Happy Sunday. One week until Christmas Eve! This year is drawing to a close in quick fashion.
I hope this finds you all well and safe.
It is a wet, wet morning here. Gloomy and dark. Starting tomorrow, it will get pretty darn chilly for much of the week - warming by the weekend again. I would say a white Christmas will not be a thing here. I have no problem with that, but I know many love snow for Christmas.
This week has been a blur. To say it wasn't a frugal week is an understatement - but this time it is OK with me! An update: Thursday evening Blackie came home. He was still pretty out of it and was stumbling and weak. BUT he ate like a starving baby! (I am sure he felt no pain). Friday not so much. He has gone through all the symptoms they mentioned. Dilated eyes, not so hungry, antsy, nervous and jittery, loving, etc.
Since the night he came home, nothing seems to smell or taste good to him. Have tried everything. He wants dry food sooooo bad, and he can't have it. I get it soft with water - but that isn't how he wants it. Canned chicken in tiny pieces and juice has been eaten a little (tuna didn't hit the spot), and this morning I actually gave him a little room temp milk (he loved that). Just going along and waiting for his normal appetite to come back.
Bits just love him to pieces. She wants to play, but he isn't into that, but tolerates it.
I actually watched a couple old movies yesterday. I am not a big movie watcher. I have seen Prancer this year, and a couple other normal Christmas shows. Yesterday was The Shop Around the Corner - 1940. It had Jimmy Stewert and even some of the other actors from It's a Wonderful Life. I also watched Holiday Affair, with Robert Mitchum and Janet Leigh (1949). Both were quite good. I know the 2nd one is on You Tube, not sure about the first one.
My week:
- Had our sibling dinner on Sunday at sis's. That was a lot of fun - lots of laughs and many old stories shared.
- Sis sent home a lot of yummy leftovers
- I got home canned goods, home made yummies, cash and a gift card for Kroger
- I saved the pretty bags and all the tissue paper to re-use
- Vet - not frugal, but needed to be done. He was such a good boy!
- Been using a lot of scented holiday scent candles. I just love all the scents of the season.
- Did go to Kroger Friday. Rec. 4X gas points that day. I got myself some fresh produce and a few different flavors of cat food. Bought one more gift card as a gift.
- Did wrapping. I am dropping off some gifts this afternoon at brothers - for them to take to my nieces family this week. My niece is taking the kids to Disney for 2 weeks and won't be home for Christmas.
- FINALLY mailed my cards! Thank you to those who have sent me one!!!! Much appreciated.
Meals this past week:
Luncheon at sis's
Roast, mashed pots, mac cheese/broccoli & pie (from sis)
Chicken strips, salad and leftover mac & cheese (from sis)
Taco salad
Burrito (using leftover taco meat)
Sliders and salad
Smoked sausage, steamed veggies and garlic toast
How has your week been? Did you get any deals? Finished shopping and wrapping? Any events attended? I have a luncheon tomorrow w/gals from grade school. That will be fun.
Are you baking?
Give us a shout out and let us know what is going on in your little piece of the world.
I hope you all have a lovely, restful and beautiful pre-Christmas week. Stay safe and healthy. Please know, I keep each of you in my prayers.
Blessings to you and yours from my humble little home.
*****************************
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise dispenses knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.
Proverbs 15:1-2
Dear Lord, again we thank You for this day. Please guide each of us, through the holidays and what can be hard times for many. Let us be kind, let our words be gentle, and let out hearts be caring. Help us each to know that goodness and kindness always rise above anger and meanness. Thank You for all our gifts we receive each and every day. AMEN
My neighbors & the little had a successful Christmas tree hunt on Thurs with an early bkft beforehand. Jaci repeatedly said, "HI, Mona," as she came up the steps to the front door. Such fun. Cousins came for an overnight visit on Fri & we decorated the tree together. That's the first time I've decorated a tree with someone for >20 yrs. Again, fun. I treated myself to a pedicure on Tues. Merry Christmas to me! I'm off to see the movie "Wonka" later this afternoon after gift wrapping. I'm a procrastinator when it comes to gift wrapping; why? In the kitchen: cranberry cornmeal, limoncella & cranberry snack cookies & eatmore bars for gifting; trout, roasted veg w/ green beans & rhubarb crisp; leftover carrot rice soup w/ open faced salmon buns; charcuterie. Have a good week, Cheryl.
ReplyDeleteOh how cute! So glad you decorated for someone. That sounds nice and I bet you DID enjoy it!
DeletePedicure sound extremely nice to me. A little pamper.
I do the same with wrapping - I wrap just before giving them out! I have always done that. It just seems like Christmas that way to me.
Have a wonderful week.
Good morning! It's 17 degrees out this morning (here). "A bit nippy," as Pop used to say. Monday and Tuesday will be nice, turning colder and wetter with a good chance of a white Christmas.
ReplyDeleteAs you know, Poppy was spayed on Tuesday. There are new vets at White Mountain Animal Clinic and she got a GOOD one. There were no visible stitches and her incision looks beautiful. She still has her t-shirt on to keep her from messing with it, but it's healed up enough that she and Blue can be together again.
