In and Out in a Day

[bigmerle1966]

Wow, that must have been frustrating to watch.

Seems like the weeks roll by so quickly. It's nearly Christmas again!
I've been thinking of putting the decorations up earlier this year. Anyone else?

Do not mention the C word. Turned the van on this morning and there was a Christmas song playing. They were having a discussion about listening it all year long and played a few songs. I have way too much to do this year as I am trying to make all of the quilts I have been planning for family and friends for years now.

Speaking of busy, have cookies to make for the boys for after this weeks game plus I am making a big thing of salsa for their weekly dinner tomorrow night. My BFF and I are doing a Doritos taco thing for them, she is doing the meat and I am doing everything else.

 

[EJ4Disney]

A quick in.....

Nan ~ I am glad that the stove war is over. Now about that freezer ???>>>

Glynis ~ stay warm. Our wind is howling today. But supposed to be worse, they say maybe 65+ mph tomorrow.

Merle ~ good luck on the quilts. I wish I knew how to quilt, I think I would love it.

PIO ~ enjoy your dinner at Mum's.

I am as ready as I can be for Charge Conference. I went back a while ago and asked Pastor Tess a question and she wanted to know why I was doing that. I told her it was in my Membership packet. She got a little snippy with me, so I told her she could do it if she wanted to. I love her to peices and she is a great friend besides my boss, but when she gets behind she falls apart. She is the BEST procastionator (sp). Then she gets quite cranky. So I am FINISHED!! The rest is up to her. And if it doesn't get done it will be her fault - not mine.

WFDT ~ Creamed chipped beef over toast points, harvared beets and sliced fresh pineapple.

Make it a great day!!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Glynis - Glad that your brother is feeling better.

Marilyn - I'm trying to avoid the big C...but it's EVERYWHERE I turn in the shops. Is it my imagination or does it seem to start earlier and earlier each year?


Ellen - Hope things go okay for the Charge Conference. Sounds like you've done your bits and pieces...so here's hoping for the best.





Today was a stupid runaround day for me. It was meant to be relaxing! First, I had to rush out to get a giftcard at the stores. DS is going to a 12 yo birthday party tomorrow and we hadn't yet organised a gift.
Then my aunt called...asking for a container she loaned me about 3 weeks ago. So I had to run out to give it to her.
I also had to take some friends somewhere....they needed a ride out...but it was nice to see them and catch up.

I was meant to have a nice chill-ax day today...had a massage and a chiro adjustment booked in. And nothing else planned. Oh well...there is always next Thursday.

 

[Nancyg56]

And if it doesn't get done it will be her fault - not mine.

I know it is all going to go well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am glad you got your portion completed so you can relax now......yes???????????????

I was meant to have a nice chill-ax day today...had a massage and a chiro adjustment booked in. And nothing else planned. Oh well...there is always next Thursday.

I hope so!

Do not mention the C word. Turned the van on this morning and there was a Christmas song playing. They were having a discussion about listening it all year long and played a few songs. I have way too much to do this year as I am trying to make all of the quilts I have been planning for family and friends for years now.

Not the "C" word!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not yet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Morning, all! It's so COLD here, this morning! I had to turn the heater on for a while. Brrr! Forecast says wind and rain all day long. Ick! Of course I have to run errands in it. Deep sigh!

It has been cold here too! Buddy has the heat on. We are back to that already......he turns the heat on......I shut it off........ He raises the temp.......I lower it...

I am glad that your brother is feeling better!

It's mid-week Wednesday here. I go and have dinner with my mum every Wednesday and there is a lot of family around the table for dinner. I don't know how it is in your families; but mine....it just seems like no one really listens to each other. Sometimes I wonder why we go for family dinner at all.


And then I realise why. Mum's cooking.

Sounds like home to me!

Today is a busy day. I have a paper due adn I am nowhere finished. Book club tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And Donny is coming over this afternoon to help me put some decorations outside. I am going very little this year.

I figured out why I have been avoiding the Halloween decorations outside, they are generally up on October 1st. I have last year in the back of my mind. That storm really traumatized me I guess, I decided no inflatables this year. THe little kids really like them but I think I will just do the porch this year.

 

[Glynis]

PIO - It does seem like the stores put out merchandise for the big C earlier and earlier. I try to avoid it until after Halloween, but it gets harder and harder. I do start my Christmas shopping in June, but that's only because I have 5 kids, and if I left it all until December, my bank account would suffer greatly. I have to spread it all out. Luckily, all the kids but Timmy are "in on the secret", so I can get ideas from them early on in the year.

