Wordless Wednesday - December 30, 2009

Wordless Wednesday
December 9, 2009

My first time doing this, but now that I have anew digital camera I might join in more often.




This is one of the feral cats we take care of. He got tired of waiting for the birds while he was on the ground so he climbed the feeder pole. Now he is teaching the others to do the same thing. But what they don't know or haven't figured out is that the birds are smarter than they are and won't come around.

Random Dozen - December 30, 2009

Random Dozen
December 30, 2009


1. Do you find it gross to share drinks with family? Friends?
Yes, but I am such a wimp that I have done it just not to hurt feelings. However, I do look at the person's mouth before doing so. I don't want some icky germ thing coming my way.


2. What have you learned this year? (You didn't see a question of that weight coming, did you? At least not for #2.)
I learned how to blog. I started sometime last Spring. I can't remember when exactly and don't feel like looking right now, but it is new and fun and wonderful.
Plus, I learned that sometimes my 25 year old son is wiser than his mother.

3. When do you dismantle the Christmas decorations?
Whenever the mood strikes me. I have been known to leave the village up until February. The tree comes down usually the second week of January, after the feast of the Epiphany, which this year is January 6th. As a kid that is always when we took the tree down. I think because that was our gift. But because we have not had Christmas with our son yet we will leave the tree up longer.

4. Something you wish to accomplish before the end of 2009 is:
I would like to get the last of my Christmas gifts in the mail this week.

5. How do you feel about winter (after Christmas)?
I don't like winter before Christmas so there is no way I am going to like it after Christmas. I want Spring and I want it now!!!

6. Have you participated in after-Christmas sales?
I have shopped some online sales. I just don't feel like venturing out this week. I love the sales though.

7. Do you have plans for New Year's Eve?
Kind of sort of. Husband and I are having chicken wings for dinner. That's it nothing else. We allow ourselves New Years Eve to really junk out on things like chicken wings or frozen appetizers. We might watch a movie or something but it will be pretty much like nay other night.


8. Is there anything special awaiting you in January?
I am hoping for a trip to Minneapolis soon. I have not been down there since October and need a city fix.

9. If your life this year was a movie, what category or genre would it be? (Romance, Comedy, Drama, Thriller, Suspense, Farcical, etc.)
I guess maybe a dramatic suspenseful thriller comedy. If you could see my house sometimes you would agree. Sometimes my husband and I talk for a long time before we realize that we are talking about two different topics.

10. How much time per day do you spend blogging? Please do not lie. I will know.
I wouldn't dream of lying. I don't know how you would know, but I believe you. It takes me a few hours to read all of the blogs that I follow. I don't post at my own blog daily which is something I would like to change but don't know if I have something worthwhile saying everyday.

11. Who runs your household?
I do. I do the cooking, the cleaning, the shopping, the bill paying. I take the animals to the vet if they need to go. I make the doctor appointments. I do all the driving. That is not a complaint really, well maybe, but my husband has agoraphobia and is not able to do most of these things. And it has become increasingly difficult for him to do easy household tasks without an anxiety attack.

12. Share one hope/dream for 2010.
I don't normally have hopes or dreams. I just want to get through each day. But for 2010 I think I do have a hope/dream. I would like to write the story that got be started blogging in the first place.

The Simple Woman's Daybook _ December 28, 2009

The Simple Woman's Daybook
December 28, 2009

Outside my window is a winter wonderland. The snow started last Wednesday and didn't really totally stop until Saturday. I think we have about 20 inches. Is it Spring yet?

I am thinking of the Christmas celebration we will have when my son comes. I am looking forward to having his family here. It is a new experience for me to have children in the house and having to deal with an ex-husband. The ex could put a snag in our all day plans.

I am thankful that my company had a good time while they were here. I am thankful that my company went home and go there safely.

I am wearing red thermal jammies, and of course slippers.

I am remembering the wonderful Christmas we had with my aunt and cousin. I love them so.

I am going to the grocery store tomorrow to buy chicken wings for New Years Eve.

I am currently reading a book by Sue Henry.

I am hoping for time to go to the city in the next few weeks to visit with my friend and her family.

On my mind is my brother. He is a weird sort of guy but I love him.

