Daily Ooos: December 6-7: Weekend Edition

[faerywings]

Who is feeling a little festive today? I am!
Yes. For real!!
Hey! Stop laughing, I am serious!
Even though it's cold and we got a dusting of snow overnight, I am excited about the weekend. Today is the Wonders Of Winter Community program at work and I'll be helping kids make Pine-Gnomes. Tomorrow is Baking Day with Caitlyn. So lots of festivities are going on.
It sure helps that I survived all three hours of Christmas shopping yesterday. I went to all of three stores. LOL! I got stuff my my brother and his wife and two stocking stuffers. But that also meant I was free to shop a little more at Amazon and The Disney Store (barf. Such a necessary evil). Years and years ago, we got a Disney Rewards Visa card, optimistically thinking that we would go back eventually and we'd use the rewards there. Life had very different plans. That is the credit card I use for groceries and pay it off every month. The other one-- . I don't even look at the full balance. Anyway, long story just to say that I cashed in some rewards and did a little Christmas shopping at Disney.com. Then I used points at Amazon to get something for Tom, Logan, and someone else... No idea who!!
Oh yeah, for Sam.
I love online shopping, it's like it isn't even real. :/

Today's links are here:
DAY 5 - WINTER FUN DOWNLOAD

DAY 6 - Art Doll Dress Up | CHALLENGE

I really want to do the Art Doll one, I have ideas!

Wishing all of you a truly magical day!

 

[faerywings]

I'd replace the cold with the heat...or maybe I would just put extreme temps!

Extreme temps--That works!
What book are you listening to? Do you listen while you are cleaning? I have to listen to books or podcasts when I am cleaning and it always feels weird when I am cleaning the bathrooms at work and don't have headphones in.

it is used books/DVDs sale at the main library from 9 - 12.

Soooo many books!

How to tell you live in the south: when you get 2.5" of snow ending mid-morning, the city decides to cancel the Christmas tree lighting that night. I'm sure @AK_Tracy is laughing at us.

I am sure that she is.

Last night's meeting was a presentation by the county and their consultants about possible routes for a shared use trail west of Charlottesville, up to the Blue Ridge. It would give me a safe way to bike into the city, which is not the case at the moment. I was very impressed by the options they have come up with. Plus, since I helped (in a small way) get the federal grant to pay for the city I have a feeling of ownership about it. Unfortunately, since infrastructure takes forever to build, I doubt I will see it done, but I consider it part of my legacy to the next generation to at least help get it started.

That would be an amazing bit of infrastructure and you should be proud of having a hand in it. Who knows, maybe the county will get its act together, reduce the red-tape on the project and you will actually get to use it.
You never know.... It's possible..... Maybe

I suppose it will be OK to recycle some I've used in the past.

For sure! I reuse photos all of the time. Throw a filter on it or crop it a little differently and you are good to go!

Great list! Snow hasn't been so important to my list since we're retired. I'm still working on David, though; he's not yet accepted "We're retired, we don't have to shovel, just wait for it to melt!" as I have

Maybe snow removal obsessions are a guy thing. We get 1" and Gary has to be out clearing the driveway. I get it when the snow is heavy, like it was a few days ago, but light and fluffy-- just wait IMO!

Too much going on and things are running into each other!
I hope your "Beavers" are going to be there all day! Sounds like you have a lot to do, if not! 4-12 is a crazy age range! Do you split them up into groups? Are you going to have help? I sure hope so!
Praying Jaida doesn't need PT after her surgery this time!

Way too much going on!
The program is four hours so I have a good chunk of time to spend with them. We might split them into two groups, and I'll have at least one other person working with me. It should be good!

ut I find that looking at some of those old favorites (and scrapping them) really brings back the memories! And I like that!

ITA!!! I loved scrapping the photo of Harley the other day. Can never get enough of seeing pics of my favorite puppy.

n the meantime, I will work on my devotion for the next widows' meeting and scrap today's page. I need to post my first 4 days over on Anna Aspnes' FB page she has set up for the December daily challenge.

Any news on Mark's test?
I joined Anna's group but haven't had a chance to even look at the posts.

Yesterday my surgeon said all is well so I can finish up the last 2 PT next week and be done...Yippeeee.

Great news!!!!
I know that you will make sure that you can get in and out of the travel trailer when the time comes!

Sorry Chris, you're 17 degrees colder. We're sitting at 26°F and that's the coldest we've been all week.

That is messed up. On both sides of the continent. It is 37* ATM and might get a little over freezing. Drat, I forgot to check if the batteries for my handwarmers and vest are charged. I haven't used them since I did that last month so they should be good.

I always wanted to open a restaurant and this way is even better. Someone else pays the bills, I only have to cook 32 times a year and amazing people who want to be there to help me. No stress (well, just a little) and fun and everyones in a good mood.

