Morning, Everyone! Sounds like y'all had successful Christmas Eve's celebrations and that this day is shaping up well too. (Except for Sarv... sorry it's not going well for you.)

I doubt we will do anything before noon when the kid gets up (she opened gifts last night after midnight but I was already in bed), but today will start with blueberry pancakes and real maple syrup. At least that gives me time for a good hot shower first. : )

Later, I'll bake a fresh ham (pork roast) and I hope my sister will let me take the bone home to make navy beans later this week. We'll have a simple meal of the roast, baked sweet potatoes, steamed broccoli and a bottle of white wine someone gave my sister.

Wishing everyone a peaceful day and our lovely blue planet peace all around the world.
~darius

Aw sarv,

I'm so sorry to hear that,,,,,it's Christmas,,,,,couldn't she have at least put aside the arguing for one day???? Jeez,,,,I would tell her Just my DGS,,,you 2 stay home and argue,,

I have a tray of Grans cookies,,,,with some fudge on there also,,,,help your self.

Hope things get better for you today. Maybe as soon as they walk in, you will need to tell them it's Christmas,,,,make nice,,,even if you don't feel it.

(((((((sarv)))))))
Kelly

MERRY CHRISTMAS to everyone!

I really slept late this morning...nearly 9 o' clock before these weary bones fell out from under the covers.

Right now, I'm sitting here enjoying a piece of the best Biscotti I've ever eaten. Yep! ~grin~ It came out of the canister I got my son. (Sheila...I think it was you that said kids don't start growing up until they're in the their 40's? LOL Scott turned 40 on Dec 1 this year. I think he's growing up. :-))

To those who didn't find the link to today's Daily in the other thread, I'm really sorry about. *Somehow* I must have forgotten to post it...OR it went off into cyber-space like so many others have recently. I *thought* I remembered copying the the URL for this one over there...but when I went looking for it this morning..POOF! Oh well...thanks for the link, Hap!

Hope everyone's day is going well to this point and am really looking forward to reading all about your day and your friends and family and food!

~julie~

HI Darius and Kelly...and Sarv (((( ~hugs~ )))) to you all...but especially Sarv. (I'm looking out the window towards my DS's house and see that my Ex-DIL is there for Angel's Christmas morning. When things get a little bit past Christmas, I'll explain why that 'picture' fits in so well with what you're copeing with today. For now, I'll just say "It's Nasty!" hope yout day goes better than it has started)

Darius...I get SO angry when I read this kind of stuff is going on with your sister. Can't wait until you're safely 'home' with Molly.

Kelly...I got the sweetest gift through the mailman "elf" the other day. Just had to mention it! Thank you... (you just meet the nicest people here in Dave's Garden...they make the world look *right* again.)

~julie~

Julie,
Little Elf's bring Christmas Wishes for so many wonderful people,,,,you're one of them. LOL

Darius,
Hope you make it through Christmas with your sister. I'll be thinking of you today.

Actually, I'll be thinking of All my Friends here today!

Have a Merry Christmas.

Kelly

Merry Christmas everyone. A bit past 10:30 here. We've been at DD's house since 8 and the gifts have all been opened. (We were up till 1, having gone to 11 pm church and it takes 35-40 minutes to drive over here.)

DH was just hear to comment, "Just what we need - another toy with a million pieces!" LOL He's busy playing with grandtwins.

DD has fast Internet; so I will try to catch up on yesterday's thread. May even take a look at some of the photos in the photo contest. (I had given up looking at them from home).

Some of you seemed to be in the funks yesterday. I hope that passed as you finished your preparations for Christmas.

Maria, I will be thinking of your sister and her husband and pray that the chemotherapy is successful. I hope that you have accepted your neighbour's invitation for Christmas dinner. Yes, Christmas is a family affair, but not JUST a family affair. they wouldn't have invited you if they didn't want you. And having guests often makes Christmas more special for those who do the inviting as well as those who are the guests.

Susan, thanks for sharing "ONLY FOR LOVE"


Sarv, I will be thinking of you as you get together with DIL and DS. I hope things will at least be civil for the rest of the day.

Well the turkey is in the oven here. DD has done a few, but last year we had difficulty getting it fully cooked. I bought her an instant read thermometer right after Christmas. Her MIL is here - having moved in with them a couple of days ago when DS's brother kicked her out. She's between homes - the new one was supposed to be ready in January or february but will be delayed until spring. Keeo DD and DSIL in your prayers. She lived with them for 6 months a couple of years ago when they first moved into this house and she had sold hers and again the townhouse she bought wasn't ready. DD and SIL nearly divorced at that time and the tensions of having her live with them were a large part of it. This time, they are setting up a list of house rules. Keep your fingers crossed. There's more to this story, but it IS Christmas. I'll save it for later.