On Friday, the PA said my x-rays look "beautiful." Bone is growing over all that metal. Before my appt., getting into the bathtub w/shower seat, the shower rod came crashing to the floor. I wasn't hurt other than my ego. But at that point I reached my ENOUGH moment with all of this, and later, getting out, was miraculously able to bear full weight on the surgical foot on a slippery surface with no pain or balance issues. I've been Vionic sneakers for 2 days. No more walking boot. I walk stiffly, but that's okay.
(to be continued...)
In my kitchen this week, I baked dozens of lemon crisp, butter sugar and Snickerdoodle cookies, all given away. Butter is softening in a bowl for Ginger cookies. I use a mix for that, but here's a recipe from Paint Pony Lodge (local) that provided a basket of fruit and cookies for guests between 1947 and 1963.
DeletePaint Pony Lodge Ginger Cookies
2 c. granulated sugar
1-1/2 c. shortening [not butter]
1/2 c. molasses
2 t. vanilla
2 eggs
4 c. flour
4 t. baking soda
2 t. each salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger and allspice
1-1/2 c. chopped glazed fruit
Blend sugar and shortening, add molasses, vanilla and eggs; beat well. In separate bowl, mix together flour, baking soda and spices. Mix all ingredients together, adding glazed fruit. Make large, walnut sized balls and roll in more granulated sugar; place on parchment lined cookie sheets and bake for 10-11 minutes in preheated 350 degree oven. Makes 5+ dozen cookies.
(to be continued)
All that said, you continue to amaze me every week, Cheryl! I'm glad Blackie is home, safe and recovering. Your meals (as always) sound tasty and it sounds like you got a few bargains, the vet bill not among them. LOL!
DeleteGrocery buys were the spiral ham, Italian sausage and canned green beans. We eat a lot of green beans! I was excited with a non-grocery buy of 3 sets of freshwater pearl bracelets (5 bracelets per set) for $5.52 to use for jewelry making next year.
Our family welcomed a new member when Elizabeth Kay was born on the 12th to our nephew and his wife in TX. So much nicer to welcome a new baby than loosing a family member--as happened last year.
My plan for the last weeks of this year is to take it easy. Gifts are wrapped; those sent have been received and local gifts distributed, other than for the neighbors. Christmas cards have been mailed. I feel--as always--very blessed and grateful. Peace to all as 2023 winds down. Stay healthy, safe and as happy as you can be. --Elise
Glad you are done with boot. Just take it slow and don't outpace yourself.
DeleteI am glad Poppy is healing nicely. That is pretty quick.
Sounds cold there. YUCK!
Thanks for the recipe.
Love sweet babies. Congrats to the family on the new addition.
Sounds like a good plan. Enjoy this week and stay calm and peaceful. Get some rest.
Have a lovely week.
Hi Elise. So glad to here your good news about your foot. Also wanted to thank you for some time ago mentioning making cookies with cake mixes. I used one that I had to make cookies adding dried cranberries, white chocolate chips and pistachio nuts. Hubs said they were delicious. I brought them to his surgeon's office for the staff. They were thrilled as no one had ever brought them Christmas treats before. Cookie
DeleteThank you, Cookie. I'm so glad that worked out for you. Most here know I'm a "baking mix" kind of gal who just plays with basic recipes. Those cookies sound delicious! The surgeon's office (on Friday) was thrilled with the cookies and gift bags I brought in. It's (sadly) become an unusual thing, but I'm my mother's daughter. ;-)
Delete--Elise
Hi Elise, that is plum wonderful that you don't have to worry about that boot anymore! So great and the vionic tennies sound wonderful. I love my tennies for casual, we can't beat them right? And the report they gave you is such a huge blessing! That is a real PTL!
DeleteThank you so much for the recipe, Elise, I may try those, they sound so yummy!
You are so sweet, bringing those delicious cookies to the surgeon's office. I bet that made you sooooo happy! Love that!
I hope you are having a sweet Sunday and that Poppy is healing quickly and it sounds like she is! That is so great.
God bless you Elise, (The cookie angel!) ~Amelia
Thank you, Amelia. The staff was so happy, which made me happy. I can't say I'm any kind of angel, though. LOL!
DeleteI got a good nap today while the guys were out at the shooting range. Now our son is helping with Ginger Cookie baking. I'd call it a GREAT Sunday. :-D
--Elise
Yes, a GREAT Sunday. That is wonderful, Elise!
DeleteI put a direct clip up of the 'Heelot' scene with Walter Brennan at the bottom of my new blog if you would like to see it. Enjoy!
~Amelia
Thank you, Amelia. As I wrote at your blog, now I know what a Heelot is! LOL! --Elise
DeleteI love your prayer. Amen!!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a really nice week. I'm glad to hear Blackie is doing well and that both cats are getting more and more comfortable inside. That is awesome.
I hope this week is a good one as well.
Thank you.
DeleteThey are doing well together. I sure hope his mouth heals up quickly so he can eat more.
Have a great week.
Such wisdom in Proverbs! The holidays can be brutal for some folks, family squabbles, loneliness, depression.
