WBRepo-Ship of Thieves-Remember the Magic Pt 15

[EllaEnchanted]

I kept the tree decorations at a minimum this year. I only wanted to use the new Mickey ornaments that we got. John said he likes this look. I think it looks very natural. The lights really make it pretty too....they're the little colored twinklers. I love those. Traditionally, we always put candy canes on the tree too.


Now it's time to crank the Christmas tunes and start wrapping those presents. The tree is ready to receive them. Then they'll be more pictures to follow of presents under the tree.

 

[scottishwee35]

Shannon I'm sorry you had that experience with your father. I am surprised that there are so many of us that had this same experience Your mom certainly did a great job being mom and dad though What a thoughtful teenager you were to honour her at both mother's and father's day

hear hear

He continues... over several posts...


I bet you ANYTHING she's gonna ask for a laptop next...

you make me laugh...

Deb & John - I love your Xmas Decorations...

Scottishwee35

 

[scottishwee35]

I hope Marilyn is keeping well

Scottishwee35

 

[Tink rules]

Great Pics Deb!!!

John is doing a great job keeping us updated. I hope Marilyn heals quickly and can go home soon. In the meantime, Sweet Morphine Mickey Dreams to Marilyn. You're in our prayers.

So... Mickey likes Morphine??? no wonder I'm not feeling better yet...

Hugs Shell. It doesn't sound good for you.

Set a place for me at your virtual table. I'd be with you if I could. My mom always made lasagna for Christmas dinner. Good memories.

Deb... you are all invited... the decision has bee made... I'm staying home.

The more I think about it - the more I know that right now I'd be miserable in someone elses house - I'd have pushed to get there and then crashed.

Luckily, the flights are on Southwest so I will use the credits towards going for Brian's graduation.

& I've made a promise to myself not to travel elsewhere until I get this pain under control.

There are a few local things I can do - I'd like to go to the Blue Mass on the 21st... If you've never heard of it, it's also known as the "Darkest Night" and it is a service for those who are going through difficult times and not into the Ho Ho Ho kind of Christmas. I've been to it before and it is very nice.

& then if I'm up to it, I'll go to mass on Xmas eve...

But I've decided to make my lasagna and sit and watch every Xmas movie I have - especially the ones that drive mom crazy...

We had some excitement here already today....at 5:30 am actually. Both Mickey and Minnie got out of their tanks. Mickey was easily caught and put back. Minnie on the other hand, took a huge bite out of John's finger when he went to grab her and put her back. She panicked and attacked. Poor John. Nothing like a little adrenaline first thing when you wake up in the morning. Works better than coffee.

Wow... what a week he's having...

 

[nskjerven]

Here is this mornings update from John:

Marilyn is still not too good and still in pain. Still being monitored closely and having tests, no food and bed rest. In a rare lighter moment yesterday she said at least she will now loose some weight for Christmas!

Poor thing no fun to be sick and in pain. Prayers to Marilyn from us all

We had some excitement here already today....at 5:30 am actually. Both Mickey and Minnie got out of their tanks. Mickey was easily caught and put back. Minnie on the other hand, took a huge bite out of John's finger when he went to grab her and put her back. She panicked and attacked. Poor John. Nothing like a little adrenaline first thing when you wake up in the morning. Works better than coffee.

EEEKKKK!!!! How did this happen? Was the lid left open? The other night I walked into Willie's room to turn off his light at 3am or so and Crush was at the bottom of the tank eyes closed not moving - I thought she was DEAD! just sleeping I woke her up and she was ok. Well not really, a few weeks back after a tank cleaning her eye started to bluge and we think she has gone blind in that one eye. She has no reaction when near it. Paul tried drops for her for a couple of weeks but no change. Kinda sad since they need there eyes to see to eat. Hopefully she will keep the remaining good one and be ok. Paul got her some feeder fish a few days ago and she has only eaten 3 of the 10, so her hunting skills are off too

 

[Tink rules]

Ok... being the good mom that you are... you used to wake the kids up at 3 am to see if they were alive too, right???

I used to stand over them until I could see them breath... I'm sure they have nightmares from it ever since...

 

[nskjerven]

Ok... being the good mom that you are... you used to wake the kids up at 3 am to see if they were alive too, right???

no but I often times turn off his light at 3am he told us that he thought it turned itself off

I used to stand over them until I could see them breath... I'm sure they have nightmares from it ever since...

you would stand over who? do you have invisible children that we don't know about? I know who you meant just ribbing ya

 

[LuvBaloo]

Popping in to say hi and ask for some pixiedust!
I've continued applying for jobs, and have actually got a phone interview today. Its for an entry-level job in a big accounting firm. I had Nan's voice going off in my head as I did the cover letter to sell myself and it worked well enough to get an interview Now it may go nowhere, but I feel good to have gotten this far!

