Day Thirty One…

Recipe for a Happy New Year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anonymous

    Take twelve fine, full-grown months; see that these are thoroughly free from old memories of bitterness, rancor and hate, cleanse them completely from every clinging spite; pick off all specks of pettiness and littleness; in short, see that these months are freed from all the past—have them fresh and clean as when they first came from the great storehouse of Time. Cut these months into thirty or thirty-one equal parts. Do not attempt to make up the whole batch at one time (so many persons spoil the entire lot this way) but prepare one day at a time.

    Into each day put equal parts of faith, patience, courage, work (some people omit this ingredient and so spoil the flavor of the rest), hope, fidelity, liberality, kindness, rest (leaving this out is like leaving the oil out of the salad dressing— don’t do it), prayer, meditation, and one well-selected resolution. Put in about one teaspoonful of good spirits, a dash of fun, a pinch of folly, a sprinkling of play, and a heaping cupful of good humor.

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I did it!  I have posted each day for the whole month of December 2011.  Bowing and waiting for a clapping of hands.  lol

I know I said I wouldn’t do it but I did.  I just got back from the store.  I had to get cornbread mix as I am cooking some beans with the ham bone from Christmas.  And everyone knows you can’t have beans without cornbread.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all, my blogging friends, for staying with me, many of you for almost 7 years, through my happy times and my sad times.  May God Bless you all with a healthy, happy New Year.  I was going to put prosperous in that sentence, but, you know what, I learned long ago that health and happiness are so much more important than wealth.  I will see you all again next year.

xoxox

Beth

Day Thirty…

and it is 45 degrees and raining steadily this morning.  Oh goody!  Just what I like to go out in.  No choice this morning though.

Back to pictures of my daughter and her cousin Tim.  Below is a picture taken when they were only a few weeks old.  that is me on the left with my daughter and her cousin on the right with his mom.

I am back from my appointment and lab.  While there I had an ultrasound done too.  Only 1 more day left in this year and I hope there are no  more anything at all to do with doctors till next year.

This is all for today as I am worn out already.  Got up at 6 and I feel like I have been up for hours.

See you all tomorrow.  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Day Twenty Nine…

and it is overcast and 36 degrees.  There may be some rain later on today but, hey, that is OK.  No freezing rain or snow would suit me fine for the rest of the winter.

I am in the middle of laundry again. the same old story.  Brings me back to my same old whine, I wish I still had my washer and dryer.  But then, no, I will not whine about that anymore and any one of you feel free to reprimand me if I do.  LOL

I am going to make my final grocery store run of 2011 this morning.  At least I think it will be my final run as you never really know.  Tomorrow is appointment and lab so I probably won’t get a chance to post till later in the day.  I will make it though as I only have 2 more days to go in the month of December.

I would like to share another cute picture of my daughter and her cousin.  In the back holding on to the wagon is Tim’s dad.

Aren’t they cute?  I love that look on Tim’s face.  Mike De (Tim’s brother) I hope you are reading this post.  Maybe not though as he and his wife left the day after Christmas to spend the winter in Arizona.  They won’t be back in Wisconsin till May.

Gotta go check the laundry then it is off to the store.  You all stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Day Twenty Eight…

and I have just about made it.  Only 3 more days to go and I will have posted every day for a whole month.  Whew!!

It is cold and clear this morning checking in at 25 degrees.  I am so loving the mild temps  and best of all no snow.   As you can see from the picture below that I took this morning, the grass in my front yard is still green.

I did get the vacuum out yesterday even though I had no one come in to help me.  The only volunteer I had was from England and the reason he volunteered was because he thought he fancied eating at Grumpy Pete’s.  lol 

I am not sure what I am going to do this morning.  I would like to go out and look around in the stores some more.  I was out yesterday and the traffic was bumper to bumper and the people were wall to wall.  Even that way at the grocery store.  I will be glad when the kids go back to school and the people go back to work so that I can walk around in the stores without bumping in to anyone.

I have my Christmas decorations all put away for another year and my living room is back to normal.  It looks bare in here now.

Do you have plans for New Year’s Eve?  I don’t.  If you do remember to not drink and drive.  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Day Twenty Seven…For Auld Lang Syne

Auld Lang Syne : Lyrics

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne!
Chorus.-For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne.
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.

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

I can remember as a small child a feeling of sadness when I would hear the song Auld Lang Syne.  I never knew then why I would have this feeling of sadness.  I know now why I feel sad.  Another year is soon ending.  So many things have happened in my life this past year, the loss of a dear friend, a hospital stay and several new things health wise  for me to cope with.  I am a pretty tough cookie though and I can handle this stuff, although at times it has been pretty overwhelming.  I have put myself in the hands of so many doctors the last three  months that I have had to make a pocket folder for each one so that I could keep each  of the instructions in the right folder for the right doctor.  When do I take this test for that doctor and when do I have lab done for another doctor and they have overlapped so much that sometimes I had 2 doctor appointments on the same day.

I have a neighbor down the way from me that I see walking his dog in the area between me and the cemetery most days.  He always hollers ‘hello’ at me and tells me that he hopes this new year will be better for him than last year.  I feel sorry for him as he is rather scruffy looking and not to be unkind, I think he is a bit slow in his thinking.  I always chat with him for a minute and echo his words.  I don’t know why this year 2011 has been bad for him but I sure know what happened in my 2011.  I do pray to God each day that the new year will be a better one for us all.

Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

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Here is the original Scottish version of the Auld Lang Syne lyrics:

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind ?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne ?

CHORUS:

For auld lang syne, my jo,
for auld lang syne,
we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp !
and surely I'll be mine !
And we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

Day Twenty Six…

and it is a crisp clear  morning at 25 degrees.  I am up early this morning as I intend to go check out the day after sales here in town.  Probably the best bet will be Wal*Mart.

I am still stuffed from eating over Christmas so all left over candy and cookies have been put in the freezer, hidden behind everything in hopes that I won’t think about them anymore for a few weeks,  I have one more appointment this week on Friday and some lab work to be done, then that is it for this year, the good Lord willing and the creeks don’t rise.

I have some major cleaning to do this week.  Anybody wants to come and help me, feel free to do so.  I will take you to 8th Street Station aka Grumpy Pete’s for lunch.

I still have more pictures to go through to put on my computer.  I think this one of my daughter and her cousin Timmie is so cute.  Marcia was 17 days older than her cousin.  Sadly he died of complications of diabetes when he was 41 years old.  He was a terrific  guy  and I still miss him. 

I hope you all have a wonderful week.  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Day Twenty Five…

and it is Christmas!  Happy Birthday Jesus!

