Fun Stuff

 DECEMBER!!!!  It is here - 24 days and counting!!!!!  Oh my!

Today, just a couple fun things to make for either yourself or for gifts.  All are yummy and pretty easy!  Doesn't get much better than that.

Just a SIDE NOTE:  I am going to post a fun tidbit on each December post.  It may be a fun fact or a fun memory!  Just a little something extra at the end.  ENJOY!

This is soooooo good.  I have posted before - but it always a fun winter thing to make for your pleasure or for gifting.  You could put this in small jars and gift with say homemade rolls, bread or biscuits (scones).  I have heard from others that have made it and it is loved!

I used to buy this at the Amish store and it is expensive.   Back when I bought it (many years ago), it was about $7 a pint.  Give it a try - you won't be disappointed!

Here is another yummy treat!  Easy to make and super yummy.  If you have ever been to a Texas Roadhouse restaurant - you have had this.  Don't have to go to the expense of eating out to enjoy it!  Again, good for home - or put in 1/2-pint jars and gift with bread or biscuits.  Place in a cute little basket and boom - you have a nice gift.  (super good on toast) 

Any type of pretzel dipped in chocolate of any type.  Almond bark, milk chocolate, dark chocolate.....  It is all good and so stinking easy.  They don't have to look perfect, and they taste good.  Something about the sweet and salt combo!

Spritz cookies is a holiday staple in my family.  Everyone loves the simple yet delicious cookie BITE!  Literally they are a bite!  **I use almond extract instead of rum extract.  I have even done mint - but usually stick with almond.  (you could use vanilla as well)

You can add food color to make them festive or you can top each bite with a pecan piece or a candied cherry if desired.  Just plain with a glass of milk is super tasty too!!!!!!!

I will share fun stuff to make and eat and gift over the next few weeks.  It is always nice to do some fun things around the holidays.  Easy - makes it even better!

You never know I may even do some extra posts this month on unscheduled days!!!!  Tis the season!

ENJOY the goodies!

Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind.  To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.

Calvin Coolidge

YES 365 days a year!!!!!!!

Momma said......

 Yes she did.  Momma said there would be days like this!  What a couple of days I spent at the first of this week!!!!!  I am laughing now.  Shoot, I just keep thinking how much worse it could have been!!!!!

I had 2 eye appointments scheduled this week.  Specialist and regular eye doc.  I decided Monday morning to get a couple errands ran before going to that 1:45 appt. at the specialist.  

Well, I go out and car fires up and off I go.  I get a whiff of gasoline.  Keep going thinking it was the car shop on the corner.  Nope the smell does not dissipate.  I go to the bank - remember I have been trying to go there for a couple weeks!  I park where there are no stains on the pavement - get out and see gas dripping near the back end!!!  Well crap.  

I go in and do my business (come out and it had stopped).  Decide to go the feed store just down the street.

Get there and dripping again. Well crap again!

I figured it was only leaking when vehicle was on - not when off.

I called my neighbor to see if he could take me to the doctor once I get home (fingers crossed).  He is out of town.  Call my brother, figuring he was probably busy - but he was available.  He only lives about 10 minutes away.

So off I go to get home.  Praying every inch I drove, that I could get home safely.  Just thinking, please don't let someone throw a cigarette out their window or something.

I MADE IT!  Thank you Jesus.

Made it to the specialist and brother got a nap!!!!!  He slept in the car, while I was in there!  LOL

Good news - I was released as I have done perfectly with all after surgery stuff.  YAY

By now, the neighbor is back and he sees the problem and it is beyond what he can do as it needs to be on a lift to get to - plus all is rusty under there.

He said he would take me to the appt. the Tuesday to the regular eye doc.  This is located in WM center.

We go and I get tested.  More good news - my distance vision is 20/20!!!!!!!!  I have never had that since I was a small child!  I did order progressive lenses (bifocals) for moderate close up and very close reading.  All good.

He says do some Christmas shopping if you want.  Well I did find 2 gifts and I did splurge and buy myself 2 'gifts'.  I never buy myself anything.  I got a heavy flannel shirt - have always wanted one and have never had one.  I also got a new G. Foreman grill - smaller with removeable grates for easy cleaning.  I had an original and it was so hard to clean.  I like the drill flavor now and then and have no grill.

Anyway, I just can't shop with someone else.  I like to wonder and look and decide when I see what speaks to me.

