New Year's Eve

I am always reminded on New Year's Eve of being 12 years old, listening to the radio countdown (I would write it down), wishing that I was with a cute boy, and not spending the night with my little sister, mom and dad. That said, I was extremely sad when PG was 12 or 13 and chose to spend the night at a friend's party. I remember how I cried on the phone when she called. She thought I was silly.

BG admiring PG's missing tooth December 31, 1993

New Year's Eve is a night that I like to spend at home with only my husband and children. Of course, PG is grown up. She moved to Orlando in 2006. She spent New year's Eve with friends and then sweethearts all throughout her teens and into her twenties, just the way it should be.

Still, as much as I am pleased that she has a grown up life, I wish that we could be with her tonight. She has bronchitis. I hate when one of the kids is sick, no matter what their age.

I am hoping that in 2009, the three of us do get to move to Saint Augustine. We would be closer to PG, but not close enough to be "in her business" as she is fiercely independent.

I hope BG doesn't mind spending the night with mom and dad. I am sure she will be talking to her friends via videophone, making it more of a party. I am thankful for all of the technology that makes her life happy. I know she especially likes my nagging text message homework reminders

May you all enjoy tonight, however you spend it, ushering in the new year. I wish you all a safe, healthy, and happy 2009.

2008 A Year in Review

Our life-2008

Top Row- Granddog Huey, Box from my friend, Diana, BG and Dirt-July 4, Walnut Grove, MN-July, Ron Jon-May, Why our house is for sale-Leaves in AUGUST!!! We belong in FL not PA!

Row 2- BG's communication, computer, cell phone, and Sorenson Video Phone, PG at UCF's Light up Night, Ornaments, wire thingy, Our daughters- Cocoa Beach-May, PG, Huey and NB

Row 3- Coffee, SH and I love it made in our ancient pot, BG turned 16, SH makes the best breakfasts, I Really Love You in sign language, We met NB for the first time at The Melting Pot-November, Me-Disney World in May, Our bed, PG at Epcot- she is now a seasonal cast member

Bottom Row- BG with a chicken at Windsor Mountain International Camp-Aug, cookies we baked -December, BG homecoming dance-October, BG on ride at Mall of America-July, BG made this at camp

Blue Monday - China Cabinet

I like the way this plate looks behind the crystal. I don't recall where I got the plate. It is most likely a Goodwill find. It is unmarked on the back.

The crystal have been in my family for many years. I think it was my great grandmother's. It is looking dusty. I might add that to my list of cleaning chores for today.

The blue votive holder was part of a set. It was used as our centerpiece for a long time. The larger piece ended up chipped.

Manic Monday #148

Hosted by Fleur De Lisa
http://manicmondaymeme.blogspot.com

What is the biggest mistake you made in 2008 and will not make again in 2009?

Nothing comes to mind, as I tend to repeat my mistakes.

Do you make New Year's resolutions? Why or why not?

I don't make resolutions. I am anxious enough. I don't need added stress.

Who do you nominate as “Man or Woman of the Year” for 2008?

My daughter, PG, wins in my world. She is an amazing 21 year old.

In 2008, she started a new job, got a promotion, worked full time, took a full load of classes, played mommy to her dog, cleaned her apartment and washed her laundry, made time for her favorite pastimes of country line dancing, Disney World, Sea World and Universal visits, cut hair (she is a licensed hairdresser), posted lots of photos, so I could share in her life, and never complained.

What was your greatest accomplishment in 2008?

I read more books than anyone I know.

Not Enough Coffee

I have been working a seasonal retail job. This proved to be a lot of fun. I enjoyed my co-workers. In fact, I made a few new friends. Talking to the customers was enjoyable. I liked the products I was selling. All in all, I was happy.

TODAY I AM EXHAUSTED!!!!

I arrived to open the store this morning at 5:15 a.m.. I am not a morning person. Then again, I am not a night person. What does that make me? I am an afternoon person? I am a late morning person? I don't know. All I know is I am now home. Yeah!!!

