ianorc, I planted a Compassion this last spring and do agree it has some lovely blooms. Glad to know it does so well for you. I haven't been to the San Juan Islands yet, but hope to next year. All of this area is really beautiful. I hope you'll visit more often and post. I'd love to hear what all you grow and about your garden. Suzy, I've often thought that your descriptions make up for all the pictures you don't post for us. That's a lovely picture with words. It sent me back into old pictures of birds that lived in my southern garden, bluebirds, woodpeckers, flickers, titmice, several kinds of finches, robins, lots of cardinals, hummers. Lots of other kinds of animals here but I miss the small birds out my kitchen window. Here, I know the birds must be out there, but the forest cover is so dense and food so abundant that I don't see them. Or haven't learned to yet. Must work on that, I miss them. I hope your waxwings come abundantly for you. Thanks for posting.

Shall I put you out of your misery?? They shoot horses, don't they!! Hey, Michael Sarazin died this year, I think.... "Jingle Bells" is one of the best-known and commonly sung winter songs in the world. It was written by James Lord Pierpont. As previously stated, he wrote it for your November Thanksgiving - I find that interesting, that in that day, there was enough snow to have sleigh races - and that indeed is what I was going for!!! James Lord Pierpont originally composed his song in 1850. A plaque commemorating the "birthplace" of "Jingle Bells" adorns the side of a building in Medford, Massachusetts. Pierpont wrote the song there, at the former Simpson Tavern, now 19 High Street in the center of Medford Square. According to the Medford Historical Society, the song was inspired by the town's popular sleigh races during the 1800s. The song has since passed into public domain. Music historian James Fuld notes that "the word jingle in the title and opening phrase is apparently an imperative verb." However, today it is commonly taken to mean a certain kind of bell. So, for mnswgal and honalee: Now, you know I can't help myself: Lyrics The first verse and chorus are the most well-remembered sections of "Jingle Bells": Dashing through the snow In a one-horse open sleigh O'er the fields we go Laughing all the way Bells on bobtail ring Making spirits bright What fun it is to laugh and sing A sleighing song tonight! (chorus) Jingle bells, jingle bells, Jingle all the way. Oh! what fun it is to ride In a one-horse open sleigh. Jingle bells, jingle bells, Jingle all the way; Oh! what fun it is to ride In a one-horse open sleigh. Although less well-known than the opening, the remaining verses depict high-speed youthful fun. In the second verse, the narrator takes a ride with a girl and loses control of the sleigh: A day or two ago I thought I'd take a ride And soon, Miss Fanny Bright Was seated by my side, The horse was lean and lank Misfortune seemed his lot He got into a drifted bank And then we got upsot. :: chorus :: In the next verse (which is often skipped), he falls out of the sleigh and a rival laughs at him: A day or two ago, The story I must tell I went out on the snow, And on my back I fell; A gent was riding by In a one-horse open sleigh, He laughed as there I sprawling lie, But quickly drove away. :: chorus :: In the last verse, after relating his experience, he gives equestrian advice to a friend to pick up some girls, finds a faster horse, and take off at full speed: Now the ground is white Go it while you're young, Take the girls tonight and sing this sleighing song; Just get a bobtailed bay Two forty as his speed Hitch him to an open sleigh And crack! you'll take the lead. :: chorus :: Thanks all for playing!! Oh, so many Youtube versions to chose from, but here below is my pick!! How can you beat Der Bingle and the Andrew Sisters?? Nancy. Here is a link that might be useful: Jingle Bells

Sounds like everyone had a yummy dinner! And here, we were thoroughly impressed with ourselves! Everything was so delicious. My modified stuffing recipe for the crock pot was just right. Digit, I used to do a recipe very like yours, but without celery - and lots of onions. For the newspaper recipe and reduced the celery by one cup and increased the onions by a cup - so it was 3 to 1. I left out the mushrooms, but may reconsider next year, based on JC's input. Then I threw in some Jimmy Dean Sage Sausage. Sauteed it up first. Based on the herbs in the sausage, I cut back some of the other seasonings and chicken broth. The other huge hit was for a recipe called "Potato Brulee". It used Yukon Golds, cream, milk, goat's cheese, cheddar cheese, swiss cheese, green onions and a whole head of garlic. Mixed all together, sprinkled parmesan on top and broiled for a few minutes. Unbelievably good! Bonnie, my bread pudding is a dessert dish. It's very similar to most bread puddings I've had except there's an apple in the recipe as well. And we serve naked... no rum sauce for us, it's so good as is. I just got back from shopping, so now it's time to catch up with everyone else and get the turkey carcass stripped and ready to boil up. Can't wait for leftovers tonight!

Lynn, I know these past weeks have been rough for you and all your family. So glad your friends will be with you for Thanksgiving. I'm impressed by all of you who can start decorating for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving--I'm too tired and still to full for that so will wait for Dec. 1st. ;o) Enjoy your day and your Thanksgiving dinner. Jane, I know your family has been through some rough times this year too--and you can't help but miss the way things used to be. Since you've been so busy with the kids lately, maybe you and your DH will really enjoy a little peace and quiet and just a nice cozy Thanksgiving for two. Hugs to you. ;o) Frou, I'm so sorry to hear you have to work today and Friday too. Good that you have thought it through and are just thankful you are employed. That's what I call a good attitude--but hard especially knowing all those guests are coming! Know it will all work out fine and everyone will have a good time. Happy Thanksgiving. Hostarhodo, sounds like you have some fun things going on. How nice that you are catering the meal for your group. Have lots of fun and enjoy yourself. Old Crafty, more power to you if you can make it up that early to shop! My SIL and niece have done that for years too and they always have a ball. We will want to hear all about it, and maybe you will have some pics to share of some of your great finds. Have fun! Luvs