Get home, make an appointment with the mechanic and call AAA to tow my car.  I call AAA and explain the problem.  They say I have to call 911 (fire) and get clearance to move vehicle to make sure it is safe to transport.  HUH?  Never heard this before.  Well, I did and they come flying down the road, sirens blaring!!!!!  GEESH.  I explain what was going on - and he said "we can't do anything".  It isn't leaking at the moment and there is no fire.  I profusely apologize for bothering them.

Call AAA back and explain it all again (different person) - he said that having to call fire was crazy - it wasn't leaking and tow drivers know how to handle that kind of stuff!   He got me laughing and said - good job getting it home safely.

FINALLY tow driver shows up - knows just how to handle the problem - no big deal!!!!!!

So my vehicle is at the shop.  Hope they fix anything that looks suspicious - as the thing is 20 years old.

OH MY!!!!!

I post this to show - I have good people in my life.  I think we all do - if we just look around and pay attention (you don't always know them).  AND things could have been so much worse!!!!!!!  I am safe - the vehicle is safe - it is getting fixed - oh, and the squirrels have corn!!!!!!!

There is this little voice in my head - that says "you needed to get off the road".  "You could have involved in something worse".   "What if it had been frigid out?" (It was in 50's and 60's).

Anything could have changed and who knows.  

I do believe things happen when they do and as they do for a reason.

So when those really bad days happen - just remember - it could be worse!  You made it through.

And then sit back and LAUGH!  Sometimes we just have to laugh and go on.

We are protected - I truly believe.

SO, today I am home and doing home stuff!  Maybe tomorrow and maybe Thursday - who knows.  I just know I am safe and have a warm home and plenty to keep me busy!  The rest can wait.

Don't take stuff too seriously - just go with the flow.  **IT happens sometimes. 

Que sera sera!!!!!

Have a blessed day and remember to LAUGH a little!

Don't Get Overwhelmed

 Sadly, what is described as the happiest time of the year, can be the worst time of the year for some.  Many people are depressed during this time.  Many have no family, or maybe no money.  Some do not believe or celebrate.  Some feel the pressure to be the perfect hostess is overwhelming.  Some feel that the need to decorate a beautiful home.  There are all kinds of reasons that people get overwhelmed and down.

DO YOU!  Do what works for you and do not apologize for it or feel bad.

The world revolves around people, and we are all different.  You have your ideas and beliefs and I have mine.  NO we do not have to agree.  I have some very strong beliefs and ideas on certain things - you do not have to agree.  Nor do you have to try to change me!!!!!!!!!!  THIS IS IMPORTANT

I am so over people thinking we all have to look at things the same. 

Do not feel you have to conform to others and their ways and thoughts.

Celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, winter solstice, or whatever you choose the way you see fit.

Do not feel you have to spend money you don't have or need.  Do not feel you have to attend all the parties and celebrations.  Do not feel you have to decorate.  You DO have control over YOU!

That is probably the most control you have in this life - YOU!  

That is powerful when you realize it.

Find joy where you can.  

Don't let others MAKE you feel bad for how you 'celebrate' or don't.

Know you are loved by others - people you may not have ever actually met.  

I try to keep this as a safe place for people.  We do not have to agree - that is OK.  I try to avoid certain subjects that causes angst in people (it does me too!). 

We share and care - and THAT is a huge part of what we need to celebrate.  It is called LOVE!

May you find a spark of joy here!!!

Have a blessed day.

Weekly Wrap Up 11/27

 Happy final Sunday all!  Another month just about gone.  We are on the Christmas and New Year's count down.  It just doesn't seem possible - yet here we are!  In a few short weeks it will all be history and we will be looking towards Spring.  We sure do wish away life!!!!!

The weather has been pretty darn nice here most of the week.  Thanksgiving day didn't even require a jacket!  It is raining today - we had rain start overnight and it will rain for a while longer today.  It was in the 50's when I got up at 5:30!  It is going to get much colder by the end of the week - but these nicer temps are quite welcome.

Here is a picture of the very center of downtown (the state capital).  This is about 15 minutes from my house.  Friday evening was the lighting event, and this was a picture after they turned on the lights this year.  See all those people - that is a one-way road the encircles the "Circle" - usually filled with cars.  It always so beautiful to see.  It sure was a nice night for the lighting event. NO, I didn't go!!!!!

