Daily Ooos: December 17-18: Weekend Edition

[faerywings]

Well, it's here, Annual Cookie Baking Day. And boy, I am good, I remembered to take the butter out of the fridge already. For the newer people here, in past years, I have forgotten to take the butter out to soften. Caitlyn stuck the sticks of butter in her waistband and I got a very funny photo of her, wearing her Grinch Sweater and sticks of butter all around. LOL!!!!
After today, holiday baking will be done. Whew.

Yesterday was kind of a mish-mash of successes and semi-failures. The ornaments I made for Caitlyn look cheesy. Gary said they look fine but I am not so sure. :/ I didn't wrap anything yet, maybe tomorrow. I was able to get some of my Christmas Day menu pulled together, but I am struggling with what to feed Tom.
Other than baking today. I have to go to the FP since I am running out of everything else I need to eat.
The electricity is still wonky and Gary called them again to fix it. I am going to be really upset if they need to turn the power off again while I baking. Not much I can do other than hope for the best.

Wishing everyone a great day!

 

[tanteva]

but I am struggling with what to feed Tom.

What are rest of you eating? Maybe I could help with ideas?

 

[faerywings]

If it came across that I am a little cranky in my post, I guess I am. Gary's sugar is really high and he's aggravated by the electricity and I guess it is rubbing off on me.
*thinks Christmas Spirit*
Nope. Didn't; work.
*thinks coffee*
Ah yes, much better.

@tanteva (((((hugs))))) That sound awful-- the walk to the dr and the doctor's diagnosis. I bet the cold air didn't help your ear to feel any better. One good thing about ear infections is that antibiotics will help and usually pretty quickly. Maybe by now, the worst of it is over?
Your heating must be struggling to keep up with the cold temps too. I hope that it warms up for you.

@LSlycord 47* must be frigid for you! Hope it doesn't stay that cold. Sydney must have really missed you very much. What a sweetheart. That stinks that Shaun has to work on Christmas but at least you will be together on Christmas Eve and then on Christmas Night. This year is going to be different for us too. Scott is working Christmas Eve but will be joining us at my mom's later. Christmas morning-- Tom will be here. His mom and now his sister have Covid. His stepfather is not vaccinated so it's probably a matter of time. The 4 of us are a little disappointed, it would probably be the last time the 4 of us were together but t it is what it is. Now I need to get a stocking and some stocking stuffers for him to open.
LOL at the date-- I was thinking to myself when I opened the thread yesterday that in 10 days it will all be over and I can collapse. Guess I was jumping the gun! hahaha!

@BrightEyes Hah, I read about how cold you were and then that you met with your personal banker-- but I read it as "personal blanket" -- personal blanket is much more fun
How is DD#3 feeling, is the RSV out of her system yet?
You are so organized with your DVDs, I am so impressed. I wish I could keep track of *anything* at this point.

@bcgal00 Good selling vibes to you!! I hope that everything of yours sells for the price you want and that the ones you want to buy are a steal.
I keep seeing the commercials for So Help Me Todd when we watch Ghosts, might have to check that out!

@Cherylndesigns I don't know what is such a big deal about Rt 66 either. But the Christmas lights must have been so pretty!
Add me to the "Misses the LOL-ing smilies" list.
Does it get easier when the family is more scattered on the holidays? The only upside if Tom's family is still infected, is that Caitlyn doesn't have to go *there*-- she did not want to do that but was gonna suck it up for him. It's been 27 years of just "us" on Christmas Morning it sure will be weird.

@scrap-genie LOL that you didn;t cathe my date-mess-up either. I guess everyone is used to me doing that, y'all know to let it slip on by

@vickyday I'm with ya, any time I don't have to cook is *good*!
Mark's shed is awesome and really coming along!!! Have a wonderful weekend


And to everyone-- big happy relaxed hugs!!

 

[faerywings]

What are rest of you eating? Maybe I could help with ideas?

Mostly just appetizers this year, I can't do more than that. I usually make cheesy bruschetta, buffalo chicken dip (I make a vegetarian version but he can't eat that),
Baked brie from my brother.
My mom usually brings up anything leftover from Christmas Eve at her house.
Deviled eggs. Although that was always for Leah (barf) so maybe not this year

Ugh, I guess my menu is not as set as I thought.

