Quarantine and chill and kindness chatty clubhouse: Jump in and join the conversation! All is welcome!

[flyingdumbo127]

Lynn, so glad your new freezer is up and running!

 

[Judique]

Good morning everyone,

Gray words are still showing up for me. Glad it's not doing that for you, Lynn. Sorry it is also an issue for you, Judique. Very strange! Oh well Grateful always this site works

Stay warm out there pups (adorable dog, AuntieMe3)!, kitties, and all of dear you forever, as well with love. I will check in again later.

I'm quickly getting used to the word suggestions. If it fits you just have to hit tab instead of typing out, especially long words such as 'especially'. It's especially helpful, lol. I could type fairly quickly before but it really speeds it up as their spelling comes out correct . Almost like texting on my phone, which I hate because sometimes I let the wrong word stay.

 

[Judique]

DD and grands were here and are now gone home. They spent the night.

Yesterday I had a doctor's appointment after staying in all week since having an issue on Sunday. I had what I thought was a reflux episode on Sunday, but ended up continuously vomiting and eventually my throat was all irritated, resulting in a lot of coughing and losing my voice. I have food sensitivity, plus this other gerd/reflux or so I thought issue.

Anyway, eventually I was suffering post nasal drip/sinusitis (plus the green discharge) and was just sort of miserable. Called and asked to have an antibiotic called in (and delivered) but - it had been too long since I'd been seen in office so that was a no go.

That was at 9:30am and they close at 1, but set me up for 11:30am. I love my doctor! And his staff.

During my visit I got set up to go see a gastroenterologist on Dec 23rd. To check for possible Zenker's Diverticulum in my throat. I'd never heard of it before and it's not too common, but I've long felt that my issue was not Reflux as the symptoms didn't align well. This seems more like it. It happens to me maybe once or twice in a month, and can instantly pass or result in vomiting distress. It also makes me uncomfortable with eating out as you never know when it will manifest as a problem.

Anyway, we will see. I do just fine most of the time so not urgent or super concerning. Still, it's Christmas and who wants to be doing the doctor thing right before a holiday.

 

[lynxstch]

@Judique --I hope you feel better soon!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Just a quick hello!

Auntie, congratulations on the new doggie! Lucky pup!!

Judique I hope you feel better soon!

Mona, not sure if you meant the grey words that are for attachments? You can add them into the actual post by clicking on ”Thumbnail” or ”Full Image”. How do you upload your pictures to these posts?

I was sad today one of my patients was crying and afraid. What I saw in people helping her actually made me teary myself - so much compassion, which sort of made my day. I keep some things in my work bag for patients in need, and I was able to give her one today, and it helped. Makes it worth lugging them around.

Have a good Saturday evening, everyone!

 

[flyingdumbo127]

and extra Judique!

Pea, thank you for the love you give to so very many. The gray it showed a moment ago, the word "it" followed by the word "tab" in a box. No clue what that means. Are you asking how to post a picture on here? If so, I click into "attach files." that opens up the window of saved downloads and images on my computer. Highlight the image you want by clicking onto it until it is in blue highlight. It should so=how the file name in the bottom box. Then you just click "open" to automatically attach to a post. I hope that was helpful. I am definitely not a techy lady at all.

No mail today here yet. Talked with a couple friends this afternoon which was nice always to get to do. Dad got morning errands done. He said Ralph's was quite busy as though everyone else was trying to shop today rather than tomorrow when rain is expected. Grateful he got safely home and will be staying in tomorrow. We will bake that he will bring along with our toy donation to the Fire Station on Monday. That will be a blessing to get to do.

Sweet dreams, be cozy everyone! Have a good night's rest with love.

 

[Kirby]

The originator is someone named @meatlikemike who is on IG and TT.

Here is a TT link that shows you how to make it.

https://www.tiktok.com/video/7164811748858400042

I think he says the amounts of things in the video.

Let me know if you have any questions!

PS A lot of commenters (on IG) said they really liked the pan he used. Seems like it’s an old type from the 50’s? Anyone have one? I liked it myself! I really like these videos where you can see the meal being made.

Thank you! It looks delicious!

Sooo look what DH came home with yesterday...
View attachment 724196

Her name is MissDolly and she's about a year old, shepard mix.

Well hello Miss Dolly! What a cute puppy she is!

During my visit I got set up to go see a gastroenterologist on Dec 23rd. To check for possible Zenker's Diverticulum in my throat.