I have been reading blogs. I also looked at houses. I have it narrowed down to two neighborhoods where I want to move. I still think it is weird to drive up to our house and see the For Sale sign. Nineteen years is a long time to live in the same house.

I am going to look at the after Christmas online sales. I was a very light shopper this year. When BG announced this was her favorite Christmas, she could have been making an announcement for anti-consumerism.

I like things. I just don't see the need for tons and tons of stuff. For example, I like the earrings that I wear daily. SH bought them for me years ago. They are gold knots. I don't have any desire to wear different earrings.

If I am home, I wash clothes every day. I don't see the need to have a stuffed closet. I don't like a lot of choices. I wear Lee jeans. They fit. I wear Keds. They fit. I have one variety of bra. It fits. Would that be they fit? I own the same bra in many colors. I do change my underwear daily. :)

There is one exception. I like jackets. I don't own a bunch, but I do have many more than SH and BG. Both of them could use a few new jackets. I like LL Bean for jackets. One of my favorite trips involved dropping off BG at camp in New Hampshire. There was an LL Bean outlet near our hotel.

I like finding stores that we don't have near us. Clean House always shows furniture from Ashley Home Store. Last summer I spotted one of their stores near a hotel where we were staying in Illinois. It was fun exploring the store, even though most of the furniture was too contemporary for our taste.

So, even though I am not into clothes shopping as much as most women, I do enjoy looking at things for the house, especially at thrift or antique stores. I would love to have a friend who wanted to explore thrift stores on a regular basis.

Before I start rambling even more (blame it on the lack of sleep), I will post.

What are you doing today?

CHRISTMAS 2008

This has been a wonderful Christmas. Since we didn't have a tree, we had our gifts on shelves. It gave me a good excuse to use up gift wrap, since I normally only use gold paper, which matches our holiday decor. Yes, I missed it a bit. I do look forward to moving and recreating the gold on a new tree.

Our breakfast was fantastic. I like to try new recipes, but for Christmas morning, I am happy to repeat the same two recipes of Breakfast Casserole and Crescent Caramel Swirl. SH remarked that this was his favorite breakfast in the 51 years he has been eating! I agree, although, I still think he is missing out by not using salsa on his casserole.


BG was overjoyed with her gifts.
Her face lit up when she opened the two books that she received. The Little House on the Prairie volume of the first three books, appears to be brand new. I found it used, but SH said it must never have been opened. Yeah!!!

The other book, The Prairie Girl's Guide to Life: How to Sew a Sampler Quilt & 49 Other Pioneer Projects for the Modern Girl by Jennifer Worick, which I purchased in July on her visit to the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum in Walnut Grove, MN, is super cool. BG can't wait to start in on the projects.
BG loves quilts. She has not made a quilt, although, she has made some basic patchwork pillows. I know one day she will make her first quilt, one of the reasons that she received a sewing machine for her 16th birthday.It is fun watching her enjoy crafts, sewing, and cooking.

BG's other presents included Disney pajama pants, a sweater, a shirt, and a photo book from our MN trip.

SH gave me a fluffy, white bathrobe, and a glass pitcher. He is not happy with me hogging up the coffee pot with flavored coffee, as he only drinks plain. I can pour my extra coffee into the pitcher, instead of the Pyrex measuring cup, that I now use.
BG suggested filling it with lemonade, one of her favorite drinks.


I presented SH with an re-chargeable razor (his first) and a pair of pajamas. BG gave him a Polo shirt, which he had to return for size. BG made a cute framel with a photo of her standing in front of the Christmas tree at school. I think that was a really nice idea. Normally, after grade school, kids don't make their parents gifts at school. I am happy to think that all of those high school students had a gift to hand their parents and make them smile.

I like hearing about the gifts other people received. I have been playing phone tag with PG. She sent an early morning text reporting dinner went well last night, they had opened gifts, and were making breakfast. I so much wanted her first Christmas with NB to be memorable and happy.

With a new man to feed, PG is making an effort to learn to cook. Last night she was making chicken and pasta. While she was waiting for NB to arrive, she asked her dad to explain omelet making. SH is a super great breakfast maker, so his directions should have been perfect.