I am noticing that I really like the after Christmas sales online better than in the stores.

I am pondering the words from the song "Mary Did You Know?". I wonder if she had any idea at all what was coming for her future. Did she understand all that the angel told her? I guess I will have to ask her when I meet her.

From the kitchen we had leftovers from Christmas and after Christmas dinners. Tomorrow I guess I will have to cook again.

Around the house the cats have settled into their usual sleeping spots now that the company has left.

One of my favorite things is peace.

From my photos (I hope)

Friend Makin Monday - December 28, 2009

Friend Makin Monday
December 28, 2009

New Years Resolutions

I don't normally make resolutions. I don't because I have so many years of not following through on the promises to myself. I generally try to say, "I hope to achieve these things this year." What that amounts to is not doing anything about anything.
I thought this sounded like a good way to get started on a New Year, New Life.

Here they are :

Lose weight. Maybe not all because there is so much to lose but half would be a great start.

Form a better relationship with Jesus Christ. Do this by spending time with Him daily, no matter what.

Be a better housekeeper. The house is tidy now but to be deep down clean is the new goal.

Write the story that started your idea of a blog in the first place.

Six Word Saturday - December 26, 2009

Six Word Saturday
December 26, 2009


Gifts turn grown men into children.

Give a man a gift with what he thinks is too much tape what do you get? A temper tantrum worthy of a two year old.
Give a man a sarcastic answer what do you get? Stony silence, and pouting.
Give a man a swat on the butt what do you get? A happy woman.

Nancy Drew 2010 Challenge

Nancy Drew 2010 Challenge
Yellow Bound books 1 - 56

Yes I will join this challenge. I already own most of these. I try to read a few each year.

Friend Makin Mondays - All I Want For Chrismtas

Friend Makin Mondays
All I Want For Chrismtas
December 22, 2009

I am late to the party. I didn't see this until today (Tuesday). It is my first time participating.

All I want for Christmas:

1. I would like to find a church that I can grow to love and become a member of.



2. I would like for my family to arrive safely tomorrow before the snow storm hits. They are coming a day early but I worry still.


3. I would like to participate in the Read the Bible in 90 days blog.

4. I would like the Bible, Read the Bible in 90 days.

5. Misc. Books, CDs, DVDs, a gift card for a massage.

Merry Christmas everyone. Thank you for this fun way to spend an early Tuesday evening.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - December 21, 2009

The Simple Woman's Daybook
December 21, 2000

Outside my window...it was a bright cloudy day. High was 25. Nice day.

I am thinking...that I am glad to have ALL of my shopping finished and that I do not plan on going into another store until after the New Year.

I am thankful for...my husband who is helping me around the house more than ever. The doctor told me that if my hips don't improve I will have to get a cortisone shot is each one. That means no vacuuming, no dishes (standing), not much cooking, no lifting, and things like that. He has really been a help.

I am wearing...fleece jammies with purple kitties and of course my slippers.

I am currently reading...a book I just got today. It is a mystery by Sue Henry. She writes about dog sledding.

I am remembering...all the things left on my to do list.

I am going...to bed very soon.

I am hoping...that the pictures I am going to try and post with this come through OK. And that any bad weather holds off until after Saturday. And that this headache does not become a migraine.


On my mind...is my messy house, family, friends, the Lord Jesus, and how and why someone would send spam to my Facebook account.


I am noticing...that cats are basically crazy beings. As the picture (hopefully) will show. The cat decided he didn't like waiting for the birds on the ground so he climbed the feeder to wait.

I am pondering these words... "God bless us everyone." Tiny Tim...Scrooge

From the kitchen...tomorrow cheese enchiladas with beans and rice, Christmas Eve ...ham, potato salad, harvest salad, Swedish rice, buns, pickles, lots of sweets. Christmas Day...Leftovers plus cheese and crackers, herring, pie, and coffee cake.

Around the house...tidy things, maybe bake a cookie or two, laundry maybe, .

One of my favorite things... decorating for Christmas. I am hoping that the Christmas village pictures come through. I would really like to share them with you all.

Well, after many times trying to get the right pictures to upload I give up. I am too tired and my head hurts too much. I will try again tomorrow on a separate post.