♥

Yep... came back with both bags FULL!!! Only had 2 paperback books and 5 DVDs. When they rang them up it they were all half-price ($5 total)!!! Took those out to the car and emptied that bag and came back in for another go round. Ended up with 3 3-disc series (Carol Burnett Favorites; ER - 4th Season; and Dark Winds - Season 3!!!! WOW... love Dark Winds! Plus I got 6 more DVDs!!!

Oh my goodness, that is one crazy haul! You'll be busy updating your inventory all weekend!


xoxo

 

[BoatLady]

@faerywings your Christmas excitement is rubbing off on me. I cracked up at your 3 stores-3 hours...I hate shopping....online for me. I hope you have fun with your pine-gnomes, they are sooooo cute.

@BrightEyes Wow you got quite a haul of entertainment so you will not have to go anywhere on the cold days so that is awesome.

@AK_Tracy wow it's hard to believe how warm it is for you compared to places lower in the states. I have a HS friend up in AK and he had lots of snow but I do not know exactly where he is. Interesting you wanted to run a restaurant...hard work, long hours and pretty stressful so I guess you really have the best situation now. Happy cooking.

@LSlycord I'm like you I scrap memories and when I look back at pages I relive the moments...Love that.


I got haircut yesterday so I feel so much better, I took some succulents to her so she is so happy and I am thrilled to get rid of some. We are going to our first Christmas party tonight so we are smoking ribs to take over. These friends decorate like crazy. 10 decorated trees, a village with 100 buildings, snowmen& santa collection, on and on. They have a 16ft utility trailer full!!! 2 weeks to set up. So it's a fun place to go and admire.
We signed contract to have new AC unit installed in the next 2 weeks, there goes the rest of the savings...oh well it's only money.
Foggy but 72 degrees they predict much cooler weather moving in.

Have a good saturday everyone.

 

[LSlycord]

Good morning. Yesterday was a good day...not especially productive but good! Shaun and Brian and I went to our favorite Mexican restaurant for lunch. I made the Lace Oatmeal cookies (another batch because they are so easy and delicious for sure). And, of course, I had my own version of "Kids Say the Darnedest Things" on my drive with Wavy to pre-school. Came home and caught up on some TV. And just let the remainder of the day drift away. Picked up a new book to start...something very light.

Even though it's cold and we got a dusting of snow overnight, I am excited about the weekend. Today is the Wonders Of Winter Community program at work and I'll be helping kids make Pine-Gnomes. Tomorrow is Baking Day with Caitlyn. So lots of festivities are going on.

Speaking of Baking Day...the cookie recipe is in a separate post below.

Extreme temps--That works!
What book are you listening to? Do you listen while you are cleaning? I have to listen to books or podcasts when I am cleaning and it always feels weird when I am cleaning the bathrooms at work and don't have headphones in.

My favorite way to listen is in a long car ride. Of course, I need to be alone because I don't have anyone who shares my love of listening to long books. The drive back and forth to Minneapolis has been perfect for that. In 8 hours of drive time, I can make it through most of a lot of books. But not this one...Southern Man by Greg Iles. I love his books. This was the last one that he wrote before he died and it is powerful! I don't know where my air pods are...a casualty of the move? So I just blast the book when cooking or cleaning or doing layouts.

@LSlycord I'm like you I scrap memories and when I look back at pages I relive the moments...Love that.

It's the best. We really didn't get any vacations in for 2025 so I'm trying to figure out 2026. Which causes me to spend my time looking at old vacations and at new possibilities. And I'm definitely reliving the moments.

 

[LSlycord]

@faerywings​

Oatmeal Lace Cookies (easy and quick)​

Ingredients

1 ½ c thick-cut or old fashioned rolled oats (do not use quick cooking oats)

1 Tblsp all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp Kosher salt

8 Tblsp butter

1 egg, room temperature

¾ c granulated sugar

1 tsp vanilla



Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. (Linda’s note: I used 4 baking sheets.)
• Combine the oats, flour, baking powder, and salt in a small mixing bowl.
• Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Set aside to cool briefly and then stir butter into the oat mixture.
• In a large mixing bowl, use a whisk to beat the egg and sugar until fluffy with a marshmallow-like texture. Add vanilla, and then the oat-butter mixture, stirring until combined.
• Spoon 1 Tblsp of batter per cookie onto the baking sheet, flattening each mound slightly. Allow 4 inches between the cookies (they spread as they bake)!
• Cook on baking sheet for 10 minutes, then remove to a baking rack to cool completely.

For more festive looking cookies, add a drizzle of melted chocolate over the top, with some dried cranberries and some sea salt across the top as well.

