Daily Ooos: December 2-3: Weekend Party Edition!

[faerywings]

Is everyone ready for Days 2 and 3 of the Party?

I am! I wanted to be here yesterday and life simply was not having it.
Me ~>

Life ~>

I felt like I was consistently running behind schedule the entire day. Everything took longer than I had hoped/planned for. Oh well, not much I could do about that. I did some Christmas shopping in town at TJ Maxx. Thank goodness for that store. I got some cute kitchen and bathroom stuff for Cait and Tom. Black eco-friendly sponges, black colander set, some pretty black and grey floral dishtowels. I found some cool collapsible LED camping lanterns for Scott. I had to pick up a gift for Gary at Tractor Supply and I looked at some dog beds. We don't have any dog beds in the house, they sleep on the sofa or our bed. We had a nice orthopedic one for Harley and then Ray but after she died, we threw it out. It smelled like old, stinky dog.
When I got home, I researched dog beds and found one on Amazon and used up the rest of the points we had saved for Christmas presents. Then off to the vet for her pre-op blood work and more $ on the credit card.
In between that running around I looked on Pinterest for some food gift ideas and I think I have that under control. For my parents, I am going to make up some low-sodium spice mixes. I found a recipe for hot pickled peppers that I might give to my ILs, brother, and my dad.
Then I ask myself, when are you going to have the time to make all of these things???

Off to the FP this morning. Then I am going to start baking this afternoon. Just simple bar cookies to start. Next Saturday is when Cait and I will do the full day of baking together.

Have fun today!

 

[faerywings]

@vickyday I am so happy for you and Ilene, together again. That is the nicest thing from the customer who paid for your lunch. I love hearing stories like that.
The quote that you shared is perfect, I wish more people looked out for each other in kindness.
Many, many good thoughts to Carolyn with the surgery and recovery.

@BrightEyes The Day 1 challenge was fun, wasn't it?
ITA with your advice to Cheryl. Maybe it's me getting older or maybe I am just a Scrooge, but I just don't see the point this year in making ourselves crazy.

@taxed4ever Big hugs to you and to Linda and Mark. I bet that the lasagne was appreciated.

@Cherylndesigns You are not a Grinch, you are putting yourself and Chuck's needs over the societal and marketing pressures of the season. (tell me that I don't sound hippy-dippy when I say that )
Thanks for the selling advice, I took a few pictures of the platter and the tea set to search either Google Images. I was able to see the label on the teapot. *If* I have the entire set, I might be able to get $200 for it. The only thing I have of real value is my grandmother's diamond, but that is a last-ditch -- really last-ditch-lose-the-house-otherwise- option.
Short-person problem of mine: Jaida needs one of the slings to help support her going up and down the stairs to go outside. It has adjustable straps and I have to keep hiking it shorter for it to fit the two of us. I'm sure Gary has to keep lengthening it so he isn't completely bent over. hahah!
How sweet of the shop owner to give the sofa to Steph!
Keep those stories coming, they make me so happy!!

 

[vickyday]

Is everyone ready for Days 2 and 3 of the Party?

I am! I wanted to be here yesterday and life simply was not having it.
Me ~>

Life ~>

I felt like I was consistently running behind schedule the entire day. Everything took longer than I had hoped/planned for. Oh well, not much I could do about that. I did some Christmas shopping in town at TJ Maxx. Thank goodness for that store. I got some cute kitchen and bathroom stuff for Cait and Tom. Black eco-friendly sponges, black colander set, some pretty black and grey floral dishtowels. I found some cool collapsible LED camping lanterns for Scott. I had to pick up a gift for Gary at Tractor Supply and I looked at some dog beds. We don't have any dog beds in the house, they sleep on the sofa or our bed. We had a nice orthopedic one for Harley and then Ray but after she died, we threw it out. It smelled like old, stinky dog.
When I got home, I researched dog beds and found one on Amazon and used up the rest of the points we had saved for Christmas presents. Then off to the vet for her pre-op blood work and more $ on the credit card.
In between that running around I looked on Pinterest for some food gift ideas and I think I have that under control. For my parents, I am going to make up some low-sodium spice mixes. I found a recipe for hot pickled peppers that I might give to my ILs, brother, and my dad.
Then I ask myself, when are you going to have the time to make all of these things???

Off to the FP this morning. Then I am going to start baking this afternoon. Just simple bar cookies to start. Next Saturday is when Cait and I will do the full day of baking together.

