Kitt

I just got what I think is the biggest compliment of my life! One of the neighbors stopped to say Merry Christmas as I was carrying out some trash. He was full of praise for my daughter, that she is a lovely lady and that I know how to raise children right!

Greener

Now children, Santa will know if you start fighting over your playthings! We all agreed plaid is Dughs. He is nice enough to share jamie.

Morning all. I think I need a new anti-virus on my computer, I have managed to catch one of the colds flying around the forum. And here I thought I was gonna manage a cold free Christmas for once! Why do they call it catching a cold? I damn sure did not try to catch it! IT caught me! Re opening gifts, doing family dinners etc, our gang approaches it flexibly. When we were growing up we went to Nan's (my paternal great grandmother). Huge family dinner followed by midnight mass, and then gift opening, Santa always came while we were at church. The little ones too small for church would bunk down in Nan's huge bed till the older ones got back and we would wake them. Then home, and repeat the process at Gram's (maternal grandma's). Gifts first then food started around noonish and we would finish the dishes in time to go home and crash. Each party had anywhere from 15 peeps and up depending on who was visiting the spouses families when. Now it is similar but on a much smaller scale as the families have fewer children and have scattered all over the country. We flex based on who needs to visit spouse families and meals, while still having all the traditional dishes are smaller. Used to be we store hopped looking for a turkey big enough to feed 20. Now its to find one small enough to feed 5 with moderate left overs. While I like a good turkey sandwich, there is a limit to how long I want a bird staring at me every time I open a fridge! Where ever and when ever you celebrate, I want all of you to know I love each and every one of you. Oh! And should you ever find yourself in NJ around the holidays (ANY holidays) know you all would be welcome at my table!)

Foie gras. Escargot are actually pretty good unless overcooked. Then they turn to rubber.

"O"? Shouldn't it go under "S"?

Hmmm. I am thinking on the lines "Oh shit, I have to read ALL of this?"

You know how to draw her in, Kitt!  I've been told I am good at stirring the pot too!

Make sure you send me a copy!

So are a lot of really good cheeses!

You can do this A! I am chilling waiting on my third ( and last) student till after Christmas. Wings brought her new pup with her so I am getting puppy snuggles!

Umm, what's the problem with smoked salmon? Tis delish!

Good morning Nick. Would have preferred to sleep in a bit, but was a pretty sunrise over our biggest pasture and the day is full of promise. Have a great day!

I am the last one to start wearing winter coats and the first one to shed them again. As long as my toes are warm I am good to go.

61? Where are my shorts?

Cultural maybe, but aren't you and I of the same generation? ( I am eyeballing 60). I thought everyone who were teens in the late 60s to 70s knew Meatloaf. I spent many Friday nights at midnight showings of Rocky Horror Motion Picture Show.

You took the words right outta my mouth!

maybe a hot shower, or perhaps a bath with Epsom salts?

You can find interesting things @ pawn shops!

Tried that. Separates as thawing, then hubby pours off the first glass without shaking, getting most of the cream. He then complains the rest tastes like skimmed milk.

Survived the grocery! Pleasantly surprised to see every checkout lane open, and an entire flock of uniformed Boy Scouts bagging! Got everything I will need ( with the exception of milk, we ALWAYS need milk) till after new years.

How is this for a compendious phrase? Love you!

I recommend lots of your favorite form of caffeine, good music on, and depending on when you get started maybe a bottle of Pinot?

I SOOOOO wanted to have a Yule fire last night! Picked up the fire wood, cleaned the leaves out of the fire pit, got appropriate munchies, broke the lawn furniture out of winter storage. Then the rain started, the flood warnings were posted, and the peeps coming called and cancelled. Put the lawn furniture back under cover and went to bed early! On a good note, I slept through the night for the first time in weeks! Finished my christmas shopping yesterday, and am now getting ready for the worst part of the holiday season, the pre-guests grocery trip!

Such is the life of an empath. You best be prepared if we ever meet in person. You and Mike will both get the stuffing hugged out of you!