I hope that it all gets figured out for you.

Thank you for all the good wishes/prayers. I can look back over the last month and see all the blessings that DS has had. He begins his chemo maintenance Monday. I'm driving to Houston with him tomorrow and staying most of the week. DSwife has to work and then take some Continuing Ed classes. Her mom is supposed to drive down the latter half of the week to stay with DS.

DS also received some good news that the transplant team has identified a possible 16 matches for him. And that DD is a 50% match. He meets with the transplant team on Friday to hear what they have to say.

Needless to say I have been busy, busy, busy trying to get everything done before I leave tomorrow. Did a couple loads of laundry, changed the sheets on our bed. Worked in the office catching everything up to date, did payroll and cut checks just in case I did have to stay the whole week in Houston. Went grocery shopping and put my foot down on cooking dinner. We had sandwiches, chips and dip. I feel like I'm forgetting something but if I am, I can just go out and buy it. We're staying in an apartment in the same complex we stayed in over Thanksgiving so I am at least familiar with the area.

Ya'll have a good week!

 

[Judique]

Thank you! It looks delicious!

Well hello Miss Dolly! What a cute puppy she is!

I hope that it all gets figured out for you.

Thank you for all the good wishes/prayers. I can look back over the last month and see all the blessings that DS has had. He begins his chemo maintenance Monday. I'm driving to Houston with him tomorrow and staying most of the week. DSwife has to work and then take some Continuing Ed classes. Her mom is supposed to drive down the latter half of the week to stay with DS.

DS also received some good news that the transplant team has identified a possible 16 matches for him. And that DD is a 50% match. He meets with the transplant team on Friday to hear what they have to say.

Needless to say I have been busy, busy, busy trying to get everything done before I leave tomorrow. Did a couple loads of laundry, changed the sheets on our bed. Worked in the office catching everything up to date, did payroll and cut checks just in case I did have to stay the whole week in Houston. Went grocery shopping and put my foot down on cooking dinner. We had sandwiches, chips and dip. I feel like I'm forgetting something but if I am, I can just go out and buy it. We're staying in an apartment in the same complex we stayed in over Thanksgiving so I am at least familiar with the area.

Ya'll have a good week!

I'm touched that people on this thread have the time to think of others when they have so much to deal with in their own lives. I've been following along about your son's health issue and wish him the best recovery. You've done more in that last paragraph than I've had to do in the last month (outside my Disney trip!).

On my end, when something interferes with my regular daily routines, I tend to go down the rabbit hole and become self-absorbed, blocking out the rest of the things happening around me. Trying to get motivated to get some stuff done today, but I think it would be more efficient if I stayed home today and go out tomorrow when others have to work.

 

[lynxstch]

Just a quick good morning. Dave is here and we are working on the floor. It's raining outside, so he's cutting in the basement. I have the freezer running and just put all the food back in. Not one thing even thought about thawing in the last 24 hours
Back later,, have a good day

 

[frog3101]

Good Sunday morning Quackers. I too am just popping in quick to say "hi". I hope all of you have had a good weekend.

@Kirby on the news about your son!

@AuntieMe3 Holy cow is Miss Molly a sweet looking dog. I'm sure she will be a wonderful addition to your family.

@Judique Sending good thoughts and prayers that you get the answers you need so you can start feeling better soon. It is definitely no fun to feel icky and having to visit the dr. over the holidays.

@Pea-n-Me You are such a kind/compassionate nurse, thank you for all you do.

@tazdev3225 I hope your lunch with Santa and Mrs. Cause went well and you were able to get a good picture. How frustrating for your grandson. An extra blessing you are able to help him out.

@Snowysmom Thinking of you and your son as his court date approaches. SO stressful.

It is a cloudy and chilly day in my neck of the woods. My oldest and I are headed to town here in a bit to see if we can find her a pair of winter boots and pick up a few other things for the house and the Santa's Workshop. Then we are meeting a friend and her kids for lunch before we have to be back for a meeting my daughter has at 3:00.

I did manage to get my tree "fluffed" this AM and I was all ready to put the lights on until I realized they have a white cord. Errr I clearly wasn't paying attention when I bought them, as who wants a white cord sticking out like a sore thumb on the tree? Not a huge deal, but I was hoping to have the lights on before the other kids get home so they can help put decorations on if they choose later tonight.

I can hardly believe that Christmas is two weeks from today. I'm trying really hard to find the blessings and positives, as I tell myself that even in the darkest of days, there is always something to be thankful for, even if it seems like a very tiny something.

