Best/Worse/??learnt today...Pt23 A visit with friends...

Morning all.

Rachel, I am SO sorry about your friends. I cannot imagine losing all of my possessions and basically my business (cows). So sad. I am glad they have friends like you and that other farmers are pitching in.

Betty, when do you leave for FL? We will certainly miss you while you're gone. Maybe you can find a PC somewhere and log on and say hi! I sure wish you were traveling thru VA but I understand having to deal with the mountains!

I think I am almost done with Xmas shopping. I just have to get a gas card for my nephew and then I think I'm done. Tomorrow is my last day here at the office until Jan 2. DH and I both have next Monday & Tues off with NO kids!!!! Woo Hoo!!

I forgot to tell you that we got our new mattresses but the actual bed is on back order until Jan. I told the company to bring me my mattresses and throw in a king frame so I could have my bed now! It is VERY comfortable! Of course they show up Friday with the mattresses - without calling to tell me they were coming. And they forgot the frame. So they went back to the store for the frame and I flew upstairs to take our bed appart and move it to the guest room. Now this is no ordnary bed. it's a queen size four poster shaker style bed. I had DD and one of her girl friends there and we pulled the mattresses off, I unscrewed the braced and popped the rails out and the girls were like "wow" that was quick. The worst part was vaccuming where the bed had been - YUCK! By time DH got home, I had the bed in the guest room and our room cleaned out. When the guys showed back up, they had a time getting the mattress up the stairs. they had to bend it slightly. UGH! So we're in our new bed and it's comfy. I just can't wait for the rest!!!

As for my kitchen, I haven't done anything but pull the border down and the curtains down. I'd love to tile the backsplash area. I've been looking for fabric that has that "Tuscany" feel but nothing yet. I'd LOVE new counter tops but DH said I can forget about that for now. DD now wants her (she thinks it's "hers") bathroom re-done in pink and brown so I might try to work on that after the first of the year.

Well, back to work for me. I will check in with y'all later!!!

J

GG..good to hear about getting the new mattress and frame. After all, the rest is just trimmings..and it will come.
Isn't it hard waiting for something you have your heart set on?
You will have to show us a pic when all is in place.

Here you go..
I'm about to start to make it.
I'll let you know how it tastes.


Caramelized Onion Dip

Ingredients:
1/3 cup herb or wine vinegar
3 tablespoons honey
1 large clove garlic, or two small, minced
2 cups sweet onions, diced
1 tsp. olive oil
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 cup plain yogurt, low fat or nonfat
1/3 cup mayonnaise, regular or light
1/3 cup sour cream, light or regular

Heat the oil in a large skillet. Add the onion and garlic.
Cover and cook on low for about 8 minutes or until soft.
Watch so the garlic does not scorch. Add the vinegar,
honey and pepper-stir well. Bring to a boil over medium
heat, and cook for 10 minutes without the cover or until
the onion is caramelized and turns a golden brown. Stir
occasionally. Combine the onion mixture with remaining
ingredients in a bowl. Cover and chill to develop flavors.

Table is set...I don't entertain very often....so it is fun to get out all the pretty things at Christmas.

Starzz- Your table is beautiful, I love the green on your walls!

Betty- I figured it out. We just need to make you a velcro belt and then put velcro on your wallet, phone, keys etc. Then you just stick them on and go! Sorry couldn't help myself :0)

GG- Enjoy your time off and remember to relax!

Thank you all for the prayers. Rachel

Good Day to all,
...Carol, what a lovely setting you created for your gathering! I hope that you hav a splendid time...The recipe looks devine..printing and will have to try it for our gathering at work, thanks for sharing.

Betty...Yay!! You have found everything, now you can relax and just have FUN..lol I mean more fun! Hope the Birthday gatherings is great.

Rachael..LOL too cute and I am inclined to agree.


Well, all hope you have a great day/evening.

Good thinking, Rachie. I was going to suggest that she put everything on a chain around her neck but I like your idea better. No point in drilling a hole in the phone!!


Beautiful dining table, Carol. I too love the green.

Liz, I haven't heard much from you...you ok?

Judy, when does your vacation start, I can't remember...I know when you are leaving, but don't know when your last day at work is.

