Hi Everyone -
Lots and los of snow here in London, Ontario but it didn't hamper DH and I from going to my Sorority mixed brunch yesterday.
Finished all my parcels -NHSuzanne - yours is being sent today and Christmas cards - took me longer as I had a lot of wedding photos to include.
Have finished shopping and just need to wrap. DD and I and a friend of hers are going to make truffles this week and toffee.

Everyone sounds so busy - remember to stop and look around at the sights and sounds of Christmas - it really is magical.

This year we are providing gifts for 16 new teenage moms and their babies who reside at Bethesda Centre which is run by the Salvation Army. A great organization that gives these young girls a chance to remain and return to school and the skills to take care of child when their own families have deserted them.

I'll check in later, but take care and remember to breathe when the holiday stress hits.
Joanne

Breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breathe out..............breathe!!

Good Monday morning. I too am starting to feel immense stress over the holiday. But I am taking the time to stop and enjoy the sights and sounds. The snow is beautiful here and yesterday was almost 40 so I took to the woods with my girl and had a wonderful spirited ride! Hoofs silently falling on the snow covered forest floor........just us, no one else! It was lovely and exhilarating. I am so glad that I did this for myself.

Now, back to reality!

Good Morning Again,
I am practicing embedding photos here so bear with me. Naturally, it's of Sweet Pea and me!!

{{gwi:1505618}}

Donna - it is Roasted Sticky Chicken or Sticky Roasted Chicken - I forget. It's a chicken that is seasoned the night before and then cooked in a crock pot all day long and Maddie has a story of a time she made it and it involved a stapler - I will say no more - only she can do the story justice.

Tikanis - I must be the friend you are referring to. I watched that yesterday too and my DH can't believe that I put myself through it every year. I also love The Bishops Wife.

Marci - I thought when they came out with those talking m&m commercials that I wouldn't be able to eat another one, unfortunately it didn't work.

Joanne - sounds like you are really in the spirit of the season. As stressed as things are, I really do love this time of year and I love watching the old movies and listening to Carols. Has Curling begun yet?

Suzanne - good job with the photo - I can't wait to see more. Glad you and SP got out yesterday.

I got all my volunteer paperwork done yesterday - that was weighing heavy on my shoulders - now I can concentrate on other things.

I am going to see Bon Jovi tonight and I can't wait.

I have a "girlfriends" Christmas Party tomorrow night and a big Christmas party on Saturday night.

Menu
B - OJ and 1 egg
L - Leftover pot roast again
D - Antipasta, sticky chicken and fried cauliflower
Lots of water - no exercise - sat at the computer most of the day doing that darned paperwork.

Check this out. This is Garnet. He has never been this close to a turkey and he is amazingly calm! What you can't see here is that there were 20 turkeys all together and they were very curious about him!

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Raeanne - Bon Jovi - I'm jealous! Enjoy! When I meet Maddie I will have to get her to tell her sticky chicken story - I can't wait to hear how a stapler was involved.

Suzanne - Great pictures. I loved your description of your ride with Sweet Pea. I know how easy it is to feel the stress of the holiday, it's beginning to catch up with me too. I think Joanne is right - we all should stop and enjoy the season.

Joanne - that is wonderful what you are doing for those girls - a chance they might not otherwise have. Raeanne asked you about curling - what is that?

Tikanis - glad you rested that leg but were still able to get out and have a good time. I have a "friend" who cries at those movies too...

I went to a work Christmas party tonight at a restaurant, we had good food and lots of fun.

Have a great evening - I will check in tomorrow.

Donna

Hello Ladies,

I have to say I like being a guy sometimes, and one thing we dont normally have is all this "stress" over the holidays. I ony have one gift bought so far and a party for family on xmas morning to plan and another dinner party on 12/30 and am stress free! Try not to let it all get to you! I think one of the things that helps is men typically are less worried about getting the perfect gifts and tend to shop for specific items rather than just go shopping and hope to find something. I normally dont mind shopping like that but not around this time of year! I make my list and then usually pick it all up on one shopping trip.

So good luck :) and dont worry if anything goes horribly wrong we have xmas again next year ;)

Not much else new here, take care everyone and stay away from the sweets! or atleast be picky and only waste the calories on the good stuff!