I googled vegan appetizers yesterday but got some "strange" results like beetroot hummus and roasted chickpeas. This kid liked fried foods, so I am going to make chick'n nuggets but what else? I usually like to make food I can prep Christmas eve day so I can enjoy the family--
*shrugs*
I'm just gonna throw pretzel sticks at him hahahah

 

[LSlycord]

Good morning ladies. It's only 42* here this morning. I am first up so that left it to me to start the fire (it's gas so really nothing to it) and make a fresh pot of coffee. And turn on the Christmas tree lights on the lanai. So much accomplished already.

A new Detective Kate Rosetti book by Gina Lamanna dropped yesterday. Just after I started a new Charles Martin book on Audible. Such problems...

I did make it to the grocery store and got some of what I will need for Christmas Eve and Christmas dinner. Plus enough food to cook this week...I hope. Tonight we are going to have pork chops with swiss cheese and apple slices melted on top over a bed of wild rice cooked in apple juice. I found that recipe many years ago (25+) on the back of a Swiss cheese package but I lost it. So, about 5 years ago, I started making it without a recipe and it turned out just like I remembered it!

Today is an open day...not sure what's in store. A book (or 2) for sure. The rest is...who knows! Which feels good.

 

[BrightEyes]

Quick in and out this AM... Got a call from a dear friend yesterday asking if I was up for having coffee with her here at my house this morning. Of course, I said "YES". And told her that another friend should also be here for coffee - the one who is bringing me her Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas recipe - plus a plate of them. Should be a fun morning for us all. It is another COLD morning - 15*F and the wind chill puts it about 7*F!!! I am happy to stay inside and let the others come to me. I just glanced at the Temperature Reader on my desk and it said it was 80* inside and almost had heart failure.... then realized it was sitting under the overhead register so the hot air was blowing right on it!!! I moved it down onto the desktop away from the register and it now reads 70*.

I started looking at new cars on-line and am pretty sure I have settled on the one I want to buy. Got the blue book price on my car so know the ball park figure on it. Did a bit of looking on-line at the dealership and know they have 2-3 of the model/color I want. Need to clear out stuff the car and then have it washed/detailed before I go looking. It is too cold even in the garage to work on that right now.

Time to get dressed and get ready for the gals. CYL

 

[tanteva]

How about these, @faerywings ?

Oven Roasted Sweet Potato & Tofu Veggie Skewers

Summer calls for enjoying good food with friends; whether you're BBQing, out for a picnic, or heading to a potluck party, these veggie skewers are guaranteed to be enjoyed by all! Change it up by trying other vegetables, such as mushrooms, carrots, or corn. Vary up the flavours by adding spices...

www.pickuplimes.com

Charred Corn Salad with White Beans

This Charred Corn Salad is the most delicious use for summer corn! Plus, it requires just 9 ingredients and takes less than 30 minutes to make. It’s a crowd pleasing side dish for barbecues and picnics, but also hearty enough to stand in as a main dish.

rainbowplantlife.com

 

[tanteva]

I have the best husband! I was drooling over Anna's new Twinkle Collection https://www.oscraps.com/shop/ArtPlay-Twinkle-Collection.html, and he told me to just buy it. "I'll call it medicine" he said. He should be a doctor! LOL

 

[bcgal00]

Good morning ladies. We have fresh snow today which makes Remi happy. I will take the dogs to the park later. No big plans today. I have chicken sausages so might make those for me and fry eggs for D to go with pancakes. I took out the fold out table and bin of wrapping paper and set up a station in the first floor storage room. It is nice to have a space to set this up and its out of the way, so we can go in and out to wrap as we want over the week. I'll do some wrapping tomorrow. I need to clear out the garage fridge so I have somewhere to put the turkey to defrost later this week.

@faerywings Here are a few vegan options for appies, to give you ideas.

Vegan Crunchy Baked Eggplant Bites

Vegan crunchy baked eggplant bites, served with a marinara dipping sauce. Everyone goes nuts for this appetizer whenever I make it, it's the first one to get eaten up. And so delicious, no one would

www.tasteslovely.com

Vegan Tomato Flatbread • Green Evi

This vegan tomato flatbread is one of my favorite quick dinners, because it's super delicious and totally customizable with whatever you have on hands.

greenevi.com

Red Lentil Nacho Dip (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

Your favorite Mexican appetizer, now as a dip! A creamy Red Lentil Nacho Dip that's allergy-free, gluten-free, and vegan! A perfect recipe for parties or

strengthandsunshine.com

@BrightEyes That's exciting, looking for a new car! What are you looking at?

