~~ A Celebration of Life-long friendship ~~ Sew Sweet 16 ~~ Now N' Thens 3/11

[Sweetly]

Sorry to hear that Josh only stopped smoking at home. At least it's a step in the right direction. Fingers crossed that he will stop completely soon.
Sorry your thanksgiving plans got changed. This year we will be going to my brothers, as my nephew (who just returned from his deployment) wants to be at his parents house. We are all bringing something to help out.
We are now preparing for about a foot of snow here Wednesday into Thursday. Which is hard to believe, because it was 70 today.
Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!! Safe travels for those who might be traveling.

 

[DMGeurts]

That's too bad that your Thanksgiving tradition has changed this year. Hopefully you can enjoy your new event. We are having a small Thanksgiving, too, just six people. One of my sisters and DH's sister and husband have decided to make other plans this year. But who knows, my 8 year old grandson told me that he wants to come to our house this year instead of the other grandma's house. I must admit that it felt good to have him say that even though I don't think it will happen.

We found out last week that we have a cracked sewer pipe - the one that drains the kitchen, laundry room and second bathroom. Now I am hoping that those plumbers come back today to finish the repairs. Why do things tend to break right when it is most inconvenient?

Yes, it's kind of a bummer. But oh well - we are getting used to it. It makes it kind of hard though, with everyone so far away and our work schedules the way they are for black friday - I guess it's just easier to stay here.

Oh no!!! That is awful!! And expensive - I am sure. I hope you are able to get it fixed very soon and it's not too expensive.

just sayin hi

Hi Mo! Thanks for stopping by!

Hey, howdy, hey!
Lets see if I can remember everything!

First your dad is to cute as always and would make a great Santa! Looks like you had a great visit.

Santos looks like alot of fun, I may have to become a stalker and see if I can find him.

50's Prime Time is probably our favorite restaurant, though the experience does depend on the server. Wedge salad and a basket of onion rings sounds good.

Gus is a huge help, he seems like a good kid.

I understand the frustration with Josh and the smoking, just support him! Gerald smoked for 28 or so years and tried several times to stop and finally quit cold turkey 3 years ago after having eye surgery twice. He had fun figuring out what he was going to spend the "extra" money on.

Woman size 8, size 8!!!!! That is fantastic!

Hi Cindy!! How are you??? I haven't talked to you much since your trip - how was it? I loved seeing the pictures on FB.

Thank you!! I enjoy spending time with my dad.

Santos is awesome! You should see if you can find him someday.

It is such a bummer that the entire experience at 50s depends on the server, if their day is off - well, it doesn't go well for anyone.

Yes, Gus is a huge help - he is always picking Allison up from work or dropping her off for me - and it's a bit out of his way to do this, so we are very grateful for him.

I know, I know, I am trying so hard to be understanding and let him quit on his own terms, but it's so hard and frustrating. His medication for this is almost gone and they won't give him any more refills. So, I am afraid that this time is a no go.

Thanks! I am still thinking that size 8 was a fluke thing, I don't think I am truly a size 8... But it's definitely a huge goal for me. Being a size 8 has been my ultimate goal since high school, I haven't been that size since 10th grade - so it would really be something special for me if I can make it happen.

Sorry that we all got overly excited about Josh quitting smoking. At least if he's not smoking at home anymore, he is at least cutting back, which is a step in the right direction.

Thanks for all the hard work you are putting into my bag! I appreciate it! DH and I aren't exchanging gifts this year, so this will be like my Christmas!

We had a quiet but busy weekend. The girls had a Thanksgiving party with their friends, then Peyton had a sleepover to go to, we picked her up yesterday morning and headed over to my parents house. My dad leaves for his next work trip before Christmas so we are trying to spend as much time with him as possible before he leaves. I didn't make it yoga all weekend but I'll be going tonight and Wednesday and some combination of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

I have a ton of work stuff to get done in the next couple of days so I am going to run and try to get some progress made.

Hope you have a great Target day!

It's OK - I was overly excited too...

Hey, no problem, I love doing it! I am very excited to have it finished so I can show you!

