Monday Cmas Eve

[carolb]

Good morning all & happy Cmas Eve!

Hmmm, I've spent many of these holidays alone & have grown to be very okay with it--well, like Soos says, we have owr 4-leggers! Nowdays, I prefer to be in my own home, alone, bt this year I did accept an invite to join my co-sin who is collecting "stray single women" for a noon meal on Cday. There'll only be 4-5 cownting her & me, & I know the others from gatherings over the sommer....

Lori, so happy to see yew (& Spinner), not that I mind seeing the "S-ltan" too! Enjoying yore present already!!!! Wendy, Donna, Red, Soos, some nasty weather going along the G-lf coast/S'thern states?--hope y'all & any other s'therners keep safe!...Wine for breakfast, Pa-lette? Is there a problem with that--anything goes d-ring the holidays!

Yikes, I gess I don't need to recap everything--y'all can read! Bt I like to let y'all know how I enjoy reading yore posts each morning so early! Awake at my new normal of 3:30, & first thing is to read all yore posts--they bring me mch joy! Like I love the carolers & Wm story!!! What a joy it woold be to see that! I even get good laffs, like Ava simply saying she has nothing to say!!! Bt it's so good that she stops in to say "good morning"!!! Especially at this time, not a lot of owr regewlar people stopping in for MC, so it seems very cozy & more intimate to be able to address each of yew!

And a fonny thing one of yew said--yew ahnderstand my msgs withowt "yews." I wrote to my real sister the other day that I'd been "sbbing" all week, meaning "teaching"; she read it as "SOBBING" & panicked til she read the rest! And now I think the only other one I haven't mentioned this a.m. is JdyB, again comforting me that there is not a Carolb imposter owt there! .. & I do miss the other regewlars.

....YIKES, I'm rambling on & on...Y'all have a great Christmas Eve!!!! & like I said, I will be here tomorrow morning, bt I promise to not be so wordy!!!

(After I posted this, I realized it was soooo long that I had to go back & add paragraphs to make it readable!!!! )

[Irmi]

Good morning Carolb & everyone!

Carol, I hope you enjoy the meal with your cousin and other friends. It's so nice reading what everyone is doing here but I also enjoy your recaps, even without the "yews."

It's Christmas Eve and it's starting out at 34 degrees and we'll have a high of 43. It looks like we have a chance of showers today. Tomorrow is going to be clear and Wednesday we have a chance of showers again. I was hoping for dry weather for our traveling day.

I'm going to be busy today. I need to go to the bank and to the hardware store to get antifreeze for our house. We're going to have the plumbing system winterized for the winter, like we did last year, so we don't have to worry about any pipes bursting while we're gone. Then I'll get a workout in. I need to practice the music for this evenings service. The turkey gets baked today and I also want to put the potato salad and devilled eggs together. At some point I want to fry up the scrabble for tomorrows brunch. We're going to have turkey, dressing, gravy, potatoes and some kind of side for dinner. The rest of the turkey will be cut off the carcass and it'll go with us to FL. This evening I play for the Christmas Eve service and hopefully when we get home, we can relax for the rest of the time until we go to bed. Have a good day everyone and please be safe!

[Redwahine]

Merry Christmas Eve everyone. It is a balmy 60 out this morning. I didn't know about the storm headed our way till I read Carol's post. Yep, starting tonight the weather man (is his name Murphy?) says thunderstorms, rain, hail, heavy winds and a tornado for this area for tonight and tomorrow Never been were a tornado is possible. We are having our Xmas get together with DHs son, DIL & gs tonight. We should be home before the bad stuff starts to hit. Tomorrow will be spent watching the storm, fire in the fireplace and stay cozy and safe.

Whether you are celebrating with special someones or by yourself, God Bless us, everyone.

[Colliemom]

Good Morning Carolb, Irmi, Red and all who follow,

Happy Christmas Eve to everyone from here in the U.P. Like a number of others in the forum, I will be spending the holiday with my "four-legged" ones and we will enjoy it immensly. I have a pork roast thawing out in the fridge and will make some candied yarms, a jello salad and another veggie to go along with it. There is cottage cheese in the jello salad, no no need for that by itself. And have a piece of pumpkin 3 layer dessert, for dessert. Simple but good. We will also go out for some ewalks and enjoy this Currier and Ives setting up here, compliments of the storm from last week. About the only thing missing is a horse and sleigh going by I do plan to get some pictures this week and share them with you.