ReplyDeleteThe lunch with your siblings sounds perfect! A good meal with loving family and then yummy things to take home for later.
Glad Blackie is doing okay. Such a cute picture.
Gloomy today, perfect for curling up with a book and possibly napping. The forecast shows temps too warm for snow.
Yes, Proverbs is great. I feel so badly for those who just have a hard time during this seasonal time.
DeleteIt was a blast. Sis always has great food and sends everything home - she doesn't like leftovers! Not sure how we can be related. LOL
Yep, gloomy for sure.
Have a lovely week.
Hi Cheryl! Happy Sunday Morning to you and everyone! Awww....I'm so glad your Blackie is doing well, that is just so incredibly sweet the way Little Bit is so attached to him! That just warms my heart!!! What a blessing those two little angels will be to you! : )
ReplyDeleteI love the meme, it's so true. There is a lot of Peace in that. I also love the scripture and prayer.
It sounds like you have been having a lot of fun, and I think that's great. You asked if we've had any outings, no, just leisurely outings to pick things up at the store but no social outings and that's fine by me. It's very peaceful like that. ; ) I'm an only child.
Oh don't you just love those two old b/w movies!!! Shop around the Corner is one of hubs favorite movies and I love that other one with those rascals, Mitchum and Leigh, such a cute, cute movie!
This past week we stopped by Trader Joes in the city, it's always so fun there! An adult playground for foodies! lol They have Ezekial bread a couple of dollars cheaper a loaf there so i always buy two. Bought some goat cheese there, yummy! I love popping that in my mouth when I'm hungry through the day. We picked up a couple of jars of fig butter, one for us and one for 'Joycie', it's $2.99 a jar and not bad for a decent size jar of a specialty food. Joycie had requested I please pick one up for her.
I'll be back later too, to read other's comments. Beautiful pics of the fur babies. Oh you must be so proud of them!
No pressure at all, I feel like a schmuck mentioning my blog but I have a funny little story there about not succumbing to becoming a Heelot! It almost happened! Yikes! And some awfully pretty music too.
Christmas time hugs dear friend, ~Amelia
Thank you, Amelia! I left a comment. (((Hugs))) --Elise
DeleteP.S. Hubs, who isn't into movies, says he might like to watch the OLD movies with me, as they "don't have all the modern cr-p in them". LOL!
P.S.S. How I wished we lived close to one another. We'd have so much fun making freshwater pearl jewelry! Honestly, I think I was born in the wrong era. --Elise
DeleteAmelia - Saw your blog - lovely. I am enjoying the holidays for the first time in a while. Just enjoying the outings.
DeleteI am not a big movie person, but these were really good.
Never been to Trader Joes. It sounds like fun.
The babies are just a joy. We get closer each day.
Have a beautiful week.
Thank you Elise! : ) That's funny, tell your husband it's the truth too! Nothing like those old movies for so many reasons! : )
DeleteOh making pearl jewelry would be so fun! I know how you feel, I always tell people I would have fit in great in the 40s. ~Amelia
You know, Amelia, in Jr. High I was a HUGE old movie fan. My friends teased me about it. That's when I began to say I thought I was born in the wrong era. (((Hug))) --Elise
DeleteYes, Elise, once in a while when I was young I too was so very attracted to the old black and white movies when they did come on tv. It bothered me even back then the direction the culture was going in, I knew it was not good and it grieved my heart. I was in the middle of it with the kids from nasa coming in our sweet town, it hit me in junior high, it seemed like all hell let loose. We accepted them but they did not accept us so much, they spread liberalism to our area and what they loved about our area they changed. My father was a city councilman and oh the stories...
Delete(((hugs))) ~Amelia
For me, Amelia, it was more "in home", so to speak. My older brother (as I've mentioned, and God rest his soul) was in Vietnam. He came back with... issues. Moved to CA, 3000 miles away, and lived a very Hippy life. My Sis was in college during the women's movement. Our mom was working. Younger brother and I were latch key kids. Our father was drinking heavily. Daily. It all felt so messed up. I was in Catholic school. In our 8th grade graduating class of 32 students, 2 girls were pregnant the following year. All of which to say, those old movies were appealing! I'm sure you can understand. --Elise
DeleteHurrah for Elise! No boot!!!!. Happy Dance!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd what a beautiful name for your new member. And with traditional spelling. I'm not a fan of the made up names or oddball spellings.
I have to confess that I don't know what is meant by "glazed" fruit???
We will meet with my siblings for an early celebration, then have an early Christmas with son and chickadees. The chickadees are LOVING the little gifts each day before Christmas. The glove gifts they made were big hits. They mostly wanted to give them to their teachers. All ideas I got here. Thanks to all for sharing.
Ellie
Central Az
Sounds like you have some nice days coming up. I am glad to hear that. Love that the glove gifts were a hit! Cool. So easy and inexpensive.
DeleteHave a fantastic week.