Six Word Saturday - December 19, 2009

Six Word Saturday
December 19, 2009

I am starting to feel OVERWHELMED.

I have a messy house, no cookies baked, a messy house, a whole day Monday away from home running errands, a messy house, no cookies baked, a messy house.
Did I mention I am overwhelmed?

Friday's Fave Five - December 18, 2009

Friday's Fave Five
December 18, 2009

1. I am so pleased to be rid of the mouse condo in my heater. It was very cold on Monday when I drove the hour and a half to the dealership for a fix. I could not turn on the heater and had to have a window open to keep the windshield from frosting over.
Turns out it was not just a mouse house but a 3 bedroom, 2 bath condo the rascals had built. They must have gotten hungry because they had also chewed the spark plug wires. They had to be replaced. But I do have heat again.

2. I finished all of my wrapping yesterday. I got all of the paper snippets cleaned up. I found my coffee table again. I knew it was under there somewhere. While I was wrapping I needed a new tape. So I opened a box to put into the dispenser, but it wouldn't work. My husband then took over. He tired to get the tape to unroll but it kept breaking. I finally got tired of waiting and opened a different roll. He had more fun trying to get that tape to work. It never did work correctly. He ended up with no tape on the spool and a whole lot of little pieces in his lap. We had lots of laughs.

3. I am finally far enough along that I can bake tomorrow. I am going to make Peanut Blossoms. Then I am going to make Paula Dean's Ooey Gooey Cake. If you have never tried this please do a Google. It is well worth the search. If I knew how to provide a link I would do that for you. But alas I do not.

4. I heard from a cousin yesterday that I had not talked to in about 10 years. She and her brother were adopted by my aunt. For whatever reason when my aunt died they thought that no one in my family would want anything to do with them. They were so wrong. I got all of her information and her brother's . I sent off an email right away. This is like a Christmas present. I have great memories of them.

5. I do not have to go into any store from now until the week after New Years. I feel so lucky. Almost guilty. Almost I said. I never thought it would happen, but I am shopped out. I don't even want to shop online. This is a new phenomenon for me. I will enjoy it while I can. I think.

Merry Christmas everyone.
May God shine all of his blessing down on you and yours.

Random Dozen - December 16,2009

Random Dozen
December 16, 2009

1. Gingerbread: For or against? Discuss.
Yes. I don't especially care for ginger cookies but I do like a gingerbread house. I have never made one but they are sure cute to look at.

2. Is it important to you to always stay (live) close to family?
It is very important. These are the people who love me unconditionally.

3. Which holiday pretend character do you wish really existed?
Mrs. Claus. I would have her over to do my baking. Christmas is little over one week away and I have no cookies or fudge or anything baked. I could use Mrs. Claus.


4. Which holiday movie best represents how you feel about Christmas or life?
Scrooge is the way I am feeling right now. I love Christmas but I am really starting to stress out. Nothing is going right. Or maybe it would a Charlie Brown Christmas.


5. Is there a particular Christmas song that you're enjoying now? Any that you're tired of?
I love the classic Christmas songs..."What Child is This?", "Do You Hear What I Hear?", "Away in the Manger", and "O Come All Ye Faithful". I never get tired of hearing them, I would like to hear them on the radio all year.

6. What is your favorite way to remember those less fortunate at Christmastime?
I can't afford to do much but I always drop a few coins in the Salvation Army kettles and I try to buy something for Toys for Tots, and I give to the local food shelf.

7. Does it upset you to see "Xmas" instead of Christmas? How about "Happy Holidays" etc., instead of "Merry Christmas?"
Yes it offends me to see Xmas. It has removed Christ for the celebration. Happy Holidays is OK because it could encompass the new year.

8. How many Christmas programs are you attending this month?
None. I don't know anyone who is in one.

9. Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? Any chance of that dream becoming a reality?
No I am not dreaming of a white Christmas, brown is fine with me. However, living in Minnesota we will probably get some snow.

10. Tell me about a Christmas present you received as a child. Pics are always nice.
I remember my first Barbie. She was beautiful. Well she's Barbie so of course she is beautiful. But she had the first positionable legs and arms. OHHHHH! She had short dark hair cut in a very attractive bob. She came with Ken and with Skipper, and with Midge. I was so excited. I do have pictures but no scanner at the moment.