Yesterday I went to mass at the small church near here and afterwards, a number of people including myself, hauled out the Christmas decorations and decorated the church. I didn't go a whole lot cause I wasn't sure just what or how they did it, but helped where I could. The local folks here, go out in the woods and cut some fresh trees and bring them in. I dont need to tell you how wonderful that church smelled by the time we were through and I am so looking forward to Christmas Eve mass this evening as I know that church is going to smell so good. And there are candles in every window in the place as well garland on the window frames (that's artifical there), plus some wreaths. Will take pictures as well. Did take a few yesterday. the problem with posting them right now, is that we all know Photobucket can be so slow sometimes, getting pics downloaded and get them ready to post. With the slow connection I have here, it will just take that much longer. But I will try a few and see what happens. Sometimes, like this morning, my speed seems to be fast.

There's one other couple with a pair of beautiful huskies here right now too. Just came up to spend Christmas week. No special doings for them either. Just wanted to get away and relax. Haven't talked with them yet, but have seen them out with the dogs. Of course the dogs have already made acquaintence They have to keep thiers on leash or they will take off whereas mine stay here, so I don't have to worry about them. Put them out and let them in, when they are ready.

Carolb, I enjoy your recaps of what everybody's doing as I don't always take the time to read every inch of stuff going on in this forum, so it's nice to see a recap. And I actually have gotten to where I enjoy reading without the "yews". It's gotten to be very easy. Ava, I'm glad you post even when you don't have anything to say. At least I know I"m not the only one who has that problem some days.

Oh yeah, found out that I have no damage of any kind from those downed trees at home. So all I will have to do is deal with getting them cleared away. I think that only one might be down by my fence gate and if that's the case, I will get that taken care of so I can access my backyard. Need to get in there with the snowblower and clear out part of the yard so the dogs can do their "thing" out there as well as keep my deck cleared. I can get through the service door of my garage with my small blower, but the big one has to go through the fence gate. I may just leave the rest of those trees till the snow melts. From what I understand, there's about 20 inches of snow there right now.

Well, time to quit jabberng here and get the morning moving along. Dishes to do and a jello salad to make, then a dog walk and maybe if there is some sunshine, take a short picture taking ride up the road a bit. Finsished another Christmas sign yesterday and got to get the wire on back to hang it up with and deliver it to the owners upstairs. So you all have a wonderful Christmas Eve tonight. See you all tomorrow. Us "stray ladies" as Carolb's cousin calls it, can gather tomorrow morning for breakfast.

[carolb]

"CollieMom" Good to see yew! Yep, checking in again to see what the other "strays" are doing. Decorating the ch-rch--I can smell all the pine! Irmi cooking-p a storm & others relaxing! Yes, Red, get home safely before the real weather storm hits! I'm now off to send some holiday greeting "e's" to my old friends far away. Blessings to all of yew, my new, very good friends!

[AlmostThere]

Happy Christmas Eve!

Carolb, I too enjoy your recaps as I get too lazy or tend to miss some threads. Appreciate it!

I attended Christmas Candlelight services last night with my DD/family and also her MIL is who visiting from Fountain Hills, AZ. Plus both GDs brought friends, so we took up a whole pew! The church was packed, and another service was happening right afterward, so we were herded like cattle out one side as the next wave came in.

I'm gearing up to head up the interstate to my DDs for the next couple days. Hope to be on the road by 10. I'll be boarding Choco, taking him in this AM. He is welcome at my DDs but: their cat hates him, they don't have a fenced yard, Choco sheds something awful and they have brown velvety type material on their sofas and a layer of dog hair would drive me crazy and not fair to them. Also Choco peed on their tree several Christmases ago...

The GDs are excited to have both of their only living grand-parents (both grandmas) for Christmas. They lost both their grandpas just two weeks apart over the Christmas/New Year holiday in 2010/11. So this Christmas means a lot, not only to them, but all of us. Just nice to all be together.

As I reflect on this past year here on the forum I can hardly believe all the tribulations we have weathered. I am so grateful for the friendships/fellowships/companionships. Whenever one of us is in need we rally to "prop up the leanin' side". Sometimes thru prayer and good thoughts, sometimes you gals are able to be physically there. I think you are all amazing women.

But let's not forget all the joy and celebrations we've shared, too! New RVs, new homes, selling homes, first time trips and new babies both human and fur!
How blessed are we!?!?
MERRY CHRISTMAS

[rvgrammy1953]

Happy Christmas Eve morning to ya'll Late start here today....we 3 slept until 7AM.....Ernie & Spinner did the morning walk while I got the coffee going....Now Spinner's back on the couch getting his morning nap in and we're doing our morning reading on the laptop/notebook.....