OK, Ms. Betty......hold on to everything today! And don't knock that tiedyed hand around. You are gonna need it to drive.

Have a good rest of the day...gloomy here, but not too cold.....am thinking tomorrow might be a snow nite, though, from all that has been forecast.

we only had one snow last year, and it was like it decided to all fall at once. It was pretty for a day or so, then gone.

Later..

Starz it looks so homey and what a fair winning table setting.

Betty I swear I thought drive by shootings was only in the USA. Really.
Hi Liz you have a good day.

I missed my class last night because I have a cold.

Just practicing on my word and Power point and relaxing at home so I can maybe go out tonight with my Women's group, we are sponsoring a family in need for the holidays and they want to shop for the basket of gifts and food. I really don't feel good to go but I probably will go.

Best thing so far is I figured out how to set tabs because I was dreaming of it all night and dreaming wrong, but I did it. Have a test on Monday on all I have learned so far.

Worst is being sick and stressing about going out shopping with the girls at the meeting.

Hello..worked all day and finished the paddle with Paul's cottage on it..just have to give it a few coats of varnish tonight and Robert can have it as he's the one who is giving it to Paul for Christmas...so, I'm sitting here proud as a peacock..I've accomplished all that I had given my word on, that is a great feeling of accomplishment...

Won't be late/late tonight as the boys are all going to the Colts Hockey game so I'm picking up a few things tonight and home to bed I go...

We were having lunch in the boardroom and Wayne said that I had green/blue paint all over my hand, should wash before I eat...hello/hello it's black and blue for a reason..lol..

Jeannine, sounds like it was quite a lot of work to get that bed installed...before you know it, the new one will arrive...enjoy your two days without children, just you and DH..sounds like you both could use a 'date day' lol...

Nothing like being ready to go home, here I am sitting with coat on the chair, 3 bags of paint/patterns/ boots/paddle(oar), purse almost in hand just ready to go...

Liz and Dawn, hope you are enjoying your day!!!

Will gab when I get home..will try to take a photo of the oar before I put the finishing coat on...talk later

I'm taking all of your suggestions to heart..my SIL just handed me 3 weeks pay in cash, told me to put it somewhere safe so will once I reach Barrie put it into my banking account..use interact..much safer...

Shar, my last day of work it tomorrow at 1:00pm...not soon enough lol love my job but am anxious for a rest...

Snowed most of the day..it's stopped but looks ready to start again..thankful it's just pretty not stormy..

Carol..want to check you dinner table but will wait until I post..lost enough of my posts to know, do not look at photo's until you press send..right?

Dawn, we cross posted...you stay in bed young lady..you wouldn't want to spread what you have however minor .. Christmas is not a good time for anyone to be sick..so, hot bath, into your jammies and an early night for you! Am sure the other girls will do fine in the shopping department..they'll appreciate your not wanting to pass it on...

It's that time of night..just got in from Barrie so it's been a long day..getting quite stormy out there, it's not sure if it wants to rain or if it wants to accumulate mega snowfall, so am glad I'm in safely, money in the bank (lol) and it's off to have a hot bath and early night..tomorrow I've but 4 hrs. to work.. almost 2 to get there and 2 to get back then the 4 hrs of work...doubt it will be a snow day..

Kyle enjoyed his birthday dinner...love the buffets..although I had eaten around 1:30 so wasn't that hungry but had fruit and desert..walways room for that..

Thought I'd post a photo of Paul's cottage that I finished today..need to varathane so thought I'd take the photo before so I don't get the glare...am sure he'll like it...

Great job, Betty.......everybody will love that. Excellent!!!

Sleep well.

Better do my night post before I doze off here at computer...

Carol, bet you are enjoying your friends right about now...Dawn..sure hope you stayed home and are healing..Greg making you hot chocolate and the works..Shar..when will you start your mural...Liz, you've probably cut every piece of wood in DH shop by now making Xmas gifts...Judy Babe...bags all packed?
Jeannine, one more day and you are off as well and yes, if it weren't for the mountains I'd be having coffee with you on my way down...Gita, did you have your craft class this week and what did you make...Rachel, you must be away working with friends ..you'll be able to be a certified builder by the time you finish..