I watched Frosty the Snowman and The Return of Frosty the Snowman!!!!!!  It seemed like a nicer way to spend the evening, than to fight hordes of people!!!!!! LOL

My week:

• Well, I finally finished up the kitchen DEEP clean!  Everything from above the cabinets and on a wall length upper shelf!  Oh my!!!!!!  I will not even mention how old the papers stuffed into decorative cups were (keeps out dust).  I was even appalled!  LOL
• Did more house cleaning and some re-decorating (small scale)
• I ran out Monday to get new area rugs for living room and dining area - Big Lot's had a B1 - get 1 - 1/2 off.  They are the same but different!!!  LOL.  Exact same colors - different designs.  Looks good.
• I changed out a mini blind in bedroom with one I have had stored back for ages.  (I bought several the same years ago)
• I also put up 2 new mini blind in LR & DR to replace the Roman shades that were like 20 years old.  I got these 2 new ones for less than $10 ea. at Fam. Dollar.  I then used other things I had here to change up windows and rooms a little.
• I threw away a bunch of stuff (no idea why I kept it) and have a big box for donation in the back of the Blazer.
• Got to air the house a few times this week
• Cleaned, reorganized and sorted the deep pantry
• Tons of laundry
• I raked the last of the leaves and placed on the garden area.  Last I intend on doing this year - I will say!!!  Cleaned up tons of tiny sticks - the squirrels keep munching on limbs and dropping them in the yard - little buggers.
• Froze extra soup I had made for another meal
• NO grocery store
• I came across an envelope of GC's I had forgotten about - and set down and checked each one for $ amount.  Most had never been used - nice eating locations.  I have $20 left on a Domino's pizza and 7.49 left on a Papa John's pizza.  There is $5 and change on Panera.  I also found a booklet of car wash vouchers that had gotten stuck back.  SO, I have a lot of good cards for good meals I can use up in the coming year.  G and I used to get takeout at a lot of nice places, so we were gifted cards. (a lot of Outback)
• Paid all items I had and then walked to P.O. to mail, as it was a beautiful day.  I got Christmas stamps and others (for many months) before the price goes up
• Carved the turkey I baked Friday - it was the easiest turkey I have ever carved.  It just fell apart!  It has been so tender and tasty - many meals from that!!!!
• Got all the gift items together.  Today I plan on going through it all, making my list and checking it twice!!  I have a list of things I know I need to get for the littles.
• Brought home some leftovers from my nieces, which gave me extra goodies to eat with my turkey

Meals this past week:

Jalapeno burger w/cheese and halved yellow squash

Chili cheese dogs and chips

Cheddar broccoli soup and crackers

Leftover soup with sour cream and Fritos

Dinner with family - all sorts of goodies!

Turkey and leftover mashed potatoes and gravy & broccoli casserole (pots/gravy & casserole from niece)

Turkey sandwich with chips and leftover mac n cheese (mac from niece)

SNACKS - toasted bagel w/cin./sugar, turkey, fruit and leftover dreamsicle fluff I took to nieces (brought some home)

I did no Christmas shopping this week.  Too peopley out there for me!!!!!! LOL

I have a couple of eye appointments this week, so I may do a bit of shopping while out each of those days.  I have done no real holiday decorating yet - may work on that as well.  Just not going to stress about things.

I have recorded several movies that I plan on watching later this winter - from the FREE premium channels offered this weekend with cable.

How was your week?  Eat too much????  Most of us have.  LOL!!!  Did you do any shopping?  Any great deals or bargains?  Have you decorated yet?

Look forward to hearing from you all!!!!

Stay safe and healthy and know I pray for each of you daily.

Blessings from my humble little home to you and yours!

****************************

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and know all these things will be given to you as well.

Matthew 6:33

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Matthew 5:6

Dear Lord, help us to realize our main goal on this earth is to follow You, and Your kingdom will be ours someday.  Let us know and understand that You will provide for us, and You know what we need.  Guide and direct us in our daily ways, so that we honor You instead of looking for earthly things to fill our heart and soul.  When we feel lost and empty, fill our lives with Your love and guidance.

Amen

Now the Countdown Begins!!!

 Happy Friday and happy day after!!!!!!!!  I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving yesterday.  I know many still haven't had their get together and will be doing so in the next couple of days.  ENJOY

I spent yesterday with one branch of my family.  Lots of food, lots of family and lots of SNUGGLES!! Yes, there was lots of snuggles with those 'littles'.  Remi is just a chatterbox.  Everyone was so worried when she was 'late' in talking.  I told them she would talk when she had something to say!  Welp, that is now the case!  She is just a little active and chatty doll baby!  In spite of all her medical problems - she is just incredibly active and funny.  Adi - is still pretty bashful and she felt bad a lot of yesterday.  She slept for a long time - then when she woke we chatted and played dolls!  Layla - she wasn't sure about everyone - very bashful.  She has gotten so big!  But she had fun with Remi.  Miles - well what can I say - just a smiley, wide eyed cuddle bug!!!!!!!  Aden is now older (8) and he just wants to hang out with the big guys!!