 

[Terri M]

Yesterday, being a snow day, was lazy and quiet. David went into Habitat and discovered they had canceled volunteers, but since he didn't look at his email he didn't know. But since he was there he went ahead and worked anyway. The roads were fine and since schools were closed, traffic was less than usual. I made a roast chicken as a break from leftovers all week, which of course just means I created more leftovers. I had to go out to the herb garden to get rosemary and thyme; good thing I remembered where they were so I didn't have to spend too much time digging under snow to find them.

I need an opinion: My 2nd grade granddaughter still believes in Santa Claus (I think). Do you think it's safe to have her watch the old movie Miracle on 34th Street? Santa actually turns out to be real, so I think it's OK, but there is a lot of talk about how people don't believe in him. I'm not sure granddaughter has heard anyone say that. What do you think?

I've planned to go to the Winter Brews beer festival this afternoon, but even if the snow melts, it will be muddy. On the other hand, forecast is for sunny and mid-40s. I may just have to decide at the last minute; I've always enjoyed this event, and it helps our local park raise funds.

Yesterday my surgeon said all is well so I can finish up the last 2 PT next week and be done...Yippeeee.

Yay! It's always a nice feeling to finish up. I always tell myself I'll continue with the exercises but. yeah, I never do. Doesn't matter, I'm still walking around OK.

We got our last estimate for the AC so now we have to make another expensive decision, nowhere near as much fun as picking out the kitchen components.

All that "invisible" stuff just seems like a waste to spend money on. But of course we need it. Good luck with your new one.

I hate shopping....online for me

Reading everyone's shopping stories. I, too, despise shopping. I was thinking about back in the day, when David and I actually took a day off work in December to do Christmas shopping. Store to store, not knowing who had what, such a huge waste of time. I always shudder at vacation advertisements that publicize places, and include "shopping" as a vacation experience. I can only imagine that they're marketing to people with lots more money than I have; why go shopping for something that you don't even know you need? I'm in my "too much stuff" cranky old lady mood here.

 

[vickyday]

Who is feeling a little festive today? I am!
Yes. For real!!
Hey! Stop laughing, I am serious!
Even though it's cold and we got a dusting of snow overnight, I am excited about the weekend. Today is the Wonders Of Winter Community program at work and I'll be helping kids make Pine-Gnomes. Tomorrow is Baking Day with Caitlyn. So lots of festivities are going on.
It sure helps that I survived all three hours of Christmas shopping yesterday. I went to all of three stores. LOL! I got stuff my my brother and his wife and two stocking stuffers. But that also meant I was free to shop a little more at Amazon and The Disney Store (barf. Such a necessary evil). Years and years ago, we got a Disney Rewards Visa card, optimistically thinking that we would go back eventually and we'd use the rewards there. Life had very different plans. That is the credit card I use for groceries and pay it off every month. The other one-- . I don't even look at the full balance. Anyway, long story just to say that I cashed in some rewards and did a little Christmas shopping at Disney.com. Then I used points at Amazon to get something for Tom, Logan, and someone else... No idea who!!
Oh yeah, for Sam.
I love online shopping, it's like it isn't even real. :/

Today's links are here:
DAY 5 - WINTER FUN DOWNLOAD

DAY 6 - Art Doll Dress Up | CHALLENGE

I really want to do the Art Doll one, I have ideas!

Wishing all of you a truly magical day!

Hmmm! You just gave me an idea that I need to check into. I scan all of my receipts into Fetch and get 25 reward points for each scan.....and sometimes more, if a mfg. is running a special bonus points with them. I need to see if I can use those reward points to buy "things" for the younger grands.

 

[vickyday]

Extreme temps--That works!
What book are you listening to? Do you listen while you are cleaning? I have to listen to books or podcasts when I am cleaning and it always feels weird when I am cleaning the bathrooms at work and don't have headphones in.

Soooo many books!

I am sure that she is.

That would be an amazing bit of infrastructure and you should be proud of having a hand in it. Who knows, maybe the county will get its act together, reduce the red-tape on the project and you will actually get to use it.
You never know.... It's possible..... Maybe

For sure! I reuse photos all of the time. Throw a filter on it or crop it a little differently and you are good to go!


Maybe snow removal obsessions are a guy thing. We get 1" and Gary has to be out clearing the driveway. I get it when the snow is heavy, like it was a few days ago, but light and fluffy-- just wait IMO!

Way too much going on!
The program is four hours so I have a good chunk of time to spend with them. We might split them into two groups, and I'll have at least one other person working with me. It should be good!


ITA!!! I loved scrapping the photo of Harley the other day. Can never get enough of seeing pics of my favorite puppy.


Any news on Mark's test?
I joined Anna's group but haven't had a chance to even look at the posts.