Yeah!!!

I finally talked to PG. They were on their way to a movie. NB has good taste. I knew that, since he chose PG! PG was wearing a new necklace! One of the other gifts that NB bought her was a Taylor Swift CD. I can't remember everything that they gave each other. I do know NB was given new hats, flip-flops, a gas card, and shirts.

Our daughter in Florida sounded very happy. With both our girls smiling, life is great.

A Box of India

SH and I have found the grown-up version of Hamburger Helper. The best part is that you need not add meat to Archer Farms boxed meals. They are complete without add-ins. I did add chickpeas to the Tikka Masala, as I had them on hand. There was plenty of sauce to cover the addition.

So far we have tried Tikka Masala and Coconut Curry. Both were spicy, filling, and quick to make. The rice needs to be boiled. The remaining items are heated in the microwave.

Thank you Target for coming up with these dinner in a flash meals. They will be making an appearance on our table frequently.

Blue Plate Special

Ruby Tuesday - Pencil Sharpener

When PG lived at home, I often included silly items in her Christmas stocking. For years she complained that we didn't own corn holders. I made sure one year to include a package of the yellow plastic variety in her stocking. She packed those when she struck out on her own.

While working at a craft store, one of my co-workers couldn't help laughing over the brand name of some of our products. Because I have a warped sense of humor, my daughter found this in her stocking as a teenager.

Hey, it is red. Weird, but red

PG did not pack this when she moved. It somehow ended up in our yard. I rescued it, so I could take the blurry photo.

PG loves Christmas

Merry Christmas 2008

Bunny Girl * New Boyfriend * Pumpkin Girl

Shaking Her Room

BG emailed her dad and told him she was going to 'shake her room upside-down'. I love her colorful use of language. The first day of Christmas vacation proved to be the perfect day for staying home and cleaning.

One Room Shaken

BG tore apart her room

Noooooo Pictures until AFTER

Seriously, MOM!

AFTER

And then she put it back together

BG's Favorite Things

Chess Trophies

Computer

Crafts and Disney

Monkey and Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum Cup

Rocket Made at Space Camp
Huntsville, Alabama

Keychains

Phones, Remotes, and Retainer Case

Manic Monday #147

Hosted by Fleur De Lisa

http://manicmondaymeme.blogspot.com

If you were at a friend’s house for a holiday dinner and you found a dead cockroach in your salad, what would you do?

Ewwww!!!

I would carry my plate to the sink, asking my friend to join me. I would then show her the cockroach.

If you could put anyone you know on Prozac, who would you choose?

No one comes to mind.

How do you feel about public displays of affection?

I like them, especially when they involve me.

Blue Monday - Sampler

Blue Monday

In 1987, while pregnant with our first child, I decided I would learn how to cross stitch. I first tried printed cross stitch, making Care Bear bibs. I was not thrilled with this. Although, the bibs were cute, I moved on to counted cross stitch, which produces much nicer results, in my opinion.

My first counted cross stitch, which I am sharing for Blue Monday, is matted in blue, a color that has always been a part of our living room's decor. The dining room and kitchen also have plenty of blue. At one time our bedroom was blue.

Once, while shopping with my best friend, Doris, she held up a blue item for a bathroom, saying, "You should buy this." We have two bathrooms in the house, neither has ever been blue!!! I guess when people think of our decor, they immediately think of the color blue.

Blue Walls in Living Room

Yes, the walls in the living and dining room are blue, as are the kitchen counters, and the floor tiles. SH and easily agreed on those choices. PG walked into the newly painted living room and commented that it looked like a newborn boy's nursery.

Blue Tile, Rug, Light Fixture, and Counters in Our Kitchen

It is funny how people react to color. Blue doesn't make me blue.

Grape Tomatoes are so Cute

Mexican Pasta Salad


1 pound of rotini pasta, cooked

Mix with dressing (recipe below)

1 cup Ranch dressing mixed with:

1/4 teaspoon chili powder

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

Add:
2 cups grape tomatoes
1 cup shredded Mexican Blend cheese
2 green onions, including tops, sliced
19 oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
6 oz black olives, halved
4.5 oz chopped green chiles, drained

Mix well and chill.