After a bit and more coffee, I'll get going here for the day......We're doing our "Swedish Christmas" tradition tonight, so got to make some Swedish meatballs and straighten up a bit....we've got our pickled herring, ligonberries, cheeses, crackers, etc. to enjoy for eats tonight, and while we watch Christmas shows on the TV.....That's my "side of the fence" family tradition....tomorrow will be a lazy day.....and left overs.... Will also be calling the Sibs, kids, and grands tonight and tomorrow....

Visited with the gang at Ft. Stewart yesterday afternoon.....we'll be moving there on New Year's Day.....

Helped our friend, Gwen, with her G-sons yesterday, decorate their Gingerbread house....what fun!!! Sweet boys and just full of little boy energy.....

Okay, have more fresh coffee for ya' and "Fruitcake"

Have a great day, all....

[Redetotry]

Good morning all, I'm a victim of the disappearing post syndrome this morning so will try again. We are waiting for the weather people to be able to decide if the approaching storm is going to be rain or 12" of snow! Red I hope the tornado doesn't develop, those warnings are scary! Speaking of scary weather, look at this raging sea around Scotland!! http://m.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-nor ... d-20739484

I invited my brother and his wife for a drink tomorrow afternoon, also a couple of friends so the day won't seem so long. I'll be happy to see Jan 2 and the holidays over Am I the only one who isn't a fan of Christmas!? I had to laugh at the letters to Santa in the paper today at the kids names. Some day they won't appreciate their parents deciding to be creative with the spelling of their names. Here are a few examples, Emmalie, Avigayle, Kerrygan.

Off to feed the dogs, Toby has been nudging my knee reminding me what time it is.

[mitch5252]

.

Merry Merry Christmas, Everyone! I hope your holiday is filled with
fun and love and lots of good food and drink. But mostly love.



Now, I'm off to try my hand (first time) at homemade biscuits!
(good or bad, they'll end up in the trash, you know...)

.

[dpf]

Where ever you are and what ever you are doing, I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas!

[Nasoosie]

GOOD CHRISTMAS EVE DAY TO ALL!

No frost out there this morning, although I did fire up the furnace to take the chill off when I first got up. I have a couple of things to buy yet for my Christmas Eve supper-----some Campbell's tomato soup and some extra strong and sharp cheddar cheese. Our traditional family Christmas Eve suppers have always been my grandmother's version of Cheese Rarebit, or "Rabbit" as my brother and I always called it!

I will spend the evening with my pups here listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's Christmas album, and Mario Lanza's "O' Holy Night" while weeping and remembering all the wonderful Christmases past. This night was my mother's most favorite time of the year. I miss her.

Time to get dressed and get moving. I am also going to Pet Smart again to see if I can get another couple dog toys that Dinah can't tear apart or eat up instantly. I managed to find two the last time I went, and she LOVES them-----really tough and heavy squeak toys that have endured for over a week now with heavy use yet no chunks removed! Molly will grab any old soft squeaky toy, and, if I can keep it away from Dinah, it will last Molly indefinitely!

Merry Christmas Eve to all.

[BirdbyBird]

Merry Christmas for chilly Ohio. I very quiet Christmas here. No baking, no big gatherings to join or avoid but wanted to wish all of you a Merry Christmas.

[havingfunnow]

Oh, I'm glad you enjoyed the Wm-and-carolers story, Carol! It sure was a great moment here.

Soos, I think you and your brother might have had the right name -- Welsh Rabbit. The story I've heard goes like this: a poor Welsh farmer went hunting, promising his wife he would catch a rabbit for dinner, but he came home empty-handed. His wife said, "I can make a better rabbit than that!" She took what was on hand -- bread, cheese, ale -- and called the result "Welsh Rabbit"! Somehow that story just has the ring of truth! I expect it became "rarebit" when the gentry found out how good it was.

My best news of all -- my son will be here by lunchtime, even though I didn't expect him until Boxing Day. Joy!!!

[mtngal]

My favorite Christmas wish is always here on this forum.....

"The real meaning of Christmas is the giving of love everyday!"

[mitch5252]

..

Wow - what a Christmas gift - I found out I can make a biscuit! These turned out great. I had TWO and the trash can is enjoying the rest...



(I made them itty-bitty so as not to be tempted to eat TWO large!)