Well, I was really hoping to get to the high school to do some costume fittings today, but Leslie is really coughing up a storm. She sounds just horrible, and I know that she will probably be sent home from school. It's not a contagious cough, just something to do with her lungs, but it bothers teachers. I feel badly, as she's had the cough all last week, and this week, and it doesn't seem to be getting any better. I probably need to take her back to the doctor for an inhaler. Sigh. If it's not one thing, it's another!

No idea on dinner tonight. Anyone got ideas on easy, cheap and fast??

 

[bigmerle1966]

Marilyn - I'm trying to avoid the big C...but it's EVERYWHERE I turn in the shops. Is it my imagination or does it seem to start earlier and earlier each year?

No it is not your imagination! The one store has had stuff out for several weeks now, in the aisle next to the Halloween stuff. I went to one store yesterday and they had the special cookies and candies already out. I do not understand why they can't wait until after Halloween.

Dinner tonight will be "leftovers", basically what is left after the football players eat.

 

[Nancyg56]

Well, I was really hoping to get to the high school to do some costume fittings today, but Leslie is really coughing up a storm. She sounds just horrible, and I know that she will probably be sent home from school. It's not a contagious cough, just something to do with her lungs, but it bothers teachers. I feel badly, as she's had the cough all last week, and this week, and it doesn't seem to be getting any better. I probably need to take her back to the doctor for an inhaler. Sigh. If it's not one thing, it's another!

No idea on dinner tonight. Anyone got ideas on easy, cheap and fast??

Corn chowder! I think it fits all three of your requirements

I remember Leslie's cough. I would ask the Dr if there is a maintenance med that will help to keep it under control or ask if she can have a script that you can keep on hand JIC.

No it is not your imagination! The one store has had stuff out for several weeks now, in the aisle next to the Halloween stuff. I went to one store yesterday and they had the special cookies and candies already out. I do not understand why they can't wait until after Halloween.

When I was a kid my Mom and my older brother and sister used to take Gail and me to Hartford the day after Thanksgiving for our Holiday shopping. It was awesome! There was a store, G Fox and CO that had a floor dedicated to Christmas and it opened that Friday. Main Street was magically decorated and the entire day was the perfect way to begin the Christmas season. Now my Mom used to do her Christmas shopping all year long but as children we did not know that so to us, that was the big day!

I refuse to rush the seasons so i never decorate until the weekend after Thanksgiving. Now this year we will be gone, leaving for Disney that morning, so I have to have my decorating done the weekend prior. I need to come back to Christmas I can honestly say that I will miss not being home for Thanksgiving dinner though.

BUT>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> We talked about what to do.. I had thought to have dinner early but we decided to have PIE NIGHT instead. Glynis- you started a new tradition for us and it trumps a turkey dinner.

Tonight is our first book club meeting. GOne Girl. Cannot wait!

 

[EJ4Disney]

Hi everyone,

Glynis ~ my go to when all the kids were home was American Chop Suey/Goulash. I always have hamb and mac on hand.
I sure hope Leslie starts to feeling better.

Nan ~ Yes, I will have a bit of a rest for awhile. I still have 8 days of vacation and I think I will use some of it before we get into Advent.

PIO ~ oh wowwwwwww.....a massage sounds so nice right now. I might need to schedule one.

Merle ~ I agree - I don't like to see Chrismas stuff out so early either. It seems every year it is earlier and earlier.


The wind is howling today. It was windy yesterday also, gusts around 35 mph, but today they are reaching 60+. The skies were so pretty and blue this morning, now they just look muddy. There won't be a leaf left on the trees after today.

I am heading over to Elizabeth's new house to pull more wallpaper. Fun fun!! But she is going to cut my hair so it is an even trade. I love having a stylist in the family. I haven't had anyone else cut my hair since she was 15. She works 2 days a month in a salon in Kearney - just to keep her favorite clients happy.

I got 8 quarts of apple pie filling canned last night along with 12 quarts of tomatoes. Oh how I am glad that is done. It will taste so good in January when the snow is flying though.

WFDT ~ tacos, fried rice and apple crisp.

Make it a great day!!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Friday night and I just got home about 20 mins ago. So, this is just a quick in and out.

DS is at a friend's house tonight for a birthday party. So, DH met me in the city and we effectively had an impromptu 'date night'. We looked around the shops and then had dinner together. I took him to a new favourite Japanese restaurant of mine in the city. He loved it there too!

We're now home for a little bit and will be heading out shortly to go pick DS up.

The time for this birthday party? 5 pm - 10.30 pm. I'll have to thank the mother....she's an absolutely saint to want 12 yo boys in her house on a Friday night for that amount of time!

Have a great day all.

 

[bigmerle1966]

Early morning here. Had to come into work early but also had to stop on the way to get a cake for a coworkers birthday. Luckily I did not sleep well last night as we had TS's and the electricity went out briefly, just long enough to turn the alarm off. I would not have made it up by myself.