Best..managed to pick up a heating pad seat cover for BIL Lenny (Suzanne's hubby) as he always takes an interest in my car, making sure I look after it...just plain old looking that I look after myself...he's a bad back so thought it might help in the truck...as well another specialty flashlight that has tripod so it stands on it's own while working (think I do that as well) hmmm, gift certificate from Chapters for Caleb..think on my e-mail it says that the pogo stick is in at sears...will have to pick it up tomorrow..already paid for thank goodness....

Worse...new guy at work, of course to make him feel in the loop started gabbing about Christmas..asked him what he was getting his wife for Christmas..forgot that they are very short of funds and will put all $$$ they have for gifts for the kids..I no sooner asked and saw his face that I wanted to kick/kick myself..sometimes I just don't think...

Have a few pieces or art (lol) that won't have a home..made extra's at the workshops so think I'll bring some in tomorrow and tell him I've nowhere to store them till next year..complain about it, ask him if he can take a couple off my hands...will have to do it with diplomacy though so he doesn't catch on..Suzanne was telling him about the all the pieces that are just in limbo so I'm sure I'll get away with telling a little white lie...

What did I learn today...well, nothing wrong with mom, no cancer! Isn't that wonderful, so guess we are back en-route for a Florida trip..

Just as I was coming indoors tonight heard the news..another storm front arriving in our area and that of southern Ontario so perhaps it won't be Sunday but will have to be Monday before we leave..we'll see

Must say goodnight to all of you wonderful people...sure wish you lived closer...


Phone just rang..spoke too soon, mom just said she notice a lump the size of an egg just below her ear, called her Dr. and she goes to see him tomorrow morning am..now we'll wait for that outcome...prayers please lol..

Night all..

So very cold at 4:10 in the morning..why am I up at 4:10???going to have hot chocolate..talk later this morning..snow has stopped for now but it's extremely cold..stopping in Barrie for breakfast, working only till 1:00 so short day...

morning all,

shar, im ok just a busy bee trying to decorate i think this weekend i just may be ready to post pictures omg the house is just unbelieavible good grief cant find the table green tubs all over the nice back room is a furniture storage area i think if i asked the company merry maids to come over and clean they would walk in and say your crazy and leave lol so i guess saturday is cleanning day lol.

dawn couldnt help bit giggle a little at your drive by , dosnt it just make you sick to hear that i cant believe thease sick people have nothing better to do for entertainment, remember how different it was when we were little things were so much better we could walk unattended to the store go out at night play outside, even go visit the old couple and chat for hours neighbors knew each others names strangers said hi in passing what i wouldnt give for the good old days again... hope greg had a great party.

carol, i really like the setting and the bold green wall is just perfect i have been wanting to do something different from the hospital white all thease years maby it will be part of my new year resolution dont know whatdh might say? lol

rachel, lol that was a good one.. velcro belt for betty i laughed oh im not going to say i might get in trouble lol how is the family doing that lost everything? just feel so bad for them.

jennine, great job all done with shopping, finally part of your bed oh i bet your so excited to get the rest cant wait to see a picture, brown and pink nice combo like those two togeather, you enjoy all your time off well deserved.

betty, oh i hope the lump is nothing well my mom's( lung cancer) was a bad cold with brochatis im telling you she will drive anyone nuts! lol my sis and i just shake our head she has to have a tooth pulled jan 14th can you imagine all the ailments that is up for grabs between now and then lol

oh the wood pile hmmm well dont see much around so i guess if we go see the inlaws this weekend im going to have to sweet talk fil cause i know there is a pile in the attic now just how would i know such a thing? guess it from being sneaky and nosey lol omg the paddle is beautiful you painted the house to its just great! i'll have to take a picture this man has so much tools and things i sneak out there and bring thing back in the house and say what is this do you need it and he says take it its like a mini hd tool corral lol.
now you must be getting so excited to head out this weekend i know will sure miss not hearing from you but im sure you'll find a computer here and there.
omg look at this 5.26 still have to get in the shower have less than two hours to get out of here its freezing now dont laugh its 36 out side.
laura, hope your doing good
everyone else have a good day liz

Met with a client in Barrie, weather wasn't the nice driving up to that point but once our meeting was over it had cleared somewhat so arrived at the office at 10am..2 1/2 hrs. to go..lol..I'll be clock watching..