It sounds like you had a wonderful weekend! And good for you for getting back to doing yoga. Do you like it?

Good luck getting everything done!

Loved the trip update. It looks like Santos is so much fun! A great experience at 50's??? So glad! You and I were in the same boat on that March 2012 trip with 50's. So, we know the key is to make them think you have not a clue..

THanks! Yes, we love Santos - he has become a great friend to us. And I am super relieved we had a good experience at 50s, I was so nervous that we wouldn't. Yup - the key is to "play dumb"... LOL

Too bad Josh family changed their minds about Thanksgiving. I hope you'll have a good time even if your not that many people gathered this Thanksgiving.

Sounds like you had a fun night yesterday arm wrestling with Gus.

Yah - it's a bummer, but we will have Thanksgiving here, and we will enjoy ourselves.

Hehehe... Yah - I was pretty impressed with myself, even though I didn't win.

Sorry to hear that Josh only stopped smoking at home. At least it's a step in the right direction. Fingers crossed that he will stop completely soon.
Sorry your thanksgiving plans got changed. This year we will be going to my brothers, as my nephew (who just returned from his deployment) wants to be at his parents house. We are all bringing something to help out.
We are now preparing for about a foot of snow here Wednesday into Thursday. Which is hard to believe, because it was 70 today.
Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!! Safe travels for those who might be traveling.

Yah - I am pretty sure he is back to smoking at home too. I am trying not to pay attention - it just makes me so sad and upset. Some day I hope he is able to quit... I am just thankful he doesn't smoke in the house - I am not sure I could handle that.

Sounds like you have a wonderful Thanksgiving planned - and a Thanksgiving to be truly thankful for! What a blessing to have your nephew home! I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving as well!

**********************************************************

My day at Target went super fast yesterday. I coulnd't believe it!

After, Allison met me at Target and she went with me to get groceries... Gosh - Thanksgiving is expensive!!!! I hate that! I walked into the grocery store with a list of turkey and oranges... $100 later... Annnd... I still have to go back for more, because I completely forgot pie crusts and a few other essential items. I told Josh to make me a list of what he needed for Thanksgiving, and half of what he needed wasn't on the list.

Then we picked up V from school...

Came home...

Had leftover lasagna for dinner...

Gus came over...

Josh went to his Pheasants Forever meeting...

We all watched TV...

Gus left...

Josh came home...

I went to bed.

Today... I am going to lift weights here shortly.

I think I have to take the girls in to school this morning - Alli has another test to make up from a couple of weeks ago when she missed school.

Then I am coming back here to finish up last week's order.

I also hope to get this week's order cut out and quilted today. It's going to be a long day in my sewing room, but this is a short week, so I need to get as much done as I can around the holiday. I really only have 1 full day in my sewing room this week - and it's today. I'll be able to sew tomorrow, but I will also have to make my "make ahead" stuff for Thanksgiving, so I'll be working around that. I might even work for a while on Thanksgiving day, while Josh is making the turkey. Then Friday morning - early - Alli and I are going black Friday shopping + we have to work. Saturday, I am shopping with my neighbor all day. Sunday - I have something going on, but I don't remember what... Oh yah - the tree... So, as I am sure it's busy for all of you - it's busy here too.

So, that's about all...

Again - I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving... Prayers, safe travels and good thoughts go out to all of you!

D~

 

[Terkina]

It's not fun realizing you didn't get everything you need from the grocery store when you come home and unpacking everything you bought. I'm crossing my fingers that you'll get everything you need at the grocery store the next time.

My friend and I are going to London, UK this Friday. I can't wait. We are staying there for a week. We are taking a direct flight from Tromsø to London. It's nice not having to fly to Oslo first. There aren't many direct flights abroad from Tromsø so we try to use the direct flights that do exist so we get to keep them. The direct flight Tromsø-London haven't been used much by the public during the summer months. So next year they won't fly direct Tromsø-London during the summer months. I have never used the direct flight to London that time of year so it doesn't bother me. But I do hope they will keep the direct flight during winter for a long time.