Ellie, I'm guessing it's the kind of fruit that goes into Fruitcake, but I'd think dried fruit like raisins, dates, etc. would work. I also think you could use good quality GF flour (like King Arthur's), but you might need to play with the recipe a bit? I don't do much GF baking. Yes, I'm ready to be done with the whole foot-surgery-recovery thing after more than 3 months, trusting that in time I'll walk normal. (((Hug)))
Delete--Elise
Ellie, any news on your husband's medical test schedule? I've been praying about that. (((Hug))) --Elise
DeleteSo glad to read Blackie is home and will soon be fully recovered and that Lil Bits has her buddy back. Fur babies are so sweet. It looks like you had a wonderful week.
ReplyDeleteThis week just flew by as we hit the ground running getting ready for the third, and I hope final skin cancer surgery for hubs. This time on his upper back shoulder. I'm so grateful to his amazing surgeon. Surprisingly, some cookie baking got done and Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without Tiger fudge. So simple to make and only 3 ingredients : 3 cups of white chocolate chips melted, 1/2 cup peanut butter that gets stirred into the melted white chocolate chips. Pour this into a parchment lined 13x9 or 8 inch sqaure pan if you want thicker pieces. Melt one cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and drop dollops onto the top of the peanut butter mixture. Run a knife through it until it all looks marbelized or like tiger stripes. Chill . Remove from the pan and cut into squares. Freezes well.
It's cold and rainy here today and we're in the path of the storm up the east coast. Good day to get some more bakiing done. Cookie
Thank you. Hoping he heals quickly They are sure a joy.
DeleteI hope all your hubby heals quickly from that surgery. Here's hoping it is the last one!
YUM. That fudge sounds good. Thanks for the recipe.
Second easy recipe for fudge I got this week.
Chilly and rainy here too. Hope the storm bi-passes you.
Take care. Have a great week.
Thank you for the fudge recipe, Cookie. I have all the ingredients to try it! Saying prayer this is the end of the surgeries for your husband and that he heals fast w/o incident.
Delete--Elise
I still don't have decorations out yet. At this point I think I'll wait until Christmas eve.
ReplyDeleteThe house is back together after the re-piping.
But I do not have all the stuff back into the cabinets. Too much going on. I get to it as I can. Plus I'm trying to complete some Christmas presents. Plus I took my mother out shopping two days and watched my grandson. My house is a bit of a disaster.
My oven hasn't been working since Oct. We thought it was finally ok the day before Thanksgiving. I baked my pumpkin pie and then it stopped working again. Long story short they were supposed to come tomorrow but now have rescheduled for Jan 5th!!! I have my mother's birthday, Christmas Eve dinner and New Year's Eve dinner at my house. I guess I won't be making anything that requires the oven. That limits my dessert plans.
I made fudge for our church bake sale today since I have no oven. I did buy a plate of cookies but I'm doubting they make it until Christmas Eve!! Lol
My daughter said I could cook the special meals at her house but it's hard to cook at someone's house when you still need to clean & decorate at your own house and finish & wrap presents! My brother isn't coming this year. He usually gets catering for mom's birthday and spends around $120-160. It's really nice but I don't have it in me to spend that. I've had 2 Thanksgiving meals in a row without an oven (last year I also had no fridge) so I'm sure I can do mom's birthday!!
Somehow it'll get done and if not well then it doesn't. I try not to stay up late finishing things for Christmas any more. I find enjoy Christmas much more if I'm not tired!! Lol. I don't miss those late night Christmas eves getting everything ready for the children after they're all asleep!
I enjoy reading everyone's comments!
~margaret
May I just say you have a GREAT attitude, Margaret? I'd be beside myself w/o an oven for so long!!! :-P
DeleteOne of the reasons I get stuff done so early is because insomnia is a seasonal thing for me, every Christmas. I'm sure it ties back in with my childhood. Still, the less I have to worry about, the more sleep I get during these annual bouts.
God bless you! --Elise
Don't feel bad not hardly a Christmas thing out here either - and I doubt if I do.
DeleteWhen it rain it pours. My goodness, what an ordeal you have been through. Bummer on the oven. Do you have a grill? Toaster oven?
When there is a will there is a way. Heck, you did 2 Thanksgivings and no oven, you got this!!!!
I am with you - if it gets done, great - if not, oh well. Everyone knows what has been going on so I wouldn't stress about it.
Hope it all works out well for you.
Have a great week.
Great attitude!
DeleteI made a turkey breast in the crockpot and it was very good. Moist and tender. Easy. I may never use the oven again for turkey breast.
The most important thing IS supposed to be the family time together, right? Not that it all looks like a post card.
Ellie
Central Az
I also wanted to mention a crockpot, it's amazing what you can do in one! Our daughters a while back when single also did Thanksgiving in one way back when.
DeleteI'm doing pasta for Christmas with eggplant, egg past casserole in pasta gravy, Gardein vegan meatballs, garlic bread and everyone is bringing sides etc. I'm half Italian and half German, hubs is Italian so our daughters and son in laws are pretty used to that. We just want to eat food and stuff our faces! : )
Great words of wisdom. I'm doing a clean up today and taking it easy. Had Christmas family gathering last evening. Fun had by all.
ReplyDelete* Tomorrow I have a couple of packages to get out.
Glad to hear that Blackie is doing so well!
Thanks - sometimes a verse just hits me!