John

Great advice, John. I always tell DH that I want to come back as a husband! lol! Seriously, I think we put the pressure on ourselves because we want everything to be perfect and nothing really is perfect.

Marci, your package was mailed yesterday...look for it early next week!

Gotta catch up here at the office, since I haven't been in since Thursday.

Laters........

Suzanne - I love the turkey pictures - that is amazing that your cat wasn't all that impressed with them LOL. I stopped my car about a month ago to let 20 of them go across my road. They were so unphased by me being there, I just had to stop and laugh. They came back for a couple of days and ate at my bird feeders, but I haven't seen them since.

John - I love the thought that there will be another Christmas next year, that will be my mantra for the next couple weeks.

Donna - the Bon Jovi concert was totally unbelievable, they played for nearly 3 hours straight. He came out into the audience and danced with a woman and then he sang 2 more songs as he worked his way back onto stage. We were just 7 rows from the front and we stood and danced the entire night.

Regarding the concert last night - A woman actually grabbed Jon's butt last night as we walked by and he never looked back at her or anything. Made me think how different that could've been had a man done that to a woman. Her security would've been all over the guy. Wished I had thought of grabbing his butt myself LOL!

I am still waiting on 1 item for Jen and then my package is ready to send. I was hoping it came today, but wasn't at the PO.

I went food shopping this morning and am now baking a cake for a party tonight. I have to get there early, since the hostess is using some of my dishes, music, etc. My house is a total disaster and we are having "newer" friends to our house on Thursday - I need to make them think I'm not the slob I am - so I better get busy decluttering. I really need to take my own advice on Feng Shui.

Have a great day!

Oh....
My....
Gawd.....

John, after I read your post about the chance of having another stressful Christmas NEXT YEAR---

I called my best girlfriend, went to lunch, and took a walk with her.

I feel like I just got a second wind!

Joanne, Suzanne, you are such a breath of fresh air with your posts! I think you've settled us all down a little! :)

I am going to the Death By Chocolate Pampered Chef party tonight with a buncha chicks from our neighborhood. Should be fun.

The best part of this week is I finally am actually losing weight doing all this rushing around! I bought a pair of Levi's 504s from Dillard's Department Store this week and guess what---a size 5. So, the cookie deprivation paid off----finally. Now, the weight maintainance phase begins....!

Gotta fly---Handy guy is coming!

Raeanne - 3 hours of Bon Jovi, 7 rows from the stage??? I would have died! Dancing is perfect exercise, especially to Bon Jovi. You should have exercised your arm and grabbed that butt of his - it is cute! Im glad you had a great time.

BJ - Good for you de-stressing and the way you did it. You will no doubt love your Death by Chocolate Pampered Chef party. I went to a summer Pampered Chef party and enjoyed it, even bought a couple of things I have actually used. Your cookie deprivation has paid off and you deserve those size 5s - doesn't it feel good to fit in a really great pair of jeans??

John and Dee - I agree, we (me) are totally responsible for the pressure put on us to make it a perfect holiday. There is always next year - so true! Now if I can just keep that thought this year.....

I have parties Wednesday and Thursday night. One of my best friends and I are going out to dinner Friday night for our annual holiday celebration. This year we decided not to exchange gifts but to go out to dinner together, eat well and share a nice bottle of wine as our gifts to ourselves. I am looking foward to it!

Be good - I will catch up with you tomorrow!

Donna

Hi everyone!

Gad! I had to read the last 3 weeks worths of posts to figure out what's going on--I've done supervisor training, several 12 hour days, 2 huge shows, and 2 parties in 2 1/2 weeks. Plus, the holiday stuff. H3ll, I haven't even got decorated yet, and I'm busy until Sunday--and then I work. Oh well--it'll get done! :):)

Donna! Hi! Welcome to the group! I see you've been warned about me (LOLOL!!), but I'm really not that bad--just don't give me a stapler, or get me started on my MIL!! haha! I see that you worked at a casino--I work at one now, back of house. what did you do??