Think I'll go sign off and play with grandkids a bit.

Merry Christmas to all.
Ann

Merry Christmas all!!!
We celebrated yesterday.
Had a wonderful breakfast. Eggs made by my younger son plus he squeezed some fresh oj.
I will tell you what I got.
I got from my older son some ASU slippers. Very comfy and warm.
Younger son gave me 2 pair of soft comfy colorful soxs to keep warm in. And one of those Chia pet in a cat shape. He said that he gave me my favorite in one gift. Cats and gardening! Interesting thought, huh???
Then my ex gave me a pair of loppers. This one has a story to it. I had never gone the the tools when I got divorced 2 years ago because I was a fool and didn't think I would need them. Well, I had asked to borrow them last week and he said no. So he just gave me a even better pair than we had before. So I will enjoy using them. I had to borrow the neighbor's when I had lopped down the dahlia stems last month.
So I did just fine. I had my boys home and that makes it even more special.
My older just left a couple hours ago to go back to AZ. He is going to surprise his girlfriend/fiance at the door wearing a santa hat, with her promise ring and mistletoe in hang.
So am kind of down since he is gone but thoroughly enjoyed his visit and am looking forward to him being home in the same state in Aug.

So Sarv, hope this day will get better. Hang in there, less than 12 hrs left.

Julie, am glad you are so far enjoying the day.

M5, yes, who can not resist seeing the litter of kitties.

Darius, am glad you are safe and sound. Just enjoy the day and have fun cooking for all.

GG, men can surprise you when you least expect it. Am glad he can be fun when necessary.

Maria, so glad that your daughter showed up to be with you.

Dcat, that chili sounds good to me to eat today.

Well, to everyone else, have a wonderful Christmas!!!

Carol (DR)(the even one)

Forgot to click watch thread, I wonderd why no one had anything to say lol but you all had a wonderful Chistmas except Sarv, what a shame to have nothung but fighting thoughts in ones head, so sorry, Sarv.
Talked with my other daughter who is in PA with their son and family, they are having a wonderful Christmas enjoying their GD, my GGD, who will be three in February.

Don't forget to see Samson in Pets, he whispered in my ear to wish you
too a wonderful holiday'

Merry Christmas everyone!!!
Our Christmas is over, the table cleared, the dishes in dish washer. We were too stuffed to have dessert, so will have it tomorrow. Tomorrow, the mayor of Bodrum puts on a boxing day cocktail for all the foreigners here, we will go and mingle with all the other foreingers here.

Darius, when are you moving?

cheers and enjoy your day!!

Peble, I'm "moved", and will be staying with MollyMc near Gainesville FL for several months. (Almost everything I own is in 4 storage units, LOL)

Things are beginning to wind down. Dinner last night w/niece and rest of DW's family. Ten big people, seven smaller people and one teen ager. Very nice dinner, beautiful table setting, everyone had a good time with not the slightest bit of discord. Went home and was joined w/son & wife & 2 GD's. Opened presents again. Received my new slippers, electric blanket, coffee grinder and Starbuck's gift card. All in all a wonderful Christmas. Off to friends for dinner tonight so I'd better get started on another one of those Pumpkin Crunch desserts.
Wish all a pleasant gathering, endless peace and tolerance, and a great New Year.
OOPS! Have to relay a story. Every Christmas the whole family chips in and makes a donation to Toys for Tots, or some other service group. This year we gathered up the loot and my niece was to drop it off at the Toys place because they were a little light this year. She works at a QFC grocery store and in the coffee room staff were talking about a coworker, 40 year old single mother with three children, who went to the Daycare place to pick up the children. When they returned home they found someone had broken in and stolen all of the presents, and what else I don't know. Teresa called her mom to see if we would OK giving our couple hundred to the woman, which we did, and the coworkers chipped in, bought all new presents for the kids (since they already knew the kids sizes and likes) and a gift certificate for the mom. That made my whole Christmas worthwhile. It isn't often you have a chance to help someone you know. Mostly it's to a society or group and you know it is doing good, but you don't see the actual recipients. Sorry to take up so much space, but I thought it reeked of Christmas and good will and had to share.

Great story, Robert! I love hearing things like that anytime, but especially at Christmas.