Glad you had a fun and productive weekend Shannon! Hope Kaleigh is feeling better

-33C I know it's been even colder around Edmonton, but isn't it more unusual to be quite this cold where you are My son's girlfriend can't believe how warm it is here right now, a balmy 4C at 11:00pm She's originally from Newfoundland and has spent the last 11 yrs near Edmonton, so this is VERY mild for her. I have tried to warn her we will get cold and snow sooner or later

Edmonton was colder. Our area does get some of this bad cold stuff, but it usually comes in January. Its warmed up quite a bit today and was a balmy -22C this morning and it is forecasting to warm up enough to rain on Friday .
Good luck with all the custody issues with Serenity.

Nan/Michelle - thanks for keeping us all up-to-date on Marilyn's status. John's updates are great with that bit of humour! and you ladies kill those UTI's quick!

Deb - glad Suzie is going to be okay and your tree looks great!

Michelle - sorry you had to cancel your trip to TX, but it sounds like you have got other plans in place. What Christmas movies are you watching? What ones drive the Queen Mum nuts? Ken really doesn't like Elf, but I do.

 

[Tink rules]

Nan.. the 5 imaginary children I tell everyone I rented just so I could convince them I was the world's greatest Aunt...

They go back to their casting agents when I'm through with them...I keep them on retainer... it's cheaper that way...

 

[Tink rules]

Shannon...

Mom HATES It's a Wonderful Life because when we lived in NY, the public station there used to play it like 16 times over and over - so that's on the list...

Of course I will include White Christmas, and Muppet Xmas Carol... and all the cartoon favorites that I have on DVD...

 

[Tink rules]

Someone on the Bendy thread posted this recipe... all I can say is... YUMMMMMMMM (and no Ian... it's Xmas time... I don't want to know how many points... )






Kahlua Fudge
Makes approximately 2-3/4lbs.

1-1/3 cups granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1/4 cup kahlua
1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick)
1 (7 oz.) jar marshmallow creme
2 cups semi sweet chocolate pieces
1 cup milk chocolate pieces
2/3 cup chopped nuts (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 teaspoons kahlua

Line 8" square pan with foil. In saucepan, combine sugar, salt, evaporated milk, kahlua, butter and marshmallow creme. Bring to a rapid boil, stirring constantly for 5 minutes.

Remove from heat. Add both chocolates, stir till almost melted. This will take about 10 minutes, keep stirring. Add vanilla, kahlua and nuts and stir fudge until it loses its sheen. Pour into prepared pan.

Refrigerate till firm. Cut into serving pieces.

**I have found some 1/2lb. fudge trays from a food specialty shop (Kitchen Krafts) that fit into small white boxes. These work great for individual gifts. The recipe made four of these filled to the top.**

 

[LuvBaloo]

Michelle - that recipe looks delicious especially if I were to change the Kahlua to Baileys or frangelico. Not that I need it, but I may have to try it.

 

[EllaEnchanted]

hear hear



you make me laugh...

Deb & John - I love your Xmas Decorations...

Scottishwee35

Thanks Deborah, I love yours too.

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Great Pics Deb!!!

Thanks Michelle.



So... Mickey likes Morphine??? no wonder I'm not feeling better yet...





Deb... you are all invited... the decision has bee made... I'm staying home.

The more I think about it - the more I know that right now I'd be miserable in someone elses house - I'd have pushed to get there and then crashed.

Luckily, the flights are on Southwest so I will use the credits towards going for Brian's graduation.

& I've made a promise to myself not to travel elsewhere until I get this pain under control.

There are a few local things I can do - I'd like to go to the Blue Mass on the 21st... If you've never heard of it, it's also known as the "Darkest Night" and it is a service for those who are going through difficult times and not into the Ho Ho Ho kind of Christmas. I've been to it before and it is very nice.

& then if I'm up to it, I'll go to mass on Xmas eve...

But I've decided to make my lasagna and sit and watch every Xmas movie I have - especially the ones that drive mom crazy...


So sorry you're going to miss being with the family Michelle. It's even worse that you have to stay home because of too much pain. I feel for you. It will be peaceful and quiet for you at least.



Wow... what a week he's having...

He is having a hard spell isn't he.

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Here is this mornings update from John:

Marilyn is still not too good and still in pain. Still being monitored closely and having tests, no food and bed rest. In a rare lighter moment yesterday she said at least she will now loose some weight for Christmas!

Poor thing no fun to be sick and in pain. Prayers to Marilyn from us all




EEEKKKK!!!! How did this happen? Was the lid left open? The other night I walked into Willie's room to turn off his light at 3am or so and Crush was at the bottom of the tank eyes closed not moving - I thought she was DEAD! just sleeping I woke her up and she was ok. Well not really, a few weeks back after a tank cleaning her eye started to bluge and we think she has gone blind in that one eye. She has no reaction when near it. Paul tried drops for her for a couple of weeks but no change. Kinda sad since they need there eyes to see to eat. Hopefully she will keep the remaining good one and be ok. Paul got her some feeder fish a few days ago and she has only eaten 3 of the 10, so her hunting skills are off too

We have chicken wire over the top of the tanks. Minnie pushed through first and Mickey followed. Now there's a rock on top so she can't move it.