More Christmas Cooking

I made this as a gift for BG's bus driver, a few friends, and as an addition to cookie trays for both of our families.

Rocky Road Fudge

2 cups chocolate chips

1 can sweetened condensed milk (I use fat-free)
2 tablespoons butter

In heavy saucepan, over low heat,
melt chocolate chips, butter, and sweetened condensed milk

In large bowl, combine 2 cups peanuts, 1 cup maraschino cherries, halved
and 1 10 1/2 oz package mini marshmallows

Fold in chocolate mixture
Spread in waxed paper-lined 13x9 inch baking pan

Chill 2 hours or until firm

Remove from pan; peel off paper and cut into squares

	.

My Favorite Christmas Card

Today, I was super excited to receive this card from PG and NB. Inside were more photos. I hope they have a wonderful Christmas. It is their first as a couple. It makes me think back to 1984. SH, who was was SB at the time, and I had a small tree. I hadn't yet developed asthma, so we were able to have a live tree. We really didn't have much in the way of ornaments. We were just so excited to be together in my city apartment. I was 21, the same age as PG.

SH tried his best to buy me a wonderful gift. He went to The Limited, purchased an outfit for someone a foot taller, and beamed as I opened the box. Not wanting to hurt his feelings, Iwore the bright pink pants, wide belt, and turquoise top, even though I looked like a clown.

By the next Christmas, SH was well versed in sizes. He knew that I can only wear petites. Still, I wish that I had a photo of me wearing that too long outfit with the belt that came up to my chest. He tried, and that is all that matters.

So, NB, if you are reading this, GOOD LUCK in buying gifts this first Christmas. :)

Mmmmmmmm Big Pumpkin Cookies

I made these easy cake mix based cookies extra large. They are perfect with a cup of coffee. My current coffee is Seattle's Best Almond Roca. I am not extremely picky about coffee. I do, however, prefer it flavored, with some fat-free half and half added.

Fat-free half and half is one of my favorite food inventions. I will one day post why. I feel bad, because my best friend is allergic to carrageenan, one of the ingredients. I try not to sing its praises around her.


Pumpkin Spice Cookies

1 (18 1/4 ounce) box spice cake mix
1 (15 ounce) can solid-pack pumpkin
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup white chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Spray cookie sheets lightly with vegetable spray

In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix and pumpkin with a fork or mixer until well blended; stir in nuts or raisins, if desired.

Drop by large rounded spoonfuls onto the cookie sheet. They don't flatten out much so however you place them on the sheet is pretty much how they'll look after baking. I spread them out a bit using my fingers.

Bake for 8 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of your cookies.

Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

My New Favorite Cookies

Christmas Cookies 2008

Can't Leave Alone Bars

* 1 package (18-1/4 ounces) white cake mix
* 2 eggs
* 1/3 cup vegetable oil
* 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk (I used fat-free)
* 1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
* 1/4 cup butter, cubed


In a large bowl, combine the dry cake mix, eggs and oil.

With floured hands, press two-thirds of the mixture into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Set remaining cake mixture aside.

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk, chocolate chips and butter. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 30 seconds; stir. Microwave 30-45 seconds longer or until chips and butter are melted; stir until smooth. Pour over crust.

Drop by teaspoonfuls of remaining cake mixture over top. (I flattened out pieces first) Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool before cutting. Yield: 3 dozen.

Show and Tell Friday - Candy Dish

I remember, as a child, seeing this candy dish on an end table in my grandparent's living room. I always thought the amber colored glass was pretty.

My mom gave it to me a while back. I have it displayed in our living room. As much as I like candy, I think this dish looks best unfilled.

Our Busy Kitchen

BG's braces were removed recently, making popcorn again a staple in her diet. For a Christmas treat for her classmates, and bowling league pals, she decided that she would make popcorn balls. SH was excited as well. I found the recipe, brought home the ingredients, and because I could not find the candy thermometer (maybe it broke and I threw it away), explained the definition of hard and soft crack to SH.