 

[lovedonaldduck]

Again, sorry that Josh doesn't seem ready to quit smoking yet. I know it's a hard thing to do and I also know how hard it is on loved one when it doesn't happen. I've probably asked before, but has he tried the ecigarettes? I know they aren't the best either, but my mom is doing that instead of real cigarettes since her stroke and the doctor is happy with that.

We never manage to get everything we need at the grocery store. Even if we meal plan and have a list, somehow we always forget something And, Publix is right by Charlotte's daycare, so we are constantly popping in to pick up something we need.

I can not wait to see my bag! I am so excited! We may have to plan a day trip to Disney so I can take the bag to the parks!

I am enjoying yoga. I wasn't sure I would, but so far so good. I like that's it's fairly low key but you can build on the basics as your strength and flexibility increase. It's a good thing for me because I have a hard time quieting my mind and relaxing, so I find this time to focus on myself very beneficial. I also do better with a class schedule - I know there are only a certain number of beginner classes each week, and then only a certain number of those that work with my schedule so it helps to motivate me to make it to the classes that I can so I can get in my 3-4 workouts a week. I have a friend who is doing it with me, but we also go on our own depending on our schedules so that is nice too. We're both committed individually and sometimes our schedules align so we can enjoy classes together.

You are busy this week! I guess we are too - work today, work tomorrow (I will be bringing Peyton with me), Thanksgiving at my mother-in-law's on Thursday, Christmas decorating on Friday, no plans (yet) on Saturday, visiting my parents and a sleepover for the girls on Sunday. I am looking forward to 4 days off!

Hope you have a great day!

 

[DMGeurts]

OK all - I don't normally do this... but I was looking through BFF's FB this morning to find pictures for my next update... And I found a GOLD MINE of pictures from our trip that I didn't know she had. Sigh. I am probably not going back to re-do all of my updates, but I did go back and do the last one, because she had better pictures from the waitress feeding V, PLUS - she had pictures of us carrying our dishes back to the kitchen and poncho pictures... So please go back and look at them if you have the time.

Here's the link to make it easy on you. Day 3 Part 3

D~

 

[Terkina]

Great pictures at from the 50's. It looks like you all had a really good time

 

[DisneyLuver2013]

Thanksgiving expensive? Amen, sister!! LOL We spent right around the same amount as you guys on all the fixings. And we didn't even get a whole turkey! Sure, we got a few extra groceries along with that, but dang! Everything can add up so quickly!

Even though your plans changed for Thanksgiving, I bet it will be nice just having a quiet day with your family! Sometimes a small Thanksgiving can be nice! (and not so many dishes to clean up afterward, too! )

Hope you all stay safe on Black Friday! It can be madness!!!! LOL

Have a great Thanksgiving!!

 

[DMGeurts]

It's not fun realizing you didn't get everything you need from the grocery store when you come home and unpacking everything you bought. I'm crossing my fingers that you'll get everything you need at the grocery store the next time.

My friend and I are going to London, UK this Friday. I can't wait. We are staying there for a week. We are taking a direct flight from Tromsø to London. It's nice not having to fly to Oslo first. There aren't many direct flights abroad from Tromsø so we try to use the direct flights that do exist so we get to keep them. The direct flight Tromsø-London haven't been used much by the public during the summer months. So next year they won't fly direct Tromsø-London during the summer months. I have never used the direct flight to London that time of year so it doesn't bother me. But I do hope they will keep the direct flight during winter for a long time.

LOL - Hopefully I got it all this time. I have no desire to go back today - it will be crazy busy!

Oooh - Have FUN!!!! I bet London is gorgeous this time of year! I hope you'll share a few pictures when you get back, I'd love to see. Safe travels to you - I"ll be thinking of you!

Again, sorry that Josh doesn't seem ready to quit smoking yet. I know it's a hard thing to do and I also know how hard it is on loved one when it doesn't happen. I've probably asked before, but has he tried the ecigarettes? I know they aren't the best either, but my mom is doing that instead of real cigarettes since her stroke and the doctor is happy with that.

We never manage to get everything we need at the grocery store. Even if we meal plan and have a list, somehow we always forget something And, Publix is right by Charlotte's daycare, so we are constantly popping in to pick up something we need.