Have fun today!

Sounds like you know what you want to do and it WILL all come together in time!

 

[vickyday]

@vickyday I am so happy for you and Ilene, together again. That is the nicest thing from the customer who paid for your lunch. I love hearing stories like that.
The quote that you shared is perfect, I wish more people looked out for each other in kindness.
Many, many good thoughts to Carolyn with the surgery and recovery.

@BrightEyes The Day 1 challenge was fun, wasn't it?
ITA with your advice to Cheryl. Maybe it's me getting older or maybe I am just a Scrooge, but I just don't see the point this year in making ourselves crazy.

@taxed4ever Big hugs to you and to Linda and Mark. I bet that the lasagne was appreciated.

@Cherylndesigns You are not a Grinch, you are putting yourself and Chuck's needs over the societal and marketing pressures of the season. (tell me that I don't sound hippy-dippy when I say that )
Thanks for the selling advice, I took a few pictures of the platter and the tea set to search either Google Images. I was able to see the label on the teapot. *If* I have the entire set, I might be able to get $200 for it. The only thing I have of real value is my grandmother's diamond, but that is a last-ditch -- really last-ditch-lose-the-house-otherwise- option.
Short-person problem of mine: Jaida needs one of the slings to help support her going up and down the stairs to go outside. It has adjustable straps and I have to keep hiking it shorter for it to fit the two of us. I'm sure Gary has to keep lengthening it so he isn't completely bent over. hahah!
How sweet of the shop owner to give the sofa to Steph!
Keep those stories coming, they make me so happy!!

Yes, it was such a nice day with Ilene! I get to see her again today at a baby shower for her GD who is getting the diagonally knitted blanket I made! I ended up just purchasing a gift for the other one since I broke my arm! Not good timing! HA!

 

[vickyday]

Happy December 2!
Quick in and out. Today is the baby shower for Ilene's GD who I knitted the diagonal-patterned blanket for. I'll be sure to get a picture for scrapping!

I need to do a blog post on my scrapping blog for today's party link and daily download so I can get ready for the shower!

Loved Sylvia's Secret Gift Challenge yesterday. I've done pages for Gifts 1 & 2 and 3 is waiting in my private messages. I'll tackle that later today.

Have a great day!

 

[taxed4ever]

Morning ladies… it is a beautiful sunny morning but there is fresh snow on the mountain tops. Hope it just stays up there! Had so much fun doing the Day 1 Challenge!! Loved it!! I think I will try to attempt gift 2 and gift 3 also! I am searching for some sort of inspiration for my July Calendar page, it is Hunters month and I have this great photo of him, but would like to do a magical fantasy page. I have lots of browsing to do. Any suggestions for kits would be greatly appreciated!! It’s a photo of him holding this huge crystal and the look on his face is priceless . DH and I have some errands to run this morning and then we hope to get the rest of the garden decor put away for the winter. We are also going to start bringing up some Christmas stuff. Not much else happening around here.

@faerywings - Sounds like you had a very productive day yesterday! I hate it when things take so much longer than you anticipate, it really throws your whole day off! I bet you and Cait will have a great time baking together and I am so sorry that your Jaida will be costing you so much for treatment! I know that you would do anything to help her though, you are such a great puppy Mom!!

@vickyday - I am so happy that you and Ilene had such a great visit! What a lovely surprise to have your lunch paid for, yes there are still some kind and caring people in the world! Of course I will send out prayers for your friend Carolyn! Love that quote that you shared with us!!

@Cherylndesigns - Don’t beat yourself up about being a Scrooge , I think that many of us are feeling the same way, Christmas is for kids and I feel so badly for the parents that can’t afford to buy the gifts that they think they should have. It really has gotten far too commercialized and we have lost the true meaning of the season! What a lovely story about the free couch! It helps us all to realize that there are still some wonderful people out there!

@BrightEyes - I hope you are enjoying the 12 Days of December and sounds like you are going to be very busy over the next few days happily scrapping away!! .

It’s time to get some brunch going for DH and myself and then get busy with the weekend craziness, have a great Saturday everyone!

 

[Cherylndesigns]

Good afternoon lovelies.

Thank you all for supporting my decision not to put the tree up this year. You have all made me feel so much better about it. I don't remember never putting up the tree, even years when I was not in a good place mentally, I still struggled through it.