Filled my car with pressies, when I get home it will be a trip into Midland and Penetanguishene to visit elderly relations and bring them their gifts, pick up food for my trays for tomorrow, buy myself 1 present and home I go..am hoping that I'll not have to go out of the house tomorrow, put feet up, Christmas music on and enjoy/enjoy !!!

Liz when we were kids the most dangerous thing people did to passer byers was drop things off an overpass once in a blue moon or shoot a bee bee gun, but today is a wierd world.

Betty that is a museum piece, it looks like an actual photo, not a painting at all. Wow, I had to clue that you were THAT talented. You and Shar could open a gallery of your own stuff together.

lol..Dawn..you should be in bed sipping on chicken noodle soup...Well office closed at 1:00 but a few issues came up so Suzanne and I are still here..all the others are off shopping...we'll be leaving shortly..

do any of you become so nutzy when it comes to family gifts..I set an approx. limit..then of course pick up this and pick up that..when everyone was so close to being finished, then this morning when I did another accounting of gifts I found even though I purchased another gift for each of Jeff's boys that they are still about $25.00 each less than what Greg's kids are receiving..budget was $250. each so now what...would you just leave it and hope no one else notices (am sure they know the pricing) that a couple got a little less????drives me crazy...guess I'll be back shopping...

Well, I'll gab to you later tonight when I've settled in for the night..

Dawn, before signing off just wanted to let you know that I started to paint the oar and ran out of time..I did learn a new technique many years ago that I use on different projects..it's applying a solution to a photo several times, insert in water, sit very patiently and remove the entire paper backing from the photo until only a paint skin appears then it can be applied to canvas etc. I did paint my home on a large canvas and did the process adding my children from birth as well as Roger and I and my grandparents and their grandparents..with treasurers added to the canvas...gave it to Greg and Melanie last year I believe...so, when I saw the other day that I would not be able to finish the paddle for Robert so he could give it as a gift, I did this technique, because the photo they gave me was not great, I did paint sections of the house to enhance it..so not very artistic..just a brave crafter...

Doesn't matter how you did it, Betty, it is beautiful and one of a kind.

It has been a lovely day here, about 50 and sunny. Should be colder and maybe icy by tonight, though.

I went outside for a little while and fed the birds, so they will be happy no matter what comes along.

Dawn, hope you are feeling better, and Liz , so good to hear from you.

morning all,

betty its still wonderful and very very clever!
now you be safe on your trip you hear?

hellnz, this world is crazy for sure. the things youngens find funny is beyond me but i have to admite that i still remember doing silly things that ithought were funny when i was young that i know now were stupid. its the flow of things you know.

gosh your all so busy i cant keep up. xmas seems even busier for you all than thanksgiving! as for the gift thing, you are more than generous betty and i dont think anyone would notice $25. i am sure if they are anything like you they will love and be overwhelmed by what you have purchased with love for them.

went to scrapbooking group last night with both my DD. wasnt bad to chat with girls and such. did some pics fo chloe when she was a baby.

was going to do the lawns today but its raining. we need it but gosh i wish i could have cut them first. our grass guy is overseas and the lawns are a mess!

well another day begins so off i go. shar i have those shells ready to post and i picked up a little gift as well, nothing much just something from australia for him. will try and get to post it today as yesterday i forgot! lol

have agood one all and take care

xx

Hope you all had a good day. I feel bad still but I won't die over this. I went to my friend's house and watched her dogs while she had an open house to sell her scented wax stuff.

Best thing was being home and knowing Greg and I are not doing anything this weekend.

Hi everyone. I've been MIA for awhile. So much going on right now it's not even funny! Hope everyone is ready for the holidays and stays safe.
Betty be safe on your trip and have a good time.

