Today's Task Are???

So, what's up with you guys?

Yesterday, I made sugar cookies for the kids and after I decorated the more difficult cookies, I turned Mathew and Baby Girl loose.  They decorated red bears, green stars, and even one black Santa.  Mathew said that his friend said that Santa was black because he saw him at the mall and he was the real deal.  

Today, though, I am cleaning up all the mess.  The kids are going home with their mom and I am going to do the last little bit of shopping.  I will start cooking in earnest as well.  Most of the pies and cakes I can do this evening.  I will do the chopping, slicing, and dicing of the vegetables that I am going to cook with as well.  

This year, I tried to propose a big bowl of soup with sandwiches for Christmas Eve and my daughter rebelled.  What, she said.  We always have ham and turkey.  So, the big meal it is.  

My daughter and her husband are bringing us a trailer filled with wood.  And since the wood box is almost empty, I am going to take the last three or four pieces out and clean the box out.  DH thinks I am nuts for keeping the thing clean, but I hate all the loose bark and crap getting pulled into the house from the little door.  

Okay, I've rambled enough.  So, what's up with you guys? 

Hi Everybody, I am late today. It has been crazy this week. My granddaughter had a christmas program last night. I cooked up a storm over the weekend and this week I am cleaning. My daughter is hosting christmas eve and she has yet to tell me what I need to bring. We are visiting relation for christmas. It will be fun. I wish everyone a blessed christmas and a Happy new year.  Mona

Good morning Jeannie and my OFF friends!   Yes, 24 hours late getting to say that, but I was bone tired by the time I got home at 7:15, hungry and excited to see the latest and greatest with the construction here at the house. I grabbed some food, sat with Gary for a bit and fell into bed before 10:00. Here it is 4:15 and I've already been awake for an hour. It's going to be a LONG, LONG day!  Not too sure how I'll put one foot in front of the other, but I will.

Jeannie, and all you bakers, you GO girls!  I haven't baked in a very long time, although I used to a lot. If I make it I eat it, or if it isn't Vegan the kids can't eat it, so I just don't do it. So many of my clients have brought me home made goodies and I smile, thank them kindly, and then either give them to another client or bring them home for Gary to take to one of his charges at work. Those folks need all of it  a whole lot more than we do!

Construction is nearly complete. My pantry/Gary's dog house/guest room (yes, it's that big) is nearly finished, the patio cover is up and beautiful, and my house is covered in drywall dust. I don't care, it's finally becoming the house I want. So what if I have to use a little elbow grease to clean it up.

Okay, sleep deprevation is taking it's toll and I'm rambling. Jeannie, it's grand to see you here, Annette, you use whatever means necessary to get Tom on the straight and narrow! Monica, so VERY proud of you!

Everyone else, I love you and miss you bunches. But, just wait.....three weeks until my plastics and I'll be around so much you'll all be sick of me!

Yesterday was lovely for me again. Spent good time at pool, walking and swimming for an hour while visiting with a new friend who has Gkids same ages as mine. She spends her summers with her Gkids too. Played cribbage pool side and many stopped by to comment and watch. Then we went to a low stacks Texas Holdem card group, first time playing for me. The group of people was so nice and welcoming. Hubby & I had fun.
Sober 49 days, feeling ok, shoulders sore for so much exercise, legs sore too but better.
Hope all travel well and have a great day. Prayers for Annette. Hugs Monica

When I was in my early twenties, I was the cribbage queen.  But, I haven't played in years.  I loved playing.  Have fun taking life easy.

Good morning Jeannie & all. My son & his 4 girls got here last night. What a joy to wake up to all those smiling faces!!! And the hugs, there is nothing better!

Today we will decorate cookies, make some snacks, and some jewelry. The kids want me to play in the snow, not sure about that, but I will try. This is the best time of year for me.
Have a wonderful day!!

Nan

Nan,

My grands and I did the cookie decorating yesterday and early evening.  I lost one of my tips; consequently, we had one bag to do all the deocrating.  My babies like making dough ornaments too, but my granddaughter is a little too young for jewelry work.  Sounds fun, though.   

Good Morning, All

I woke up early this morning (for me....6:30) and started back in on the cookies.  I made 6 kinds over the past 2 days, and all I have left is the cut outs and frosting them and my Italian chocolate ones.  I just finished up the sesame seed ones, after finally locating my Mom's old recipe.  I only made a third of the recipe, and I got over 5 dozen of the little buggers.  These are the ones that my Mom used to triple the recipe for, for my cousins' weddings, way back when I was a kid.  She also made the chocolate ones, fig cookies, orange pineapple cookies, and about 4 other kinds that I can't even remember now.  Her wedding gift was always 4-5 bushels (yes, BUSHELS!!!) of cookies for the reception.  And I had a lot of cousins.....

My younger son called last night.  I've told them I can be flexile about when we celebrate Christmas together, as I don't have to be anywhere else this year.  I'm thinking maybe Friday or Sunday during the day so as not to interfere with all the plans my daughter-in-law has with her family.  So he tells me they'll be here at 2 pm on Thursday and will be able to stay for dinner.  That works great except I'm not sure when my older son will be here.  Originally he was planning on arriving around 6 on Thursday.  So now I have to contact him and make sure he leaves home in time to be here with us.  And I had to push ahead the rest of my baking and making the lasagne and getting the last of the gifts wrapped. 

I can do this.  I am woman!  Even better, I am MOM!!

Next year a cruise at Christmas, I think.  Or an all-inclusive someplace warm.  I'm tired.

Hear that, Red???

Have fun with all your preparations.  I hope everyone has a great holiday.

Candy

My mother was all about pie making.  So, I still make a lot of her old timer's pies. Tonight starts the pie marathon.  I've had like five request from friends who don't bake but want a homemade pie.  I'm with you on taking next year abroad.