Chris @faerywings I had to chuckle at you shortening up the sling so it would fit you. Chuck and I shorten/lengthen things all the tie. Poor J - I feel so bad about all of this. Sounds like you have most of Christmas pretty much under control though. Let the baking begin. We went to TJ Maxx's last night and I looked at all of the little canned goodies, up by the checkout, to see if I could see anything you could add to your baskets. One of the things I used to love getting were those cakes in the boxes. Not fruitcake, but like a yellow cake - very moist. I didn't see any last night, but I have seen them there. Trudy @taxed4ever I was thinking the same thing about people with not much money at TJ Maxx last night. They had merch EVERYWHERE - anything in the world that a kid would want. I started thinking about all of the people who couldn't afford all this stuff for their kids. It made me very sad.

Vicky @vickyday I looked for Quirkle last night. I'll have to look on Amazon.

I'm so happy that you all got a blessing about the man secretly buying Steph the couch. There ARE still good people in this world. The fact that he wished to remain anonymous, proves that. He wanted nothing in return.

I have to run now. Adrienne and I are going to Walmart and get some stuff for Chuck that might whet his appetite. I asked him if stir fry sounded good and he said yes. Adrienne and I talked about recipes all the way to Muskogee last night and I think I have some ideas for some different, but not spicy food for him. He needs to start eating a little bit now. The smooties are very nutricious but I think it's time to add in some food and see how he tolerates it.

Love and hugs to all and I also love Sylvia's Day 1 Challenge. I just posted my first "gift".

XOXO

 

[BrightEyes]

I have been busy most of the morning. I did pop in to look at the scavenger hunt game... I like how she set it up. May go play with it later. The snow is still on the mountain right across the valley this morning. The weather is cold but the sun is shining. Think I will wait until Monday before I go out again. All the running around yesterday wore me out. I managed to get dressed (in sweats) but not up to doing much. I did talk to DD#3 and my sister today to let them about DD#1's up-coming visit. DD#3 said that her grandson (3) has been down this past week with fever and upset tummy... poor guy.

I am going to go crash in the recliner as soon as I get something for lunch. Supper will be a hamburger and refried cube potatoes with yellow and red chopped mini-peppers. CYL

 

[faerywings]

I can't stand it, the Gallery is just *filled* with gorgeousness! I tried to leave a bunch of love yesterday and there's no way to keep up. But that's a good thing. It puts me in holiday spirit to see the LOs from the party and all of the beautiful kits in the shop.

FP was busy again but not as bad as the last week. Caitlyn came with me and that made it seem to go faster. The big exciting score: tiramisu layer cake and it was *delish.* I should have put that in the freezer for Christmas Day now that I think about it. Oh well. For the Thanksgiving meal, I got a piece of pork loin since I didn't want the turkey (bleck). That's in the freezer for Christmas Dinner. One less thing to worry about.
Scott stopped in on his break to see Jaida before her surgery and to check on Squirrel. Squirrel isn't doing good at all. Since last week, she has lost a ton of weight. Like skin and bones now. She looked older but healthy and next to the babies, she looked huge!
Even just this past Friday, Caitlyn said that she is getting old and I agreed, but said that we are not on Death Watch yet. last night, - Death Watch. I don't think she is going to make it more than a few days. You never know, Caitklyn opened up the entire cage for the three of them so maybe having the babies for company will help. It's not looking good.
I got two batches of Magic bars baked and they'll go in the freezer today (please don't break when I cut them. Well, it's okay if they break a little, that means we get the broken bits. That is the cookie baking rule-- only the broken ones get eaten before Christmas )

My mom is coming up this afternoon so I can help her do some online shopping. She was supposed to come up on Tuesday but we have no idea when we will have to get J and what shape she will be in. Heavily drugged for sure.

I must have time to scrap today, not sure when/how but I desperately need some time for that.

Hope that everyone is having a blast at the party!

 

[faerywings]

@vickyday Every year I stress over getting everything done for Christmas. You are spot on, it will come together and it always does. just keep reminding me of that ♥
I bet you had a wonderful time at the baby shower and that your blanket was loved by all.

@taxed4ever I hope the snow stayed far up in the mountains where it belongs. LOL I can't wait to see what you come up with for Hunter's calendar page. I am sure that you looked at Lynne Anzelc's shop, anything that she makes will be awesome for it.