Yesterday was a wonderful day for me!  My kids together with me at one time.  It doesn’t happen very often.  Actually this was the first time we had all opened presents together since before Jim died.  The food was good and the kids all took home most of the leftovers.  I didn’t keep any ham as it is a big NO NO for me.  So what was left of a 14 lb spiral sliced ham was divided among them.  I kept turkey and a little bit of other stuff.  Today I am eating  a big turkey sandwich for my Christmas lunch.

I actually received a big Christmas edition of the Peoria Journal Star this morning.  I didn’t know they published on Christmas.  They didn’t last year.  They must not want to miss out on the Sunday ads.

It is an absolutely beautiful day checking in with bright sunshine and 34 degrees.  Much different than last year when we had 8 inches of snow for Christmas.  I hope the weather stays like this all year long.

I hope you are all having a wonderful Christmas Day.  Do stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Day Twenty Four…

and it is Christmas Eve.  I am in the midst of last minute things.  Yesterday I spent all day in the kitchen.  The turkey and ham are cooked, also a pie and lemon cream cheese bars.  I still have the last minute things to go in the oven but other than that, I am pretty well organized.  I have the presents all ready which I have been buying since last summer. 

The bag that says let it snow is filled with gifts for my son and the other bag is filled with gifts for my daughter and SIL.  Those huge bags are available at Deals for $1 and they hold a ton of stuff.

I hope during the hustle and bustle of the shopping and goodie making that we are not forgetting that we are celebrating the birth of Jesus.

I hope you all have a Blessed Christmas weekend.  Merry Christmas to you all!

Love,

Beth

Day Twenty Three…

FINAL STANDINGS

The top 10 most Santa Friendly cities in the U.S. and Canada.

1. Guelph, Ontario
2. Williamsport, PA
3. Sherbrooke, Quebec
4. London, Ontario
5. St. John’s. Newfoundland
6. PEORIA, ILLINOIS
7. Hamilton, Ontario
8. Winnipeg, Manitoba
9. Trois-Rivie`res, Quebec
10. Kitchener`, Ontario

This is such important information I thought you all would like to know this.  LOL  At least the Peoria Journal Star which I read each morning thought it was important enough to include in the paper.

It is cold and clear at 23 degrees this morning.  As soon as I get off of the computer I am making my final store run until after Christmas.  Then back home to do lots of cooking.  Then tomorrow is present time and plenty of good food.

I hope you all are ready for Christmas.  Today is my SIL’s birthday.  Happy Birthday Mike.

Don’t forget to stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Day Twenty Two…

and the first full day of winter.  We had a lovely fall.  After a rather dry summer we have had lots of rain the last couple of months and only 6 tenths of an inch of snow.  Last winter in December it was one snowfall after another.  It is 28 degrees this morning.

And here is another Dinette Set cartoon.  I made the copy large so you could see all of the details.  Joy and Burl are rather odd.  Most people have a different outlook on giving to the needy.

copyright ~ Julie Larson ~

I love Joy and Burl.  they are really in the spirit of giving.  Speaking of giving.  Yesterday afternoon I carried goodie treats to my neighbors close by which surprised them no end.  Doesn’t anybody do that anymore?  Back home I did that.  So far I haven’t been able to catch the paper carrier or the trash man. 

I am moving right along on the cleaning.  I did the bathroom yesterday.  This afternoon I will get busy again.

Gotta run.  You all stay safe and be happy!!

Day Twenty One…

and it is still drizzling, not quite a rain but close.  It is 37 degrees.  I set my alarm for 6 AM and I have changed the bedding, had breakfast, and on my first load of laundry.  I have lots to do before Saturday.

Tomorrow afternoon is another doctor appointment.  Then Friday I will cook the ham and the turkey.  Somewhere in between there is cleaning the dreaded bathroom and getting out the vacuum and dusting the furniture.  Since I made such a mess cookie making a few days ago I don’t need to worry too much about the kitchen cleaning as that is already done.

Menu for Christmas Eve:

• Ham
• Turkey
• Stuffing
• Mashed potatoes
• Gravy
• Green bean casserole (I love this stuff)
• Corn casserole (I love this stuff)
• Cranberry sauce
• Pecan pie

Enough for us all to have leftovers.  An open invitation for any of you that have no place to eat Christmas dinner.   That includes you RB.

I just went to check my laundry and the drizzle has turned into pouring down rain.

A long time friend of my WV sis and her husband passed away yesterday.  He was a very nice guy.  Jim and I met him on several occasions when we were visiting Rae and Hugh.  We even played a few games of poker with him.  If I remember correctly he was very lucky at cards. http://www.herald-dispatch.com/x313670888/Long-time-reporter-Hardin-dies   So long Jack, you will be missed.  Heaven has just added another angel.

I have to close this off and get busy.  I hope you all have a pleasant day.  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Day Twenty…

and raining with the temp hovering at 36 degrees.  Some areas close by here may get some snow out of this but hopefully only a little sleet and rain here.

The cookie exchange last night was fun.  Liz is such an excellent hostess.  In addition to the cookie exchange we each got a lovely hostess gift.

Inside, a mini bottle of hand lotion and on the back, this verse.

“Every friend is like a snowflake, unique in beauty and design. 

Each sparkles in a different way…some are playful, some refined.

But, unlike fragile snowflakes that fade when the sun appears,

Friends grow even more beautiful with every passing year.”

And a quote from Carl Reiner ~ “A lot of people like snow.  I find it to be an unnecessary freezing of water.”    I really like that quote.  My feelings exactly.

My haul from the cookie exchange.

I have added to the plate of chocolate covered cherries as I am getting ready to divide all of this stuff into trays to start delivering.  I am heading out to the trunk of my car to get the rest of the goodies.  Of course I will save some for my son.

I hope you all have a wonderful day and the sun is shining wherever you may be, at least in your heart.  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Day Nineteen…

on my quest to post every day for one whole month.  I used to post each day when I was on WLS.  For some reason it is harder now.

I had a very nice visit with family yesterday.  My two nieces (my sister Ebby’s daughters), my great niece and great great niece.

My great niece and her daughter (my great great niece, Genna).  For  some reason  Genna loves my exercise bike.

My niece Katie opened her gift and from the looks on her face I think she liked it.

Genna eating a cookie that Aunt Beth made.  Take note of my antique bookcase put together with pegs that I mentioned in a previous post.