11. How many Christmas parties are you attending this month?
Just the one at my house next week. We don't party much.

12. How do you keep yourself centered on the significance of Christmas?
I pray a lot right now. I try to listen to more traditional Christmas hymns than contemporary songs. I look at my manger often.

Ten on Tuesday - Dec10. Do you prefer classic old movies or new?ember 15, 2009

Ten on Tuesday
December 15, 2009

1. What is your favorite recipe using ground beef?
That would be spaghetti sauce. Love it. In fact we just had it for dinner the last two nights. I don't make it though, it is my husband's specialty.

2. What was your favorite book as a kid?
Any Nancy Drew book. When I was growing up the covers were yellow. That just about tells you my age. I still have all of my old books and about once a year I read them.

3. Did you work as a teenager and if so, where?
I tried to work, but no one wanted to hire me. I was very small for my age (which I could still say that). I did babysit though. I liked getting paid to raid the fridge , and the kids were always great fun too.

4. Did you work while in college and if so, where?
The first time I was on college I worked as a teacher's aide at a day care center. I was hoping to be a teacher. The second time in college I worked as a teacher's aide. Funny I just now realized that. But the second time I worked for an office skills teacher.

5. When you go to sleep do you like total darkness or semi? When you go to sleep do you need quiet or is some noise ok?
Total darkness and no noise at all. Even a sliver of light will keep me awake. Good thing I live in the woods, no street lights here.

6. When doing laundry, fabric softener or not?
I have hard water. I use a fabric softener in the washer. If I didn't my clothes would stand up by themselves.

7. Would you rather be blind or deaf?
I would rather be deaf because I could still be totally independent. I mean I could drive myself to where I needed to go. I would miss the sound of music and of the rain but I could see the music of the rain.

8. Bottled water or tap?
I use tap water. I try to remember to take water with me when I leave the house so that I don't have to buy any while I am gone. I don't like to drink from plastic. It always tastes funny.

9. What do you put on pancakes?
My first helping I only have syrup and butter on them. If I still have room then I have peanut butter and syrup. This is a must try for everyone.

10. Do you prefer classic old movies or new?
I don't know. What I do know is that I do not like re-makes of classic movies. I don't think the actors of today bring the same thing to the characters as the original players.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - December 14, 2009

The Simple Woman's Daybook
December 14, 2009


For today:

Outside my window...very, very cold today. High at 8 degrees. Blue sky of course with that kind of cold.

I am thinking...how grateful I am that my car works again. That the mouse house is gone and I have heat.

I am thankful...OK maybe this is part of the last one but different. I am thankful for honest mechanics who don't take advantage of a woman. And feel bad when it costs more than they had at first thought.

I am wearing...lavender jammmies with pink flowers (flannel of course), warm cozy socks and slippers.

I am remembering...how the kitty from outside was tonight as we tired to bring groceries into the house. He was underfoot all the time. He rolled over on his back and pawed the air. Then he chased his tail. The he climbed into the car. The silly guy.

I am going...to bed very soon but tomorrow to the pharmacy, to get a B-12 shot, picking up something my aunt needs, grocery shopping (again), and to the chiropractor.

I am currently reading...a magazine I just picked up today. I think it is called Victorian. Or something like that. It is great fun anyway.

I am hoping...for good weather next week for all of the holiday travelers.

On my mind...all of the things I have yet to do. I have too many lists so maybe it is time to condense them down to one workable list. Yeah right.

Noticing that...the longer I sit at the computer the tireder I get. Tireder? Is that even a word? See I am tirede.

I am pondering these words...Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold everything is softer and more beautiful. Norman Vincent Peale

From the kitchen...DH made spaghetti for dinner tonight. For tomorrow
leftovers.

Around the house...Are still many bags filled with things from the store today that are waiting to be put away...tomorrow

One of my favorite things...Right now is sitting back with satisfaction and looking at the Christmas decorations that are up. They are all so pretty.

From my photo journal...my new camera came today, but I didn't even open the box. I am too tired to read directions and instructions. But I will be posting Decorations later this week.