Long day today, have to run home from work to finish cookies for the boys, then on to the game. Hopefully it will be a little warmer this week, last week it was freezing out there.

 

[Glynis]

Corn chowder! I think it fits all three of your requirements

BUT>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> We talked about what to do.. I had thought to have dinner early but we decided to have PIE NIGHT instead. Glynis- you started a new tradition for us and it trumps a turkey dinner.

Tonight is our first book club meeting. GOne Girl. Cannot wait!

Corn chowder was what we had!!! It was so yummy! I let it cook in the crock pot all day long, and made some biscuits to go with it. So comforting!

Hooray for Pie Night!!! I've been going through my pie recipes, to see what I want to do. My whole family except one sibling will be with us this year, so it should be fun. And I agree, pie always trumps turkey!

So, how did the book club go? I've heard good things about that book. It's on my list to read!

 

[Nancyg56]

Browned Butter Butterscotch Meringue Pie
From Woman's Day


Nutritional Information
(per serving)
Calories 403
Total Fat 21g
Saturated Fat 12g
Cholesterol 118mg
Sodium 365mg
Total Carbohydrate 49g
Dietary Fiber 0
Sugars --
Protein 6g
Calcium --


Serves: 8 Edit
Total Time: 2 hr 15 min
Prep Time: 45 min
Oven Temp: 350

ingredients
U.S. Metric
1 1/4 cup(s) (about 9 to 10 whole graham crackers; 5 ounces) graham cracker crumbs
8 tablespoon(s) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon(s) kosher salt
11 tablespoon(s) unsalted butter
3/4 cup(s) packed brown sugar
2 tablespoon(s) all-purpose flour
2 tablespoon(s) cornstarch
2 cup(s) whole milk
3 large eggs, separated
1/4 teaspoon(s) cream of tartar
teaspoon(s) pure vanilla extract
directions

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. In a medium bowl, combine the cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Melt 5 tablespoons butter and stir into the crumb mixture. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Bake until the edges of the crust are beginning to brown, 8 to 10 minutes.
Melt the remaining 6 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, swirl the pan until the butter begins to brown and smell nutty, 2 to 3 minutes more; remove from heat.
In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, cornstarch, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir in the browned butter, milk, and egg yolks until fully incorporated. Place the large bowl over (but not in) a saucepan of simmering water and cook, whisking, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 8 minutes. Pour the pudding mixture into the prepared crust. Lay a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the filling (this will prevent a skin from forming). Refrigerate until the meringue is ready.
Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until frothy. Add the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and continue beating until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 6 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until incorporated. Continue to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form, about 4 minutes. Beat in the vanilla.
Remove the plastic from the pudding. Spoon some of the meringue onto the edge of the pudding, spreading it right to the crust to create a seal. Spoon the rest of the meringue into the center and, using the back of a spoon, spread to cover the entire top.
Bake until the meringue is golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes. Let stand for at least 1 hour before serving.

 

[Nancyg56]

Glynis- I saw this one in Women's Day and am thinking about it.

It is hard to narrow my pies down because I love love love pie!

I was thinking of the salted caramel pie I made last year. I would not make my own crust this tie though, just buy chocolate wafer premade crust. Mine was too tough and while it tasted good it was a bear to cut. Anna said the same thing about her oreo cookie crust.

So, I was thinking about the browned butter pecan pie, derby pie and some kind of cream pie along with that salted caramel.

The book club was awesome! it was so nice to have some women to discuss a book with, I usually read but am all alone. I thought that the book was okay but just okay. The others liked it and some liked it a lot but while I would recommend it I would not read it again.

I would have liked Sarah's key for the next book but about 1/2 had already read it. I think we are reading The Glass Castle.

I have Sarah's Key on my Nook and in paperback so I am just going to take it with me on vacation. I like a paperback to read at the pool.

PIO- Glad you enjoyed an impromptu date night

Marilyn- enjoy your day and have fun at the game!

I am off to school with Marisa. I have research paper due and am totally lost!

 

[EJ4Disney]

Hi all a quick in for me today.

Nan ~ We must have posted at the same time. I didn't see you!! Your book club sounds like so much fun. I LOVE to read!! Maybe I will start one here.
Good luck on your school paper. I really so admire you!!

PIO ~ Date nights are so much fun. Good for you and DH.

Merle ~ Good luck to the boys tonight!!

Glynis ~ How is Leslie feeling today? And your brother - I have been thinking of him. Are his headaches better?
Pie night always sounds like so much fun. But I just couldn't give my turkey up. just saying!!