Have a really good week you all.  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Day eighteen…

and the cookies are finished.  I was given the wrong instructions as to how many to make.  It is 8 packages of 6 to total 4 dozen.  I had forgotten how much work these cookies are,  I made the dough on Friday evening and the cookies yesterday,  Then with rolling into balls, baking 15 minutes, poking holes in the center of them, cooling completely, making the fudge filling, filling the cookies, sprinkling the chopped nuts on top and cooling and packaging.  I was all morning doing this.   Then have you heard the saying, “a messy cook is a good cook?”  I must be a very good cook because when I was done with the cookies I had chopped nuts everywhere and fudge filling  dotted here and there.  The outcome of that was an hour to thoroughly clean the kitchen and hand mop the floor.  The cookies are delicious though.  The next time I will choose a much easier recipe.

As you can see I made extra cookies so that I could have some for cookie trays for my neighbors.

My niece, great niece and great great niece are coming over this afternoon.  My great great niece will be 3 in March so she is really active.  LOL  I am not used to that but I always enjoy seeing her.  She is such a beautiful child.

It is sunny and 25 degrees this morning.  Just a great day to be alive and as Red Skelton used to say, “Aren’t you glad we both are?”

You all stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Day seventeen…

of my vow to post each day for the month  of December 20111.  I guess I want to leave a legacy behind.  My Twin has often spoken about having her blog published into a book.  I have thought of that too.  There are many ways to do this.  Here is one good way.  http://blog2print.sharedbook.com/blogworld/printmyblog/index.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=adwords&utm_campaign=feb09.  Just think of the hundreds of  dollars I could save on Christmas gifts next year if I get my blog printed into a book and give it to family and friends as a gift.  Right now I am maintaining 3 blogs and 2 recipe sites so I could have my choice of what to print.  LOL  Seriously, I have thought of having one of my recipe blogs printed into a book.

I have everything ready to make the cookies for the cookie exchange.  If you missed the recipe it is in a few blogs back.  I will post a picture of the finished product tomorrow.

There was a terrible accident just a few miles down the road from me yesterday afternoon about 5 PM.  A trailer fell from an overpass on I 474 onto Route 29 injuring 5 people. 

http://www.pjstar.com/news/x2105823984/Trailer-falls-off-I-474-overpass  I have traveled that same road many times.

And now I need to stop and get busy.  I hope you all have a peaceful weekend.  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

One down and two to go…

doctor visits that is.  I am just home from seeing my primary care doctor.  I had an early morning appointment which meant I had to get up this morning at 5:30.  One more next week and then one on the  30th and I will be done for this year. 

My kids are coming over around around 11 to take me to eat at 8th Street Station aka Grumpy Pete’s.  The food there is always good.

It is really nippy out today but the sun is shining and for that I am ever grateful.

I am grieving today with my Twin,  She lost her beloved Lady Bianca yesterday.  Love you Twin!!

This is just a short update.  I am trying to post each day this month.  Only 15 more posts to go.

Beth

The rain has stopped…

and it is 41 degrees this morning.  Not sunny but not totally dark either like it was yesterday.  We got the equivalent of 24 inches of snow yesterday (2 inches of rain.)  There is a chance of rain or snow on Monday and Tuesday.  I am  crossing my fingers for Christmas Eve so that my son can get here safely.

I made the Rolo cookies/candies yesterday.  They are so easy to make and look so pretty.  I was able to get 48 on one cookie sheet.

Click on the picture for a larger view.

I still have to make my cookies for the cookie exchange next Monday night and some fudge then I will be all done.

As soon as I am off here I need to go to the grocery store and get a few things.  Few things when I go to the grocery store amounts to $50 or more.    I will catch you all later.

Beth.

Lovely rain on rant day…

The rain is pouring down and it is 45 degrees.  Since 1 inch of rain equals 12 inches of snow http://answers.ask.com/Science/Nature/how_much_snow_equals_one_inch_of_rain I  profoundly state that I am glad it is raining and not snowing.  In fact I could do very nicely with no snow at all this winter.

Yesterday was a lovely day though.  I went with my daughter to Kohls, Bass Pro Shop (where I finally found that one last elusive present), Sears and Macys.  Then we had lunch at Red Lobster.  It was all in all a very nice day although very tiring for me.  East Peoria has a brand new very large Bass Pro Shop.  Geared mostly to men but it is interesting.

Now what do I do today?  A rainy day is not a day for cleaning and that is a big fact!  I was able to catch my mail lady yesterday to give her a card, money and goodies.  You can set your watch by her.  My mail is delivered precisely between 1:50 PM and 2PM.  When she has a day off the mail may not arrive until as late as 5:30PM.

Nothing else new to report here today.  This is a little update so I don’t miss any days of blogging this month.  You all stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Just what do you do…

to fill a  boring afternoon??  You go searching for Rolo candy.

That is if you want to have some on hand to make the delicious Rolo cookies.  No Rolo candy at Wal*Mart.  Walmart is such a giant store you would think there would be some there, but no, I  (actually my niece) found them at K Mart.  If you want an easy recipe this is it.  And they are delicious.

 

Rolos Cookies

From my friend Sandi.

•1 bag Rolos chocolates
•Mini pretzel twists
•Pecan halves

Lay pretzels on a wax paper lined cookie sheet. Place 1 Rolo chocolate on top of each pretzel. Place in a preheated 250 degree oven for 3-4 minutes until chocolates are soft. Remove from oven and press a pecan half into each softened chocolate. Cool and remove from pan.

In case you all are wondering what all I do with the stuff, well I parcel it out to the mail lady, the garbage man, and the list goes on. If it is something I really like I might eat some of it, usually not.

I woke up this morning at 5 and finally got up at 5:30.  I t is 37 degrees and very cloudy.  The rain is to start by afternoon and continue through the night and tomorrow.  I keep telling myself that rain is so much better than snow.

And now I need to decide what to do with this rainy day that the good Lord has blessed me with.  You all stay safe and be happy.

Beth

I couldn’t resist…

 

~ copyright Julie Larson ~

Poor old Burl!  I love Julie Larson’s cartoons!

It is 27 degrees this morning and sunny heading up to around 40.  Right now the sun is shining but rain is on the way for tomorrow.  Better rain than snow.  My niece and daughter are coming for lunch today.  Other than that, I don’t have much planned.

I hope you all have a great week.  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

I had made a promise…

to myself to post every day for the month of December.  I have just about let Sunday go by without posting.  I know you have all been waiting patiently.  LOL  Especially RB.  C’mon RB why don’t you admit that you enjoy reading my gossip.

I have been busy today doing all sorts of things.  Trying to get ready for my son’s coming home for our Christmas with him.  I really do miss him.  since I moved I don’t get to see him as often as I would like.  Right now the date stands at Christmas Eve.

My freezer in the trunk of my car is getting full of goodies.  Today I made 2 big batches of Chex Mix.  I can’t forget my SIL as he likes it too.