DeleteI am glad the gathering went well - I bet you all had a ball and plenty of good eats! Yikes, on the packages.
Thanks - sweet boy is a trooper. Sometimes something just must twinge and he gives a little cry and then he is ok. I just want him all healed up.
Have a blessed week.
Packages are mostly in state so they will get there by Wed or Thur.
DeleteVery pleased to read that Blackie and Poppy are healing, as is Elise. I enjoy reading about everyone's holiday preparations and celebrations. "The Shop Around the Corner" is a good movie. I will have to watch "Holiday Affair".
ReplyDeleteI was having a pretty good week until last night. Husband is settling in fairly well and is a little more willing to attend activities. He had seemed fairly stable, but I learned a couple of disturbing things from the aides. He seems to be confusing me with his late wife. She was a very good woman, and there is some physical resemblance between us, so I really don't have a big problem with that. It is to be expected as the dementia progresses. The aide also told me that they sometimes have trouble putting him to bed. He says he can't go to bed yet because his wife is coming to visit. That is on a day when I was there for a number of hours. He is forgetting most visitors soon after they leave, but it was still very hard for me to hear that. I went to see him today for a couple of hours. We're getting the backside of the nor'easter storm that is coming up the coast; rain today changing to accumulating snow tomorrow and Tuesday. I explained to him that I would come Wednesday because of the bad weather. When I was ready to leave (before the next round of heavy rain moved in), I took him to the special needs dining room for lunch. He cried when I kissed him goodbye. The very hard part for me is that these recent developments are yet more steps in the deterioration of his mind. This is such a cruel disease!
My mother is also having cognitive problems. I was calling her almost every evening and noticed that she was having increased dementia symptoms the past 2-3 weeks. She even called me at 2:30 a.m. one night, not aware that it was the middle of the night. Apparently she currently has a serum sodium deficiency which is being treated with salt pills. A UTI has been ruled out for now. She has been such a support for me in my journey with Husband's dementia. (My father died of Alzheimer's in 2019.) My brother is the point person with her assisted living facility and doctors and will let me know when she is able to take calls again. We hope the confusion and memory loss is temporary and resolves with this treatment. I am missing her very much.
So I am trying to stay busy to keep my mind off of things. Went to Project Linus twice last week and have been making quilts. Walked the local walking trail. Saw my therapist again. Lots of reading, though I need to stay away from the Alzheimer's education books and websites until I am better grounded again. One thing I need to do is prepare a message to go in the Christmas cards for friends and family who are not aware of his situation. I simply have no idea what to say.
Wishing everyone a wonderful week! You are all in my prayers.
--Frances
Praying for you dear Frances, I know the ups and downs must be so very trying, just so very trying. That broke *my* heart to hear that your hubby started crying. I'm so, so sorry and your mom too... That is a lot, praying even harder. Cheryl sure offers some good advice above. ~Amelia
DeleteI'll be praying harder, Frances. It *is* a cruel disease. I'm glad your husband is in a good facility and that he has you! So sorry to hear about your mom. I miss talking to my mom, too... my "mom", which I'm sure you understand. (((Hug)))
Delete--Elise
Oh Frances, my Mum in Law had the awful disease as did the husband of our lovely neighbour Gloria. I am thinking about you both and Elise, Mum in Law wanted to 'go home' too, but that was back to Dublin where she was born.
DeleteFrances, I thought of you today. My mom was having a bad morning, she found something she's been looking for, then couldn't find the something and it threw her into a funk. It was very upsetting, she called an hour or so later sounding better to tell me to watch Daystar because RT Kendall was up next, so that helped me out emotionally and helped my nerves as well. My mom has called me in the middle of the night before, more than once. Once was legitimate, the other she didn't remember doing it. I've had to tell her to please call hubs if it's an emergency since his phone is on at all times, that has cut scary in the middle of the night calls out pretty much unless it really is a legitimate emergency. And yes, she really does call hubs when it's an emergency. Ask me how I know.. Anyhow, I thought of you, Frances knowing you are really going through it at this time. I reiterate that prayers are going forth for you. May God be with us all. ~Amelia
DeleteThank you all for your kindness. I have recently found a good website for dementia sufferers, caregivers and family members: alzconnected (dot) org. Their discussion forum is very good with information and support. I encourage anyone with a loved one with dementia to check it out.
Delete--Frances
Thank you, Frances, I will check it out, that sounds very helpful. ~Amelia
DeleteIt made me happy to see your kitties looking content and being pals in their 'cave' of sorts under the chair.
ReplyDeleteYou've had a busy week; that's great. It's been overcast and above freezing here; I actually cut a cabbage and some kale from the garden today. They can tolerate some freezing and bounce back.
I think it will be a green Christmas here. I decided not to do anything seasonal this year. We will entertain family and friends at different times but no decorations to put up and then take down.
Our home is small and currently has lots of overwintering plants in the windows. Fresh parsley, rosemary and tomato available; geraniums. Husband has orange trees, therefore no place for a Christmas tree.
I have been advocating non consumerism for a long time. I've had many many happy Christmases and leave the preparation for the holiday to others now. Each to his own, as they say.