OK--exchange--I see someone mentioned waiting until Beege gets back, and that's fine with me. I haven't found what I',m looking for, and may have to make a tromp to Nashville, and see if I can find it there. I'm up for waitng, if that's OK with you all. Oh, and if you can not bear to part with the tacky ornies, that's fine--just find one of your choosing, and send it on--

Well, the hairballs--OMG, they are so funny, and just what we needed; I'm so glad that I listened to NHSuzanne's advice! If I can figure out how to post a pic like Suzanne did, I'll post, otherwise, I'll send snaps to Marci for the album.

Sorry this is short, but I just got home from work, a party and a poker game (I'm **really** bad!!!), and feel the need for the bed--

love and hugs,

Maddie

QOD: I am OK waiting until BJ gets back.

Patti, I received your package yesterday...thank you!! It remains unopened under my tree. It was good to see that return address, but I wish you would check in with us and let us know how you and Dave are doing. I miss you!

Maddie, good to see you posting. Please be sure to remind us about that special chicken you made!

Donna, I just received an e:mail from friends of ours. She suggested that instead of sending gifts back and forth to each other, we have dinner together...twice. One couple pays the first time; the other couple pays the second. Takes the burden off of us to come up with something. We never get to see each other; yet we live 20 miles away!! Amazing, huh? Anyway, this will sort of force us to make time for each other. I love it! I have a close girlfriend who is a bit down on her luck, so we agreed 3 years ago to stop giving gifts. Instead, we choose a Saturday afternoon in January to go have some brunch (in a local diner), then see a chick flick! Inexpensive, and time for just us girls!! No pressure!

BJ, way to go on those jeans! Whoa Hoooooooooooo!!!!! I'm proud of you!

Raeanne, how do you find out about the concerts? Are you on some e:mail list? I was just telling DH last night that we should regularly check out the Meadowlands so that we get some concert time in next year.

Gotta run..........
Take care, eat healthy and NEVER NEVER GIVE UP!
DeeMarie

Maddie - glad you stopped by. Can't wait to see the photos of the new furry family members.

Dee - I usually see ads on TV or in the newspaper about upcoming bands. When I went to get tickets for Bon Jovi on-line all the good seats were taken, but Ticketmaster auctioned a few good ones off and I got them, only a few bucks more than they would've cost.

BJ - SIZE 5!!! You are an inspiration. I never say never - but I can confidently say I will NEVER see a size 5 again in this lifetime.

I will check in later - make the most of your day.

BJ, I was born larger than a size 5! lol!!!

Just a quick note.
Just got back from curling
We have actually been curling since the beginning of October - we get about a 1 1/2 months of cross over time between golfing and curling.

Donna - curling --- well you are out on the ice (indoors), you shoot a 40 lb. granite rock and try to stay in the circle at the other end of the ice. It's kind of like, shuffelboard and chess and pool all rolled into a winter sport. If you watch the Olympics from Turin this February you will see the play.

Had a facial today, tomorrow a manicure and Saturday my hair done. How's that for destressing!!!!!!!

I must have some of those "male" genes John, I've stopped worrying about all the little things - no one noticed but me and the day always comes and goes like any other day.

Goodnight and god bless!!!!!
Joanne

Oh Boy! I had a great package waiting for me when I got home today! Raeanne sent me a whole crate of Clementines! DS and I were off to get our Christmas tree and grabbed a couple to take with us. We could hardly wait to get home to eat another one! They are delicious!!

Raeanne, I can't thank you enough! I knew you were going to send me a Clementine, BUT A WHOLE CRATE??? Thank you, thank you,thank you! XXOO : )

John, you have the right idea, I think. I hope your holiday plans are coming along nicely...

NH Suzanne, your pics are amazing!

Joanne, Your idea of de stressing sound wonderful! I will watch for the curling in the Olympics.

Hi Maddie, Nice to "see" you... : )

Donna I am planning another movie night for my "friend" to shed a few tears to. "look Daddy, teacher says ever time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings...." I am SUCH a big sap!!

BJ, how was that Death by Chocolate party? Are ya still wearin' those size fives? ( GRIN!)