It's time to feed the birds, play ice hockey with Remi and then back inside for more coffee. HAGD everyone.

 

[vickyday]

Good afternoon!
Wasn't planning to be on here today, but I got the fairies busy in the kitchen and then ate my cold lunch and am relaxing before moving on to the next project.....going through Christmas decorations I brought up from the basement.

Sounds like everyone is pretty busy! Hope your weekend before Christmas is a good one!
Back to my work.....

 

[Cherylndesigns]

Good afternoon. I'm just getting started with my day - big surprise, huh? Yesterday was semi-quiet day. Adrienne brought Lila and Marley down for a couple of hours and we ordered all of our stuff for a New Year's Eve party. I'm actually looking so forward to that. Christmas celebration changes as the kids get older and move away and this year will be so slim. It's very hard at first, Chris @faerywings (not that it isn't always) but it is what it is. My siblings and I were scattered all over the country, so holidays were difficult. We all made the effort and spent the money (some of to fly) to be home, though. After Mom and Dad were gone, we don't anymore. I guess we did it for them, mostly. There's no "home" anymore, because their home was sold after they both passed away.

In this financial climate, it costs so much to fly and none of our kids are able to afford it, so that means we have to bear that expense, on top of everything else. We did it last year, but this year, I went to Florida, so there went the airlines budget plus lots more for Christmas.

Kay @BrightEyes how fun to be having two of your friends over. Have a wonderful time. I didn't know yo were car shopping. Good luck - I think I understood that the dealerships had cars in stock? They didn't have ANY new cars recently and very few new/used ones, either. Adrienne had to wait for a couple of months to get her new car and we had to drive to Bentonville, AK to get that one.

It's 39 here right now, but supposed to get colder next week, can't wait. UGH.

Happy Saturday all.

 

[Cherylndesigns]

Chris @faerywings
"@Cherylndesigns I don't know what is such a big deal about Rt 66 either. But the Christmas lights must have been so pretty!'

Since we don't have a giving raspberries emoji -

 

[faerywings]

ooooh yayayayayaaaayy!!!!!!
I did it! We did it, Cait and I baked for 6 hours straight and we didn't burn or break any cookies. Well. TBH, I did break a cookie, but only if you count that I broke it on purpose. *wink*
The Rule was that no one gets to eat any cookies before Christmas unless they were broken. I would have two little kids and one adult-child hovering, any broken ones??? And that was last year bwahaha. Gary guilted me when his sugar was low yesterday so he got one. As I was packing them into the container, I "broke" one for me and Cait -- you know, for quality control.
In case you couldn't tell (heh) from my post yesterday, I wasn't in the best of moods to start with. I put the Christmas radio station on as I was driving to the FP which helped, until Mariah Carey's song came on and it is still stuck in my head a day later. With many more to come. eep.
I got there at 10 am when they technically opened and I was the 24th in line. I get my bags almost an hour later (not complaining,t these volunteers are the best and I truly appreciate them, one woman remembered that Cait is vegetarian and told me that they had more plant-based meat and hooked me up with 3 packs of Beyond Burgers. ) My neighbor calls to ask if I have electricity, hers is out. Then she says she says the trucks were there and then gone and no power.

Oh-- gotta post this, Gary needs to reset the internet. BRB!

 

[faerywings]

Whew! That wasn't "right back." He couldn't get the internet to reconnect. But he did it eventually, Never had a doubt! He is a wiz, thank goodness. So where was I? Oh, freaking out that there was a possibility that the *only* day I had to bake with Cait and we might not have power. I am sweating the entire drive home, trying to come up with a backup plan. By the time I got home, there was *much* rejoicing as I saw there were lights on in the house!

The rest of the day was baking and washing dishes. Today I am going to start wrapping as soon as I finish the kitchen and get some laundry going. Since we are assuming Tom will be here on Christmas morning, Cait bought him a stocking (it's a Wookie ) and I am finding some things to put in it. I already started my shopping list for the Christmas menu which is also falling into place nicely. I was able to get a large frozen lasagna yesterday too and that will be the "main course."

