Happy Saturday! Suzanne, I was thinking about you yesterday when I saw the newscasts of crowds shopping on Fifth Avenue! Your FIL is indeed unique, and he's got to feel good about creating a tradition that you will fondly remember always. Yesterday, I made over 100 mini Italian meatballs (my mom's recipe) with my Sunday gravy. They are packed away in the freezer, and right now I have a 4.5 pound pork roast in my crockpot that has been rubbed with Marcdi's recipe. I plan to "pull" that apart tonight and freeze that for the party on the 19th. Now, I'm off to make another 2-3 batches of cookie dough for the freezer. I've got no shopping finished, but the Open House plans and work, is well on it's way. Since the party for DH's family is on the 19th, I think I can feel what it's like to shop last-minute like most of the men in the world. LOL!! Good to see you Besh! My DH's niece thinks we are buying a farm too! I need to change my status soon. I wish you all a peaceful weekend. Dee

Jan- (((((HUGS))))))) It's always too soon. I lost my 36 yr. old brother 21 years ago and I still talk about him like he was here yesterday. And newphew, Brandon (at 21), too young, was an unconsolable sadness that weighed on our hearts for a long, long time. The memories are what keeps them alive in my heart. At this age, unfortunately, many of us realize that the days on earth are never to be taken for granted. Check in when you can. We will think of you... Marci: Happy to see you back. I think of you often. Hope you are getting through the days okay and the holidays aren't too painful for you and yours this year. The first year is the very worst. Peggy: Keep on truckin'. I log on here, wanting to hear that you are taking it day by day and each successful day makes me smile. STAY BUSY and drink tea, pop, whatever...Don't WAVER! We love that you are S-T-R-O-N-G!!! Patti- On a happy note: the wild chickens aound fun to me! I love chickens that just hang out and ACT like they're SUPPOSED to be there! Raeanne and Jan-When you find "Does This Clutter Make My Butt Look Big?" Don't bother reading it. Peter Walsh is much better in person or on TV or DVD. His books never do it for me. Uh, not that I've actually SEEN him in person---but Ty Pennington, I HAVE seen him...(yum, in an I'd-probably-let-him-eat-crackers-in-bed-kind-of-a-way.) Raeanne-I was hypnotized once--to lose weight, but it wore off. The goal was to actually drink more water, which I did for a while. But it was a VERY relaxing feeling whilst I was under. Dee: Glad you're back at it! YAY! Man, that was a hummer of a cold you had. Signed, -DoombahGizzardButt here. How becoming is that? I didn't even get a "chicken" or a "boob" in my name. I honestly believe I was ROBBED! That's it...I'm changing my name to: -BoobyChickenTush

Good Morning. Besh - sorry about your friend. I had an immediate member of my family attempt suicide and it was a very traumatic experience. I can relate to your friend and his family. Very deep issues. Suzanne - Your night out to the theatre and dinner sounds like my kind of night. Where is BJ, I haven't read a post from her. I pretty much caught up from my mia months. QOD: We will have a low key Thanksgiving. My DH's mother and sister are visiting us now since Wednesday and they leave the day prior to Thanksgiving, so we have been having special dinners and going out to eat quite a bit. So I may just make soup and salad for Thanksgiving dinner -- hahahahhahaha. I made a turkey breast yesterday and it was YUMMERS. I hear them in the kitchen now making a italian cookie/biscuit my MIL used to make my husband when he was younger. Oh such happiness -- brings a tear to my eye. GMWAS (Gag me with a spoon). (wink wink) I know my DH is enjoying every minute of it. We drove to he east coast of Florida on thursday and went to a Bloomingdales. I love it. We do not have any here on the west coast(at least that I know of). So my husband bought me a Dooney and Burke purse (which he did a year ago this time when they came down for a visit) So you can bet your bottom dollar that I am hoping this is a yearly thing. Patti - my parents also celebrated their 50th anniversary last month. My husband and I threw them a party at a party center in Ohio (where I am from)and had 130 people there with a band. It was quite a challenge organizing it from Florida. Plus my mom gave her input too.....so... I took a lot of deep breaths and went forward the entire time. I had a blast. A good time was had by all and it was worth all the effort and aggravation just to see how happy it made my parents. We even had my cousin who is an Catholic Deacon renew their vows. Not a dry eye in the joint at that point. Man this is a long post. I better save some for tomorrow. Take care everyone..... Lynn

PS: Marci: You're outrageous! That cake looks good enough to eat! Love it! Yummers! Suzanne~ You are so special. You are a grounded, sensible, and outspoken (in a good way-lol) woman. I love the way you get in here and kick up the thread a notch when we need it. I look forward to you input and enthusiasm. I hafta tell you, I have never written a poem for anyone, but here's my shot at it - for your birthday, sis. I love your style more than marshmallow peeps. Hope you have a great b-day! ~BJ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Our NHSuzanne~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ There once was a gal named NHSuzanne, Her life had a definite plan She set out to prove that mountains could be moved, "Everything is as it should be" is how it began **** She worked with an Equine Publication She said couldnÂt be run by Donations Each month had a goal And she knew in her soul the end of each month held a stressful sensation. **** She took her pleasure in riding a horse she dubbed Sweet Pea, Who actually would have been more aptly named "Queen Bee" Away they would ride In the agreed-upon stride The outcome of a great day was a guarantee. **** One day she logged on to SS Daily Chat She decided it was where sheÂd hang her internet hat The theme was of diet She chimed, "Sure, IÂll try it!" And we were all thrilled that sheÂd said that. **** Opinionated? You bet! - You better believe it She knows what she wants and will fight to receive it. She states her mind SheÂs one-of-a-kind SheÂs deserving and thatÂs to her credit. **** WeÂre thrilled she chose us, it makes us feel neat, Without horse stories, this thread, incomplete. We look toward Monday To hear where she rode on Sunday On her pea of a horse called "Sweet". **** :)