I was thinking about all the various religions and cultural practises around the world at this time of year. My thing would be the winter solstice and so I will feel extra good about the days getting longer soon. The garden always beckons.
I wish that all practising religions would lay down their weapons for their holy days and embrace their neighbours with loving hearts.
Best wishes to you and all your readers.
Aren't they the cutest? They are always together, no matter where they lay.
DeleteI didn't think the week was all that busy except for the kitty.
WOW, still harvesting? That is fantastic. I kind of like not decorating the house. I can enjoy it elsewhere - so I am right there with you.
That is a lot of plants - how wonderful to have all that in the house. You don't need a tree - I have even throw lights on a tall houseplant before!
I love giving homemade gifts and food products - that is what is fun for me. I don't spend a lot.
Many people celebrate winter solstice. That is lovely. I can't wait for more daylight!
I am right there with you on wishing for peace - all the year - not just now. If we could just all love our fellow man - it would be lovely.
Have a great week.
I'll be baking cookies towards the end of the week to take to family gatherings on Saturday & Sunday. We are staying home on Christmas day because we like to be home to enjoy our holiday and not travel.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to believe it is just one week away now. It seems like it sure came fast this year, but I know it's the same every year.
It's wet here today too and raining. Just a cold blustery day, which is a good day to stay indoors. Dad said it was a good day to stay inside, eat popcorn and watch movies.
I'm glad Blackie is coming around after his visit to the vet. He is so cute. We also have two black cats, one with short hair and one with long hair.
That was very nice of your sister to send you home with leftovers from your sibling dinner. Sounds like you received some very nice gifts in exchange. :)
Mmmmm cookies. I don't blame you on staying home. I will be at my brothers for a while Christmas day - otherwise it will be me and the kitties. Funny, we have the same 51 week notice every year and here we are! We say it every year. LOL
DeleteI agree with dad - good day for staying in, popcorn and movies.
Black kitties are just so pretty. Slowly he is recovering. It was a pretty big surgery really. Poor thing.
Have a great week!
Thank you for the beautiful prayer! I have been wrapping the past two days and hubby is making caramel popcorn to give. How nice you and your siblings are close. Merry Christmas to you!
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome. Caramel corn (homemade) sounds like a win. I bet that is so good. Wrapping and wrapping - seems we spend so much on all the frills. Well many do. I sure reuse a lot of boxes, bags and tissue paper.
DeleteMy brother and sis are the best! Love them to pieces.
Have a fantastic week.
So happy to hear that Blackie is on the road to recovery. Imagine the pain he was in, poor thing.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to all here, and all the best for 2024. Louise
Thank you Louise. He had a lot of infection and just nasty teeth. It is amazing how he ate so much before with all that yuck in there. Slowly he will heal.
DeleteHope you visit again before New Years.
Thank you. Have a great week ahead.
Elise-- thank you! I have taken the opportunity to pull out the few electric counter top appliances I have. I'd been debating giving away the countertop pizza maker (my brother got it free) but guess what? I used it last night! I still want to get rid of it as it takes up valuable real estate but maybe I should hold onto it. It has a nonstick surface and looking on the internet I could cook other things. Apparently, brownies? I don't have time to experiment this week but before Jan 5th I will.
ReplyDeleteAt least, so far, I haven't had to cook over the fire pit in the backyard!
Husband just told me it looks like the freezer part of our fridge is failing!! Yes! When it rains it pours! It was just repaired 2 months ago. The repairman told us that quality control was an issue during the pandemic which is when we bought it. This would be the 4th repair.
Cookie- that fudge is what I made for our church bake sale today since I have no oven.
I think for mom's birthday party this week I'll make spaghetti maybe with 2 different sauces along with some breaded chicken cutlets and meatballs so it seems fancy with lots of food. lol. I think I'll buy some good breadsticks from a restaurant since I can't bake any, and salad.
I always make cinnamon rolls for Christmas and my daughter said I have to make them. So I guess I'll go to her house one night and make a birthday cake and cinnamon rolls.
For Christmas eve I usually cook a nice meat with sides but without an oven I'm thinking a little more casual. My husband likes it formal but I think I can get him to make his Italian chicken soup (using the turkey we saved from Thanksgiving) and I'll do homemade pulled pork with really good rolls and potatoes in the air fryer.
Last year for Thanksgiving since we had no oven (wait did I mention I had no oven for 2 Thanksgivings in a row? Just kidding.) My husband decided to try smoking it in the smoker our neighbor had recently gifted us when he bought a bigger one. My husband loved it! So he decided he'd do that this year and went around telling everyone at work on Wednesday that even though the oven worked he was smoking the turkey again. A few hours later it was broken. I teased him on that! Have to say it is nice having him worry about the turkey while I did everything else. Some of the sides I have to admit weren't as good without the oven though.
One of my daughters has planned a vacation for "boring" February and the other daughter has complained that January and February are so dull. I am, on the other hand, looking forward to a nice, dull couple of months perhaps with working appliances (wouldn't want too much more excitement!).
~margaret
You do indeed sound like you have great plans on how to do things. You have a really good attitude about - but then, why not - can't do much about it!