Yippppeeeee!! It's getting better ( I knew it would, it's sometimes really hard when I am in the "muck" of it).

Hope you are all doing FAB today as well!!! ♥

 

[BrightEyes]

Back to waking up early (4 AM) but forced myself to stay in bed until 4:30. I did get 7 hours of sleep so won't complain too loudly about it. Yesterday was a fun morning with my 2 friends over here for coffee. Had to LOL over the recipe - she doesn't have it written out... just told us how she makes it. Basically the sauce is condensed cream of chicken soup (do not add milk or water to it) mixed with chopped green chilis; add layers of soup/chili, corn tortillas, cooked/shredded chicken breast, & grated cheddar cheese until pan is full. Cover with foil and set in fridge overnight then bake at 325 until it is heated well - about 25-30 minutes. So simple that I am sure I can wing it just fine. And, yes... she did bring me a double serving of it. Enjoyed half of it for supper last night along with my own guacamole and will have the other half tonight.

I finally got the last of the DVDs put in place in the bookcase - in alphabetical order - which meant making room for them in the right stack. The bottom shelf is for the multiple movies and for series Movies...i.e... Harry Potter or TV series... I watched "Saving Private Ryan" last evening. Think I may start watching "John Adams" mini series today.



I am looking at the 2023 Hyundai Sonata SEL - not the hybrid one. The dealership here has a couple of them in stock. May end up getting it sooner than I thought I would since they do have the one I like. Will keep an eye on their inventory.

@faerywings Great that you and Cait got all the cookies made... and had to LOL at the 'broken cookies'. I am sure you enjoyed them. Great score at the FP.

@Cherylndesigns Love the Route 66 photo - looks like everyone was having a good time. Glad you resolved the issue of the Christmas tree by getting a new one.

@LSlycord I loved that photo of Sid sitting by the pool finishing up her school paper. LOL over her sleeping on the floor next to your bed. Guess she really did miss her mama while at college.

@bcgal00 WOW... that is COLD! Love the photos of the dogs in the snow. And the eagle photos on FB were outstanding!!

The coffee cup is empty and I need a refill! Have a wonderful weekend everyone.

 

[faerywings]

@tanteva and @bcgal00 Thank you so much for the recipe ideas! They are very helpful. The eggplant bites are similar to one thing I was looking at-- zucchini instead of eggplant but maybe I'll do both. Pillsbury crescent rolls are vegan and I am going to get vegan hot dogs to make "not-pigs in a blanket."
The tofu/veggie skewers also look really good and easy enough to cook half vegan and half with chicken for the carnivores.
I really appreciate the ideas ♥

@LSlycord I hope that the weather is warmer today.
I have to find a new book on Amazon -- I have a ton of promotional credits for ebooks or audiobooks that expire right around the holidays. I hope that you enjoy the ones you are reading/listening to right now.
Your dinner sounds super cozy for the cooler weather too.

@BrightEyes Such a great way to start the day/weekend with friends and coffee!
Hope you are able to stay warm inside. You can't keep us in suspense, what car are you looking at??

@tanteva Dr. Urban is a *keeper.*

@bcgal00 OMG-- I don't know why I never thought of that- using a folding table to wrap on. I usually wrap in my BR, hunched over my bed. You can imagine what my back feels like after a while. Why in the world did that never occur to me? *slaps forehead* You are my queen today for writing that. *heart eyes smilie*

@vickyday Enjoy decorating!

@Cherylndesigns When I am in that loopy kooky headspace, it is *really* hard for me to keep my thoughts from spiraling, esp with my parents being older and sick and the kids being at the age when life is moving forward at a fast clip. This time last year, it was crazy with Sam and Ian having just broken up and yet we all still thought things were fine with Scott and Leah. All of that has played into this year's whirlwind thoughts. And you know me, I am not one who deals with change all that easily. :/ Caitlyn is so excited that Tom is going to be here on Christmas morning, it is hard to not get excited too. Different, sure. The way I would have liked. not really. But will it be great anyway?? yes, I think so!!