Look at all that gooey goodness

This is the recipe that we used. SH popped the popcorn in a pan on the stove according to directions that I found online. He said he had used this method as a child. We had an electric popcorn maker, so this was all new to me.

Popcorn Balls

• 18 cups popped popcorn
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup light-colored corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vanilla

1. Remove all unpopped kernels from popped popcorn*. Put popcorn in a greased 17x12x2-inch baking or roasting pan. Keep popcorn warm in a 300 degree F oven while making syrup.

2. For syrup mixture, butter the sides of a heavy 2-quart saucepan. In saucepan combine sugar, water, corn syrup, vinegar, and salt. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until mixture boils, stirring to dissolve sugar (about 6 minutes). Clip a candy thermometer to side of pan. Reduce heat to medium; continue boiling at a moderate, steady rate, stirring occasionally, until thermometer registers 250 degree F, hard-ball stage (about 20 minutes).

3. Remove saucepan from heat; remove thermometer. Stir in vanilla. Pour syrup mixture over the hot popcorn and stir gently to coat. Cool until the popcorn mixture can be handled easily. With buttered hands, quickly shape the mixture into 2-1/2-inch diameter balls. Wrap each popcorn ball in plastic wrap. We used wax paper. Makes about 20 popcorn balls.

*Don't grab the metal bowl of popcorn that has come directly from the oven. That is what I did before I started picking out burning hot unpopped kernels.

SH mixes while BG watches
(BG is sporting a Boston brace for Scoliosis)

BG formed the balls

When eating, remember to extract BG's hair from your treat

The recipe made 18 popcorn balls

Wrapped and ready for delivery

Pillsbury Rocks

Fat, sugar, and nuts make for a super easy and yummy breakfast creation. I haven't made this in a while. I do remember that it was heavenly, so it will be making a reappearance this year on our table Christmas morning, along with the breakfast casserole that I am reposting. Crescent Caramel Swirl
INGREDIENTS: 1/2 cup butter (do not use margarine) 1/2 cup chopped nuts 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1 tablespoon water 2 ans (8 oz each) Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls DIRECTIONS: . Heat oven to 350°F. In 1-quart saucepan, melt butter. Coat bottom and sides of 12-cup fluted tube cake pan with 2 tablespoons of the melted butter; sprinkle pan with 3 tablespoons of the nuts. Add remaining nuts, brown sugar and water to remaining melted butter. Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally. Boil and stir 1 minute. Remove dough from cans; do not unroll. Cut each long roll into 8 slices. Arrange 8 slices, cut side down, in nut-lined pan; separate layers of each pinwheel slightly. Spoon half of brown sugar mixture over dough. Place remaining 8 dough slices alternately over bottom layer. Spoon remaining brown sugar mixture over slices. Bake 23 to 33 minutes or until deep golden brown. Cool 3 minutes. Turn pan upside down onto heatproof serving platter or waxed paper. Serve warm. Breakfast Casserole You can refrigerate this casserole overnight, but take it out of the refrigerator about 15 minutes before baking. INGREDIENTS: * 1/2 pound spicy or mild pork sausage * 1 medium onion, chopped * 4 cups (16 oz.) frozen diced hash brown potatoes, thawed * 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese * 3 eggs, beaten * 1 cup milk * 1/4 teaspoon pepper * mild salsa, optional In a large skillet, cook sausage and onion, breaking up sausage with a spatula. When sausage is cooked through, drain off excess fat. In an 8x8x2-inch square baking dish, layer the hash brown potatoes, half of the shredded cheese, browned sausage and onion mixture, and remaining shredded cheese. In a bowl, combine eggs, milk and pepper; pour egg mixture over cheese. Bake, covered, in a 350° oven for 45 to 55 minutes or until a knife inserted near center comes out clean. Transfer casserole to a wire rack and let stand for 10 to 15 minutes. Cut into squares. Serve with salsa, if desired. Serves 6.