Boy, I wish I had my pantry here. My sister has almost NO herbs nor spices except 3 jars of Italian seasoning and chili powder. And of course, she failed to mention that yesterday when we shopped for groceries.

Happy Birthday Carol (okus)!

and for tomorow in case I have no computer access,
Happy Birthday Laura (Kooger)!

A very Happy birthday, Kooger, and many. many more happy ones

I haven't posted much lately, but have enjoyed reading others posts.
The sadest part of this Christmas is my oldest DGS (20 yo) is in the army in Iraq. His 1st Christmas away from home. He called my DD this morning & she said he sounded so sad. Said he wasn't going to eat the reg. dinner, but just have a hamburger.

Anyway, I would like to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas!!!

Jan in Central Illinois

It is understandable that he is sad, who wants to be in that awful place for Christmas, terrible not t be at home with family as so many are there.

Had a nice dinner at my neighbors, turkey and all the trimmings they were happy to see me loading me down with presents while having great and interesting conversation with bright people.

Just home from church, did the double service with MIL. House was cold - had to program the thermostat DH put in on Thurs - came home from work with no furnace working! YIKES! It was a bad thermostat.

Don't think I'll see the 3 oldest kiddies today - all busy with other side gatherings. Sorry to hear of the family troubles, sarv and julie. Makes life difficult! And darois, I think we'll all be heaving a sigh of relief when u get back up to Molly's!

Robert, wonderful Christmas story, except the theft part, of course. Isn't it just great to be able to be at the right place at the right time? Miracles do happen!

Thanks for the birthday greetings, a day early... where or where did 50 years go? And I have caught some whispering going on around here so I wonder what's going to be sprung on me tomorrow. Since I was not able to get the day off, I am going to have some fun tmr - dying my hair black tonight, adding black nailpolish and wearing a black tunic that was DS's costume in the fall play. LOL And I couldn't find black lipstick, (where do those 'gothic' kids shop?) but I thought of black jelly beans last night. That would work for black lips! And lastly, a black '50' sign on my head!!! (I couldn't find a black wig yesterday - should have thought of this around Halloween - so got the short lasting dye - sure hope it washes out in 6-10 shampoos, per the box instructions!)

And don't anyone forget - tomorrow is also our dave, who put the dave in Dave's Garden, 30th birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yay Dave!!!!!!!!

edit - too old to spell now - I'm a REAL GOB now!!!!

This message was edited Dec 25, 2005 3:47 PM

Good afternoon everyone!
Well, Christmas is over for us here. We had a very nice time both last night and today with family. Went to the DH's aunt's house last night. His parents, sis and her husband and the 2 nieces were there. We exchanged gifts and had a wonderful meal with snackies before hand. Ate too much. Got up this morning and went to church. Our church didn't have Sunday school today ... only Church. Then we went to the DH's sis's house for lunch. I only had to prepare a couple of dishes, so got off real easy this time. It was a wonderful Christmas. The DH was very surprised at his presents. Kota and I both had our stockings full of treats, and I had a CD by Mathew West. I also got a new bracelet, a cutting board and gorgeous placemats and napkins from his Aunt and Uncle.
Sarv, am so sorry to hear that you are having a stressful Christmas. Wish I was close and could give you a hug.
Maria, so glad to hear you had such a nice surprise last night and a wonderful time today.
Darius, I'll be glad when you get back to Molly's. Keep your chin up and know we love you.
Defoe, am glad things went well for you.
Kelly, sounds like you'll be having a great time tonight.
Hap, glad you had a nice Christmas.
Meezers, glad you're going to get to see the kitty cat again.
Well, I know I haven't spoken directly to everyone, but it's not because I'm not thinking about you. Our group is getting so big now. Thank you Julie, for bringing us all together. Can't tell you how much "coffee" has meant to me lately. Hears hoping everyone has had a wonderful Christmas eve and Christmas day and that you will be blessed beyond measure with good health, good friends and most of all peace.
Hugs&blessings ... Elaine

Happy birthdays, you're still babies from where I stand!! Carol and Okus, I remember 50, I think? Oh yeah, that's when things didn't hurt before you got out of bed!!! You know what they say, after fifty, it's just patch patch patch. Now that I have cheered you up....lol I hope you each had/have a wonderful day!

Pretty quiet around here, Alex DGS and Amie will be here soon. I found one of those Butterball turkey roasts in the freezer so that's going in the oven, and potatos are peeled. Corn thawing on the counter, along with the cranberries I cooked up at Thanksgiving. That's as far as I got with the menu...and likely as far as I intend to go. We had a big meal last night, so this will suit all of us.