Chalk it up to my NY/NJ Metro area's obnoxious self-centeredness and lack of knowledge of Rt 66. LOL! I Googled it and I can see why it was so important. But it doesn't revolve around any Eastern highways so who cares around here? haha.
But now I know a bit!

xo

 

[tanteva]

Bought and downloaded the Twinkle Palette Collection ... oh my! A-N-N-A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

Sadly ... I'm to tired to scrap. I have a slight fever, and are going back to the sofa and my book. Fun thing really - it's a local author, I had no idea that she even existed. She came into work last week, when I was working, looking for something to read, and we had her book on display, so she mentioned it. To be honest - most of politeness - I took the book home, and it was a really great dystopian novel. About a Sweden that, to be honest, doesn't feel very far away. It's about a couple of journalists exposing a secret government project, where they are secretly killing people, who costs more for society, than they contribute. It was so great, I messaged Urban on Friday to bring home part 2 - which I'm reading now. Just started on that one, but it looks promising. I love books that are scary in this subtle way - just cuz they, though impossible today, they would really be possible in just a couple of years.

I'm supposed to work tomorrow, but not likely. Urban has tried to see if anyone can change shift with me, but I'm not sure. This close to Christmas, I guess most people have planned every minute meticulously already.

 

[tanteva]

Check out this pattern: free download today (scroll down to find the 12 days Christmas download image). But Breann's pattern are always free on the website too.

Moss Boss Cowl Crochet Pattern

The Moss Boss Cowl Crochet Pattern uses one of my favorite classic stitches, the moss stitch!

www.hookedonhomemadehappiness.com

I think this is a fantastic cowl. Adding it to my list of projects I want to make.

 

[vickyday]

ooooh yayayayayaaaayy!!!!!!
I did it! We did it, Cait and I baked for 6 hours straight and we didn't burn or break any cookies. Well. TBH, I did break a cookie, but only if you count that I broke it on purpose. *wink*
The Rule was that no one gets to eat any cookies before Christmas unless they were broken. I would have two little kids and one adult-child hovering, any broken ones??? And that was last year bwahaha. Gary guilted me when his sugar was low yesterday so he got one. As I was packing them into the container, I "broke" one for me and Cait -- you know, for quality control.
In case you couldn't tell (heh) from my post yesterday, I wasn't in the best of moods to start with. I put the Christmas radio station on as I was driving to the FP which helped, until Mariah Carey's song came on and it is still stuck in my head a day later. With many more to come. eep.
I got there at 10 am when they technically opened and I was the 24th in line. I get my bags almost an hour later (not complaining,t these volunteers are the best and I truly appreciate them, one woman remembered that Cait is vegetarian and told me that they had more plant-based meat and hooked me up with 3 packs of Beyond Burgers. ) My neighbor calls to ask if I have electricity, hers is out. Then she says she says the trucks were there and then gone and no power.

Oh-- gotta post this, Gary needs to reset the internet. BRB!

As I was reading about your "broken cookie" I was thinking (I hope she shared part of the broken cookie with Caitlyn) and then you answered my question, LOL! Are you done with the cookie baking now?

 

[vickyday]

Bought and downloaded the Twinkle Palette Collection ... oh my! A-N-N-A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

Sadly ... I'm to tired to scrap. I have a slight fever, and are going back to the sofa and my book. Fun thing really - it's a local author, I had no idea that she even existed. She came into work last week, when I was working, looking for something to read, and we had her book on display, so she mentioned it. To be honest - most of politeness - I took the book home, and it was a really great dystopian novel. About a Sweden that, to be honest, doesn't feel very far away. It's about a couple of journalists exposing a secret government project, where they are secretly killing people, who costs more for society, than they contribute. It was so great, I messaged Urban on Friday to bring home part 2 - which I'm reading now. Just started on that one, but it looks promising. I love books that are scary in this subtle way - just cuz they, though impossible today, they would really be possible in just a couple of years.

I'm supposed to work tomorrow, but not likely. Urban has tried to see if anyone can change shift with me, but I'm not sure. This close to Christmas, I guess most people have planned every minute meticulously already.

Oh no! Do you think the fever may be from the tooth problems?
After you mentioned the Twinkle palette collection, I went and bought it! I worked with it last night, but not for Christmasy pages. I will be working with it some more! Thanks for the heads up!
Hope you feel better as the day goes on!

