Coffee and... For Friday, Dec. 30, 2005

Hi There,

Dropped a couple of hundred $ (Canadian variety) in two grocery stores. One large chain - Loblaws, demolished a large store near us (and the north third of the mall they were in), leaving us without a nearby Loblaws for over a year while they built a superstore. That store seems to be more interested in selling all the other crap - not food. The food items are always poorly stocked. Can't tell you how many discussions I've had with the grocery managers in the past year in particular (it's been open now for almost 2 years). And the nutritious items are nearly always on the top shelf where I can't reach them. I'm 5'5" which is pretty average height and I get royally annoyed (think I'd get a language warning if I said something else?) when I have to literally climb up the shelves to reach the stuff on the top shelf. And that's IF they even have it. Today I was looking for Ketchup. That's pretty basic, I would think. Finally I asked another shopper where she thought it should be. And then I saw the open spaces on the shelf and a few industrial sized cans of the stuff. Since it goes into a sauce, I settled for Chili sauce instead.

Anyway, made about 120 meatballs this evening which are now in the porch cooling (freezing if I'm lucky) before I stow them in the freezer until the party. Tomorrow I start on squares. Not too many as I've got all the cookies from the cookie exchange. It still looks as though I could have about 100 people drop in to this party, though I generally start to lose people as the date gets closer - they get sick, or they were away during the holidays and didn't respond right away that they couldn't come (it's regrets only), or we get freezing rain which cuts down on those who are willing to venture out.

wallaby, that chestnut mushroom fresh soup with thyme and taragon sounds wonderful. What interesting flavours to blend.

Guess I'll sign off and venture downstairs to watch the news and crochet a bit. Hope everyone has a good night.

Ann

This message was edited Dec 30, 2005 10:04 PM

Thought I'd check in before turning in. We wound up having fried fish, cheese grits, cole slaw and hush puppies for supper. It was good but sure makes a mess. LOL
Kelly, know what you mean about keeping the peace. ;) As long as he's parked in front of the TV, he doesn't care what I'm doing ... but sometimes he walks through my office and I *know* he's thinking I need to get up. LOL

To those of you who are trying to get sick ... STOP trying! To those of you already sick ... take care of yourself and stay warm. Love to all.
... Elaine

Elaine,
Even if he's in front of the TV, he still grinds on me for being on the puter so much. I was in the living room with him watching TV,,,when the commercials come on or if it's a particularly boring program to me, I'll read,,,tonight he says, "What are you reading?" I showed him the cover,,,he says "Honey why don't you read something worth while",,,I started laughing,,,,said, "Gosh you pi$$ and moan about everything",,he started laughing,,,,,I actually got him a sweatshirt that says Official member of the Pi$$ and Moan about everything club,,,,,told him it should say President,,,,ROFLOL.

That dinner Does make a HUGE mess,,,,but sounds sooooo good,,,LOL

O.K.,,,now I'm gone,,,,,poof

There is still some of that orange cheesecake left. I'll leave it out for a late night snack or if someone wants it for breakfast tomorrow.

Wallaby - that soup sounds delicious.

ViolaAnn - making food for that many people would make me crazy. I worry about not having enough food when I only have 15 over. I always make too much and have lots of leftovers.

Good night everyone! Sweet dreams!

Well I am finally able to sit down and read all of your posts for the day, I won't comment individually on each one, but I am constantly amazed at the variety of subjects we come up with. It is just like sitting around the table having a conversation with friends. I love it. DH rested after he came in from the hospital. He didn't get much sleep last night, and with the phone calls, etc. didn't rest much either. His family is a large one, and somebody will be at the hospital for the duration. The nurse in intensive care gave him the phone number and told him to call at any hour. He called at about 10:00 and DMIL is resting well. All vitals are good, and she has been awake and aware. So all is looking good. However, the Dr. did tell the family that there are several complications that could happen. I guess that they have to do that in case something comes up. So now on to the recouperation. She will be in the hospital for about 10 days, and will be sent to a rehab facility for another undetermined length of time. I do really appreciate all your prayers and thoughts for DMIL, DH and me today.We have had about 20 calls to check about the surgery. This community is great.

Well, in general I will comment. New kitties, Meezer, he is so cute. That is a great idea, about checking with the Thai restaurant people for suggestions for a name. My DH never complains about what I cook. I always ask if there is something that he wants specifically, but if he doesn't suggest anything, I cook what I want. He said that he worked with enough men that complained about what the wives cooked, that as long as there was food, and I was good enought to cook it, he will eat it.

Hap, ((( )))'s to you. I know that it must be very hard to see your dad like that. Just look at old photos and remember the happier times.

Susieq, cheescake sounds wonderful. That is my favorite dessert.

GardenGeek, Sorry about your customer. Do you think we all start replacing DH with OC?

Magoobu, It is not easy dealing with behavioral problems. But hurrah for you. Hope you enjoyed the acquarium.

ViolaAnn. 100 guests? Do you need help? Grrr to grocery stores that don't carry what you want.

101 Hope they find out what your DF's problem is. Hey, that supper sounds wonderful. You didn't answer me about the sweet potato fries. I am southern ya know, and I hate not knowing about southern food.

MaryE, sorry about your power loses, and the lost post.

Maria, give a hug to Samson for me.

Kittymom, would rather see your pic. Thanks for the prayers and thoughts.

Sarv, Oh no, snow and 5". Please keep it there. We are having thunderstorms tonight. temps to be in the 40's tomorrow.

Carat, thanks for the well wishes.

Wallaby, that soup sure sounds good.

Well, I am tired, after taking DM to Dr. office for blood tests today,and encountering all the sick people, feel the sniffles. Have started taking the Ziacom, and will look for the Airborne tomorrow. Going to bed now, hopefully to sleep a deep and dreamless sleep.

Good night all.

dcat,

LOL,,,Yes I do,,,they are all OC's as far as I'm concerned,,,I have told him the same thing. His friends keep telling me he's the woman of the house,,,,he get's moodier and naggier than I do,,,LOL

Kelly

Tomorrow's Daily is up in the Parking Lot.
Here's a link if you need one:
http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/565264/

~julie~

(D.Cat, I'm SO glad to hear things went well for your DMIL...give your hubby a big hug for me. He has to be 'something' else to go through what he's been through today. I'm sure he'll give *you* one from me. ((((~You and yours~)))