I also made a store run as my niece is coming for lunch tomorrow.  That will just be sandwiches and soup.  I did buy some chicken thighs which I removed the skin from, coated with beaten egg and dipped in Italian bread crumbs.  I have them in the oven now.  That will be my supper.  Not sure what else I will have with it.  Better than a TV dinner anyway.

It is a bright sunshiny day and the temp is holding at 45 degrees right now.  I should bundle up and go for a walk but I am too tired right now.  I did walk all around in the store this morning.  I have been going to Kroger for over a year and a half now and I still can’t find half the stuff I want.  So by the time I have found everything I am looking for I have enjoyed a nice little walk.

I did it, this is 11 days in a row I have posted.  Only 20 more days in the month.  Just think, only two weeks till Christmas

You all come along with me as my Twin has a lovely clean floor and she will be serving refreshments about 6PM CST that would be 7PM EST.  Now don’t go to any trouble Carole, we will help you celebrate the Admiral’s birthday.  I am bringing a huge decorated birthday cake.

Beth

First wind chill of the season..

this morning.  It was 6 degrees when I got up this morning and the wind chill was 1 below zero.  I don’t like it when we start having wind chill along with the temperature.  That means winter is definitely closing in.

Yesterday was a fairly decent day although it didn’t get out of the 20s all day.  I went with my daughter to an open house at a small flower shop downtown.  They were serving sherbet punch, cookies, etc.  There were door prizes to be given.  Evidently neither one of us won as I didn’t hear anything.  We each purchased something though.  Marcia got a lovely center piece with live flowers and I purchased the cute snowman you see below.  His tummy lights up and it is so pretty in the dark.

The arrangement is sitting on top of an old wooden bookcase that is put together with wooden pegs.  Jim and I picked it up at an auction probably 40 years ago.

I am going to make oatmeal raisin and snickerdoodle cookies today.  Actually just the dough and I will make the cookies tomorrow.  Cookies don’t spread if you chill the dough  a few hours or overnight.

I forgot to tell you that after the  flower shop open house we had lunch at 8th Street Station aka Grumpy Pete’s.  I don’t know why they changed the name.  I thought Grumpy Pete’s sounded way more classy.  lol

Time to get busy.  You all take time to enjoy the morning.  Today is unique in that it is one of a kind.  Stay safe and be happy!!  Oh, and ‘Hi’ to RB who I know reads my blog each day even though he says they are nothing but gossip.

Beth

Icy on the driveway…

and a little bit of snow on the ground.  I slid all of the way down the driveway taking the garbage can to the curb this morning.  It is 27 degrees and not going to get much warmer today so I will have to be careful this morning while I am out running errands.  So, I guess winter has officially started in Central Illinois even though the calendar says it is a bit too early.  I repeat, I do not like winter!!  My Wisconsin relatives will be leaving the day after Christmas to spend the whole winter in Arizona.  They have invited me to come for a visit.  I would love that.  I have never visited Arizona.  If I ever get rid of all of these doctor visits I just might consider that.

I did get the bathroom cleaned yesterday, even going so far as to clean everything in there.  Whew that ought to last for a few days. 

I put more decorations out in the living room, even putting up one that Jim made many years ago.  I didn’t get a very good picture of it but it gives you the general idea.

 

  He made many decorations but this is the only one that was small enough for me to save when I moved.  My friends Rex and Sandi called me the other night to tell me that all of the inflatables that Jim used to put in our front yard are now in their front yard.  Mike (Jim’s nephew) has some more of Jim’s decorations.

I need to go out to start the car and clean the snow off.  I hope you all have a peaceful weekend.  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

On my high horse again…

What can I say?  One word says it all. Blagojevich!  Yesterday Rod Blagojevich was sentenced to 14 years in prison.  Just one in a long line of corrupt politicians we have been blessed? with in the state of Illinois.  Trying to save his a$$ some time to be spent in prison he apologized repeatedly yesterday in front of the judge.  Smiling here, I say it did him no good.  No more celebrity or reality TV shows for him, at least for the next 12 years or so.  Blagojevich has to report to prison in February.  I hope while he is in prison that he is forced to get a haircut as I am tired of looking at that hair hanging in his eyes.

I don’t think I have to explain who Blagojevich is as he has made Illinois a laughingstock all around the world.  At least Ryan had a poor old sick wife that I felt sorry for.  I can’t think of anything in Blago’s life that would warrant my showing him compassion.  Illinois is so far in debt that my grandchildren’s grandchildren will not live long enough to see our state in the black.  By the way, I don’t have any grandchildren just to set the record straight.

Enough ranting for today.  It is cold outside, 25 degrees and snow is in the forecast for tonight.  I need to force myself off this chair and go clean the bathroom, one of my most hated jobs

You all stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Snow flurries only…

and that was enough for me.  I got my Christmas trees out yesterday, cleaned the living room thoroughly and I was exhausted,  Not nearly as much energy as I thought I had.  So the rest can wait for awhile.  Today is laundry day again, having changed the bedding there are 3 loads of it.  YUCK!!  If my ship ever comes in I am going to have a maid.  LOL  Never happen!!

It is beautiful today though.  Bright sunshine and 23 degrees right now and no breeze at all.  Just a perfect almost winter day.  Snow is in the forecast again for Thursday night.  Not too much I hope. 

I have decided on the recipe I am going to make for the cookie exchange. 

Fudge Puddles

My friend Joyce gave me this recipe. These cookies are delicious!

•1/2 cup butter, softened

•1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

•1/2 cup sugar

•1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)

•1 egg

•1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

•1 & 1/4 cups flour

•3/4 teaspoon baking soda

•1/2 teaspoon salt

Fudge filling:

•1 cup milk chocolate chips

•1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

•1 can sweetened condensed milk

•1 teaspoon vanilla extract

•chopped peanuts

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, peanut butter and sugars. Beat in egg and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt, gradually add to creamed mixture. Chill for at least 1 hour.

Shape into 48 balls, 1 inch each. Place in lightly greased mini muffin tins. Bake in preheated 325 degree oven for 14 – 16 minutes or until lightly browned. Using the end of a wooden spoon handle, make a 1/2 deep indentation in the center of each ball. Cool in pans for 5 minutes, before removing to wire racks to cool completely.

For filling, melt chocolate chips in the microwave a few seconds or until melted. Stir in sweetened condensed milk and vanilla until smooth. Fill each shell with filling. Sprinkle with peanuts. Leftover filling can be stored in the fridge and served warm over ice cream.

I will have to make 2 batches of these. 

Gotta go check my laundry.  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Let it snow…

Since I don’t have any choice in the matter, bring the snow on.  It would be nice though if it would wait until after I have been to the pharmacy.  Yes, we are supposed to get our first measureable snow today, about an inch.  The western part of the state might get a little bit more.  Perhaps if my old high school classmate is reading  this he could send me an email telling me how much snow they get in the Macomb area.  Thanks RB.