Great news!!!!
I know that you will make sure that you can get in and out of the travel trailer when the time comes!


That is messed up. On both sides of the continent. It is 37* ATM and might get a little over freezing. Drat, I forgot to check if the batteries for my handwarmers and vest are charged. I haven't used them since I did that last month so they should be good.

♥

Oh my goodness, that is one crazy haul! You'll be busy updating your inventory all weekend!


xoxo

Mark's endoscopy showed nothing new. The omeprazole he is on daily is helping to keep the stomach ulcers away. His barretts esophogus is no different. And the ozempic is working as he has lost more weight.

Someone has to approve all of the page posts in Anna's group. I can see the pages I've posted in the media tab, but it doesn't look like much activity is happening over there.....not that I am seeing, anyway.

 

[vickyday]

@faerywings your Christmas excitement is rubbing off on me. I cracked up at your 3 stores-3 hours...I hate shopping....online for me. I hope you have fun with your pine-gnomes, they are sooooo cute.

@BrightEyes Wow you got quite a haul of entertainment so you will not have to go anywhere on the cold days so that is awesome.

@AK_Tracy wow it's hard to believe how warm it is for you compared to places lower in the states. I have a HS friend up in AK and he had lots of snow but I do not know exactly where he is. Interesting you wanted to run a restaurant...hard work, long hours and pretty stressful so I guess you really have the best situation now. Happy cooking.

@LSlycord I'm like you I scrap memories and when I look back at pages I relive the moments...Love that.


I got haircut yesterday so I feel so much better, I took some succulents to her so she is so happy and I am thrilled to get rid of some. We are going to our first Christmas party tonight so we are smoking ribs to take over. These friends decorate like crazy. 10 decorated trees, a village with 100 buildings, snowmen& santa collection, on and on. They have a 16ft utility trailer full!!! 2 weeks to set up. So it's a fun place to go and admire.
We signed contract to have new AC unit installed in the next 2 weeks, there goes the rest of the savings...oh well it's only money.
Foggy but 72 degrees they predict much cooler weather moving in.

Have a good saturday everyone.

A 16' trailer full of Christmas "stuff"!!!! WOW!
Have fun at the party!
Show us your new haircut!

 

[vickyday]

Good morning. Yesterday was a good day...not especially productive but good! Shaun and Brian and I went to our favorite Mexican restaurant for lunch. I made the Lace Oatmeal cookies (another batch because they are so easy and delicious for sure). And, of course, I had my own version of "Kids Say the Darnedest Things" on my drive with Wavy to pre-school. Came home and caught up on some TV. And just let the remainder of the day drift away. Picked up a new book to start...something very light.


Speaking of Baking Day...the cookie recipe is in a separate post below.


My favorite way to listen is in a long car ride. Of course, I need to be alone because I don't have anyone who shares my love of listening to long books. The drive back and forth to Minneapolis has been perfect for that. In 8 hours of drive time, I can make it through most of a lot of books. But not this one...Southern Man by Greg Iles. I love his books. This was the last one that he wrote before he died and it is powerful! I don't know where my air pods are...a casualty of the move? So I just blast the book when cooking or cleaning or doing layouts.

It's the best. We really didn't get any vacations in for 2025 so I'm trying to figure out 2026. Which causes me to spend my time looking at old vacations and at new possibilities. And I'm definitely reliving the moments.

I'll have to check out Greg Iles books. Thanks! My favorite times to listen are when doing housework and riding in the car.

 

[vickyday]

@faerywings​

Oatmeal Lace Cookies (easy and quick)​

Ingredients

1 ½ c thick-cut or old fashioned rolled oats (do not use quick cooking oats)

1 Tblsp all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp Kosher salt

8 Tblsp butter

1 egg, room temperature

¾ c granulated sugar

1 tsp vanilla



Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. (Linda’s note: I used 4 baking sheets.)
• Combine the oats, flour, baking powder, and salt in a small mixing bowl.
• Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Set aside to cool briefly and then stir butter into the oat mixture.
• In a large mixing bowl, use a whisk to beat the egg and sugar until fluffy with a marshmallow-like texture. Add vanilla, and then the oat-butter mixture, stirring until combined.
• Spoon 1 Tblsp of batter per cookie onto the baking sheet, flattening each mound slightly. Allow 4 inches between the cookies (they spread as they bake)!
• Cook on baking sheet for 10 minutes, then remove to a baking rack to cool completely.

For more festive looking cookies, add a drizzle of melted chocolate over the top, with some dried cranberries and some sea salt across the top as well.

Thanks for the recipe. I need to try them!