Very busy week here! Every one of my patients is having complications! The knee still hurts, especially with the cold mornings. (cold being a relative term as I live in California...) I have done quite a bit of shopping online which is making it easier. I have to go to the dreaded Walmart tomorrow at 6:00 am to beat the crowds and then go to work. I have only a few presents left to buy.

DS, who works part time at our church is being temporarily laid off tomorrow. He says" I guess I'll just have to manage on my old measly little allowance : ( "
When I was done howling in laughter, I straightened my face and said "I don't think so, but that was a VERY good try. I'll give ya quarter for it". I wonder why THAT didn't go over so well, hmm?

As far as seeing bands, don't hit me, but I haven't heard much Bon Jovi. I would KILL for Eagles or Clapton tickets though, and it would be downright embarrassing to tell you how many Grateful Dead and Leon Russell concerts I went to in my youth. Saw Leon live last year at a small venue and LOVED him!

Time to take the ice off the knee and apply the heat, naproxen, elevate etc.

Raeanne, you are a sweetie pie! DS says thank you and I do believe that we will be fighting over these Clementines.

Tikanas

Good Morning All,

Another snowy morning here! It's supposed to change over to sleet. I hope not. We are usually right in the snow belt so I am praying for snow.

Dee and Raeanne, I am listening to Howard's last show on terrestrial radio! The last few weeks have been such great radio! I entertained the idea of going to Manhattan today for the last show but then I thought better of it! What a mad house it is already. I hope you get to tune in for a little while!

Maddie, we need a fur baby report soon!! I am posting a link below that gives great directions on how to post a picture here. If I can do it, anyone can. I printed out the directions and followed them. Very easy!

So now ALL of you can post pix here too. It's fun that we can.

BJ, your package is in the mail today.

When are we opening packages?

Joanne, your package came.

Tikanis, what exactly is wrong with your knee? How long will you have to stay off it with ice and heat?

I had a job interview yesterday with a investment/real estate broker and general contractor. He is looking for someone to come on board to assist him and someone who is interested in getting their RE liscense. It's a part time position with some potential for the future to share in commissions, etc. He works in NH, MA and FL and has been doing what he is doing for many years, well established. The whole interview was casual and he did the majority of the talking. I asked a few questions and the strange thing is that he didn't ask me anything!! Nothing! I don't know what to make of it. Perhaps he really studied my resume and checked references but I don't know. I am somewhat interested in this position but I don't know how to feel about this first interview. Any thoughts???

I have to try to get some Christmas shopping done today. I am hoping that weather will keep the stores empty. Right!!
I am only shopping locally. I detest malls and that type of shopping. A neighboring town has some lovely and unusual shops.

QOD: What is everyone doing this weekend??
Who is going to try to post a pix here?

I am all in favor of waiting for BJ to open gifts. Where are you going BJ????

Here is a link that might be useful: How to post pictures at the forums

Good FRIDAY morning!

I'm home baking cookies and listening to HOWARD STERN's last show. :-( Thinking of Suzanne, Maddie, and Raeanne this morning. Unless we all get Sirius radio, I won't be able to imagine how your mornings are going while we are listening to the same show each morning!!

Before anyone gets the wrong idea, I am not eating any of the cookies I'm baking....I'm actually fasting for bloodwork at 12:30 this afternoon and I'm sooooo hungry! Almost tempted to break this fast and reschedule, but I won't! haha

Raeanne, looks like you have quite a bit of ice up there. We had it last night, and I'm glad I did not attend the corporate Christmas party.

Gotta run, as I hear the buzzer will sound shortly on my Apricot Crispies...they smell awesome! (Made a batch with sugar-free preserves too!)

Tikanas, you take such good care of others; please be sure that you are taking extra special care of yourself...protect that knee.

QOD: Have we decided that we will wait to open our swaps until BJ returns? Just curious.

Take care, eat healthy, and NEVER NEVER GIVE UP!!
DeeMarie

Dee, we posted at the same time!! Glad you are listening to Howard! I for one, am definitely going to Sirius. We have two weeks of Best Of so I will have time to orchestrate that! It sure is great radio today!! I have even got weepy!!

NH Suzanne & Dee - YES, I am listening - I am going into work late, so I can hear the entire thing LOL. I had to go to Killington yesterday morning, so I got to listen to Howard yesterday too. I wish this was being televised, I would love to see it.

