I hope every one had a good Christmas! Yesterday, I was able to be around the table with my mom, dad, brother, sister and two of the grandchildren. Her other son is in London for fun, and my son was with his dad. My parents have been divorced since I was five, so it was like really old times. My sister's birthday is Christmas so we were having her party. Christmas Eve I made Ina Garten's turkey roulade, along with steamed green beans, roasted parsnips and carrots. Mom made steamed asparagus. We did splurge on carrot cake with cream cheese frosting for my sister's birthday. Brunch was a casserole that was a lot like an omelet, topped with salsa and cinnamon rolls. No more food! UGH! Except, my son comes back today and you guessed it, MORE food. Either Fleming's, the Opryland Hotel, or a baked chicken with creamed spinach and save the out to dinner meal for another night. I need to go on a diet right now!

Hi Everyone, When I was in England a couple of weeks ago everyone was moaning about Christmas. But I now live in a country where there is no celebration of Christmas, I say to you all, you don't know how much you would miss it if you didn't have it! Imagine no tree, no lights, no decorations, no turkey, no crackers, and yes, no carols, no family reunions (good or bad?)and certainly no presents! That's why I bought myself a Christmas pudding, some Crackers and a couple of paper hats in the duty free, I will enjoy my own little Christmas here in Israel and hope all you ponders who are so willing to help when anyone has a problem, you provide the spirit of Christmas the whole year round, So happy Christmas and a great ponding new year Peter.

Mara -- I love those elf shoes!!!! Yep, it is so warm in Texas on most Christmas days you have to turn on the AC if you want to use the fire place. Buttoni -- what a darling little dog! Button's toy in the picture looks bigger than her ... lol I agree with you that Alfie has some Rat Terrier or Toy fox terrier in his genealogy. He has the long legs and general conformation of a Toy fox terrier, but is much bigger at about 25 lbs.. I used to visit 'Plant Maven' Kathy and admire her little Toy fox terrier Mavie, who she said was the smartest dog she ever owned. I vowed to get one someday. Then lo and behold Alfie turned up on my front porch on Mother's Day this year. He was only about 10 or 12 weeks old, was so scared and was hiding behind some pots. I posted his picture on our neighborhood Facebook page, but no one claimed him. I guess someone thought Mother's Day would be a good day to dump unwanted puppies, It was my lucky day ... :-) This three minute Alfie video was put together by my son using some videos I took when Alfie was about 5/6 mo. old. He was a natural at fetching a ball. I knew he was smart when he'd never give up looking for it. The poodle, Sport, appointed himself as "The Sport Police'' to 'protect' our 17 old dog Max, and would chase Alfie away when he pulled on Max's legs in trying to get him to play. I feel all dogs are more intelligent than we give them credit for. They will pick up a lot of words on their own, but when given a little direction, as youngsters especially, they will transfer that learning into lots of other areas. My daughter Rhonda fosters for Tracy's Dogs and made this video I Rescued a Human Today. Let a dog adopt you and have a fulfilling and happy 2017.

Merry Christmas to all. Happy Holidays. Peren.all your Christmas Tree is lovely. I can just imagine it with some round red Christmas balls on sticks stuck between a few leaves. Luke looks so cute. The snowmen gifts are a great idea. May copy it sometime. Not sure I am talented enough! Delicious baked goods! I also bake for Christmas. Sorry no picture. Everyone likes gifts, right? That's my bird, Coby (above).