Maria, I'm so glad you enjoyed your dinner, and Darius, I assume you have survived yours and are sneaking peeks at the door planning your escape....!

DD called and said she picked up the boys, but her sister wasn't feeling well and didn't come along. Probably just as well, they behave better without her presence. They did get on the phone and say thank you for their gifts. I'm sure they were prompted.

Ohh Kooger, I hope that black stuff does wash out!! My experience has been if you want to keep it,it's gone before you know it. And vice versa....you really need to take a picture for us!

Julie and Sarv,the day is almost over!! Maybe they got their spats out of their system yesterday....(we can dream, can't we?) None of ours do their fighting in public, and I don't get any undertones of sniping or nasty comments, so maybe ours get along pretty well. I know we have a great time when we get together, and maybe it's because we don't do it more than a couple times a year.

Better get to the kitchen, table to set,etc. Have a good evening, all of you ...lurkers included, and relax, it's over!!!

Gosh, forgetful jones here--- a very happy birthday to Carol!!!!! and hi also to Jan. Haven't heard from u for awhile - nice to see u around!

Thank you all for the Birthday wishes, but it isn't 50 for me M5, thats Kooger tomorrow - I'm 61 today. Yes you are right its a downhill slide after 50 - things ache that you didn't even know you had at 49!!
We went to DS first thing to open presents with the grandbabies, then out to mutual friends for Christmas lunch, had a lovely meal Turkey with all the trimmings. Her parents were over from the UK so us old uns had a good gossip. Then back to DS for a Birthday tea - cake and candles included. All the children have been remarkably good all day, only a couple of minor squabbles, soon forgotten. Santa brought me a new camera with a huge zoom lens, so I shall be having fun with that tomorrow. DH gave me a 12 month subscription to Curves for my birthday, (which was something I wanted, not an insult, I was just to mean to spend the $$ myself.) Aside from that I had some lovely flowers from DD in England, lots of smelly bath stuff, a Pashmena and a model house for my collection.
So all in all a lovely day.
Sarv I'm so sorry, what a day to pick to come out with that sort of news too. Hang on to all these hands we are offering you. Come and moan here when ever you need to let of steam, its what friends are for.
Maria so glad you went and extra pleased you had such a lovely day. ((((Samson)))
Darius hang in there, you will soon be back with Molly getting busy building stuff - just keep looking forward and ignore the stress.
Woofens glad things worked out for you this Christmas.
Robert - what a fortuate set of coincidences - apart from the robbery that is - it must be very satisfying to be in the right place at the right time like that.
To everyone else - keep smiling - and enjoy the rest of the holiday season.

Carol
The Odd One

Merry Christmas to all!!
We have had a wonderful peaceful prime rib dinner, just a close family friend and the five of us. Talked to extended family and best friends on the phone. My kids had a pretty good day. Both DD's were very happy, DS is a 16 1/2 yr old grump but did accidentally smile a couple times and I think tried to be a good sport.

It's pouring rain so we have about 18 inches of slush on the ground now, a real mess but at least it's not supposed to freeze. horses are tucked in and i snuck out to listen to them munch. The sound of horses munching in a cozy barn is one of the nicest sounds on earth. Maybe THAT's the real reason Jesus was born in a barn!! (no disrespect intended!)

Dh and I didn't do gifts since we don't need anything, although I got him a few books. I'm much happier not accumulating.

Janis, prayers and blessings still coming your way, even after the "sleigh crash" in your living room! LOL ! I'm so glad at least the material part came together for you and that Jeff and DeWayne were making progress in "peace negotiations". That has to lighten your heart!

sarv ~ prayers coming your way too, I'm sorry you had to be greeted by that turmoil...kids certainly can make and keep your heart black-and-blue can't they? Maybe that's the part of the Christmas story you need, the faith and courage Mary had to raise a son that was destined to die for us. I hope the day had gotten better for you.

Hostanquilts~ prayers for your DGS and your family, too, with DGS in Iraq for Christmas. Mary and Joseph were outcasts in a strange city when Jesus was born, so they've been there. I pray for comfort for all of you.

Maria~ Our dear friend Heide comes to our house for Christmas dinner, and we have always be grateful to have her as our honored guest and honorary grandmother. She grew up in Germany during WWII and her stories and experiences always fascinate us. i'm sure your neighbors treasure your presence at dinner as well! (Did they send home a "doggy bag"? ;-) And the DH's bottle of wine brought a tear...God Bless you!