 

[vickyday]

Yesterday, being a snow day, was lazy and quiet. David went into Habitat and discovered they had canceled volunteers, but since he didn't look at his email he didn't know. But since he was there he went ahead and worked anyway. The roads were fine and since schools were closed, traffic was less than usual. I made a roast chicken as a break from leftovers all week, which of course just means I created more leftovers. I had to go out to the herb garden to get rosemary and thyme; good thing I remembered where they were so I didn't have to spend too much time digging under snow to find them.

I need an opinion: My 2nd grade granddaughter still believes in Santa Claus (I think). Do you think it's safe to have her watch the old movie Miracle on 34th Street? Santa actually turns out to be real, so I think it's OK, but there is a lot of talk about how people don't believe in him. I'm not sure granddaughter has heard anyone say that. What do you think?

I've planned to go to the Winter Brews beer festival this afternoon, but even if the snow melts, it will be muddy. On the other hand, forecast is for sunny and mid-40s. I may just have to decide at the last minute; I've always enjoyed this event, and it helps our local park raise funds.


Yay! It's always a nice feeling to finish up. I always tell myself I'll continue with the exercises but. yeah, I never do. Doesn't matter, I'm still walking around OK.


All that "invisible" stuff just seems like a waste to spend money on. But of course we need it. Good luck with your new one.


Reading everyone's shopping stories. I, too, despise shopping. I was thinking about back in the day, when David and I actually took a day off work in December to do Christmas shopping. Store to store, not knowing who had what, such a huge waste of time. I always shudder at vacation advertisements that publicize places, and include "shopping" as a vacation experience. I can only imagine that they're marketing to people with lots more money than I have; why go shopping for something that you don't even know you need? I'm in my "too much stuff" cranky old lady mood here.

I think I would ask the parents about the movie!

 

[vickyday]

Good morning,
Up at 8 today. Mark had my coffee made and was on his way to the hardware store to get some screws to work on the electricity in the cabin. I fixed breakfast of scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy. So, he probably won't need to eat again until I fix the spaghetti for supper tonight.

I'm working in laundry and taking care of church business and replying to those posting pages in my Day 4 challenge.

I want to go ahead and upload pages to Persnickety Prints today so they are there and ready when they have their 25% off sale come the first of January.

That's about it for me.
Have a great weekend!

 

[BrightEyes]

It is cold - 37*F - so decided that this will be a PJ day and stay home all day. I have a few chores to do... Number 1 is replace the fixture in my bedside lamp!!! The lamp I moved from the family room into the bedroom is really too big for the nightstand. Then I should do a bit of dusting, mopping, etc and get the kitchen island cleared off... again!! Or... maybe I will work on the DVD inventory instead. Oh.... if I do that then I should get all the DVDs sorted and put away.... hmmm... Maybe I will just read a few of the library books instead! There isn't anyone around so guess it is up to me as to what I feel like doing....

 

[AK_Tracy]

Quick in and out. Power on power off. Feeling like karate kid wind guests up to 50mph. Been a fun night. But we are warm and dry and all is good. Have a great day!

 

[BrightEyes]

Well...... let's see.... bedroom lamp socket replaced and lamp is back on the nightstand... DVDs sorted by alphabet and inventory binder next to them waiting for me to sit down and write them in there.... books sorted and moved off the island and already read books put into my library bag... others stacked on kitchen/family-room half-wall in the order to be read ... dusted the living/dining room... Christmas decorations now in place... had lunch and dishes put into dishwasher... and... still have half the afternoon to kick back and relax. Whew... oh, shoot... just remembered that some of the baskets (stored above the washer/dryer in the utility room) fell off the shelf... need to take the stepstool in there to get them put back on the shelf. I will get that done some time - probably when I go to do the laundry... And.... I remembered to get bun out of freezer for barbeque sandwich for supper ... and will fix sweet potato fries to have with it. Sigh... guess I did enough today.... Oh... just remembered ... I did upload a "Winter Fun" LO around digi-land before I started my "clean this mess up".

 

[AK_Tracy]

Whew what a day. Winds are NOT over and we will probably loose power again. 7 hours today without power. Went out before the sun was up (10a.m.-ish) and was out after sun went down (330p-ish). Thankfully it was in the 20's and not super cold. Made dinner by candle light, grilled cheese and tomato soup. Really ready to have normal winter weather. Someone please reset Mother Nature. She seems mixed up on what it suppose to where. Thankfully the powers been on two hours now and I got day 6 challenge uploaded. Yeah! Finished a book and 1/4 of the way through a second. Good thing kindles backlit so I can read without power. Off to read some more. In a groove LOL

 

[faerywings]

Good morning! It is only 7 am and this poor Faery is already feeling swamped!
I have so much to do around the house before our 8+ hours of nonstop baking begins. I am patting myself on the back, I remembered to get the butter and cream cheese out of the fridge.
A few minutes ago, I finished my meal planning and did the first-run at the grocery order for the week. I didn't realize how crazy a week this is going to be until I started that. I am working late-ish on Friday, late on Saturday. Plus, I have no idea what time we need to pick Jaida up after the surgery but that's going to be another day I won't be around to cook. Cait can cook on Saturday, and Gary can cook on Friday. No idea what to do about Wednesday unless I plan for leftovers.
Eep.
What is up with my family needing to eat so often?? Why???