I can not wait to see my bag! I am so excited! We may have to plan a day trip to Disney so I can take the bag to the parks!

I am enjoying yoga. I wasn't sure I would, but so far so good. I like that's it's fairly low key but you can build on the basics as your strength and flexibility increase. It's a good thing for me because I have a hard time quieting my mind and relaxing, so I find this time to focus on myself very beneficial. I also do better with a class schedule - I know there are only a certain number of beginner classes each week, and then only a certain number of those that work with my schedule so it helps to motivate me to make it to the classes that I can so I can get in my 3-4 workouts a week. I have a friend who is doing it with me, but we also go on our own depending on our schedules so that is nice too. We're both committed individually and sometimes our schedules align so we can enjoy classes together.

You are busy this week! I guess we are too - work today, work tomorrow (I will be bringing Peyton with me), Thanksgiving at my mother-in-law's on Thursday, Christmas decorating on Friday, no plans (yet) on Saturday, visiting my parents and a sleepover for the girls on Sunday. I am looking forward to 4 days off!

Hope you have a great day!

Thanks Jennifer - yes, he has tried the Ecigs... That didn't go well either. Sigh.

I know the feeling - I am always missing something that the grocery store, and it really annoys me because it's a 20 mile drive. Thankfully I have good/stocked neighbors, and we borrow freely between all of us.

I hope you like it... I love how it turned out!

I am glad you are enjoying yoga so much! That's awesome! I hope you are able to do more classes with your friend too - it's so much fun working out with friends.

Enjoy your last few days of work before the holiday! And I hope you have a wonderful one.

Great pictures at from the 50's. It looks like you all had a really good time

Thanks! It was a great experience, and I am so glad I found the pics that BFF had.

Thanksgiving expensive? Amen, sister!! LOL We spent right around the same amount as you guys on all the fixings. And we didn't even get a whole turkey! Sure, we got a few extra groceries along with that, but dang! Everything can add up so quickly!

Even though your plans changed for Thanksgiving, I bet it will be nice just having a quiet day with your family! Sometimes a small Thanksgiving can be nice! (and not so many dishes to clean up afterward, too! )

Hope you all stay safe on Black Friday! It can be madness!!!! LOL

Have a great Thanksgiving!!

Hahaha... I know! I think the turkey was the most inexpensive part - sad. I honestly don't think I bought much that didn't have to do with Thanksgiving... Just egg nog. But we stretch this meal for a good several days after Thanksgiving - which IMO - is the best part.

Yes, I think it will be nice... Maybe I can talk the girls into a game of Scrabble or something? Just to make it more fun.

Thank you - I sure we will be fine... We don't work until later in the afternoon - so by then, everyone will be done shopping and the big madness will be long over.

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving too!

**********************************************************

I had a decent work day yesterday. I wasn't able to get this week's order fully quilted, but I will finish that part up this morning. And hopefully get to the applique today too...

I have a few items to make today... I have my make-ahead mashed potatoes to do... Allison requested beer bread with garlic dip - so I am doing that today... It calls for mayo & sour cream - and I don't eat mayo anymore, so I might try to substitute something else, maybe cream cheese? Not sure yet - I know that won't have the same taste/texture, but it will be way better for us. Oh shoot... I forgot to order meat for our meat and cheese tray - OK - must do that right away this morning, and hopefully the meat market can get it ready for me. Grrr... I can't believe I forgot that - it's our "lunch" tomorrow... I also need to slice cheese for this.

Josh is in charge of pies... and cranberry salad tonight (Honestly, we'd all be happiest if we skipped the whole meal and just ate his cranberry salad ). Then tomorrow, he does all of the "day of" cooking... Turkey, stuffing (which after a long discussion the other night, we might not even make because none of us will eat it. LOL), sweet potatoes... I know there is more, but I can't remember what?

**********************************************************

I just wanted to tell you all how thankful I am for you... Over the years, many of you have become some of my best friends - and I know my life is so much better with you in it. I am very thankful that so many of you still come here to read every day - I've thought about giving up my daily updates many times, but I just keep coming back.