Have a good Sunday everyone.

 

[AuntieMe3]

Happy Sunday all....

@Kirby so happy to hear the good news for your son. Continued prayers for him and your family.

@Judique I hope you're feeling better and can some answers at your appointment.

@lynxstch it's raining here this morning too...Miss Dolly is loving it. Our boys HATED the rain and would only go out when absolutely necessary but Dolly was out there having a ball when we let her out to go potty. Glad your floor is getting done and your new freezer is up and running.

@frog3101 I can't believe it's only 2 weeks until Christmas...yikes. I really need to get busy.

Can't remember much else I wanted to comment on as I was trying to catch up...really need to remember to do quotes.

I've done a little bit of shopping since we've been back from our trip but I need to get everything done this week. I hate going out shopping last minute. My friend and I went to breakfast Friday and then went to WalMart for snacky stocking stuffers and I was kinda disappointed in there selection so now I need to go to Target and see what they have. Last year they had small bags of pretzels, chips, cookies...I only saw candy this year and not even the good stuff they usually have.

Tonight DH and I are going to our friends house to do Gingerbread houses with their family. DD is staying home with Dolly and we have cookies to decorate with her this week.

Hope you all have a nice day.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Praise, praise extra to God, dear Kirby! Indeed, there is joy and good in all. I was thinking last night of these two passages of Scripture.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28 NKJV)

Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:8-10) He is with all of you forever! Each of us are sure here, too with love.

You spread a lot of faith and good cheer, too, Judique! Enjoy a restful Sunday, my friend.

So glad to hear Dave is working away, Lynn. Prayers that you are not doing like -wise in terms of work!

Big extra hug to you as well, Kirby, Amen! There is indeed always something to be thankful for and joy to be found. Sounds like a fun day, prayers that it is. I look forward to hearing more about Santa’s Workshop. I really would love to help with that.

AuntieMe3, decorating cookies sounds like tasty fun. How is Molly doing? To all you, AuntieMe3, all Quackers, and anyone else, of course, checking out our thread *you are so welcome to join in btw), Target Circle has a $10 off $30 in store purchase offer good through the week ahead. Dad will be using ours tomorrow. May this help all of you with stocking stuffers and regular shopping, too.

Dad and I baked cookies earlier that he'll bring to the fire station along with our toy donation tomorrow. This afternoon i will watch some worship and work on some extra cards. Still trying to decide on images for dad's Christmas card and would appreciate any suggestions. We got 4 days -worth of mail yesterday evening!

Have a good rest of the afternoon, dear friends.

 

[lynxstch]

Dave just left, and the whole floor is done, except for putting the trim down. His son borrowed his nail gun and didn't return it. He is driving out to his sons later to get it back, and will come either tomorrow or Tuesday to nail it down. Looks beautiful! We had bought extra boxes of flooring, just in case,,and we have enough left to do the bathroom. Dave and one of his brothers is going to do a remodel for us. The floor needs to be leveled, we want a new tub, shower, commode, vanity, sink, and something new on the walls. Also want the old drop ceiling replaced. Major job, but the majority of the cost will be materials. Dave charges no where what he should for his labor. I overpaid him today, and he was more than happy.
Dinner is going to be soup and homemade cold cut subs, I am too tired to do anything else. Going to soak in a hot tub, and then do nothing.

Our oldest grandson did not have good day yesterday. He's been on the road all week with his job at an electric company. Got home at 3 am yesterday morning, and woke up to find his pet cat dead on his bed. Summer took it to be cremated, and got a phone call while out, that Skylar took his car out to get something, and did a 360 on a slippery road, and wrecked his fairly new car. At least he wasn't hurt, but the car is now undrivable Then Summer found out that she has to bring her husband back to Pittsburgh today (he only got home on Friday when she had to drive to get him), and that he will be gone till Christmas Eve, when she has to drive to Pittsburg again to pick him up. She isn't feeling good enough to be dealing with all of that !

