Every time I make turkey in the oven, the cats come in and sit in the kitchen looking at us. I had a lively orphan kitten once when I was in college that I raised with a bottle. He was an adventurer. One time we had my moms sister stay over and the family were all going to get together so she had bought a deli assortment platter to take to my grandma's house. My mom just got out of the shower and was in a towel checking on something. She saw the kitty ready to jump to investigate the platter. When we heard the yell for help, we all came running. There was my poor mom holding onto the towel with one hand, and the other holding the platter up high with the little kitty climbing the swinging towel which was threatening to come off any second. My aunt just laughed and laughed. She still talks about it. That kitty was so smart. He could open doors and cabinets and he loved to go for car rides with us. Your dogs look very sweet and loving.

I'm adding something I saw here and wouldn't have thought of--a pullout broom closet next to my refrigerator. It not only gives me a bit of extra storage that will be useful, it helps solve a layout problem. My refrigerator is at the end of the kitchen adjacent to a wall that can't be moved. So the extra inches will help provide clearance for the door. Saw it here on the forum and I think it's one of the neatest little tricks ever!

I got my Vitamix! And an alarm clock with my drill-down of features: always glowing dial with adjustable brightness, silent sweep second hand, snooze alarm, and retro styling! And Pioneer Girl! Not shown, my guys got me a couple of gift packs from Bath and Body Works. Travel sizes, not my favorite scents, so yesterday I exchanged them. For MORE than I got! Yay clearance sales! Two little three-packs became three full size bottles of shower gel, and cash left over, AND a 20% coupon. So I'll be back for, oh, 4 or 5 bottles of lotion and shower gel. Whoopee! Now, about those other two gifts. When we were on a project together this past year, one DB noticed my use of online menu planning. So he got me an adjustable tablet stand, with a stylus, to use in the kitchen. I can use the stylus and not have to dry my hands very time I need to scroll the screen. DB is veery low on funds, so this was a true and thoughtful gift. Another DB lives across the globe and travels extensively for vacations. He gave me yoga socks. I don't take yoga. I have a gym, but he is not aware of it. But my New Years,resolution is to be nice, and DB has gone back home, so, well, maybe I will take yoga at the gym and it will turn out to have been a good gift after all.

Fun family Annie! I need to try ann_t's meat tort. I say that every year but it is on my list. We had some failures. Christmas day was dysfunctional family day. No one told me family was waiting...when we walked in and trying to settle after a long drive...yikes. I was hounded trying to un-pack...did not know so many people were there. And a sit down dinner was waiting. I had prepped so many sides but this and that niece and nephew had to eat by 5 and sister wanted all to be perfect...they started digging into my cheese and treat platters before i could pee. Horrible meal. I gave up and had a glass of wine. I had 6 cheeses and olives and ghost pepper salami and salmon charcuterie all prepped to platter but they dove into the containers before i could plate them...savages. My homemade flatbread was still in the truck yet to be unloaded. : ) (thought it was to be a quiet evening with my parents)...prep and eat around 7. My mother, now 86, tried to make a traditional turkey meal but it was so unnecessary. She cooks blonde. (not hair). Just safe and under done. The turkey was started 5am like the ye-olden days, Dressing bland and not baked fully, gravy white and floury. Sweet potatoes boiled in water to death. She stressed knowing i was on my way not knowing family showed up and waiting...(my sister that does not cook and expected miracles). The turkey sat 3 hours covered. How do they not know safe temp as i have taught them for years!? . I had all the fixings prepped to go into the oven but they were done well after all the family left. (did not know the extra family were even to be there). Family that does not cook and thinks those of us that do should provide for all. Grrr. "Almost forgot- Christmas apps were amazing! Crab cakes, mini lobster quesadillas, shaved filet mignon crostini and mini sliders." Yum! We had better successes the following days. : ) The best oyster stew ever. Finally perfected that one. Then oyster fritters for breakfast this morning...