I swear I blew to Chigago. Good grief we had wind gusts up to +73 mph. Part of the interstate had to be closed because of the blowing dirt. I remember my Momma talking about the Dust Bowl days, this had to be like that yesterday. I have NEVER seen anything like it. Sure glad I hadn't dusted, because everything is covered today. It is just amazing how it gets in. Plus with all of the harvesting going on and grain trucks up and down our road I will not win this battle. So I will wait a few days to clean up and then we will have to use the vacuum before we can dust - it's that bad - really fine stuff.

Thank Goodness it is Friday. And guess what - Pastor Tess took the day off and the Conference book isn't finished, let alone even close to being printed. It was suppose to be in the DS' hand today. Glad I don't have to explain this one. All I know is my part is finished. This one is all on her.

Elizabeth and Jay are moving into their new house this weekend. We have painted, replaced ceiling fans, front door, garage doors, peeled wallpaper and repainted, replaced banister, kitchen faucet, trim and deep cleaned (it was criminal the way these people left this house). Matthew will be home to help. I am so excited for them. This has been a long time coming and they are so ready for this next chapter in their lives.

WFDT ~ Pizza and wings. We are all meeting over at the new house.

Make it a great day and have a nice weekend.

 

[Glynis]

Nancy - That butterscotch pie sounds heavenly! I'm no good at meringue, though. I wonder if it would be good with whipped cream on top? I've read both The Glass Castle and Sarah's Key. Liked them both! Right now our book club is reading "Beautiful Ruins." I just started it today, so I can't really say much about it, yet.

Ellen - Hooray for moving into the house!!! That is a huge step! Sounds like you've all worked yourselves silly with it! Tell them congrats from me! You should know that I would never give up my turkey on Thanksgiving, either! With Pie night, I get to gorge on pie one night, and turkey the next day. It's the best of both worlds!

We got Katie a new bed frame today, so we will be spending the next few days cleaning out her room and getting it put in. She's really excited! Me too! Hopefully it will inspire her to keep her room clean!

 

[bigmerle1966]

Boys game was postponed Friday due to lightening. Now mind you there was not a cloud in the sky at that point, we could see stars and the moon, and the radar was showing the storm had moved way far away.

 

[EJ4Disney]

Morning girls,

Glynis ~ I will tell the kids. They so deserve this!! Thanks!
Good for Katie. She must be thrilled.

Merle ~ I hope your cookies were able to be frozen. Bless your heart. That is so frustrating about the weather.


We worked at Jay and Elizabeth's all weekend. They are moving in today!! WooHoo!! The house is so nice and I can't wait for them to start making some awesome memories there. This has been a looooong road for them but one that has a very happy ending.

Cloudy, foggy, drizzley and cold out today. The weekend was beautiful but of course today it is nasty. Hopefully later today it will break up enough that the kids can get their furniture moved. All boxes are at the house.

WFDT ~ Beef stew in the crockpot and sourdough bread in the bread maching. Dinner will be ready when I get home. YEA!!

Make it a great day all.

 

[bigmerle1966]

Merle ~ I hope your cookies were able to be frozen. Bless your heart. That is so frustrating about the weather.

Oh we gave them the cookies. They needed a snack after sitting in the locker room waiting. The game was delayed in starting for 30 minutes, there was actually lightening in the area that time, then almost an hour later they halted the game. By that time the storm had moved way to the east and the only light in the sky we saw was a plane flying overhead that had flashing lights on. They kept delaying due to the "lightening" and finally after an hour of that nonsense they postponed it

I can understand being cautious but at the time they halted the game it was 30 miles away and moving away. And on top of that the announcer kept telling people over and over to get out of the stands but when there are well over 200 people up in wet, slippery stands with only three ways to exit the last thing you need is for them to hurry.

And the announcer, oh my stars, he was the worst! I thought ours was bad but this guy took the cake. He called the wrong players names including one who is no longer on the team, and his number is not being used, and ones who were standing on the sidelines for making tackles. He kept mispronouncing one players name and my youngest GS got so ticked off he actually went over, climbed up to the press box and told him he was saying it wrong. His mother and I were waiting for an announcement for her to came and get him.

The game is being finished today and, being the crazy person that I am, I made them cookies again. One of the boys asked if they would get them again and at first I said NO, then decided to do it anyway.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Well, where did that weekend go? Just seemed like it whizzed right on past me.

I had a few bits and pieces to run around for in preparation for my trip next week; and it just feels like I just ran and ran and ran.

I was glad to get back to work today just to be able to catch my breath a little.

I miss Dis time.

 

[Nancyg56]

Quick stop IN today!

Ellen- I was wondering how the move was this weekend. A new home is so exciting!

Marilyn- Your boys must looooooove you,cookie queen! That entire game evacuation thing made my spine crawl!

PIO- I am thinking about your trip. DOn't get frazzled.

Glynis- what not to like about whipped cream? I cannot make a meringue either so I would probably top it with cream.