Friday's Fave Five #66 December 11, 2009

Friday's Fave Five
December 11, 2009

1. Getting all of the Christmas decorating finished.
As much as I love to decorate for Christmas, I feel really stressed until it is all up and beautiful. I did that this week.

2. The winter birds coming to the bird feeders. We have a different variety of birds now than we do in the summer. Except of course for the Chickadees.

3. Time for baking. I have time tomorrow to start my baking and I am excited about that. I love to bake and Christmas is the perfect excuse to try new recipes.

4. Medication that works like it is supposed to. My husbands new med is doing it's job. He sleeps well, is in a good mood (always). He almost seems like the man I married.

5. Battery chargers. They are a wonderful, miraculous invention. You hook them up and turn on the car. Oh what a delight. My 7 year old battery really loves this machine. I know I need a new battery, but I was hoping to put it off until after Chirstmas, with a battery charger I just might make it.

Ten on the Tenth - December 10, 2009

Ten on the Tenth
December 10, 2009

With Christmas just 2 short weeks away, I am goingto try and make a lits of my 10 favorite Christmas things. I said try because to narrow the list down to just ten will be a challenge.

1. The birth of Jesus.

2. The shopping...my favorite any time of year.

3. The movies

4. The songs

5. The cookies

6. The hysteria of excitement

7. The joy

8. The cards (no family newsletter thank you)

9. The tree and ornaments

10. Santa (he is real you know)

Random Dozen - December 9, 2009

Random Dozen
December 9, 2009


1. Which physical trait do you now accept--maybe not love, but accept--and no longer feel extremely self-conscious about?
I have finally accepted that my hair will never be thick and wavy. It is the opposite, it is very thin on top and board straight. If I could take some of the hair from the back of my head, I would have thick hair on top. As it is I have to do a comb over, much like Trump's (well maybe not that bad).

2. This week Meredith Baxter Birney, best known as the mom on the favorite 80s sitcom "Family Ties" came out of the closet, which led me to formulate this question: Who do you think is/was the best TV mom?
I guess the best TV mom would have to be Carolyn Engels from Little House. She just epitomizes mother of any era. Or maybe what we want our mom's to be like. But she was a great mom.

3. Do you speak any foreign languages? Are there any you'd like to learn?
No, I do not speak any foreign languages. I can't even make sense of pig latin. I think maybe I would like to learn German. Just because someday I would like to go and see where my family originated from.

4. Who is your personal hero?
That would have to be Senator Edward Kennedy. He is my hero because with all of the personal family tragedy that he faced, the personal ramifications from Chappaquidick, he still was elected into office time and time again. He stood by his beliefs. He fought for the average American. Even with family money he did not forget about us. I am only sorry he did not live long enough to see the fruit of his service, health care reform.

5. What is one holiday food that you find extremely difficult to resist over- indulging in?
I have a real problem with the cookies, the breads, the candy. Anything sweet automatically has my name on it.

6. Tell me about a Christmas decoration that has special meaning or sentimental value.
When I was a child we had these two little elf like stuffed things. I had named one Dinky and the other's name I can't remember. I still have them and set them out every Christmas. They are kind of thread bare now but I would miss them if they were gone.

7. How do you feel about snow?
If I lived somewhere where I didn't have to deal with it, I would like it. However, because I live in Minnesota and living 22 miles from town, I have to take it into consideration when making any winter plans. I really really dislike snow.

8. On average, how many hours of sleep do you get each night? Not that I'm jealous of any number over three or anything.
I usually get about 7 hours of sleep (sorry), if I sleep past 8 AM I think I have wasted the whole day.

9. Tell me about your first crush.
It was in ninth grade. He sat in front of me in Social Studies. I had it bad. I kept writing Mrs. and his name over and over again. He didn't even know I was alive. LOL

10. You're stuck in a room for 2 hours with only a chalkboard and chalk. What will you write/draw?
I would have to write very tiny, but I would start a story that has been floating around in my head for a while. I keep putting off writing it but stuck in a room for 2 hours I would have no excuse.