Yesterday turned out to be pretty fun! The Pine Gnomes were a hit. I even got one of the trustees to hang out and make one. The best part was at the end of the day, a few girls came into the cabin and were having a good time making their gnomes. At was past 4 pm and the rest of the cabins were cleaning up and closing down. They asked if they could stay to finish so I moved everything they needed to the one table and began packing and cleaning the stuff they didn't need.
They finished and went to the main building, very happy and excited.
As I was putting stuff away in he main building, our director mentioned that the group that was still in the main room were homeschool families and they were possibly interested in doing a field trip or two. Turned out, they were the girls who stayed late in the cabin with me.
So what did I do? I went in there, introduced myself, and chatted with the moms about future field trips and our HS programs

The weather cooperated for the most part. The sun made the cabin feel warm for most of the day. Once the sun went down, the space heater was enough to keep me from getting too cold.

I didn't have any time whatsoever to scrap or do anything here other than post a few comments. I'm not sure what kind of time I will have today. Probably not much at all. In fact I need topost this and get in the shower. I'd like to start in the kitchen around 8.

Here are today's links!

DAY 7 - WINTER FUN DOWNLOAD
DAY 7 - Create a Border | CHALLENGE

 

[vickyday]

Good morning! It is only 7 am and this poor Faery is already feeling swamped!
I have so much to do around the house before our 8+ hours of nonstop baking begins. I am patting myself on the back, I remembered to get the butter and cream cheese out of the fridge.
A few minutes ago, I finished my meal planning and did the first-run at the grocery order for the week. I didn't realize how crazy a week this is going to be until I started that. I am working late-ish on Friday, late on Saturday. Plus, I have no idea what time we need to pick Jaida up after the surgery but that's going to be another day I won't be around to cook. Cait can cook on Saturday, and Gary can cook on Friday. No idea what to do about Wednesday unless I plan for leftovers.
Eep.
What is up with my family needing to eat so often?? Why???

Yesterday turned out to be pretty fun! The Pine Gnomes were a hit. I even got one of the trustees to hang out and make one. The best part was at the end of the day, a few girls came into the cabin and were having a good time making their gnomes. At was past 4 pm and the rest of the cabins were cleaning up and closing down. They asked if they could stay to finish so I moved everything they needed to the one table and began packing and cleaning the stuff they didn't need.
They finished and went to the main building, very happy and excited.
As I was putting stuff away in he main building, our director mentioned that the group that was still in the main room were homeschool families and they were possibly interested in doing a field trip or two. Turned out, they were the girls who stayed late in the cabin with me.
So what did I do? I went in there, introduced myself, and chatted with the moms about future field trips and our HS programs

The weather cooperated for the most part. The sun made the cabin feel warm for most of the day. Once the sun went down, the space heater was enough to keep me from getting too cold.

I didn't have any time whatsoever to scrap or do anything here other than post a few comments. I'm not sure what kind of time I will have today. Probably not much at all. In fact I need topost this and get in the shower. I'd like to start in the kitchen around 8.

Here are today's links!

DAY 7 - WINTER FUN DOWNLOAD
DAY 7 - Create a Border | CHALLENGE

Glad the day went well for you yesterday!
Don't envy you with the cookie marathon!

 

[vickyday]

Quick in and out. Heading to church soon and I need to finish getting ready.
Will be going to the pastors house later today to get some church business set up.
Ilene's family is cruising this week and she was pretty excited by the time they left yesterday. I am going to collect her mail and water her flowers this week. I hope i don't kill them!
Have a great day!

 

[BoatLady]

Well happy Sunday to all of you.

@faerywings I'm glad things went well at work for you. So nice that everyone loved your gnome craft. It sounds like you have another busy week ahead. I envy you people who plan meals for the week. I'm a figure it out in the morning so I can take something out of the freezer. Have fun baking...it sounds like a fun day.

@AK_Tracy Wow you end up loosing electric often it seems like. Sounds like you need a whole house auto generator, the rest of winter is on the way. Wow you had some high winds. You are right about Mother Nature needing a reset. She needs at GPS locator to know where to put the cold and snow.

@vickyday I'm sure you will keep her plants alive after all it's only a week.

@BrightEyes Your organization of the movies is amazing.