The urge has hit me.  I am going to put out my two little Christmas trees this morning and do some cleaning.  Then I got word yesterday that I have been invited to the cookie exchange again this year.  This year it is 8 dozen cookies divided into portions of 6.  I have the pretty paper plates and decorated zip lock bags, now I have to decide on the perfect cookie that I want to make 8 dozen of.   BUT!!!   I will be coming home with 8 dozen different kinds of cookies.  Unfortunately it will be the day after my son is coming home for our  Christmas with him.  My son is the one I bake the goodies for.  I don’t indulge in them much, just one or two when I am making the cookies.

It was fun reposting an old blog from 2006.  Most of the time it was nice working at the AFB.  I met some lovely military there that I will never forget and a few not so nice military that I would like to forget, namely a Captain and a Major.  Maybe later on I will delve back into the past and recall a few of the things that happened between 1979 and 1989. 

Gotta go get busy now.  You all stay safe and be happy.

Beth

Just for fun…

A retro post from 2006.

4/11/2006
Remembering 1979

In 2005 when I was writing my blog on my other space I mentioned once or twice things that happened when I worked at the AF Base.  I promised to write more later.  Here it is, for better or worse.

The year was 1979.  My son and daughter were grown and had left the nest.  Perfect time I thought for me to have a new career.  I took the civil service test and passed it with flying colors. 

My first job was as secretary to a 2nd Lt.  Now in case you don't know, a 2nd Lt. is the bottom of the scale as far as officers.  She was what was described in those days as a 90 day wonder.

She was just about as green as I was.  LOL!!  Lt K. was very nice to me and helped me as much as she could.  Looking back I have to laugh.  Here is this 23 year old officer trying to teach a 40 year old new tricks.  Somehow it worked.  We went through a crisis together.  A pretty young airman, newly married, and working in our department, stabbed her husband (also an airman) to death.  It was utter chaos.

If you are aware of civil service you know that you are constantly being considered for an upgrade.  I said goodbye to Lt. K.  My next job was as an inventory clerk for base supply.  I went around the base supply compound with a SSgt and a MSgt. We counted everything, nuts, bolts, you name it, we counted it.  Both of these guys were great.  This became my first role as a big sister figure. 

Next I moved to Records Maintenance as a clerk.  This was a good job and I enjoyed it very much.  My supervisor got a promotion and guess what, I was selected to fill her job.   This was not a good job.  I had one of my workers constantly on the phone with civilian personnel for one reason or another.  When I had a chance for a promotion as an instructor I took it in a hurry.  Next came the Suggestion Branch, then the PDO office where packages were packed and mailed.   Oh, I hated that job so I gladly moved on to my next job as Officer Performance Clerk.  Here I read all of the officer performance reports from my air base and all officer personnel at bases connected with us. I proofed and corrected them.

I finished my career with the military in 1989.  My husband had retired and I was tired of driving to work by myself.  End of this part of my working life.  I have lots of tales to tell about those 10 years so look for more at a later date.

Beth

Glorious Day!

I feel good today and this is the first day I have felt good in weeks.  Thank you God!!

I have been out and about this morning.  I stopped by Food Depot which is a supermarket that has name brand food plus the County Market  brand at really low prices.  Today I got some really good bargains.  The most impressive ones being Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk (fat free) for 25 cents a can, Pillsbury family size brownie mix for 88 cents and a 5 lb. bag of flour for 89 cents.  I had my cart full and the total price was $19.71.  Then on to Kroger where I bought the necessities.  Kroger is my favorite store even though they are a bit expensive.

Yesterday afternoon the urge came on me to try something different.  I roughly crushed peppermint sticks and decided to make peppermint cookies.  I made up the recipe and they turned out to be delicious.  I was just thinking what I usually use to start a cookie recipe.  Most cookie recipes start basically the same.  One thing I did differently was to use all powdered sugar (sifted) in place of regular sugar.  I think an addition of crushed walnuts or pecans would have been nice and a bit of white frosting topped with a miniature cane would make them look festive.   Now to try them on my official taste testers, my daughter and son in law.  If they like them I will put the recipe on my recipe space.

 

 

It is getting time to think about lunch,  the cleaning will wait until tomorrow.  You all stay safe and be happy.

Beth

C’mon sunshine…

It is a gray morning. checking in at 45 degrees with a 70% chance of rain.  I am doing laundry and contemplating whether I should clean a bit and put out some Christmas decoration.  I need to start my Christmas baking too.  The trunk of my car which is my freezer works very nicely.  Now if only I could work up just a tiny bit of energy I would do all of these things.

I am basking in the glory of the thought of not having another doctor appointment for a couple of weeks (the Good Lord willing and the creeks don’t rise.)  I love that old saying.  Both my mom and daddy used it a lot, my mom  the most.  Not sure about the creeks but I have the Illinois River at my back door.

I need to stop for a minute and go check my laundry.  Be right back.   20 minutes later:  I’m back and the laundry is all done for a couple of days.

No news so far today and for that I am ever thankful.  I hope you all have a good weekend.  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

The story of..

Jim’s Angels.  I hope you all will bear with me today.  Today would have been my wedding anniversary so I am feeling nostalgic and a little bit sad.  The good memories far outweigh the sadness though.  The 3 angels you see pictured at the top of my blog are not the only ones I have.  The angel in the middle of the pic is the first angel Jim bought for me.  Jim loved Bingo which I did not.  I would go with him every now and then but usually I would stay home on Saturday night reading while he would go to the Catholic Church to play Bingo.  One Saturday night during the Christmas season one of his fellow Bingo players brought a fiber optic angel to Bingo with her to show everyone.  Jim knew that I collected angels so the next day I was the recipient of a lovely fiber optic angel with more to come the next few Christmases,  Jim loved those angels and they were the first thing put out at Christmas time.  I miss you Jim and I love your angels!

Today also is the birthday of one of my very favorite bloggers.  He lives in the Boston area and his blog is very entertaining.  I call him my little ‘Bro’ and I am proud to do so.  Please visit  (Boston Boy)  Paul today and wish him a Happy Birthday!!

Not much time this morning as I have to stop by the hospital for lab  before my doctor appointment.

I hope you all have a peaceful weekend.  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Believe it or not…

Last year the leaves were never raked and I had leaves up to the door jam when I opened either the front or back door last winter.  If you click on the pictures you will see what the bright sun did to them.  Anyway, I am glad it is done because I had to actually use the snow shovel last winter to clear the leaves away from my doors.