DeleteI think all the foods you mentioned sound super yummy. Spaghetti should be great. Tell hubs he can have a fancy more formal dinner of Valentines Day. Simple and easy just gives you all more family time. It is always nice to change things up now and then.
Last year for every holiday from August on - my brother didn't have his teeth. He had had them pulled and had a lot of trouble and then dentures weren't right....... He missed all the goodies for the holidays and they didn't go out for anniversary and still was messed up for Easter. This year he is more than enjoying things. So he said it just made things seem better once he got them. I like good attitudes.
I have one gathering on Jan. 7 - then my holiday activities will be over but yes, Feb. and Jan. are quiet months. That is ok - it is the resting up before the arrival of things beautiful of spring.
HANG IN THERE!
You amaze me, Margaret. Truly. It's a good thing we have all those kitchen appliances when needs must, isn't it?
DeleteWhile I enjoy Christmas, I also love those few quiet months of winter. 2023's winter wasn't so quiet. Crossing fingers 2024's winter will be more peaceful. I have books to read!!
:-) --Elise
I am glad that Blackie is home and hope he heals quickly. How wonderful that the kitties are spending more time with you and looking to be loved on.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Thanks - they are becoming my little buddies. Once he is all healed, I will be happier.
DeleteHave a lovely week.
Good to see LilBit and Blackie! Wonderful that he is healing up and eating. :) You've done a bang-up job getting them both indoors for the winter.
ReplyDeleteAllie (my new cat) is doing well. She (I) was gifted a little heated cat house from one of the girls at the vet's office. Turns out it was Allie's house from before, and since *I* adopted Allie, they gave me the little house. She's been sleeping in it at night, and seemed to recognise it immediately. Guess it smelled familiar. :) It's a Petyella cat house if anyone wants to see what it looks like.
Frances, that's hard stuff, but it's all part of that horrible evil disease. Maybe this spell will pass quickly.
Elise, I'm glad you're out of that boot. :)
MaryB
Thank you, Mary. Me, too!!! I'm glad Allie is making herself at home, now with her familiar little heated house. I looked it up and that's super cute! --Elise
DeleteP.S. Someday I'd like to participate in the Walk For A Cure for Alzheimer's.
Mary I am so thrilled Allie is settling into her new home as well. They are just precious! Thanks, these 2 just seemed to be at the right point to bring in. I don't think Blackie would have settled so quickly if it hadn't been for Bit. God had her show up at the right time.
DeleteYou 2 take care! Have a wonderful week.
Sweet Blackie! Bless it, I hope he feels better soon! I'm so glad to hear you had fun with your siblings! I know y'all look forward to this each year! I'll be spending this week doing allll the things to get ready for Christmas!
ReplyDeleteHe ate better this morning than he has for a few days - I was so thankful. Thanks, yes we love getting together and talking about the good old days!
DeleteI bet you will be busy this week. Don't over do it - make sure to enjoy along the way!
Have a great week.
Hi Cheryl. I have been reading your posts but have had food poisoning so have not had the energy to post any replies!! So glad you have Blackie and Little Bits living inside with you and they are getting used to the new routine. I'm sure Blackie's mouth will recover soon. So sweet Bits wants to play. Elise, I remember a couple of times having a kids tee shirt on our old Springer spaniel after various ops, much easier than a 'cone'. Glad Poppy is healing too.
ReplyDeleteIt's been a bit of a week, a neighbour from a few doors down came over worried about another neighbour, a lady in her 80s whose light had been on all night and who she could not raise on the phone. Long story short, husband went over with her and managed to get in the house through the garage and side door. She was stuck in the bath, no water and no clue how long she had been there. Between them, they got her out. This was Tuesday, she had two grandaughters and families to stay at the weekend. The dishwasher was full with clean China but the worktop and sink were full of dirty crockery and at least 20 dirty mugs!!! While the neighbour, who is in her late 70s got her dressed, husband tackled the washing up. Her family all live hours away, her son did drive up and took her to the doctors but did not stay! She had refused point blank that an ambulance was not called and she appeared unhurt. The neighbour from down the road has her husband to care for, he has had 3 different cancer ops and a new hip and has more skin cancer to remove in the new year.
Hope your Christmas preps are going well. We had a great family filled weekend. Our two youngest grandaughters (cousins) got to spend the whole day together yesterday with us. Last night we went out for a meal to celebrate our eldest grandson's 21at birthday. Really blessed with family time.
I wondered where you had been. Missed you. So sorry you have been sick - oh food poisoning is awful. I had that once and never want it again.
DeleteOh that poor lady. You all sound like me - I have always watched for lights to come on in the evening or early morning of neighbors who are older or ill. You just feel better seeing the light and knowing they are up and moving. That happened to an elderly neighbor years ago - and the morning blind opening did not happen, so called another neighbor who had a key. He had passed during the night. It really gets scary as we get older and are alone. I sure hope she will be OK.
Glad you had such a lovely weekend - and got to spend time with the grands.
Have a great week.