The party last night was so much fun. Lots of food and friends. Jay's smoked ribs were a huge sucess. Our friends decorate so much for Christmas its a wonderful festive place. We played some games one was Christmas trivia. By chance 3 of us who live at the lake her and call ourselves The Pond Ladies were on one of the 5 teams. Luck was on our side and we won.
Here is one of the questions we missed so figure this one out....How many gifts are given in the 12 days of Christmas? 108, 364, 228 Try to figure it out before looking at the computer.
Jay and I went to breakfast this morning we have not done that in a very long time so it was very nice. Eggs over medium, rye toast and crispy bacon.
I am going to pack up a few things from a cabinet in the kitchen because we are going to take the cabinet down now. We are putting a rustic wall up there before they hang the new cabinets. I will need to paint it.
I hope you all have a great day.

 

[LSlycord]

Good morning. All I want to do is complain this morning. Medicare is just the biggest pain in the world. Especially since I started it in November...but enough of that. Because that would go on forever. And I'm particularly crabby because of the additional prep that I need to do because of my diabetes meds. GRRR...crabby old woman syndrome. The acronym would be COWS. That made me laugh hysterically. And that's all it took to get me back on track.

Yesterday turned out to be pretty fun! The Pine Gnomes were a hit. I even got one of the trustees to hang out and make one. The best part was at the end of the day, a few girls came into the cabin and were having a good time making their gnomes. At was past 4 pm and the rest of the cabins were cleaning up and closing down. They asked if they could stay to finish so I moved everything they needed to the one table and began packing and cleaning the stuff they didn't need.
They finished and went to the main building, very happy and excited.
As I was putting stuff away in he main building, our director mentioned that the group that was still in the main room were homeschool families and they were possibly interested in doing a field trip or two. Turned out, they were the girls who stayed late in the cabin with me.
So what did I do? I went in there, introduced myself, and chatted with the moms about future field trips and our HS programs

You are doing exactly what you should be doing! I love how you have really found your calling!

Whew what a day. Winds are NOT over and we will probably loose power again. 7 hours today without power. Went out before the sun was up (10a.m.-ish) and was out after sun went down (330p-ish). Thankfully it was in the 20's and not super cold. Made dinner by candle light, grilled cheese and tomato soup. Really ready to have normal winter weather. Someone please reset Mother Nature. She seems mixed up on what it suppose to where. Thankfully the powers been on two hours now and I got day 6 challenge uploaded. Yeah! Finished a book and 1/4 of the way through a second. Good thing kindles backlit so I can read without power. Off to read some more. In a groove LOL

You are going through it with weather. The power being out sounds awful. But it does make for good reading time without guilt!

Well...... let's see.... bedroom lamp socket replaced and lamp is back on the nightstand... DVDs sorted by alphabet and inventory binder next to them waiting for me to sit down and write them in there.... books sorted and moved off the island and already read books put into my library bag... others stacked on kitchen/family-room half-wall in the order to be read ... dusted the living/dining room... Christmas decorations now in place... had lunch and dishes put into dishwasher... and... still have half the afternoon to kick back and relax. Whew... oh, shoot... just remembered that some of the baskets (stored above the washer/dryer in the utility room) fell off the shelf... need to take the stepstool in there to get them put back on the shelf. I will get that done some time - probably when I go to do the laundry... And.... I remembered to get bun out of freezer for barbeque sandwich for supper ... and will fix sweet potato fries to have with it. Sigh... guess I did enough today.... Oh... just remembered ... I did upload a "Winter Fun" LO around digi-land before I started my "clean this mess up".

You definitely did enough Kay! I am so ready for it to be January...I want to get the book challenge started! Be careful on the stepstool!

Mark's endoscopy showed nothing new. The omeprazole he is on daily is helping to keep the stomach ulcers away. His barretts esophogus is no different. And the ozempic is working as he has lost more weight.

Good news for Mark!

The party last night was so much fun. Lots of food and friends. Jay's smoked ribs were a huge sucess. Our friends decorate so much for Christmas its a wonderful festive place. We played some games one was Christmas trivia. By chance 3 of us who live at the lake her and call ourselves The Pond Ladies were on one of the 5 teams. Luck was on our side and we won.

Sounds like a really fun party! And it is always fun to win!

 

[BrightEyes]

Morning, all. Slept in late (8 AM). So nice to get up to a clean kitchen, family room and holiday decorations in living/dining room.

Yes, @LSlycord I will be very careful while on the stepstool - and only on the bottom step..... Will use my 'reacher' to move the baskets from the top of the dryer up to the shelf. I may wait until DD#3 is here to do it. And yes... I am excited to get started on the 2026 Book Club challenges, too.