It is a bright sunny day in the heart of Illinois.  the temp is 34 degrees.  I have been to the post office and to Kroger.  Crowds both places.  I mailed my overseas Christmas cards and a few that I had ready here.  I have quite a few more to do but I will get to them over the weekend.  I have one more doctor appointment tomorrow and then no more until the 16th, 22nd, and 30th of December.  I am on yet different meds and I am praying I don’t get any side effects from them.

I need to get busy on house cleaning and perhaps I will do that over the weekend.  Maybe my TN Twin will fly up here and give me a hand.  I am deciding how much of my Christmas decorations to get out.  I don’t have the room here that I had in my house.

I hope you all are having a good week.  Stay safe and be happy!

Beth

The day after…

a very long day.  Yesterday was a super long day.  I have been having some bad side effects to 2 new meds that I was taking so the morning was spent waiting for the nurse to call me.  The afternoon was spent at 2 appointments and I didn’t get home till almost 6:30 PM.  Nothing like Peoria traffic after dark.  On the way home we stopped at the pharmacy to pick up a new med that the nurse I had spoken to in the morning had ordered.  You guessed it, on my allergy list.  Now I have to waste the morning waiting for a return call.  On the bright side I have been given the OK to start working out again.  Starting very slowly at 5 minutes per day for a few days and then working up to 10 minutes and then on up to my regular 30.  No lifting weights for awhile though.  And that is my gossipy rant for today.

I am over my little  aggravated spell.  One of my bogging friends suggested that perhaps the person was having a bad day and not feeling well.  I have bad days myself so I took that into consideration and I forgive him.  Thank you all for the supporting comments.  Twin and Bro, it is good to know you have my back!  Love you all.

I am trying to think of something to make for a cookie exchange.  It has to be 3 dozen of something divided into 6 portions and packaged separately.  A lovely lady from my daughter’s church hosts this.  Any ideas for me as I would like to make something special.

A photo from last year’s cookie exchange.  My favorite thing there was divinity which I love.

Have to close this off now as I have to call the doctor’s office again and tell them about this new med that I have no intention of even starting.

You all stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Is this gossip?

I was told in a rather snarky (critical, cutting, testy) way today  by an acquaintance, that my blog was nothing but gossip.  Well, that is OK if someone thinks my blog is gossip.  Sticks and stones and that old saying, you know.  My blog is special to me and has been for over 6 years.  I refer to it as my online diary, and even though it may be only gossip to some, to me it is not.  So, here it is, straight from me to you, if you don’t like it, don’t read it.  Just sayin.’

There now, I bet you all are thinking, is this our little always nice Beth writing this post or is this an impostor?  Nah, it is me saying exactly what I am thinking.  Comment anyone??

Beth

Cyber Monday?

I don’t think so.  I ordered a purse from an online company last summer and since then I have been inundated with catalogs of every size and description.   At least my mailbox isn’t empty anymore.  LOL  Seriously, when I buy something I like to look at it to determine if I really want it.  Unfortunately the purse I ordered was not at all what I expected it to be.  I called the company and they would be happy for me to return it but I would have to package it up and pay return shipping costs on it.  The more I thought about it the more I thought what the heck, put it in the closet and there it has been staring at me every time I open my closet door.  NO! no Cyber Monday for me.

A dreary gray November day checking in right this very minute at 34 degrees, to get into the 40s later today.  Rain in the forecast and perhaps some snow for tomorrow.  You would think my Florida relatives would invite me to come for a visit. 

I have quite a few telephone calls to make this morning so this is a very short post.  I hope you all have a very peaceful week.  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Another one of those days…

rainy with the temp checking in at 54 degrees to be dropping all afternoon with the rain turning to light snow.  I am not ready for this!!  Winter go away.

I made it to the K-Mart this morning.  And, yes, you guessed it, I brought some more things for Christmas.  I keep saying I am done and then I turn right around and buy something else.  I need somebody to stop me.  LOL  I still have 2 birthday presents to buy, one Dec 23 and the other Dec 24.  I think those will be money as they are both hard to buy for.

Thanksgiving was very nice.  I enjoyed the time spent with my son in law’s family.  Several little kids there this year, so that was nice.  The food was delicious.

My son in law’s brother holding his grandson.  Click to make larger.

Not much else to write about today.  I hope you all are enjoying a peaceful weekend.  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I will try to get a quick post on here.  My internet service has been up and down all day yesterday.  I had my modem reset 4 times yesterday and when I turned the computer off last night the internet was down again.  I am having a service call tomorrow evening.  Very aggravating.

I was reading in the paper this morning the many things that readers had written in that they were thankful for.  Really made me feel small when I read some of them.  I have many things to be thankful for!

I am thankful for my family, for the love and devotion they show me.  I am especially thankful for my sis Rae and her husband who will stay on the telephone for however long it takes to get me cheered up.  I am thankful for each new day that the good Lord grants me.  I am thankful for all of you, my blogging family, all around the world who support me in thought and prayer.  Bless you all and a special thanks to my Twin who has been my friend for over 6 years now. 

xoxxo

Beth

Baby it’s wet outside..

and cold too.  Nasty rainy morning.  I braved the pouring down rain to walk the few feet to the laundry room.  I have two loads done.  Next thing on the agenda is a visit to the car dealership as the big part of the taillight on the passenger side of my car is burned out.  When it rains it pours.

I liked the doctor I saw yesterday.  He explained everything to me in a language I could understand.  I am not a candidate for one procedure.  He went on to explain what I need to look forward too in the near future.  I won’t go into that as it is very depressing.  In fact I am putting all thoughts of doctors and meds and all of that stuff in the far corner of my mind until next week.  Nothing but happy thoughts for me.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with happy times and lots of love.  Stay safe!!

Beth

Time for an update…

I saw another doctor yesterday and had my meds changed again.  I am praying that they work as I am really getting worn out from this merry go round.  Monday I see an electrophysiologist. This is a new doctor for me as I had never heard of this field before.  I am praying a lot and just living one day at a time to see what happens.  Then that is my last doctor appointment until the 29th when I have 2 on the same day.  Then on Dec 1, dentist, Dec 2 doctor and Dec 16 my primary care physician then on Dec30 another appointment..  I hope Medicare doesn’t go broke before the end of the year.

Nothing much new happening here.  I have been invited to go with my daughter and son in law to  my SIL’s brother’s house for Thanksgiving dinner.  I am to take a pumpkin pie and whipped topping which will be an easy thing to do.  My daughter is taking hot rolls and macaroni and cheese.  Mike’s sister in law is a very good cook so I am really looking forward to that. 

It is in the 40s here this morning and clammy outside as if it wants to rain.  I found that out when I went next door to do a load of laundry.

There is another Christmas Bazaar at one of the churches today.  I am trying to decide if I want to go or not.