I wish each and every one of you a wonderful Thanksgiving, I hope you are surrounded by those you love. I wish you safe travels and a day filled with many blessings.​

D~

 

[DMGeurts]

Saturday, August 23, 4014​

Rise n' shine!!! It's a beautiful Disney day... We were off to our *almost* favorite park, for our favorite breakfast!

We were all up at 6am, no breakfast at the resort for us this morning...

I was super excited, because I got to wear my Donald gear for the first time - with my awesome Donald shoes made by Terri... My awesome head gear made by Jennifer... My awesome chunky jewels made my Erin... And my awesome bag/shirt made by me. My Donald gear is my absolute favorite, and I think I look forward to going to Disney just so I can wear it.

The AK bus arrived a few minutes after we arrived at the bus stop - but then it went all the way around POR. So, we would have been *on time*, but now we were much later than we would have liked.

Our ADR was at 8:10, and we walked through AK gates at 8:05... Grrrr.... We had to run to Tusker House, which wasn't on our agenda this morning.

Alli and V ran ahead... Olivia and I stopped for a Photopass pic (another of my favorite pics from this trip - and my ONLY photo of Olivia and I alone...) and BFF was behind us somewhere...

We checked in right on time at Tusker House, and went straight back for pictures...

We ate our delicious breakfast... Yummo! You'll notice mostly protein on my plate... Lots of eggs, lots of sausage - not the best source of protein - but it's delicious... A few potatoes... And my biggest splurge for this meal - mealie pap and (not pictured) banana bread pudding... Worth every bite! YUM!!!

And the characters were coming around at a decent pace...

And then Donald came... He LOVED my Donald gear - and really gave me lots of attention - which is exactly what I LOVE! It was soooo worth it!

And then the Character Handler pointed out my shoes - and he totally flipped out!

BFF needed a picture with Donald too... Since she was wearing a bit of Donald on this day too... You may remember her shorts - they were mine from our 2012 trip.

As we were eating, we looked up to see droves of people walking past the windows. Uh-oh... The park was open. Crap! We need to MOVE and move now!!!!

Did we make it to our first FP? The most important ride of our day???

Link to Day 4 Part 2

D~

 

[DisMom1981]

Love the Donald gear! We had one before the park opening ADR at HS last year and I found it stressful- we did not beat the crowds to TSMM that morning!!!! But an empty park to start out with was enjoyable. Have to do that at MK one day!

 

[Terkina]

Love your Donald gear
Sounds like you had a great breakfast at Tusker House.

I'm really bad at taking pictures. But I'll try to remember to take some pictures when we are in London so I can show you when I'm back.

Have a great Thanksgiving

 

[Chicago Mo]

ohhh I just love this update!!! So sweet with your donald gear on!!!! and he loved it!!!
Yes Tusker house is a favorite of ours as well. so YUM! bacon. all you can eat bacon. enough said.

I won't be back on for a while so wanted to wish you a

 

[ljcrochet]

Thanksgiving expensive? Amen, sister!! LOL We spent right around the same amount as you guys on all the fixings. And we didn't even get a whole turkey! Sure, we got a few extra groceries along with that, but dang! Everything can add up so quickly!

Even though your plans changed for Thanksgiving, I bet it will be nice just having a quiet day with your family! Sometimes a small Thanksgiving can be nice! (and not so many dishes to clean up afterward, too! )

Hope you all stay safe on Black Friday! It can be madness!!!! LOL

Have a great Thanksgiving!!

My MIL bought our turkey, i think it was $38. Kind of crazy. Not to mention what DH and I spend.

I know the feeling - I am always missing something that the grocery store, and it really annoys me because it's a 20 mile drive. Thankfully I have good/stocked neighbors, and we borrow freely between all of us.

I always leave stuff off my list but i'm so close to stores. Within 10 miles of my house I have 2 costco, a bjs, 2 or 3 maybe 4 targets, a walmart, a small meat/produce super market, 4 big supermarkets.