I'm so sorry to hear about Crush. She is fairly young isn't she? Magoo has a hard time seeing now too. He's about 18 years old. He can see the shrimp but not the Reptomin. So I throw them both in there and he gets some repto as he's eating the shrimp. He's very old and lathargic now. He doesn't play like he used to and like the younger ones do. Is Crush still active?

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Popping in to say hi and ask for some pixiedust!
I've continued applying for jobs, and have actually got a phone interview today. Its for an entry-level job in a big accounting firm. I had Nan's voice going off in my head as I did the cover letter to sell myself and it worked well enough to get an interview Now it may go nowhere, but I feel good to have gotten this far!



Edmonton was colder. Our area does get some of this bad cold stuff, but it usually comes in January. Its warmed up quite a bit today and was a balmy -22C this morning and it is forecasting to warm up enough to rain on Friday .
Good luck with all the custody issues with Serenity.

Nan/Michelle - thanks for keeping us all up-to-date on Marilyn's status. John's updates are great with that bit of humour! and you ladies kill those UTI's quick!

Deb - glad Suzie is going to be okay and your tree looks great!

Michelle - sorry you had to cancel your trip to TX, but it sounds like you have got other plans in place. What Christmas movies are you watching? What ones drive the Queen Mum nuts? Ken really doesn't like Elf, but I do.

Thanks Shannon. I'm relieved that Suzie is ok. And I love the tree this year. Every year it's so different. This one is a good one.

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Shannon.....LOTS OF PIXIE DUST coming your way for good luck with the job interview. If it's the right one for you, it will happen. Keeping everything crossed.

 

[katypop]

Kathe, good luck with the custody arrangements and the courthouse visits. I hope it's easy and quick and that you get everything that you want for Serenity.

Good luck with all the custody issues with Serenity.

​

Thanks to everyone for the good luck wishes! Today was supposed to just be a conference to begin the custody hearings, but Serenity's mom willingly gave full custody to Brian! She will only have her every other weekend and they will take turns on holidays! What a wonderful day! I am truly grateful to her mom for not making this a long and painful process for everyone. I actually feel a little sad for her, but she has acknowledged that she can't care full time for Serenity, that it is just too much for her and I know this is the best thing for Serenity. It will not always be an easy road ahead for Brian, but he does have a lot of loving support from family and friends.

The bad news is that Serenity came back to us tonight and is sick and has a horrible cough Looks like she will need to go to the doctor's again tomorrow.

 

[nskjerven]

Popping in to say hi and ask for some pixiedust!
I've continued applying for jobs, and have actually got a phone interview today. Its for an entry-level job in a big accounting firm. I had Nan's voice going off in my head as I did the cover letter to sell myself and it worked well enough to get an interview Now it may go nowhere, but I feel good to have gotten this far!

good luck for you and I'm not sure my voice in your head is a good thing or not NOW TELL THEM YOU'RE GREAT

We have chicken wire over the top of the tanks. Minnie pushed through first and Mickey followed. Now there's a rock on top so she can't move it.

I'm so sorry to hear about Crush. She is fairly young isn't she? Magoo has a hard time seeing now too. He's about 18 years old. He can see the shrimp but not the Reptomin. So I throw them both in there and he gets some repto as he's eating the shrimp. He's very old and lathargic now. He doesn't play like he used to and like the younger ones do. Is Crush still active?

Glad you caught the little devils.

Crush is very young, only 5 years old. She is acting the same swimming and sunning herself as normal and she eats her repto just fine so she can see it. I think she got another fishey or 2 today, as I think we are now down to 6

I do really worry for her and for Willie. He does love her and if she wasn't around I know he would be sad

 

[katypop]

The saga finally ended on a good note. John and the kid put on their theigh high rubber boots and used cargo cables and ropes and went back to the tree farm in the Beast. They tied up Suzie....the Suzuki....and went to pull her out with the Beast, but the owner brought the tractor back to pull Suzie out. With John's rope and cable ties, John said she came out easily and only had a flat tire because they snapped off the valve. The engine started right up, no problems running and driving her. She went back to Newark today for work with John and the kid, just like any other day. WE GOT LUCKY. I said many thanks because I know it was a miracle that all is well.

Then we went to Mrs. Bush's and had a good time.....caroling, cookies, punch and coffee, pictures with santa. Naturally, I forgot my camera. Mrs. Bush's employees took pictures of all the residents. I bought a recipe book and a gingerbread ornament for the tree. It smells like cinnamon. Ray was happy that we were there for him. John was able to go with me and I was very happy that we went.

Yay I love happy endings!