I hope you all have a great weekend.  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Another chilly day…

but at least the sun is shining and that counts for a lot.  My daughter and I were out and about this morning.  First to the post office, then to Morton to Farm ‘ Fleet, then to fill the car with gas, then to Food Depot, to Burger King for a fish sandwich and home. 

I have another doctor appointment tomorrow morning.  These appointments are really taking their toll on me.  But I am tough so I will keep on keeping on.

I found out what was happening in my front yard.  They tore up the new grass all around the yard, put in some pretty good sized pipe, replanted the grass seed and re-covered it with straw.  Inquiring minds want to know why they didn’t do this before they planted all of that grass seed the first time.  Just sayin.’

I have purchased all things needed for holiday baking.  I will do it a little bit at a time and keep in the freezer which happens to be the trunk of my car.  Hey! that is another thing I miss, my big freezer.    I sent my sis a fruitcake this morning priority mail.  When the clerk asked if I wanted the package stamped perishable I told her yes, that there was a fruit cake in there.  She laughed  out loud and said that she thought that fruit cakes never perish.  Now that wasn’t very nice of her was it?

I will try and give an update after my doctor visit tomorrow.  This doctor is a BP specialist and heaven knows that is what I need right now.

You all hang in there, the weekend is just a day away.  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Tuesday and off again..

to another doctor appointment.  This one here in town so I can go by myself.

It is a beautiful morning checking in right now at 39 degrees.  It is to reach the upper 50s this afternoon,

Something is being done to my front yard yesterday and today.  I have no idea what.  I did notice the stuff they threw in the front yard last night cut a path into the new dirt and grass.  Still no leaf raking and I was told by one of the maintenance guys that the leaves are never raked here.  The corner house across the street is getting a new roof put on today.  My driveway has been really busy.

I was selected for an award  by http://mamawsplace4.blogspot.com/.  Thanks!  I am to tell 7 things about myself and choose 15 people to award this to.  This is a hard thing to do so I would ask that any of my blogging friends that wants this award to please take it to share on your blog along with a 7 thing tell all.  lol

Seven things about me that I am sure you already know.

1. I was born in Missouri in a log cabin.
2. I grew up in Western Illinois.
3. I had 4 sisters and 3 brothers.  Only 2 are still living, a younger brother and a younger sister.
4. I married the love of my life, Jim.  We had 50 wonderful years together before he died in 2006.
5. I love people, I can usually find something to like about most people I meet.
6. I love living.
7. And most importantly of all, I have a great faith in God, that he will walk beside me and guide me in the right direction.

Beth

Wind advisory and Christmas Bazaars…

A wind advisory is in effect for today with warm gusting winds.  It is 54 degrees this morning and climbing.  I really am not fond of the way the weather flip flops here in autumn in central Illinois.  This all means of course that another cold front will be coming through soon with rain and colder temperatures.

Yesterday I set the alarm so that I could get an early start  to the  Christmas Bazaars.  The first one was at the First United Methodist Church.  It was very nice.  There were lots of homemade goodies for sale.  Homemade noodles, etc.  Lots of homemade angel food cakes I was told by the ladies that were made with the egg whites left from making the noodles.  I purchased a huge peppermint angel food cake.  It is delicious.  These cakes were priced at only $5.  The pies were 8 inch and were priced at $10.  No pie for me, only the cake.  Then I moved on to the Miller Senior Center where I found nothing to tempt me; moving on to the Assembly of God Church where I found some darling little Christmas things.  I won’t mention what these are.  And that was it!  by this time I was starting to get tired so I came home.  All in all, a very nice morning.

This morning I am not doing much.  I have some beef cubes on cooking to make beef and noodles.  I shouldn’t have the beef but I have been hungry for beef and noodles so I thought what the heck, fix yourself some beef and noodles.

I hope you all are enjoying a lovely weekend.  Stop by if you are traveling through Central Illinois for a piece of peppermint angel food cake and a cup of tea.

Beth

Look, snow happened in my home town…

“Paxton saw its first snowfall of the season around 3:30 p.m. Thursday, although there was no measurable accumulation.”  Photo from the Paxton Record.

This is what was happening in my hometown yesterday.  I think I am feeling a tiny bit nostalgic.  LOL  Not for snow, never for snow, but the thought ran through my mind that In 50 years I have driven up and down that main street thousands of times.  But then, you can never go home again.   I feel like that poor little robin walkin’ to Missouri, got a tear drop in my eye.

I didn’t do much today, a load of laundry and then a visit to Aldi’s and to Kroger where I purchased a ham and turkey for  the freezer.  I found out  last year that the turkeys are not on sale around here at Christmas, only at Thanksgiving time.  I will plan a big meal for when my son comes home next month.

My daughter and son in law took me out for supper tonight to the Rendezvous in Creve Coeur.  I had shrimp and it was very good.  Thanks guys!

Just an update to let you all know I am here, tipping my hat to all of the veterans, old and young, and thanking them for the sacrifices they make serving our country.  Have a peaceful weekend.  stay safe and be happy!

Beth

Cold and Windy…

What a change in the weather.  In the 50s yesterday morning and in the upper 20s this morning.  I hate to go out in the cold but I will have to soon to get my car warmed up for my doctor appointment.

Yesterday was blustery and cold.  My anticipated family came from Wisconsin.  We had lunch and a nice visit.  Marcia came by after work.  My great, great niece is adorable. She is beautiful.  I am thinking the Christmas outfit will be too big but maybe next year. 

Grandma,Grandpa, sweet baby and mommy.

 

12:30 PM.  I am home from the doctor.  I had an EKG and the result of that is I have to see another specialist about a procedure that I have never heard of.  I have 6 doctor appointments scheduled now before the end of the year, plus a dental appointment.  Each time I see a doctor I get something new tacked on.  If I wasn’t an intelligent woman I would be tempted to sit right down and bawl.  Since I am an intelligent person I realize that even though I don’t like it, I know that I need to do these things.  I am trying to keep my spirits up as the holiday season is approaching.  I was told again no working out until after I get through with all of this stuff.

After I saw the doctor I went by and picked up my daughter and we did a little shopping and had the soup and sandwich special at Avanti’s.

Now I am pooped again, so I will rest this afternoon.  You all stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Tuesday…

and the rain is pouring down.  I have been busy though.  I dashed next door to do laundry, then on out in the rain to the grocery store.  Now it is 10AM and I am pooped.  Probably worn out is the correct phrase, but no. to be quite honest, I am pooped.

I need to get rested up as there are 4 Christmas Bazaars scheduled for Saturday here in town.  I plan to start out early and hit them all if my energy holds out.  My daughter has a dental appointment so I will have to go alone. 