I wasn't feeling like a great puppy mom yesterday. We had to sign a DNR for Jaida. My first reaction was no CPR. I wouldn't want it for myself. Then Gary said of course they should do CPR. I caved and said yes. Then I reread the paperwork and it was $600-$800 for the *initial* round of CPR and it said that animals who need CPR are often medically unstable anyway. Cait did some research and we ended up signing the DNR. I am relieved, I couldn't;t in good conscious put J through that esp since I know I wouldn't want it for myself.
This was the first time I ever had to consent to that, have any of you had to do it?
ITA with you about how commercialized everything is. The FP I go to runs a "gift shop" for parents with young kids. I am so glad that they do that, I cannot imagine how hard it must be for parents with little ones, especially those who believe in Santa.

@Cherylndesigns I am truly glad that you listened to your heart and knew the tree was not a priority this year. Glad that we were able to support you in that too. ♥
I know you get the stress with J and the cost- your family went through all of that with Marley. All difficult and expensive choices.
I think I know the cake you are talking about -- Pannetone? We always get them after the holiday at the FP too. I guess the stores will donate whatever is leftover. Good for me

There are still so many wonderful people in the world. My mom gets down and says that everyone is mean and awful. I always tell her about you here. People that I have never met who lift me up in so many ways.

Hope that Chuck can eat and enjoy some more foods. You take good care of him!

@BrightEyes I like the way the Scavenger Hunt was set up this year too. I think it makes it less intimidating.
Glad to hear that you are taking it easy. Hope that your DD's GS is feeling better. I remember last year the illnesses went through her house like wildfire. Fingers crossed they all stay healthy this time.

xoxoxo

 

[vickyday]

@vickyday Every year I stress over getting everything done for Christmas. You are spot on, it will come together and it always does. just keep reminding me of that ♥
I bet you had a wonderful time at the baby shower and that your blanket was loved by all.

@taxed4ever I hope the snow stayed far up in the mountains where it belongs. LOL I can't wait to see what you come up with for Hunter's calendar page. I am sure that you looked at Lynne Anzelc's shop, anything that she makes will be awesome for it.

I wasn't feeling like a great puppy mom yesterday. We had to sign a DNR for Jaida. My first reaction was no CPR. I wouldn't want it for myself. Then Gary said of course they should do CPR. I caved and said yes. Then I reread the paperwork and it was $600-$800 for the *initial* round of CPR and it said that animals who need CPR are often medically unstable anyway. Cait did some research and we ended up signing the DNR. I am relieved, I couldn't;t in good conscious put J through that esp since I know I wouldn't want it for myself.
This was the first time I ever had to consent to that, have any of you had to do it?
ITA with you about how commercialized everything is. The FP I go to runs a "gift shop" for parents with young kids. I am so glad that they do that, I cannot imagine how hard it must be for parents with little ones, especially those who believe in Santa.

@Cherylndesigns I am truly glad that you listened to your heart and knew the tree was not a priority this year. Glad that we were able to support you in that too. ♥
I know you get the stress with J and the cost- your family went through all of that with Marley. All difficult and expensive choices.
I think I know the cake you are talking about -- Pannetone? We always get them after the holiday at the FP too. I guess the stores will donate whatever is leftover. Good for me

There are still so many wonderful people in the world. My mom gets down and says that everyone is mean and awful. I always tell her about you here. People that I have never met who lift me up in so many ways.

Hope that Chuck can eat and enjoy some more foods. You take good care of him!

@BrightEyes I like the way the Scavenger Hunt was set up this year too. I think it makes it less intimidating.
Glad to hear that you are taking it easy. Hope that your DD's GS is feeling better. I remember last year the illnesses went through her house like wildfire. Fingers crossed they all stay healthy this time.

xoxoxo

Actually, this girl was not impressed by the blanket or anything else she received, really, lol! Not yet, anyway! I think she was overwhelmed at the love shown for her yesterday! She got lots of wonderful stuff! That's ok. Once she takes it out of the yarn band she can't help but love it's softness and unique pattern!

 

[BrightEyes]

I am up and moving... slowly! The humidity has both the feet and the hands aching.. <<< sigh >>> But, I keep telling myself I am so much better than I was earlier this year - thank goodness. No snow in the forecast for this week but I will try to get errands done early in the week.

I got my Border LO posted for the Day 3 Border Challenge. So glad I can do a copy and paste as the hands are not wanting to type much yet. I already had the layout info in the draft folder.