Tikanis - glad you are enjoying the Clementines, wasn't sure how they would hold up. It was my pleasure.

Gotta go and give Howard my full attention.

Dee - it looks like we have a thick layer of ice and then about 6 inches of snow on top and it is still coming down heavy.

I have decided to take the entire day off, I started to rip my closet apart and I don't want to stop. I will work on Sunday instead.

I need to bring something to a party tomorrow night and I want it to be something that can be served room temp. I am coming up blank, aside from vegies and dip. I don't want to make cookies - because I'm afraid the temptation will be too much for me. Any new and exciting ideas?

QOD - I'm not sure what we have decided - but I am open to anything. BJ when did you say you would be back?

QOD: BJ will be back on the 29th and suggested that we start off the New Year by opening our gifts. So, how about Sunday, January 1???? That gives everyone time to shop and mail.

I have a copy of Suzanne Somers "Eat Great, Lose Weight". It is brand new and I will ship it to whoever would like it. My DD picked it up in NYC for me for $2 - but I already have a copy. If nothing else it has some good recipes.

Raeanne, make some cheese balls. Martha had them on her show this week so you could go to her website and get the recipes. I make them each year for Christmas gifts and everyone loves them. They are best at room temp.

Maddie - it was nice to "meet" you! You are right, I was warned about you! I spent 20 years in the casino industry, back of the house watching everyone else and checking everybody out. How are the new babies?

You guys are BIG Howard fans - not me. I have nothing against him but just never got into him. One of the guys I used to work with loves his shows, probably went to NY this morning knowing him.

Dee - you are stronger than I am with those cookies. I would need to be physically pulled away.

Tikanis - My "friend" and I are saps too - enjoy the movie. I will think about you when I hear a bell ringing :)
What terrible timing for your son to lose his job. I agree you need to take it easy - you take care of others, take care of you. How cool that Raeanne sent you clementines - don't ya love them? I do love Bon Jovi but would also kill for Clapton tickets. I did see him once as a "guest" performer at a Stones concert years ago - he was the best!

Joanne - Curling sounds like fun. I will definitely have to watch the Olympics now to see it in action. Facial, hair and nails sounds great - I got my hair cut and colored and threw in an eyebrow wax and thought I'm living large! It was nice to sit and be pampered - I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Suzanne - The job interview sounds pretty good - he asked no questions? That's unusual. Did you get your Christmas shopping done? I am almost finished.

Raeanne - all that ice - yuck. We had torrential rain yesterday but, being close to the coast it was just warm enough it was rain only but it was still cold and miserable.

BJ - how was Death by Chocolate? As a confirmed chocoholic I have to know this.

Tonight one of my best friends and I had an early dinner, shared a nice bottle of merlot and great conversation. We are going to try and catch a movie between Christmas and New Years.

Off to do something, not sure exactly what - maybe just relax and watch some TV. I rarely get the house to myself so I am going to make the most of it.

Be good - check in tomorrow!

Donna

Suzanne - I missed your post about the interview - must've been because of Howard. That is strange, but like you said maybe he knew all he needed from your resume and just wanted to meet you. I know you would be great at Real Estate and you already have a lot of experience with the GC end of it. I hope it works out for you.

Donna - I am also a huge Clapton fan - he is still so talented and sounds as good as ever. I have never had the pleasure of seeing him in concert. When I lived in NYC I used to listen to the same station that Howard was on and when I would get in my car in the morning with my 2 small children - I would quickly turn the station off so my kids wouldn't hear what that disgusting man was saying LOL. When I went back to work, I had a 40+ minute drive to work and I started to listen to him, and before the week was through, I was totally hooked. He made me laugh and I didn't mind sitting in huge traffic jams, taught me not to be so quick to judge.

Suzanne/Dee - DH says we are getting Sirius.

have a great evening.

Hi all!

I didn't know that today was Howard's last day, but I just bought Rog the Sirius radio thingy for Christmas today. Best Buy had the car kit for 129 w/ 50 rebate, and the home kit is 50.