Then Thursday I have a morning appointment with the cardiologist.  Not looking forward to that.  I am really tired of wearing the heart monitor.  I only have 19 more days till I can take it off.  Whoopee!!!

Not much to comment on today so I guess I will close and remind you all to stay safe and be happy.

Beth

Yesterday…Christmas Bazaar

I went to the Christmas Bazaar at the hospital with my daughter.  It was a lot of fun.  Lots of beautiful things and some Vera Bradley bags and totes that were really tempting.  I could not make myself part with $100 or more for one.  I did find this adorable Christmas outfit for my great great niece. 

Guessing at the size was not easy as I have never seen her before. I think that they will be coming to visit me this week. I am looking forward to that.

In one of the hospital parking lots I saw this gorgeous rose bush.  I guess one might think this is summer’s last hurrah.

Then on the way home we stopped at the high school so that I could take a pic of a beautiful tree still in full color with all of its leaves.

The tree below is in my daughter’s back yard.

and the last pic is of the tree across the street from my daughter and son in law’s house.

I was really amazed that after the big rain that we had on Thursday that some of the leaves are still hanging on and the colors are so pretty.

That is part of my picture taking over the weekend.  Do stay safe and be happy!

Beth

The day after the big rain..

Good morning everybody.  I am still kicking, no thanks to some of the medical profession.  I am finally on a different med.  My BP is running high with this but I shudder at the thought of calling the doctor’s office again.  We are just a number and a paycheck to them and sad to say not one doctor in a hundred actually gives a piddleyfart about your well being.  Jim and I once had a doctor  that cared.  I will even go so far as to name this doctor.  His name was Dr. Barnett and he was a gastroenterologist  who also took other patients.  His patient load (I read this in the paper after he moved out of state) was over 3000.  This never stopped him from giving you the time needed in an office call.  I remember when I had pneumonia in 1998 at Christmas time.  I had been feeling tough for a week or so and had gone to see the doctor.  I had a chest X-ray and the radiologist had informed the doctor that my lungs were clear.  One week later I was in the hospital fighting for my life, the doctors not finding an antibiotic that would work.  I can remember  this doctor bellowing at the top of his lungs about the person that had read the previous X-ray.  This doctor once told Jim and me that we were ‘the cream of the crop.’  Now I have doctors that are afraid of stepping on each other’s toes and cover each others back.

Whew, that was a long rant!  lol

It poured rain all day yesterday.  I got out to the grocery stores and to the bank and got totally soaked.  Not a good hair day at all Twin.  Some parts of this area received about 5 inches of rain. Sure glad that wasn’t snow or freezing rain.

It is nice this morning.  The sun is shining and it is 36 degrees right now to warm up to the mid 50s.

The weekend is here.  I hope you all have something great planned.  Do stay safe and be happy!  Thank you all again for keeping my family in your thoughts and prayers.

Beth

Seems never ending…

Yesterday was really messed up.  I called my doctor’s office to speak to the nurse about the med that is giving me all of this trouble.  This was at 8:30 in the morning.  they called me back at 4:50PM to tell me that because this one doctor didn’t write the prescription I would have to go through the one that did.  Too late in the day so I had to call this morning.  I thought it was all straightened out until I picked up the med from the pharmacy.  The instructions on the bottle were not what the nurse had told me to take.  Now I am in the hold mode waiting for the nurse to get back to me to clarify that.  By the time all of this piddleyfarting is done my BP will be sky high. 

Without the offending med I have felt pretty good today although exasperated.  I am pretty sure that is the word I am meaning to say although torqued or p’d off might also describe the way I am feeling. Not my usual pleasant self and that is a fact.

Putting all of the misery aside, it is a lovely day; the sun is shining and it has warmed up to 65 degrees right now and I thank God I am here to enjoy it.

I tasted the fruit cake and it is really good.  Anyone that wants a piece, stop by.  Not you bro, cause I know you don’t like it.  And my real little bro is doing pretty well.  He is in therapy, hoping to regain his lost memory.  This is especially hard for him as he was very active in his church and local groups and also taught a driver’s ed class for AARP.  Rae got an excellent report from her surgery as did my daughter for her colonoscopy.

This is just an update, nothing much to write about.  If I feel good tomorrow I plan another walk in the cemetery.  I hope this week is being good to you all.  stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Monday, a new day…

The last few days have been tough.  The new med I started Friday has given me some bad side effects and I need to call my doctor’s office at 8:30.  I can’t recall feeling so bad for quite awhile.  Naturally these things happen at the start of a weekend.  I am holding on with a thread nerve wise too.  I am so thankful to have my Christmas shopping done. I have an appt with a different doctor for something else on the 15th.   At this present time I am overwhelmed and finding it difficult to cope.

The fruit cakes turned out nicely.  You can see that it makes a lot of cake.

If you do decide to make this recipe, take note that I use small/ medium size pans and if you use a larger pan you should count on at least 2 hours baking time.  (Check for doneness with a toothpick in center)  If you want less cakes, just cut the recipe in  half.

It is pretty nippy this morning, checking in at 34 degrees.  It was drizzly all day yesterday and the sun never did come out.

I hope you all have a wonderful week.  Don’t eat too much candy.  Stay safe and be happy!

Beth

Fruitcake anyone?

This morning before all of my meds kicked in I decided to put my fruitcake together.  It is in the oven now, meds have kicked in and I am worn out.

My Own Fruitcake recipe

Through the years I have devised a recipe that works the best for me. Don’t even read the recipe if you don’t like fruitcake. 

•3 cups flour

•2 teaspoons baking powder

•1 teaspoon salt

•1lb of candied red cherries (cut in half) add more if you want

•1 lb of candied green cherries (cut in half) add more if you want

•1lb of candied pineapple(cut in chunks) add more if you want

•1 box of golden raisins

•1 cup of walnuts broken

•1 cup of pecans broken

•1 cup margarine or butter (softened)

•1 cup white sugar

•1 cup brown sugar

•4 eggs

•1/2 cup applesauce

•1 small jar orange marmalade

Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Spray 3 or 4 medium size loaf pans with cooking spray. Line bottom of pan with wax paper, then spray again.

Stir together the flour. baking powder and the salt and set aside.

Cream the butter, sugars, eggs and applesauce together. Add the flour mixture, then fold in the fruit and nuts. Make sure you are using a very large bowl. Pour into prepared pans. Decorate the tops with extra cherries, pineapples and nuts. Bake for approximately 2 hours. Check for doneness after 1 and 1/2 hours depending on the size of pan you are using.

Cool, put in a tin container and soak with golden rum and do this every week until time to eat it. Keeps months in the fridge and is just as good frozen.

I will post more tomorrow.  I don't know why the first paragraph came out all caps. 

Beth