I have a few items to make today... I have my make-ahead mashed potatoes to do... Allison requested beer bread with garlic dip - so I am doing that today... It calls for mayo & sour cream - and I don't eat mayo anymore, so I might try to substitute something else, maybe cream cheese? Not sure yet - I know that won't have the same taste/texture, but it will be way better for us. Oh shoot... I forgot to order meat for our meat and cheese tray - OK - must do that right away this morning, and hopefully the meat market can get it ready for me. Grrr... I can't believe I forgot that - it's our "lunch" tomorrow... I also need to slice cheese for this.

Josh is in charge of pies... and cranberry salad tonight (Honestly, we'd all be happiest if we skipped the whole meal and just ate his cranberry salad ). Then tomorrow, he does all of the "day of" cooking... Turkey, stuffing (which after a long discussion the other night, we might not even make because none of us will eat it. LOL), sweet potatoes... I know there is more, but I can't remember what?



D~

I would love your beer bread recipe. I went to make sure we had room in the extra fridge for the turkey in the brine, and it is full of beer. A beer bread sounds yummy.

I'm making rustic rolls, and buttery sourdough rolls

 

[DMGeurts]

I would love your beer bread recipe. I went to make sure we had room in the extra fridge for the turkey in the brine, and it is full of beer. A beer bread sounds yummy.

I'm making rustic rolls, and buttery sourdough rolls

Sharing it today, just in case you need it before the morning...

Beer Bread:

3 Cups self-rising flour (you can make your own if you don't have it, recipes online)
3 Tbsp sugar
1 can (12 oz) beer

Mix all dry ingredients first, with a wooden spoon. Add beer. Mix. It will be sticky. Put into a greased bread loaf pan - try to spread out - it's sticky. Bake at 350° for 50-60 min. Put on wire rack to cool.

Easy. And my family loves it.

Have a great Thanksgiving!

D~

 

[Wood Nymph]

I love your Tusker House pictures. That is a great place for breakfast. We ate there in 2013 and had a great time. I love how Donald reacted to your outfit. You look great, by the way.

I hope you have a great Thanksgiving. We are getting the added bonus of our St. Louis area daughter and 5 year old grandson surprising us for Thanksgiving. She is escaping the chaos down there right now. We are happy to have her here.

 

[solana131]

The year Dani and I stayed at FQ, every bus went to POR after (except MK buses). We just got used to it. Glad you made it in time!
Tusker looks so great, I hope to make room for it next time. There just are not enough meals in the week for all the "favorites"!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! I know it's a day early, but I won't be on here tomorrow.

 

[ljcrochet]

Sharing it today, just in case you need it before the morning...

Beer Bread:

3 Cups self-rising flour (you can make your own if you don't have it, recipes online)
3 Tbsp sugar
1 can (12 oz) beer

Mix all dry ingredients first, with a wooden spoon. Add beer. Mix. It will be sticky. Put into a greased bread loaf pan - try to spread out - it's sticky. Bake at 350° for 50-60 min. Put on wire rack to cool.

Easy. And my family loves it.

Have a great Thanksgiving!

D~

Thanks! Sounds yummy. Wonder if i could sub brown sugar or honey. Ran out of sugar when making a cake last night.

 

[KatMark]

D, I love the photos at Tusker House. Your DD outfit is adorable and loved seeing all of the characters.

I wanted to wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving.

​

 

[lisateaches]

Such cute pictures at Tusker House. Love the outfit.

 

[DMGeurts]

Love the Donald gear! We had one before the park opening ADR at HS last year and I found it stressful- we did not beat the crowds to TSMM that morning!!!! But an empty park to start out with was enjoyable. Have to do that at MK one day!

I really enjoy having our ADRs before the park opens, it seems like you are a few steps ahead of the crowds, if you can get in, eat and get out as the park is opening. Especially in AK and MK - there is something about being in those two parks for us, before they open, which is so enjoyable... Sadly, we didn't get much time that morning to enjoy any of it, because we were running behind from the get-go.

Love your Donald gear
Sounds like you had a great breakfast at Tusker House.

I'm really bad at taking pictures. But I'll try to remember to take some pictures when we are in London so I can show you when I'm back.