Oh, Heather, food poisoning is awful! Hope you feel better soon! Yes, we discovered with Blue's spay that a kid's t-shirt is much easier than a cone.
DeleteHow good of you to check on the neighbor. I'm glad she's alright. (((Hug))) --Elise
I'm so glad the poor lady was ok, and it was good of y'all to check on her. You never know. I used to call my old boss every single day because he was old, infirm, and lived alone. If he didn't answer, then it was time to go check on him. Sure enough, one day he'd fallen with his walker (it got away from him) but his niece checked on him and found him before I'd called. What a horror, poor old fellow lying on the floor there with his hip replacement busted. :(
DeleteIt's called "loving your neighbor", like the good Lord told us to.
MaryB
Passing the Torch...
ReplyDeleteSome GOOD news to share with all. On Saturday, our youngest son brought several dozen home baked cookies to a gaming group he's part of at a local game shop. He's baking more cookies after work this week to distribute to his neighbors. Z will be 31 on Thursday. I talked to our oldest son on the phone last night--R is 36--and he told me he baked a pumpkin pie using a fresh pumpkin and walnut/pecan pie crust, plus a batch of Ginger cookies that he brought in for his co-workers at the bank he's assistant manager of. Said it was a big hit. He'll be baking more cookies this week for a Christmas party he's going to on Saturday.
My maternal grandmother taught my mom, who taught me, and now it continues with my sons! They grew up watching me/helping me (as I did with my mom) cook and bake for others, delivering treats at the holidays. Can I just say how stinkin' proud I am of them?! It warms this momma's heart. --Elise
Are they available for adoption? LOL!
Delete--Frances
I am sure you are proud of the boys.
DeleteFrances, I just wish they'd each find a woman to share their life with! Alas, for many young women today they're too nice and too boring. But they can sure cook!!! And bake! --Elise
DeleteSounds like you did a good job raising them! :) Yes, I was frightened for my boy, he had nobody, but then he met someone about half his age and Boom! She was tired of young party-guys. Now he's married with 2 kids. :) You just never know.
DeleteMaryB
I don't watch movies too much but I want to watch every single one that you mentioned! It sounds like you have had a busy week but a fun one too. Our fun is just beginning and I can't wait! Have a wonderful week. Vickie
ReplyDeleteI am starting to get into old movies again. Pretty neat. Busy and fun - yep.
DeleteHope you have a fantastically fun week ahead!
Good morning, Cheryl. I"m late to the party, my usual for the past few weeks. I must have missed it, but what was Blackie's surgery for? My pup, Riley, had a tumor removed when they did his dental cleaning 2 weeks ago and his stitches will be taken out later this morning. I know that groggy drunk walk they have -- he came home only a couple of hours after surgery (they were running late, due to an emergency and also a staffing issue), and he was so glassy eyed. By morning, he was in a lot of pain for that 30 mins or so before his pain meds kicked in. But I cried so much that first day and swore I'd never ever do elective surgery on him again. (Schnauzers are known for that kind of growth and the only reason I had it removed was that it was in the armpit area where his harness fits and I was afraid it was becoming uncomfortable for him.) Pathology was ok on his, hoping for the same for Blackie. Just a thought re: vet bills, mine offers a couple of different "wellness" packages, where you pay a monthly fee (auto pay) and it covers all immunizations, dental cleaning, and 2 vet visits, as well as an annual wellness exam. And they offer 10% off on any other purchases of food, meds, or services (nail trims, grooming, daycare, boarding, etc.). The cost is equal to what I'd have to pay for his vaccinations, alone, so why wouldn't I get a wellness package? If it fits your budget, may want to look into it, if your vet offers it.
ReplyDeleteThe comment ^^ was from me. Forgot to switch for the automatic Anonymous to my name. And there's no way to edit the post now. Oops!
DeleteOh poor Riley. I am sorry to hear that. It hurts us so badly when they are in pain. Blackie had a very infected mouth and had 4 teeth surgically removed. He had lost some on his own. Expensive! He has stitches that dissolve. His pain meds were a topical and last 4 days. We are at the end of that - but he has eaten better today.
DeleteI will check into that with the vet.
Hope you and your baby have a great week!
Lori, I'm so glad the pathology came back GOOD. We have pet insurance for Blue and Poppy, but Hubs just found out it doesn't cover wellness anything, including spay/neuter. Go figure! --Elise
DeleteAwww....That is really wonderful, Elise. That is such a blessing when we see our kids mirroring things we taught them and even sharing things we shared once. It sounds like you have some really great kids, Elise. That's a sweet Christmas blessing for you to see your sons doing these things and they caught being thoughtful like that. That's so great. : ) ~Amelia
ReplyDeleteThank you, Amelia. I think they're pretty good guys, but I may be a little biased. LOL! --Elise
DeleteSound's like a lovely week. Except for the kitty. I have to take Roscoe into the vet at 4:20 today.
ReplyDeleteIt was -- except kitty! He is starting to feel better as of today. Hope all is OK with your Roscoe.
DeleteHave a grand week!
We had a vet tell us that even a dying cat or dog would eat boiled chicken with a little bit of rice. We have used it for years when our babies were sick
ReplyDelete