Okay I need opinions on something. We invited my sister in law and niece over for Christmas dinner. Don't want them alone on the first Christmas since my brother in law passed. I told her that we were just going to do a sort of buffet. Spiral sliced ham, potato salad (Don requested it, not me), devilled eggs, shrimp, veggie tray and some sort of dessert. Then my sister in law tells me she doesn't eat ham, but my niece does. That she will bring turkey to warm up, along with mashed potatoes. Then she tells me that our niece won't eat any kind of salads that have mayonnaise in them. (I don't use mayo I use miracle whip). I was going to make orange fluff, and she tells me that neither of them like it. I told them what I was making for dessert, and was informed that they would bring something gluten-free (yuck, I want a good, calorie filled dessert). If they are going to practically not eat, or not like anything I am making, then what is the sense in having them for dinner? Not trying to be mean,,it's just ticking both Don and I off at this point.

My question is...when you are invited to someone's home for dinner, do you say you don't like this or that, that you are going to bring something else, and expect the hostess to heat it up for you, or do you just go and pick whatever you want to eat from the table and not eat what you don't like? I have never done what she is saying they are going to do, and would never even think of doing it.

Have a nice evening..still raining lightly. Now they are calling for snow on Thursday

 

[lynxstch]

This seriously made me laugh--with the way Walmart is going,,why not? LOL!

 

[Judique]

Dave just left, and the whole floor is done, except for putting the trim down. His son borrowed his nail gun and didn't return it. He is driving out to his sons later to get it back, and will come either tomorrow or Tuesday to nail it down. Looks beautiful! We had bought extra boxes of flooring, just in case,,and we have enough left to do the bathroom. Dave and one of his brothers is going to do a remodel for us. The floor needs to be leveled, we want a new tub, shower, commode, vanity, sink, and something new on the walls. Also want the old drop ceiling replaced. Major job, but the majority of the cost will be materials. Dave charges no where what he should for his labor. I overpaid him today, and he was more than happy.
Dinner is going to be soup and homemade cold cut subs, I am too tired to do anything else. Going to soak in a hot tub, and then do nothing.

Our oldest grandson did not have good day yesterday. He's been on the road all week with his job at an electric company. Got home at 3 am yesterday morning, and woke up to find his pet cat dead on his bed. Summer took it to be cremated, and got a phone call while out, that Skylar took his car out to get something, and did a 360 on a slippery road, and wrecked his fairly new car. At least he wasn't hurt, but the car is now undrivable Then Summer found out that she has to bring her husband back to Pittsburgh today (he only got home on Friday when she had to drive to get him), and that he will be gone till Christmas Eve, when she has to drive to Pittsburg again to pick him up. She isn't feeling good enough to be dealing with all of that !

Okay I need opinions on something. We invited my sister in law and niece over for Christmas dinner. Don't want them alone on the first Christmas since my brother in law passed. I told her that we were just going to do a sort of buffet. Spiral sliced ham, potato salad (Don requested it, not me), devilled eggs, shrimp, veggie tray and some sort of dessert. Then my sister in law tells me she doesn't eat ham, but my niece does. That she will bring turkey to warm up, along with mashed potatoes. Then she tells me that our niece won't eat any kind of salads that have mayonnaise in them. (I don't use mayo I use miracle whip). I was going to make orange fluff, and she tells me that neither of them like it. I told them what I was making for dessert, and was informed that they would bring something gluten-free (yuck, I want a good, calorie filled dessert). If they are going to practically not eat, or not like anything I am making, then what is the sense in having them for dinner? Not trying to be mean,,it's just ticking both Don and I off at this point.

My question is...when you are invited to someone's home for dinner, do you say you don't like this or that, that you are going to bring something else, and expect the hostess to heat it up for you, or do you just go and pick whatever you want to eat from the table and not eat what you don't like? I have never done what she is saying they are going to do, and would never even think of doing it.

Have a nice evening..still raining lightly. Now they are calling for snow on Thursday

View attachment 724447

Hmmm, I would concentrate on the reason you are having them over and roll a little with the food issues. I have one non ham eater but I cook it anyway for me.

She's got the turkey and mashed - let her bring it. 'You' don't have to eat it.

The mayo/mayonnaise debate is beyond me. I would make it the way that you and Don like it.

No one is going to starve and you and your husband will have the food that you prefer. They should bring what makes them a little comfortable.

As for your dessert, I wasn't familiar with the name but when I googled I found that I've had various variations over the years. I've never made it but I've certainly enjoyed it! I didn't get the gluten reference. Didn't see gluten as being an issue, but whatever dessert makes them happy bring it on.