Have a great Thanksgiving

Thanks!!! I love wearing it! I didn't get many compliments on it this day, but it was still fun for me to wear.

If you remember, I would love to see them - Have a fun trip!

Thank you!!! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

ohhh I just love this update!!! So sweet with your donald gear on!!!! and he loved it!!!
Yes Tusker house is a favorite of ours as well. so YUM! bacon. all you can eat bacon. enough said.

I won't be back on for a while so wanted to wish you a

Thanks! LOL I love wearing it - it's so much fun!

Yes - TH is the best, it is on our must-do list on each trip! I am happy to hear that AK is getting another sit down restaurant, because they need it - but depending on the theme, I am not sure we will ever experience it because we love TH so much.

Thanks Mo... I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving too! Miss you! Squish those triplets for me, and give them big hugs!!! Don't forget the puppies too - and Stevie! Love you!

My MIL bought our turkey, i think it was $38. Kind of crazy. Not to mention what DH and I spend.


I always leave stuff off my list but i'm so close to stores. Within 10 miles of my house I have 2 costco, a bjs, 2 or 3 maybe 4 targets, a walmart, a small meat/produce super market, 4 big supermarkets.


I would love your beer bread recipe. I went to make sure we had room in the extra fridge for the turkey in the brine, and it is full of beer. A beer bread sounds yummy.

I'm making rustic rolls, and buttery sourdough rolls

Wow!! That is an expensive turkey!!! I did an 18lb and it was $16, I seem to remember turkeys being much cheaper than that a few years back - I want to say they were $.59/lb? I paid $.89/lb this year...

How nice that you have so many stores near you. We have most of those too - but it's quite a drive for me... Just in to town with Target/Walmart/grocery store is a 20 min drive.... I could go a different direction that's about a 30 min drive and have much, much more to choose from - but it's also much busier... Which annoys me a lot. Most of the time, I try to go to the closer ones.

Your rolls sound good too... Normally I don't eat bread - but it's a holiday, so I will be having a bit... A few crackers with our meat n' cheese tray... A few pieces of beer bread... And maybe a roll with dinner? I plan to keep it at a minimum, seeing as our entire meal is Primal friendly except for the actual bread products.

I love your Tusker House pictures. That is a great place for breakfast. We ate there in 2013 and had a great time. I love how Donald reacted to your outfit. You look great, by the way.

I hope you have a great Thanksgiving. We are getting the added bonus of our St. Louis area daughter and 5 year old grandson surprising us for Thanksgiving. She is escaping the chaos down there right now. We are happy to have her here.

Thanks Sue! I love eating there too!

And thanks for telling me I look great. I like to think I am looking better now - but in all reality - I think I look about that same. It's OK though, it's hard to go through the holidays - and like last year - I will be happy if I can just maintain this year... If I go down, it will be a bonus.

Thank you! I hope you do too!!! How wonderful that your dd is coming for THanksgiving - it's probably a smart decision to be out of that area right now... How very sad for those caught in the middle of it. Safe travels to her and your grandson - And I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with them.

The year Dani and I stayed at FQ, every bus went to POR after (except MK buses). We just got used to it. Glad you made it in time!
Tusker looks so great, I hope to make room for it next time. There just are not enough meals in the week for all the "favorites"!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! I know it's a day early, but I won't be on here tomorrow.

This was one of the only times we went to FQ first, on our way to a park.

I hope you do - it's a fun and delicious meal!

Love you Suzi - and I miss you terribly!!! I am excited for the holidays to be over so we can plan our trip... If I get any $$ for Christmas, I am planning to put it towards my airfare. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and squish Bradey for me! Love you!

Thanks! Sounds yummy. Wonder if i could sub brown sugar or honey. Ran out of sugar when making a cake last night.

Sorry I didn't get back here yesterday. Did you try either of these? I would say, maybe the brown sugar? I would think that the honey wouldn't get mixed in all the way because the batter gets so sticky. I am curious if you tried it out and how it turned out.

D, I love the photos at Tusker House. Your DD outfit is adorable and loved seeing all of the characters.

I wanted to wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving.