 

[tanteva]

Do you think the fever may be from the tooth problems?

No, I think it's a side effect from (of?) the antibiotics. Tooth *crossing my fingers* seems to be ok.

 

[LSlycord]

Good morning all. Had a good day yesterday. Sydney is planning to meet friends in Tampa on Tuesday to go to Busch Gardens. She is riding over with a couple of guys who live nearby so she isn't driving. But I sure hate the thought of a 3 1/2 hour drive over and then the same drive back at 9:00. Because of where one friend lives, they will be going through Orlando...with the scariest interstates around. But...this is part of the process.

We had the pork chops with the rice. The kids said that I should have doubled the rice so I think I'm going to start making that as a side on its own! It really is quite tasty.

I don't really have anything planned for today. We have a new cleaning service starting tomorrow and I should probably get some cleaning done before they get here. I never did get the floors mopped this week...guess those will wait for the cleaners.

@BrightEyes I like the Sonata. That looks like it would make a great vehicle for you. So glad that you were able to enjoy that time with your friends. I like the sound of that recipe. It sounds pretty easy and I think the kids would like it.

@faerywings sounds like yesterday was delightful! And the will power to only each have 1/2 of a cookie. Oh my goodness! That's amazing! It's 52* going to 62* today so a bit cold still. And predictions for Christmas are truly cold. But I'm sure that I can hold up for a bit. Didn't you used to read Stephanie Plum books? It seems to me that you did but really, I can't remember for sure what happened yesterday. Anyway, the Detective Kate Rosetti books are almost the same except that they are based in Minneapolis/St. Paul. It's completely light which is just the opposite of my Charles Martin books. So I decided to go with the light and easy first.

@tanteva I saw your recommendation on that kit and then I saw @vickyday purchased it and I think that it will go in my cart later today. Urban really came through didn't he?!!! Hope that the fever subsides soon and you are back to yourself. Sorry that you are sick on a day that you are supposed to work. That's rotten timing!

@bcgal00 having a wrapping space really would help. I didn't have that many gifts to wrap this year so it didn't take long...even though I spent a lot of time procrastinating over it. But being able to leave the wrapping paper out is a game changer. Love that Remi got her fresh snow!

@Cherylndesigns I sure get how Christmas isn't the same. My mom always made Christmas really special, although I do remember that it was a little difficult before my brother had kids. But once there were grandkids, the fun exploded again. I really miss my folks this time of year. And this year I have really the least fun presents for the kids... But when the prices of iPhones and airPods and Apple watches are included...plus financial help for college, there really isn't much money left for extravagant gifts that they wouldn't want anyway. Family New Years Eve parties are the best!

@vickyday I absolutely love the Cabin in the Woods! That is just the best!

HAGD!

 

[vickyday]

Check out this pattern: free download today (scroll down to find the 12 days Christmas download image). But Breann's pattern are always free on the website too.

Moss Boss Cowl Crochet Pattern

The Moss Boss Cowl Crochet Pattern uses one of my favorite classic stitches, the moss stitch!

www.hookedonhomemadehappiness.com

I think this is a fantastic cowl. Adding it to my list of projects I want to make.

That is beautiful! I downloaded! Love the moss stitch in knitting but have never done it in crochet! Looking forward to trying it out! Thanks, Eva!

 

[vickyday]

Good afternoon!
Back from church. Leftovers for lunch. Commenting and scrapping and look for a DIY creche that is easy peasy. Christmas program at my daughter's church tonight. That's my Sunday!
Have a good one!

 

[bcgal00]

Hi ladies. I am going to say a quick hello. The snow just stopped so I am heading out with Remi for some snow play for her and maybe some bird photos for me. HAGD. I'll be back later.

 

[tanteva]

That is beautiful! I downloaded! Love the moss stitch in knitting but have never done it in crochet! Looking forward to trying it out! Thanks, Eva!

Moss stitch in crochet is really easy, and it gives a great texture.

 

[vickyday]

Moss stitch in crochet is really easy, and it gives a great texture.

I love it in knit, so I'm sure I will love it in this crochet project! #clap

 

[tanteva]

Not at all vegan, but saw this on Facebook & thought of you @faerywings