I see your gathering as family wanting to be with family and you wanting to be hospitable to Don's sister and niece. They didn't refuse to come; they just wanted to make the holiday partly theirs as well as yours, or maybe they just wanted to share what they liked and contribute. Relax and make sure they pack up the stuff you and Don won't use and bring it back home with them, while telling them their turkey wasn't dry and the mashed potatoes were delightful! <g>

Reading your posts I sort of recognize that you put thought and planning into your dinners and are organized and ready to go. You seem high energy and someone who does it all without worrying needing a lot of input or help. One way to make people feel included and welcome is to let them help, even when you don't need it. I don't mean this as snark against you - Don is so lucky! But your SIL had her own life and it was shattered not long ago. Maybe her offers are coming from a couple of places - a desire to be needed as well as wanting their own comfort foods.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

That seems extreme, Lynn, and would annoy me, too! Let them bring their sh*t and try to focus on the togetherness, lol.

Crazy weekend. I knew it would be going into it with a full moon last week. Oy.

Hugs, frog. Remember that when your family is healthy, you have much to be thankful for.

Kirby, was really happy to read your update.

Have a good evening, everyone.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Hmmm, I would concentrate on the reason you are having them over and roll a little with the food issues. I have one non ham eater but I cook it anyway for me.

She's got the turkey and mashed - let her bring it. 'You' don't have to eat it.

The mayo/mayonnaise debate is beyond me. I would make it the way that you and Don like it.

No one is going to starve and you and your husband will have the food that you prefer. They should bring what makes them a little comfortable.

As for your dessert, I wasn't familiar with the name but when I googled I found that I've had various variations over the years. I've never made it but I've certainly enjoyed it! I didn't get the gluten reference. Didn't see gluten as being an issue, but whatever dessert makes them happy bring it on.

I see your gathering as family wanting to be with family and you wanting to be hospitable to Don's sister and niece. They didn't refuse to come; they just wanted to make the holiday partly theirs as well as yours, or maybe they just wanted to share what they liked and contribute. Relax and make sure they pack up the stuff you and Don won't use and bring it back home with them, while telling them their turkey wasn't dry and the mashed potatoes were delightful! <g>

Reading your posts I sort of recognize that you put thought and planning into your dinners and are organized and ready to go. You seem high energy and someone who does it all without worrying needing a lot of input or help. One way to make people feel included and welcome is to let them help, even when you don't need it. I don't mean this as snark against you - Don is so lucky! But your SIL had her own life and it was shattered not long ago. Maybe her offers are coming from a couple of places - a desire to be needed as well as wanting their own comfort foods.

Excellent advice, Judique!

 

[Snowysmom]

@Kirby Great news for your DS. I hope you have a nice time with your DS. I really like how your family pulls together and makes sure someone is with him now.

@Judique I hope you feel better soon.

@Pea-n-Me You take such good care of your patients. Thank you!

@AuntieMe3 Miss Dolly is so cute and sweet looking. Thank you for giving her a good home.

@frog3101 I hope you are having fun with the kids getting ready for Christmas. It is different this year but new traditions can help.

@lynxstch To answer your question, when I go to someone's house I will just pick and choose what I like from what they are serving. I would not bring my own food or even tell them I don't like something. However, when I go to my sons' houses I will bring along some food and it is usually something I like that others would eat. Then I will pick from what they offer too. I agree with Judique that if they want to bring some things that can work. You will have what you and Don want. Glad your floor is mostly installed.

Yesterday was a nice day with Kenny and the kids. The Enchanted Village is nice. I really like the old fashioned scenes. We did the light show which was nice with the Christmas music and the lights dancing to the tunes. The kids then did a tube slide. We had lunch at the Chateau restaurant which is an Italian restaurant. The kids were mostly behaved but a few times had to be pulled aside and talked with. Typical for a 4 and almost 6 year old. We went to buy a Christmas tree for Kenny's house. He needed to use my car to tie the tree to the roof so that worked out. I left before decorating the tree as I am not feeling that at all this year and thought it was better just to see it once it is all done. To be honest, decorating for the holidays is not on my list this year.

Today I went to Jeff's house and had a good time with the grandkids. I brought them Christmas books which I do every year. I read a couple of them over and over again to them. We played some games and I got some snuggle time with Sam. He is so happy and so chill. Then back to the condo to do laundry, run the dishwasher, and make some homemade cocoa mix for the breakfast gift I give to each DS.