THank you Kathy!!! We had a marvelous time there, as we always do. And I think it was you who recommended the mealie pap? It's one of my favorite things there now.

Same to you and yours. You've been on my mind so much lately... I wish you a very blessed Thanksgiving.

Such cute pictures at Tusker House. Love the outfit.

Thanks! I really had a lot of fun wearing it! It is my favorite of my two Donald outfits, not that there is much difference between the two of them. LOL

**********************************************************

I had quite the crazy day yesterday...

I peeled all of my potatoes right away in the morning, and I let them boil while I did my 30 Day Shred just as soon as the girls walked out the door for the bus.

When I was done with that, I made my make-ahead mashed potatoes... So yummy!

While those were baking, I made my garlic-garlic dip... This calls for sour cream and mayo... I mentioned yesterday that I no longer "do" mayo (not that I ever really liked it much anyways) - so I substituted cream cheese instead. Flavor wise - this turned out good, but it was really hard to get it all mixed in there - there is still a lot of clumps, but oh well.

Then I ran to the meat market and I was able to get all of our meat sliced for our meat and cheese tray, thankfully it wasn't busy yet... I know it's just us - but we snack on appetizers for lunch (we do the same thing for Christmas Eve day/Christmas day)... Plus we snack on this stuff for days after too.

I came home and worked on beer bread. There was still 25 minutes left of baking when the school nurse called and asked me to come in and pick up Allison. I had her into the Dr. the day before again, the Dr. diagnosed her with a sinus infection, and put her on antibiotics... She still wasn't feeling well - so I hope they kick in sometime today... I know she is tired of being miserable.

As soon as I pulled the bread out of the oven, I ran to town to get her. Sadly - we were in a winter weather advisory, so it was slow going because roads were bad.

I picked her up from school... Stopped at the grocery store to get a few more sweet potatoes and walnuts... I found a new recipe yesterday morning that I wanted to try... Yummy!!! I tried a bite of it after I'd made it - and I am praying my family doesn't like it, because it's delicious, and I will be happy to eat all of it myself. I know it's a bit late to add this to any of your menus... but I highly recommend! http://paleogrubs.com/sweet-potato-casserole-recipe

Came home... Made above recipe. Again - yum!

Finally, I was able to go up to my sewing room to work. Phew! I'd already had a full day, and I still had to work!

So, I cut out my applique for this weeks' bag - which took quite a while. It's a detailed applique, but not as detailed as some - so I didn't expect it to take that long. Then I realized, I still had several pieces to quilt from the day before that I'd forgotten about. So, I quilted those. By that time, it was time to be done for the day. I figure, since the applique is totally ready to be stitched, I can work on that over the weekend when I have a spare hour or two here and there. I shouldn't have a problem finishing it. Then I will assemble the bag next week, as time permits.

Phew... Have you read all of that? Seriously - if you have, I totally commend you.

Today (yes, I haven't even gotten to today yet)...

Well, it's Thanksgiving... And we are having it here alone.

Gus is coming over this morning to spend a little of the holiday with Allison (and us). He has to leave at noon though for his own festivities with his family. So, I figure I will put our appetizers on the table at 11am, so he can get a little lunch before he has to leave.

I also plan to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade... I love doing that!

I am hoping I can talk the girls into doing Scrabble or something family related this afternoon.

We'll have dinner around 5.

Maybe watch a movie afterwards? Probably a Christmas movie?

Allison wants to go Black Friday shopping... She wants us to be up at 2am... I told her, if she can get up at 2am AND get me up at 2am, I will happily go BF shopping at 3am. Good luck to her! I am thinking 5am will be much more realistic. This is her first year with a real job and real $$ to spend on Christmas - so she is kind of enjoying it. But I think she is finallly realizing how expensive the holidays are.

Both of us work tomorrow at 1. My shift ends at 3:30, her's ends at 6 (I think?)... Not sure... We are going to work together, but Gus is picking her up... Such a GREAT guy, because then I don't have to sit there for 2 hours waiting for her.

Anyways... I hope that each and everyone of you has an amazing Thanksgiving, surrounded by family and friends who love and cherish you!!! And safe travels to all!!!

D~