Evening all...got delayed at work till 3pm rather than 1-m because of some unexpected issues..Suzanne would have had to go in one day next week had we not stayed..so, it cut visits short..visited Uncle Alan, then Aunt Exilda & Uncle Louis and then BIL and his wife Lorraine to give them all their gifts...dropped into the mall and purchased 2 more gifts, NOW everyone is even...lol...

By the time I got home had such a headache..took some exedrin migraine and it eased it somewhat..Kyle and Noah are here for the night..Kyle's birthday and he's keeping his gifts for tomorrow..

Was just getting into bed when Jeff called and said he'd decided to come up from the city tonight instead of the morning so am waiting up for them...

Guess I can leave all the boys with him in the morning and head into town to get a birthday cake for 6, Christmas baked goodies from the bakery and fruit/veggie trays, then home and feet up and enjoy my day...so I'm off..nice reading all your posts..am sure somewhere in my day tomorrow I'll be gabbing with you all...

Best...enjoyed seeing the smiles when I gave my gifts..funny Aunt Exilda left the living room and I could hear her in another room going thru her purse..she came out with a card..knew she had put money in it..so, told her how much I love getting cards, opened it up and she'd put $30.00 in it..I took it out of the card, thanked her very much for the thought but told her to treat herself and Uncle Louis to lunch..didn't want to hurt their feelings but being retired, living on pensions well it just wasn't necessary...

Worse..guess getting off late and everything getting mixed up where I didn't have the time to do everything I had planned.

What did I learn...that even though I love Christmas, oh how I wish for it to be all behind me..tomorrow and then it will...

Mom is doing ok..was a gland..doctor told her to drink lots/lots of liquid and she'd be ok..so back to plan A..

They are calling for the storm that is sweeping USA right now to arrive later tomorrow and will last well into Sunday so probably won't leave till early Monday morning...

Morning, must be as quiet as a mouse, everyone is sleeping soundly dreaming of what's to come today!!

I so do want to vaccum basement before I leave for town, now how does one do that quietly..lol

What a warm and heart felt feeling waking up to a house full of children and adults, knowing they are your own, that they are loved and love..

Thought I'd pop in before my day starts..do hope you accomplish all you have to do or simply enjoy your day...

Morning all,
I've been catching up on all the posts this morning as I have my coffee.
Betty...That paddle is wonderful..and it is interesting to hear about the photo technique.

Had a great time with my friends on Thursday night. Lots of food..It was sort of pot luck. I supplied the wine and liquers, appetizers and some honey glazed carrots, The Caramelized onion dip was a success. They brought Shishkabob, roasted chicken, scalloped potatoes, shrimp rolls, and dessert..and one girl brought persimmons..which I have never eaten before. They were all quite admiring of my festive decorations..which made me feel happy.
After dinner we went took our dessert coffee and liquers downstairs to what I call my Christmas room.
I had a little candle gift for each of them under the tree.
I took a photo with the timer on my camera.
Here we are..a happy bunch. I am the one on the far right in brown and white.

Morning1

Betty I never figured out how to vacumn quietly! Just waited. LOL Now whoever invents a quiet vacumn cleaner will make a fortune! What you said about family is so sweet. I think that is what I miss. You have a great day. Will be thinking of all the fun you are having.

Starzz that is a grand party you had. Well in my eyes anyway! What a great looking bunch and so glad it was fun and the food sounds delicious.

Liz our store room is back to normal. It feels so good to be able to manevour back there. I have to work today the dreaded Xmas hours. Oh well it gives a few extra bucks towards new glasses.

Jeanine your story of the bed was funny. That would be me also. I;m trying to go by memory and its not going good.

Hope to be back later.

morning all,

betty i think you might have to wait to vacume lol.
hope you have a wonderful day with all the family today
hope santa is good to you as well.

vicki, oh i bet your relieved all those 4 pallets we got its all out and we have nothing to sell lol they were comming in buying like crazy all the gift sets we have.
now our end caps are so bare can only stretch out product so many feet to look full not looking foward to the next couple of weeks having to listen to them complain why there is nothing... it just kills me not to say wait till the last minute and look what your going to find
if i remember i'll take a picture of our load and store its a chore to keep clean and orderly.