Donna--I'll bet you can tell some stories! I am doing internal audits, so I don't get to see the really good stuff, but so far, I have seen some interesting things; it's amazing what people will try! :)

Suzanne, I'll try the instructions--thanks for posting them! :)

I've been shopping for the past 12 hours, and I'm going to bed--

Good night all!

Hugs,

Maddie

Good SATURDAY Evening!

Just got finished cleaning up the kitchen. Grilled a marinated London Broil and I asked DH's brother (who is single) to come over. He never gets home cooking, so appreciates it. I grilled the steak outside, roasted potatoes (with evoo and grill season), made garlic bread, and a h-u-g-e salad. I grilled myself a veggie burger (not a big steak fan) had about 3 bowls of salad (!) and a few potatoes. Stayed on track. Just had a cup of coffee with the boys and 1 graham cracker chewie (recipe's over at Cooking forum...awesome). Just enough for me.

DH and I plan to get up early tomorrow to finish a few gifts and that should be it. I have about 2 more kinds of cookies to make, half of the gifts to wrap, food to buy for my dinner on the 25th here, and that's the holiday!!!

Hope everyone enjoys the weekend.

No one else answered the QOD! What do you think?

Take care, eat healthy, and NEVER NEVER GIVE UP!
DeeMarie

And a good Saturday evening to you too!

QOD: I say let's wait for BJ.
We can all ring in our New Year's together!

I hit Walmart at 6:00 AM today ( before seeing patients) I didn't know that opening time was &:00 AM... I got the best parking spot in the lot and sat drinking my homemade decaf mocha while sitting in the parking lot putting on my "face" as Mom used to say.

I am almost done shopping! I hit 6 places before 10:00 AM and have only one more thing... It's an ebay item for DS: a vintage banjo, rosewood inlay, ivory keys... he doesn't even
realize that I know that he wants it! ( 15 more minutes till bid time)

Please pray/ send good thoughts to my patient, Joe. He has had his entire left jawbone removed with a graft replacement due to cancer and his reconstructive surgery is "not working". (I will spare you the details ) So, if we could just link hands for Joe, I am holding out my hand for the next one of you who would please grab on.

Nice night at my house. We have our tree. Smells great!! and put on our lights. Tomorrow we will watch some of "our friend's" old sappy movies and string popcorn. DS is sick and I wish I could pry her away from nasty botfriend and take care of her ( I DID NOT SAY THAT!! EVIL LEFT HAND TYPING!!!) :)

Tikanas

I'm on the island and DH just invested in an internet connection here so I can be part of America while I'm here. Yes, the islanders call the mainland "America". :) I guess since the island is about the same distance from Canada and the US, they consider themselves 'special' or something. I'll research this some more...

I'm for opening whenever, but I'll be back here on the 29th, so any time there or after would be ideal.

Just wanted to log on to see if this connection works.

As for the Death By Chocolate party; it was the chocolate heaven on earth. I was a good girl tho', and only ate a 1/4 of a brownie, and I am still wearing "the jeans"---lol! The chocolate brownies, fresh out of the oven, were topped with 8 crushed SKOR candy bars, which melted into a better-then-'doin' it' topping. They had chocolate molten cake topped with heated caramel topping and a handful of chocolate chips thrown in. They also had a gingerbread/choclate cake with whipped zabaglione (warm eggs white and brandy) and baked apples. As well, they had chocolate/chocolate chip brownie cookies and truffles. But, as I said, I stuck with the 1/4 brownie. I had a glass of sparkling cider instead of the variety of red wines they were serving. I'm trying to maintain until Alaska. Who knows what will happen when I get around my sisters and my Mother's home cooking?!!!!

Well, I am off to internet shop for the rest of my kids' lists.

Good night for now!

Good Sunday morning,

QOD: Absolutely yes, let's wait for BJ.

It's a quiet weekend here. It's too icy to ride safely. I am concentrating on making home made gifts. I refuse to go to the mall or any other commercial store this year. I am really inspired and motivated to make gifts. Today I am going to make glitter snowflake ornaments. I saw them on Martha and they are spectacular and not hard to make just fussy. Glitter is in this year for sure and you all know how I love my glitter! I have tons of it at my house in the form of sparkly white stuff!!