@faerywings My heart aches for you dealing with J's surgery. Yes, signing the DNR is hard but given her age it is the right thing to do. My mom had to sign one for her mom and DH and I agreed about his signing one for himself. Glad you scored on a few things at FP... and how nice that they have a 'gift store' for parents to get things for their children. Good luck on all the baking you will be doing - hope there are a few broken cookies so you can have a treat as you cook! Oh... I like your new siggy!! Makes me hungry for a peppermint candy cane.

@vickyday I bet the gal was a bit over-whelmed at all she was receiving for the baby.

Hope everyone has a good day.

 

[tanteva]

Feels like I'm missing all the fun! Been sick since Thursday. Or was it Wednesday? I don't know, hardly know what day it is today. Fever, runny nose, sore throat, coughing. I'm a bit better today, no fever, but I tried sit and read today, but had to go lay down again. I hope to be able to catch up on games & challenges.

2023 has been a %€#&< year.

 

[Cherylndesigns]

Good morning all,

Coming to you from a bright and sunny 42 degrees with a high of 57! Yesterday was dark, dreary and cold and misted "slush". Adrienne and I went to Walmart to grocery shop. I got all the stuff for stir fry so I'm planning to make that this afternoon. I got Chuck a big packagw of iced sugar cookies from the bakery section and he was thrilled. He loves cookies and especially those big thick ones. (Yes, Chris @faerywings I do take good care of him.) I knew he'd be thrilled and he was. I took 3 of them out and put them in a baggy so he could have them by his laptop. LOL

Poor J. And poor Squirrel. Man, you have your hands full with "sickly" animals right now. You were smart to sign a DNR for her. No need to keep her alive if her quality of life would be deeply impaired. Chuck signed a DNR while he was in the rehab facility and I verbally have one. We've made our wishes known for years, but it has to be in writing. He said he didn't realize how in depth they were - there are various stages of DNR, but I guess when I think about it, there has to be. I know they have to keep the patient comfortable. My great aunt had one and she was adament about it. In the end, they just had to let her body shut down. It took several days for that to happen, but those were her wishes.

That was the cake I was talking about. I don't know why I don't get one - I actually looked at TJ's and didn't see any.

We had the same "broken cookie rule" - gotta eat the broken pieces. I used to bake hundreds of cookes (well maybe not hundreds, but a LOT.) Lots of candy too. I started in about November and froze them, then when it came time to fill my gift tins, I just stood in front of the freezer and took them out. What a feeling of accomplishment. I had a freezer in my garage, so it was super convenient. One of my favorites was toffee. Super easy to make and a big hit - you put a big thick Hershey bar on top while it's hot and spread it and it cools on the hard side. Freezes so well, too. I used to love delivering my tins to people.

Kay @BrightEyes sorry your little buy is sick. I hate to see the little ones sick, especially at the holidays. Hope he gets to feeling better soon. Glad you're feeling better than earlier in the year!

Vicky @vickyday that's a disappointment when the recipient doesn't seem "excited" over her gifts. Been there, done that. It's just a lef-down. Overwhelmed or not, it's a let-down especially when you put so much love into everything you make.

Eva @tanteva, hope you get to feeling better - Santa and his elves will be there soon. I know you're in a highly excited state for that to happen.

Better sign off - I want to go look at today's challenge. Got a couple of prereleases done last night, so I'm keeping up pretty well.

XOXO

 

[vickyday]

I am up and moving... slowly! The humidity has both the feet and the hands aching.. <<< sigh >>> But, I keep telling myself I am so much better than I was earlier this year - thank goodness. No snow in the forecast for this week but I will try to get errands done early in the week.

I got my Border LO posted for the Day 3 Border Challenge. So glad I can do a copy and paste as the hands are not wanting to type much yet. I already had the layout info in the draft folder.

@faerywings My heart aches for you dealing with J's surgery. Yes, signing the DNR is hard but given her age it is the right thing to do. My mom had to sign one for her mom and DH and I agreed about his signing one for himself. Glad you scored on a few things at FP... and how nice that they have a 'gift store' for parents to get things for their children. Good luck on all the baking you will be doing - hope there are a few broken cookies so you can have a treat as you cook! Oh... I like your new siggy!! Makes me hungry for a peppermint candy cane.

@vickyday I bet the gal was a bit over-whelmed at all she was receiving for the baby.

Hope everyone has a good day.

And she is rather timid, too!