11. Do you dress for the current temp or for the day's forecast?
I am always too warm so I dress for comfort. However, I keep emergency warm things in the car for the just in case scenario.

12. Favorite Christmas movie is?
It isn't Christmas until I have seen "White Christmas", it is my all time favorite. Followed with a close second of "Holiday Inn".

The Simple Woman's Daybook - December 7, 2009

The Simple Woman's Daybook
December 7, 2009


FOR TODAY

Outside my Window...Mostly sunny with high clouds. Cold though with a high of only 17 today. Is it spring yet?

I am thinking...about all I have to do before Christmas. I have many lists, but if I can't get the work done on the lists the lists are useless. Things keep getting in my way of accomplishing anything.

I am thankful...that even though my car smells like burnt leaves, it didn't actually catch on fire. The mouse house inside the heater only started to smoke. Wednesday I can take the car to the shop and have them remove the house so I can use the heater again. Another delay.

I am wearing...navy blue sweats, magenta T-shirt with pink pull over, and socks and slippers.

I am remembering...or trying to remember my recipe for Swedish Rice. It has been requested for Christmas and I can't find my recipe. I remember rice, whipped cream, almond flavoring, and raspberries but not the entire recipe. I may just have to wing it.

I am going...no where until Wednesday morning. I have to be at the dealership by 8 AM which means I have to leave the house by 6 AM, which means I have to be up by 5. I am also going to do some shopping after my car is fixed. I might as well take the opportunity to shop where I don't normally get a chance.

I am currently reading...the book of Luke one chapter each day until Christmas. Tomorrow I am starting a book titled "Letters from a Homesteader"

I am hoping...that the snow storm they are predicting for Tuesday night into Wednesday morning does not materialize. If it does I won't be able to take my car in on Wednesday morning.

On my mind...is my husband's comment this afternoon. He said that I was chewing too much gum and wanted to know why. I told him it was either gum or cigarettes, which did he want? He still doesn't understand why quitting smoking is the hardest thing I have ever done. And if I need to chew a whole TON of gum then what is the big deal?? It makes me want to smoke. He complained that I smoked too much, now that I have quit (2 months) he complains I chew too much gum. Geesh.

I am noticing that...my patience is growing shorter with each passing day. See all of the above LOL.

I have learned...that I have to learn how to relax and go with the flow.

Pondering these words..."I try to void looking forward or backward, and try to keep looking upward." Charlotte Bronte

From the kitchen...venison roast with potatoes, carrots and gravy.

Around the house...is such a mess that I want to hire a bulldozer and start out fresh.

One of my favorite things...is my family. As frustrating as they are I do love them all. Eccentricities and all. Can a 25 year old young man be eccentric?

From my photos...my little girl Ozzy


I have ordered a new camera. It should be here any day. I can't wait to have more pictures to share.

Six Word Saturday - December 5, 2009

Six Word Saturday
December 5, 2009


I hate mice in my car.

The mice have decided that the heater area of my car would make a special place for their new home. It caught on fire today. I hope they got smoked out. I know I did. The car still stinks. Did I mention that mice have no place in my car?

Friday's Fave Five #65 - December 4, 2009

Friday's Fave Five #65
December 4, 2009



1. I have a great hairdresser. She has done my hair for about 10 years. I just let her do whatever she wants with my hair. She knows what works and what won't work. This week she gave me a new do. It looks great. She is definitely on my fave list.

2. The woods have a dusting of snow. At this time of year the woods can look forlorn and bleak. All browns and grays, not much variation on colors. With a dusting of snow the woods comes alive and is very enjoyable to look at and watch.

3. Bringing out the Christmas decorations. I like to have time to sit and remember when each ornament was purchased and the reason that particular one chosen. It makes me all warm inside.

4. I discovered a new flavor of Coffee Mate this week. It is called "Italian Sweet Cream". It is so good. I don't really care for a bunch of flavors for coffee. I prefer my coffee black but once in a while I like a little bit of sweet. This fills that need.