Ho, Ho, Ho!!!

QOD - Yes to waiting!

Tikanis - I am sending Joe some positive thoughts - for you too.

BJ - Welcome to America! That is funny about the islanders - but we always knew you were special - so maybe you do belong there LOL.

I make a "Death By Chocolate" for Christmas, it is layers of chocolate cake (made from scratch) with Kaluha, chocolate mousse, fresh whipped cream and crushed Skor bars - you do that 3 times and refrig - it is awesome. I am making it this year, and plan on only having a bite.

Suzanne - I am going to check out those ornaments. My wrapping paper has very fine glitter on it and it is all over my house - no matter how many times I vacuum there are still traces of it here and there.

Dee - I'm looking to fix up friend (Chris), is your DH's brother looking??? She will be heading to NJ for Christmas LOL.

Maddie - sounds like you had a marathon day of shopping.

We went to two parties last night, both were very nice and a lot of fun.

I am having a facial this morning and then wrapping the rest of my gifts and do a quick inventory to make sure I have everything.

Enjoy your day.

Happy Sunday!

Today I plan to bake cookies and wrap gifts...oh, I almost forgot the usual laundry. I am also taking a trip to the grocery store this afternoon to pick up some things for Christmas dinner..I am cooking.

Tikanis - I am keeping Joe in my thoughts and prayers.

BJ - I admire your restraint at Death by Chocolate. Raeanne, your Death by Chocolate sounds delicious..I would never be able to only have a bite.

Dee, is your DH's brother looking???

Maddie - I can tell stories and you are right, what people do is amazing. I should't be surprised anymore but continue to be amazed.

Well, I am off to get started. Have a great Sunday!!

Donna

Hi!

NHSuzanne, I gota know about those glitter ornaments. How do you make them? Could you maybe post a picture? ( considering your new skills: )

BJ, I would like some info on this island. WHERE IS IT??? How do you feel about living away from "America"? Isn't online shopping great?? Point, click and pick it up!

Well, Donna? How is that cookie baking-present wrapping-laundry washing- grocery shopping day workin' for ya? : )

I was on call this AM. I only saw Joe who goes into the hospital tomorrow to "fix" his failing facial skin graft. Thanks for keeping him in your thoughts.

I won the ebay auction and my son is getting a beautiful antique banjo for Christmas! I love giving presents!

The knee seems to be better. I am trying to stay off it today as much as possible. My day is planned much like Donna's... lots of wrapping etc. I want to make some beef jerky in my dehydrator and am trying to do everything sitting down!

Qod: What do you want for Christmas?

I hope that everyone is having as nice a weekend as I am!

Tikanas

Raeanne/Donna: Sorry gals, but DBIL is not looking. :-( Very set in his ways, and his 3 daughters are way ahead of you in trying to set him up! Will be sure to let you both know when situation changes.

BJ, great to see you again.

I baked over 220 cookies today alone...over the past 3 days the number is well over 400 I'm sure. Exhausted! Now I'm trying to get some things wrapped for a few coworkers. I've given up the idea of getting a few trays of cookies together to bring to the office Monday...not gonna happen until Wednesday.

Tomorrow I'll be walking again at 6:15am with my neighbor for 30-45minutes. After that, instead of trying to get to the office by 7:45, I've decided to stop at Kohl's (about 1 mile from me, and it opens at 7am!) They have adorable Christmas pins on sale for under $10. I have a couple, and whenever I wear one of them, this wonderful gal in work mentions how she loves them. Think I'll surprise her (which means I need to bring along tissue, ribbon, a bow, and a gift bag with me to wrap in the car on the way to work!)

Oh yes, I did 6 loads of laundry yesterday. There are only me and DH in this house and I do laundry each and every week. I can't imagine why I had 6 loads, but there they were! lol!!

Gotta run and get this stuff together.

Make this week count!
Take care, eat healthy, and NEVER, NEVER GIVE UP!
DeeMarie
(who's blood pressure was only 118/68 at her doc's appt on Friday, even AFTER they poked in 3 different areas trying to get enough blood for rountine tests) whoooooo hoooooo!!! I tell you, it was better news than losing 18 lbs for me.

Make this week count!