My great niece and gr.gr. niece both mentioned Glen at different times and we told stories and laughed and cried a little.  So, he was there too! 💕💔

Today many will be out shopping!  NOT me.  I am staying away from all the crazies out there (no offense).  I have a turkey bird in the oven and I brought home a lot of sides from my nieces.  She had sooooooo much food.  Her family will be eating good for a few days and lots of people took home food as well.

Many spend this weekend decorating for Christmas.

THAT is where the countdown starts!!!!!  ONE MONTH from today is Christmas.  YIKES!  It will be here in a minute and then it will be New Year's!

It sure is hard to believe that Christmas will be here that soon.  I need to get busy!

I am going to start putting together my gift bags this weekend, just to see what I have on hand and what I need to do and get.

I still need to get stuff for the littles - but not this weekend.  I will wait for the mad dash to be over and maybe go out next week.  I have 2 eye appointments next week, so I will be out and about any way.

Tomorrow is small business Saturday!  IF you need to go out and shop - please try to remember the smaller places and the small guy.  They NEED your money - not the big corporations.

I hope you all had a great day yesterday.  What is on the agenda for you on this Black Friday and weekend after?

So thankful for all my friends here!!!!!!

EDIT!!!!!!!  IF you have cable TV - check your listings.  Many cable companies are offering FREE premium channels ALL weekend long.  Good way to DVR some movies for a cold winter day of watching.  I have Direct TV and channels 500 - 573 is all the FREE stuff.  Check out your provider!

ENJOY Your Family

The big turkey day is upon us here in the U.S..  

I hope you all have safe travels if you must go away.  Enjoy your families and friends.  Enjoy your bounty - whatever it may be.  Take a moment to say a word of thanks for ALL that you DO have, instead of concentrating or complaining on what you don't have.

Keep a grateful heart.

Sure things could be better, and that has been true every single day I have been on this earth! It isn't something new.  There are good times and bad times - yet here we are!  We have survived, and we will continue to be OK.  FAITH is what keeps us going.

Stay safe, stay healthy and ENJOY.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING to each of you and your families.

After the feast - something to get you in the mood for Christmas!!!!!  Always fun - for the kid in all of us.  Check your local listings!

I will be back Friday with a new post!

Other Uses for Those Thanksgiving Leftovers!

 It is that time of the year again.  Everyone cooks too much, eats too much, and has too many leftovers!  That is OK - enjoy!

The nice part is that for many in the U.S. it is a shorter work week, many go shopping, many will decorate, and many will relax and enjoy some down time.  In all that - it is nice to have extra food on hand so as not to have prepare a lot of new things.

You can re-invent your leftovers into all kinds of goodies.

I always look forward to a cold turkey sandwich with mustard!!!!  Yep, one of my favorite things.

TURKEY

You can chop or shred and season up and use in tacos or burritos or enchiladas

Soup or stew - white chili

Grilled turkey and cheese sandwiches - YUM

Wraps - add turkey, cranberries, or turkey and veggies

Casseroles - Shepherd's pie

Turkey salad

Noodles or dumplings with turkey

Make your own stuffed hot pockets - no limit to what you can put in them

Stir fry or fried rice

Turkey, rice and cheese

OR slice or chop and freeze for futures meals

There is no limits to what you can use turkey for - anything that you would use chicken for!

**(don't forget to make that bone broth with the carcass!!!)**

DRESSING

Place a dollop or two in the waffle iron.  This is one of my favorites as well.  It is soft on the inside and browned and harder on the outside.

Fry into patties

Add to ground meat as an extender for a special meatloaf

POTATOES

Potato cakes - another favorite of mine for leftover potatoes!

Topping on a Shepherd's pie or casserole.  Use on top of casserole - top with shredded cheese and Yum

Potato candy

Potato bread - same with sweet potatoes

You can also FREEZE leftover potatoes and dressing.  Place amounts in a buttered muffin tin and freeze.  Pop out and place in a bag for later.  You have individual portions all ready to heat back up!

CRANBERRIES

Add to Jello or creamy pudding/cheesecake

Place a dollop on your sandwich

MAKE cranberry mayo!!!

Mix 1 C Mayo

1/2 C cranberry sauce

1 Tbs. cider vinegar

There you have it.  Just a few ideas to extend those wonderful leftovers into new things.  No need to get bored of the same thing.  Mix it up, experiment and have fun.

Do you have a fun and creative way to re-make those tasty morsels????

Let us all know!

Have fun and ENJOY!