5. I placed an order with the Metropolitan Museum of Art in November, it has not been delivered yet. This week I called their customer service number. After waiting on hold for 20 minutes on Wednesday I was told that they would look into it. After waiting on hold for more than 20 minutes on Thursday they told me they would call me later in the day as soon as they had something to tell me. Today, after being on hold for over 30 minutes I was told that the original order had been sent but that they did not have a tracking number and that a second order would be going out today...priority. I told them that their customer service really was not so good. That their follow through was horrible. That I would not be ordering from them again. They apologized for any inconvenience. Later this afternoon my original customer service rep called me, she told me of the second order being sent out today and that it would be here on Monday. If not I was to call immediately and let her know. She also mentioned that the shipping and handling fee would be refunded. This is one of my favorite things this week because it shows what patience and perseverance can accomplish. I spent a lot of time on hold and I told them my opinion of their operation, without getting nasty, and they showed me their appreciation.

Friday Fill-Ins December 4, 2009

Friday Fill Ins
December 4, 2009


1. You get too many cookies in the tummy you get a tummy ache.

2. I have the right to sing Christmas carols at the top of my lungs, even if I can't sing well.

3. It's almost cookie baking time.

4. Forgetting to hang the winter windows is ridiculous! My husband reminded me late Thursday night that our screen windows were still on. This job usually falls to me and I forgot this year. Our windows are changed from the inside so this won't be too bad tomorrow.

5. I feel more stressed this year than other Christmases.

6. As he flew out of sight he said, "And to all a...goodnight."

7.7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to having a good night's sleep, tomorrow my plans include hanging storm windows and some decorating and Sunday, I want to do some baking.

Food For Thought Friday - December 4, 2009

Food For Thought Friday
December 4, 2009


Breakfast
Are you a "real" Christmas tree fan or "artificial"
We had a real tree for years. But I got tired of finding needles in July. I bought our first artificial tree without telling anyone I was getting it. We have downsized since then and now have a table top 3 footer. We have a small living room. To get the fresh scent of pine I hide a pine scented candle behind the tree, unlit of course.

Lunch What is the earliest and latest you have ever sent out your Christmas cards?
One time and one time only I sent the cards out before Thanksgiving. One year I had all of the cards addressed and stamped by the 2ND week in December but they did not go out until after the new year. I don't send cards out now. The price of stamps has gotten too high.

DinnerDo you decorate the outside of your house?
I decorate the inside windows so that they can be seen from the outside. All around the frames with lights. There isn't any way to hang lights on the outside of our house, so I make due. I would have a house that looks like the Lampoon's Christmas Vacation house if I could.

Midnight Snack
How close are you to being done with your Christmas shopping?
I have one more gift to buy. I know what I am buying so this should not be a big deal. This year I only had 7 to buy for so my job is easy.

Recipe of the Week (instead of your recipe for life, what is it just for this week?)

For this week the recipe is : It will get done when it gets done. I have been under the weather and was panicking for a while of all the things not done. But I am only one person. So, it will get done when it gets done.

A Special CHRISTmas Memory - December 3, 2009

Dawn over at Dawn's Cottage Corner has an idea to devote Thursdays in December to writing abut a Christmas memory. This is to be a way of getting to know the readers. I know I don't have many followers, not like some of you, but I do cherish each of you.

Whenever I log on and see a higher number of followers than before I get excited.
This will be my first contribution of this type. If you want to do a memory of your own please let me know. I will gladly follow you to read it.

One of my memories of Christmas is not from when I was a young child but as a young teenager. I was about 14 and my brother about 9.

My mom worked for the county as welfare caseworker. She took her job to heart. She gave it all she had.

One year one of her clients' house burned down. She had 5 or 6 little children. Younger than my brother or I. She had lost everything. Not just her house, which was certainly the worst part, but because this happened just before Christmas all of the kids gifts had burned up also.

My mom came to my brother and I and told us her idea. What would we think if instead of getting gifts ourselves (meaning him and me) we bought gifts for this client and her family. My brother and I did not even hesitate, we agreed to this plan.

The three of us went shopping. My mom knew the ages and sexes of the children. We had a great time doing the shopping. We had dinner out that night, a very rare treat indeed. We helped mom wrap the gifts. Mom called the client and made arrangements with her for us to visit.

The three of us went to where the family was staying. We shocked into silence when we arrived. This home, and it was a home, was just a shell of a place. There weren't any inside walls in place yet. There were curtains up between rooms. We were humbled.