@faerywings So glad that the gnome making was a hit. You are a natural teacher and love sharing with the kids. Oh... I remember the year you forgot to put the butter for cookie making out to soften and had to stick them into the waistband of your pants.... I still get the giggles when I think about cold hard butter sticks around your waistband!!!

@AK_Tracy Wow... that is a long time without power... glad you had the kindle with its own power so you could read while waiting for the power to come back on... that is some powerful wind!!!

Ach-choo.... Ach-choo... Been sneezing my head off ever since I woke up this morning. It maybe due to left-over dust from the boxes the Christmas things were in... of something else...(please don't let it be that I am getting sick...). Need to take some meds and get another cup of coffee. BBL

 

[AK_Tracy]

Good Morning.

Its calming down a little but we're predicted for another full day and more of wind. I'm over it. The moose were in the corner of our house trying to get out of the wind. We have an L shaped house and they were in the inside corner. Up close and personal. Eating the grass sticking out from under the porch. Our porch is 3' wide. They were close. We kept telling them to stay off the porch. They looked like they wanted to get on there and lay down.

What is up with my family needing to eat so often?? Why???

The age old questions! Why? Why must the feel the need to be fed dinner every single night of every single day?

I am going to collect her mail and water her flowers this week. I hope i don't kill them!

I had to giggle. I too would worry about the plants and if they would survive.

Here is one of the questions we missed so figure this one out....How many gifts are given in the 12 days of Christmas? 108, 364, 228

So many questions. First, is it just each gift, one partridge, two doves, etc or are we counting every gift for each verse of the song so that when youre done you have 12 partridges, 24 doves? So I would say its one set, not each verse. If that's the case then its 78 gifts. But in reality its 12 gifts just different quantities of the gift. So do you count the quantity or the actual gift. Cause 12 drummers drumming is one gift but there are 12 pieces to the gift. So if we count gifts........... thanks Debby!! Too much thinking first thing in the morning. Off to google cause now I have to know!!! First, pour me a coffee. My brain isn't working with this puzzle.

Not much happening today. We're going to couch church today. Hubs feels sick and I can feel it trying to get me. So we will stay home and try to keep the germs at bay. Will be taking lots of C today. Maybe check out the day 7 challenge. Maybe finish a book. Who knows. Hubs is currently gargling his coffee

 

[vickyday]

Well happy Sunday to all of you.

@faerywings I'm glad things went well at work for you. So nice that everyone loved your gnome craft. It sounds like you have another busy week ahead. I envy you people who plan meals for the week. I'm a figure it out in the morning so I can take something out of the freezer. Have fun baking...it sounds like a fun day.

@AK_Tracy Wow you end up loosing electric often it seems like. Sounds like you need a whole house auto generator, the rest of winter is on the way. Wow you had some high winds. You are right about Mother Nature needing a reset. She needs at GPS locator to know where to put the cold and snow.

@vickyday I'm sure you will keep her plants alive after all it's only a week.

@BrightEyes Your organization of the movies is amazing.

The party last night was so much fun. Lots of food and friends. Jay's smoked ribs were a huge sucess. Our friends decorate so much for Christmas its a wonderful festive place. We played some games one was Christmas trivia. By chance 3 of us who live at the lake her and call ourselves The Pond Ladies were on one of the 5 teams. Luck was on our side and we won.
Here is one of the questions we missed so figure this one out....How many gifts are given in the 12 days of Christmas? 108, 364, 228 Try to figure it out before looking at the computer.
Jay and I went to breakfast this morning we have not done that in a very long time so it was very nice. Eggs over medium, rye toast and crispy bacon.
I am going to pack up a few things from a cabinet in the kitchen because we are going to take the cabinet down now. We are putting a rustic wall up there before they hang the new cabinets. I will need to paint it.
I hope you all have a great day.

For me to kill a plant takes less than a week!

 

[vickyday]

Good morning. All I want to do is complain this morning. Medicare is just the biggest pain in the world. Especially since I started it in November...but enough of that. Because that would go on forever. And I'm particularly crabby because of the additional prep that I need to do because of my diabetes meds. GRRR...crabby old woman syndrome. The acronym would be COWS. That made me laugh hysterically. And that's all it took to get me back on track.


You are doing exactly what you should be doing! I love how you have really found your calling!

You are going through it with weather. The power being out sounds awful. But it does make for good reading time without guilt!


You definitely did enough Kay! I am so ready for it to be January...I want to get the book challenge started! Be careful on the stepstool!

Good news for Mark!


Sounds like a really fun party! And it is always fun to win!

I got tickled at your COW syndrome! Gonna have to remember that one!

 

[AK_Tracy]

For me to kill a plant takes less than a week!

ME TOO!!!!!! Just takes one look and the plant says "okay I'll just give up now, no need to torture me"