Our Trees

This year we are not having a tree. Someone else is enjoying our tree, since I gave it away through Freecycle. I am sure it is happily decorated in its new home. I will share our trees from the past, while I gather ideas for future trees, from everyone else's blogs at We are THAT Family.

2000

We had always decorated our tree with ornaments that the kids had made and treasures that we had collected. In 2004, dd1 and I decided to switch to a gold theme.

2004

2005

Our trees in 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007, all looked the same. I didn't take any tree photos at home. Instead, I will share trees at Walt Disney World, where we were lucky enough to find ourselves during the last two Christmas seasons.

2006

Epcot does everything for Christmas so perfectly.

2007

I always get tears in my eyes when I walk down main Street. Last year when I spotted these balloons, I had to take a picture. This year I will have to depend on dd1 to send me WDW Christmas photos. I miss that place. We haven't been there since May....way too long.

Cookie Exchange

CottageMagpie is hosting a Virtual Cookie Exchange, as is The Creamer Chronicles. I am bringing very messy, but delicious, Thumbprint Cookies.

I used this recipe, but rolled in egg whites and chopped walnuts before baking.

THUMBPRINT COOKIES

---

1 c. butter, softened
2 egg yolks
2 1/4 c. all purpose flour
1/2 tsp. vanilla
2/3 c. sugar

Cream butter, gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla. Combine flour and salt; add to creamed mixture, mixing well. Chill. Roll dough into 1 inch balls; place about 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Press thumb in each cookie leaving an indentation. Bake at 300 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Do not brown. Cool on wire racks. Place a messy amount of frosting in each cookie.

Frosting

1 c. sugar
1/4 c. butter
1/4 c. cocoa
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 c. milk

Combine sugar, cocoa, and milk in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil, and boil 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla. Beat until mixture is of spreading consistency.

Show and Tell Friday - Mosaic

Like all most moms, my prized possessions include art projects my children have given me. This mosaic, which dd2 created at the best summer camp in the world, Windsor Mountain International, always makes me smile.

If you're in the market for a summer camp for your kids, Windsor Mountain International is an amazing place in New Hampshire. Dd2 has spent three summers there and thrived. She literally talks about the place on a daily basis.

Peeing in Pink, Green, and White

When I was a child, my mom painted my bedroom walls red, wallpapered the ceiling with a red, white and blue striped paper, and hung a mod chrome light fixture. My bedroom was way cooler than any of my friends' rooms.

We moved when I was 1o 1/2. The first thing the new owners did was repaint my bedroom. We knew this, because we could look through the window. The second story windows all belonged to my bedroom. I did find a current photo of the house. We sold the house in 1973.

The house exterior looks pretty much the same in this photo, which I would guess is from the late 1990's, except for the overgrown bushes and the woodpile. The fireplace was non-working and the bushes were well groomed when we (1947-1968 grandparents - 1968-1973 us) were residents.

I still like color. Since neither my husband or I enjoy painting, the room that has been painted the most often is the main bathroom. When we bought the house the bathroom had flowered wallpaper. I had it painted gray. Yep, back then I hired a painter. He was a jerk and commented that dd1 was too old for a pacifier. She was two. I told him to, "Shut up and paint." Okay, I didn't.

I then had hubby paint the room pink. We later sponged it with a lighter shade of pink. Finally, we painted it green. I might be missing a few paint jobs. I do remember that when we had the pink and blue tiles removed and replaced with white, the tile guy was really sweet. By then dd1 wasn't using a pacifier, so I was safe.

I understand that most house hunters do not want a green bathroom. While our second bathroom is still painted green, although, a brighter, more hip green (thank you dd1), the first bathroom is now WHITE!!!! Okay, now someone buy our house, so I can stop whining about the weather.

Pretty Shiny Things

With the house for sale, I decided not to decorate this year. I gave away our tree on Freecycle a few months back. I did, however, fill a bowl with ornaments. The dining room table now has a centerpiece.