carol, you had a wonderful visit you all look like a happy bunch enjoying your get togeather oh persimmions are my favorite i have both tree's the fuyu and the hachya i know i just spelled that wrong lol

judy, are you unburried yet lol me neither

shar, is the sun still out lucky you !

dawn hope you feel better

laura, how are things with you? with all your beautiful shell's have you thought of making a bracelett with them instead of beads?

jeannine, hope your enjoying your time off today did you finish the pillow covers yet
how is murphy doing.

cat, welcome back hope your doing good to

rachel, what are you up to

tropicanna, where are you hidding?

well dh wants me to help him patch the roof :( lets see how much of my stuff i can squeeze in this morning dinner ready put on a beef stew in the crock pot before retiring nice feeling to have dinner ready at 5.00 this morning one less task to worry about lol
hope everyone has a wonderful day liz

Liz I tell customers now if they see something to buy it now because it won't be here later! It's the truth and it does help with sales. Yes I have to figure out something for supper since I get home an hour later tonight. That way DH doesn't have to worry about it. Yes I do let him figure it out on his own sometimes!

Liz..the lady who brought the persimmons told me she has family living in California..and in fact she lived there once herself.
She told me her family has persimmon trees in their garden too.
Your Christmas card arrived yesterday. My neighbour was getting her mail at the same time and we chatted and she remarked on the cute stamps..teddy bears. Thanks so much. Also in the mail was my Christmas gift to myself. LOL
The first season of The Golden Girls. It has 25 shows on it. It will be fun to watch.

Hi Ves..this is at the table....the three on the right side are still working at the Holiday Inn..the one on the left retired last spring...I retired a year ago...was a daytime bartender for 35 years there...the others are hostesses and waitresses.
I have some leftovers from dinner.....all set cozy for the weekend inside..storm coming they say.
Cheers to all,
Carol

Morning all....
Betty, check out today's DG's articles, one of them is mine and I wrote it especially for you because you like little fun crafty things.....

I hope you all have a great day, Ethan will be here in a little while....let the fun begin!!!!!

Later

Sharran,
Great article..you have given me inspiration. I have wild grapevines and also wisteria here..I may venture out and gather some. Loved the folkore story about wreaths. ..So well written..and to be taken back to your time in the woods was fun.

Well done!
This is the path to the back where the wild grapevines grow

Cheers,
Carol

Thanks so much. That is a great picture, you should post it in the thread that follows my article, the photo makes me want to be there! A real "Nature's Walk"., and in your backyard, Carol.....Wow!!!

carol, beautiful entry to the garden

ok here is a couple pictures do any of you make thease with your xmas cards?

and another

Lookin Wonderful, Liz!!!! good for you.

How did you make the card tree Liz? That's a great idea!

Liz,

I cut the fronts of my cards up into gift tags.
Take a "discerning look" at the picture on the front. Decide where you an cut it out and fold it in half so that a pretty part of the picture shows and the inside is blank. You can get 3-4 tags out of one card sometimes. Pretty edges, small birdies, a holly bough, etc.

Then use thm on all your gift packages. If you need to hang the tag. punch a hole in one corner and attach a ribbon. Why spend $$ on gift tags when you can have oodles of them for free?

Gita

OMG all these post and want to reply to each and everyone of them..so much to do before relaxing..so tonight when all is quiet I'll be posting...had company all morning...Darlene and Mike dropped in with gifts..tool set..every possible wrench/screwdriver etc...LOVE getting tools..imagine...and then Darlene gave me $100.00 US so I could buy myself a treat..so, so far it's a good day...

Here are 2 of my rugrats..gave them games for their birthday..opened them up last night so it's play time for them..anxiously awaiting more presents..lol

Shar, how lovely, where do I find the write-up..not familiar where they keep everything on DG...

Will treasure my 'angel' her wings are feathers and her wings and hands move while holding lights..so pretty! love her...

cat i have a pattern if you want i could send it

betty how exciting for you the boys look just as happy as larks

gita, now thats a great idea never thought of that.

ok one more

betty, when you go to your DG homepage, the articles for the day are listed to the right of your watched threads. Enjoy.

Liz, great tree. You hang in there, darlin.

gita, me too....use old Christmas cards for tags.

You all have a good day.