Have a good evening. It is snowing lightly here right now. We may get an inch or 2 of snow here.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I remember being little and shopping in Boston, Snowysmom, when the display was at Jordan Marsh. My mother didn’t drive then so we always did our shopping at downtown Boston, where we could go by public transportation. It brings back memories of it being cold and snowy and being dragged along with my mom and older sister and I didn’t like shopping too much. But I was always enthralled watching the lovely scenes in the windows, and my mother adored it, too. That was a big part of Christmas for me. A few years before she got sick we took Mom to see the display again at Jordan’s Furniture. I think she nearly cried she loved it so much. I’m glad you got to enjoy it this year with your family.

Not sure I ever mentioned it here but we took Mom to WDW for her first trips there when she was 92 and 93 (as we could no longer leave her alone at home) and she cried on Small World and when she got off Soarin’. She said that Small World was like “Heaven“ to her, as she adored dolls (family couldn’t afford them growing up) and she was so awed by Soarin’ that she was moved to tears. I still have the videos of those memories and enjoy watching them sometimes.

I suppose it’s fairly safe to mention now, as I didn’t before because I was almost too afraid to believe it could happen , but by some crazy alignment of the universe just right this year, we’re all off for Christmas, which is a first for us, so we decided, once we got our final work schedules in, to book a last minute trip to WDW over the holiday, just our immediate family. There was one little snag with my schedule but even though I had to wait a long time for an answer, I was able to get the one day I needed off which made it workable. So we’re excited about that, and the planning has been fun. It really took a lot of the pressure off of Christmas this year. I sent a few gifts to people we buy for, we did a few simple decorations, no cards (which is always my biggest stressor) and thinking more about packing and such. Hoping everyone stays healthy and all that so nothing like that trips us up. The dogs will be going to a good kennel. I’m a little nervous Grady will feel he’s being abandoned again, but Toto will be with him (together in one stall, with their beds and blankets), and he’ll learn we come back eventually. I don’t talk about personal stuff here much, but it’s been a tough year for all of us here in one way or another, so I’m glad we get to do this this year. DH has always wanted to go at Christmastime. He has had some health issues so if people could pray for him, I’d appreciate it. He has a doctor’s appt tomorrow that DD and I will attend with him.

 

[tazdev3225]

Good evening. Wet, cold and just plain dreary here. I'm just glad I put off washing my car. It ALWAYS rains right after I wash it.

Lunch with Santa was cancelled last minute yesterday. Our priest has Covid, his wife needs to quarantine since she was exposed as do their daughters, One helper couldn't be there because her sister passed away earlier in the week, another had something to do and the third wasn't feeling well. That left just me to man the kitchen and it would have been overwhelming as we usually get a good crowd. Thankfully it wasn't advertised this year, so it was easy to let people know. My mom and dad were actually a little glad because they worry about my dad being exposed to the flu, which is running wild in our area, and covid. I was a little upset about it because that picture was going to be their Christmas present. We are going to do it the week after Christmas at their house. Not quite the same but I am happy about at least being able to get a picture.

Since the Lunch was cancelled, I took my grandson Mikey out shopping with me. He is going to help me bake next week, my daughter is even letting him play hooky the Friday before Christmas since they really don't do anything. Mikey is making peppermint truffles and some kind of cream cheese brownie - FROM SCRATCH! He's also helping with the cookies and cupcakes I will be making. While we were in the kitchenware section of Kohls he saw a cheese grater and his eyes lit up. He is getting it for Christmas from my brother. Mikey won the cheese gift box at the tea last week and used some of the cheeses to make a macaroni and cheese. They all said it was the best they have ever eaten, even my SIL. Mikey has been taking culinary arts in school and he is really good. I asked why he couldn't use brownie mix from a box and make the rest of it from there. He needs to do it from scratch. I spent quite a bit buying him all of the ingredients. I still need 2 quarts of heavy cream. The price of eggs had me shell shocked. $4.50 a dozen, the 2-dozen carton was $6.99 so a little cheaper at least.

My parents and one brother are coming to my house for Christmas this year. This is a first, but my mom was worried about it because she had to return the rental and won't have her car back. A friend of my brothers lent them his spare clunker so she can get to doctor's appointments this week but my brother needs it next week. I was a little worried about the menu since I don't do a turkey on Christmas. I started a tradition years ago when we stayed home with the kids. I usually make a Roast Beef, but mom can't eat beef due to a medical condition. I am planning chicken parmigiana and BBQ Shrimp Scampi also. I told her we always have stuffing with the roast since Jim loves stuffing. Then it's mac and cheese AND mashed potatoes plus whatever vegies I decide on. I just hope they like it.

Hope you all have a good night,