There was such joy in that family who had lost everything. They still had each other and their love was apparent even to us kids. When they saw the gifts that we had brought their love enveloped us.

That CHRISTmas left an impression with me that has lasted all of these years. When I have had a bad year, and may not be feeling very CHRISTmas-like all I have to do is remember that year. My brother and I learned a valuable lesson that year. We learned what the season is really about.

Random Dozen - December 2, 2009

Random Dozen
December 2, 2009


1. Which Wizard of Oz character are you most like? Sometimes I am like the wicked witch from the west. I try hard not be that way but sometimes it just comes out. Most of the time I am like Aunty Em, sweet, loving, kind, and bossy.

2. When you're deciding what you're going to wear each morning, which item do you select first? Why? I usually pick out my pants first. Because they are easier to get out of the dresser drawer than any top I have.

3. What kind of animal do you think the world could live without? Are spiders considered part of the animal kingdom? Are snakes? Are any creepy crawlies? I think the world could live without anything that has more than 4 legs or no legs.

4. How many Christmas trees are in your home? This year there will be only one tree. Most years there are 2. One year there was 3.

5. Would you prefer to be emotionless if it mean you didn't have to feel a heartbreak? Wow, that is a hard one. If I am emotionless then I could not feel joy. I could not laugh. But then on the other hand I would never know the pain of loss, the pain of failure, or of betrayal. I don't think I could trade one for the other. I guess I have to have the ability to feel pain so that I might feel anything at all.

6. Do you ever experience holiday let-down or depression?
I used to feel a sort of let down feeling. But I recognize now that it was part of mourning my mom. She loved Christmas. I tried to keep her traditions going long after she died and they never reached her standards. I have since learned to make my own traditions and to adapt her's to my way of doing things. Also, if I do get a little down, I remind myself of the real reason for this lovely season. In all the excitement and preparations I think we forget what the real reason is. I always feel better after a gentle prompting from the Holy Spirit as to the Real season.

7. Do you like Michael Jackson's music? What's to like? No, I do not.

8. Why is it that we never judge people who have their teeth fixed for cosmetic reasons, but every other cosmetic procedure has a stigma? I think it is because teeth are one of the first things you see on a person. Personally, I think there is nothing wrong with getting any kind of procedure done that you can afford to have done. Believe me when I say that if I could afford to, I would have it all done.

9. Enjoy horseback riding?
When I was a kid I did. I have not been in over 35 years, not since I was thrown from a horse and landed on the hood of a car.

10. Shoes--practical or stylish?
Pretty much practical these days. Up until I was 35 I never wore flats, I never owned a pair of sneakers. I wore stilettos most of the time and the rest of the time just very tall shoes. My ankles gave way and now my shoes are flat.

11. What was the name of your first pet? Feel free to post a pic. My first pet was a black Cocker Spaniel. His name was Teddy. He knew his treats were kept on top of the piano. When he wanted a treat he would jump up onto the piano bench and pound on the keys.

12. What percentage of your Christmas shopping is done? 99.99% is finished. Just one more to buy.

ABC Wednesday round 5 - T is for...

ABC Wednesday Round 5
T is for...
December 1, 2009


At this time of year of course T is for tinsel. There are 2 schools of thought for tinsel. One school says yes to tinsel every year, every tree. The other school says no to tinsel every year, every tree. It can be a problem if a household has both schools of thought.

Personally, I think tinsel only belongs on a real tree. It is too hard to remove from a fake tree. I do not like colored tinsel. If tinsel is going to be used it should be the old fashioned silver kind. No colored tinsel for me.

If a garland is going to be used instead of tinsel then any color goes. Except maybe purple and day-glo pink. Those just don't seem very Christmassy. Garland can be used on either a real or a fake tree. It's removal is easy.

If a household does have both schools living there then the only alternative, short of having a major blow out or two main trees, is to alternate years. Share the experience of tinsel and garland. Maybe the other school will become a convert. It could happen.

But whatever school of thought you are from just remember one thing...tinsel should be place on the tree one strand at a time. No clumps! And a garland should be wound from the top down. Or did I just start another debate on each of these issues?