Robert~ Beautiful story, thank you!

julie, carols odd and even, kelli, ann, kooger, elaine, pebble,bonnie and anyone I hope I havent' missed, blessings and peace.

And special prayers for peace for you darius at your sister's

merry Christmas!!

Just popping in to say MERRY CHRISTMAS!! A little late in the day, sorry, but have been going like a mad person. Made breakfast for DM and DF. Sis ended up coming early and joined us for breakfast. Then made dinner for parents and stepson and his family. Now preparing for tomorrow when DH's family will come over for dinner. That will be about Feeding about 13 tomorrow. Tomorrow night when everyone goes home I can put my feet up and browse through the books I got for Christmas. I got a northeast garden book and "The Backyard Orchardist".

Sarv - hope your day got better. ((((hugs))))

Maria - Glad you to to have dinner with your neighbor and I can't wait to go check out sampsons pictures.

Darius - Hope you get to Molly's soon.

To everyone I missed, hope you had a wonderful day, and I will be able to keep up with everyone better after tomorrow.

Here is a picture of DGD. Now that I have the hang of this I'll probably drive you all crazy with pictures. LOL

Merry Christmas to all. May you have had a blessed and joyous HOLY DAY.

Sarv I'm so sorry for the domestic problems. Both for you and the poor child who is caught in the middle. I gather the DGD is your son's from a former relationship since you mentioned that they just got married last summer. I know about kids who don't get along with spouse and what it does to family times.

Darius, I'm glad to hear you are doing ok. wherever you are headed for, I hope you get there soon and ok.

GOD bless and keep each and all of you.

Hi all
Just wanted to pop back in and give a big birthday wish to Carol. Am glad you've had a good day today.
Kooger, I'll be thinking about you tomorrow all dressed in your black. Hasn't been that long since I did that. LOL
Hostanquilts, just wanted to say thank you to both you and your son. My best friend's son is over in Iraq ... and it's a hard place to be. I hurt for both you and him. I know it must be very hard on families that are separated during the holiday season especially.
Once again ... Merry Christmas to everyone.
Hugs to all ... Elaine

Merry Christmas from a lurker. Wishing you all peace, health and hapines in 2006.
Dianne

Happy birthday Carol today and Kooger tomorrow. Black, oh my,......ROFLOL
Suzie, your DGD is a doll!!
Sarv, I hope things got better. Such a shame to act like that on Christmas.
Maria, I am glad you had the great Christmas visit. I thought it would go like that.

We had our Christmas last evening, DS came up from Tulsa and we opened gifts and went out to dinner at Monterey's. That is DH's favorite place to eat anyway. LOL

My daughter sent our gifts from Indiana since they couldn't make it down this year. It was disappointing (that they couldn't come, not the gifts, LOL). She sent me a Kitchen Aide cutting board and a Kitchen Aide set of knives with the wooden block to put them in. They are so nice! I managed to prepare a roast today with the potatoes, carrots and onions using my new paring knife without being injured. I went really slow, because they are sooooo sharp. Then when fixing the salad I poked a hole in my finger when slicing the tomatoes. It didn't want to quit bleeding right away, so I have a bandaid now. I am such a klutz. I didn't tell DD about that one. LOL

We were watching John Wayne movies most of the day, every time I sat down to watch, I went to sleep, missed the best parts, would get up do a couple of things, sit down again and go to sleep again. Must be tired, huh. Probably won't sleep tonight. We got Kingdom of Heaven on pay-for-view tonight. We thought we hadn't seen it, but actually we had. But we had paid for it so we watched it again.

It has been so warm here after that horrible cold. I am now griping about the warm. You just can't please me. It's just not right to be sooooo cold and then warm and go back to cold, all the while not getting any rain. I hope I have a garden left when spring makes it. :(

I know I left somebody out in the holiday wishes. But I hope everyone had a great Christmas and will all be back tomorrow and the next day here on DG.

Susan
=^..^=

I'll have to come back later (tomorrow...lol) to read everything that was posted today. I think I fell asleep quickly after everyone left this evening.

It was wonderful Christmas at my house...wish I could have shared it with all of you!

Happy Birthday...uh...uhoh...Let's see, I think Kooger and Okus? (Lost it!)
Anyway, I'll get it right tomorrow. hehehe

Tomorrow's Daily is UP in the Parking Lot.
Here's the link if you need it:
http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/564024/

~julie~