No Calories in this Trifle



These have adorned our tree for the past four years

I am quite content to enjoy everyone else's gorgeous holiday decor this year. Dd1 sent pictures.

Her tree and balcony

Look how cute this gingerbread house looks on the box.

I have always liked gingerbread houses. I have twice attempted to make one. The first time I attempted to bake the gingerbread from scratch. The results were a disaster. The second time I made a gingerbread house, I used a kit. The result was not a pretty sight. I displayed the creation with embarrassment.

Although, I am creative, I am not skilled when it comes to using icing. My cakes taste better than they look. I have never attempted icing flowers. I have thought of taking a cake decorating class. My competitive nature has stopped me, as I will not enjoy being the worst student in the class. Trust me, I will be.

I purchased a gingerbread house kit about three years ago, in the hopes that dd1 would create a masterpiece. She is much better at this type of activity. She never completed the house. The box sat in the pantry. In 2006 she moved into her own apartment in Florida. She did not get to spend that Christmas or Christmas 2007 with us.

While she was here visiting this year for Thanksgiving, I asked her if she wanted to take the kit back home with her. She declined. I decided dd2 and I would make the gingerbread house.

The pieces are ready to go

Dd2 mixes the icing

The house easily goes together

The house dries before the roof is added as per the instructions

Dd2 decorates the house

I was quite pleased as dd2 and I built the house. We were both adding the candy decorations when disaster struck. While trying to get a piece of candy to stick to the roof, dd2 became a bit heavy handed. She cracked the roof into two pieces.

Instead of trying to "glue" the pieces together, I dumped the entire creation into the trash. Dd2 washed the dishes. She wasn't upset in the least. She told me that she found this entire gingerbread house idea boring. I sulked for all of a minute.

While I make a darn good gingerbread as in cake, and I can bake gingerbread men, I can not make a house. I will never be able to create anything from gingerbread that is pretty. I will leave that to the experts, i.e., most other people. :)

Dd1's young friends visiting the
best gingerbread house

The lobby of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is filled with a full-sized Victorian gingerbread house, bringing a little more magic to the holidays. The 16-foot-high dream house is made with 1,050 pounds of honey, 600 pounds of powered sugar, 800 pounds of flour, 140 pints of egg whites and 180 pounds of apricot glaze. Best part is, the house is also a candy shop, full of treats to take home including gingerbread shingles and smaller replicas of the House itself.
-Orlando Restaurant Examiner

Goodwill

I needed to run out to the bank. I promised my husband that I would deposit a check. While I was doing that, I drove to Goodwill to drop off a few bags. I hadn't been inside in months, so I was overdue.

I found a hardback copy of three Little House on the Prairie books. My daughter, the biggest LHOP fan in the world, will be overjoyed when she opens that gift. She owns all of the books, but only in paperback. I also bought her a book when we were visiting the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum in Walnut Grove, Minnesota, last July.

We are not a family who goes crazy buying for Christmas, but I now have two gifts for her. Yeah!

Let the "I hate cold weather" Whining Begin

I am home today, not planning to leave the house. I am cold. I will be cold until sometime in May. The house is for sale. We want to move to Florida, where my whining will be lessened. I promise never to complain about the hot summers. I would much rather sweat, and yes, I sweat, than shiver.

Here I sit, dressed in a lovely combination of blue sweatpants, gray Mickey Mouse sweatshirt, pink and black flowered socks, and a red and black hoodie, still cold and the furnace is on 70. I am going to complain all day. Since I am home alone, no one will hear me.

I have the crockpot full of black beans. This recipe is super simple and sooooo delicious, especially served over brown rice. Rinse and sort a pound of dried black beans. Add beans, 5 cups of water, and two cans of Ro Tel Chili Fixin's tomatoes. Cook on high for 6-8 hours or until the beans are tender.I will try to force myself to be in a happier mood. When the laundry is finished and the house tidied, I will be able to relax a bit. I have more things for the Goodwill. I don't think I am in the mood for taking them today, but that might change. I would enjoy walking around Goodwill. Maybe that would help my mood...maybe.