Last Day in CA

Today is my last day in CA. Mom is going to take me over to the Hill so I can take Photos of the Crosses of Lafayette. I have in the past posted about these crosses. They are always in the news here in CA. They up set the people that live in the area. But I think it is a wonderful way to honor the soldiers that have lost their lives in the Iraq war. When I get home I will post photos of the crosses and some of the other things that I have done while on my visit. :)

OK when I get home I will be doing follow ups on my slipper swap. :)

Then I will get things together to have sign ups for my Apron swap :)

Until then.

Happy New Year :)

Cherry Mash Candy :)

Here is my Recipe for Cherry Mash Candies:

1 Can Sweet Condensed Milk
2 lbs Powered Sugar
2 Tubs of Creamy Cherry Frosting .... or 2 boxes Cherry Frosting
1 Jar of 8 oz Marchino Cherries Drained...and Finely Chop
1/2 Cup Butter Softened
2 Tsp Vanilla



Mix all the above ingredients together.. This mixture should be stiff.
Butter hands and form balls. Place on Wax Paper and refrigerate overnight.

Dip Cherry balls in the following:
Coating
2 Packs of Chocolate Bark
1 Cup Crushed Unsalted Peanuts


Melt Chocolate in double broiler and dip each ball in the Chocolate to coat it. Then roll in the chopped Peanuts. Place on Wax Paper and Refrigerate over night again.

Sometimes I am short on time and I add the Peanuts to the Chocolate to save the rolling in Peanuts step .... this also works out wonderfully :) But My favorite way to make them is to roll them in the nuts :)

Musing from CA

Hello Sweet friends..
The weather here in the land of sunshine and fun has been cold and raining. I haven't done a whole lot since arriving. I have went to see Granny Peachy 3-4 times now. She is looking really well. The first day.....When I walked into the door of her room. She looked up and a huge smile came across her face. That smile was worth my whole trip out here. I spent about 5 hours with her on Christmas. The whole family came and went. Grandmother was tired but very happy to have the whole family with her on Christmas. My sister was a little late getting there with her family. So My Mom, Aunt, and I left... we left the late family there to visit. On the way home my Aunt says lets stop and eat a bite. So on Christmas Night we are out in Concord Ca looking for an open Restaurant. We drove around a while and there was nothing open. I have to tell you this really surprised me!!! We ended up going home and having left over sandwich meat and veggies. It was good, but not what you would have as a usual Christmas Dinner. I think anything would have been good to me... just being here was the main thing. I was able to have another meal with everyone.
We sat at the table this morning and chatted about the horrible Santa Clause Deaths over breakfast. There was a man that killed his wife and 8 other people then burned down their house. Such a shame to have such awful people in this world. He had a gotten a Divorce and he went nuts because he lost a huge settlement to his wife.
After being here a day or two... I have seen how busy it gets at this house. There is always something to do. Wash clothing, Aunt going to dialysis, Walking the dog, going and getting meds at the drug store, shopping for 3 people for their special needs. Cooking, Cleaning, and what ever else needs to be done.... its really non-stop here.
Sunday my Sister has a huge family dinner planned for us all. :) That will be nice to have a nice sit down meal with everyone. Its fun hearing what has went on since I was here last. I can say at Grandmothers ...when we have meals. We all sit down at the table. I love that... I miss that having the family gather around the table. I just love the conversations that go on :) I guess my Uncle is going to take me to Monterrey on Monday so we can have fish and chips at the Pier. We always take a trip to Monterrey He and I. I really enjoy the time I get to spend with him. My Aunt says he starts planning the trip a couple of weeks before I come out here. I think on Tuesday we are going to go to the Casino... that will be fun!!!
I better sign off for now...Mom and I are going to the store to get stuff to make Cherry Mash Candies....she loves those... I am the candy maker of the family. So naturally I have to put my talents to work :)
**** Just a quick note... EVERYONE LOVED THEIR STOCKINGS :)

Notes from the Weary Travelers

Hello Little bloggy friends... My flight was good, a little turbulence but not bad. It was a very long day. The up-side of all of this is I saw almost all of the family with in the first hour of being here. :) My sister's husband had dinner on the table waiting on us :) It was wonderful!!! So nice after 12 hours of travel. My Sister and her youngest daughter picked me up at the Airport. My Niece Katie has change so much in the last couple of years. I would not have known her if she would have walked up to me on the street. She is growing up to be such a tall pretty young lady.

This was Pitty Pats first time on the plane and she was so good. She didn't bark whine or anything. She was quiet as a Church mouse. She was a little nervous at first but settled in nicely. She was able to peek her head out of the cloth kennel, to see what was going on. So she was a little more relaxed after that. She was sure happy to get out of the sky kennel. I could not keep her in the house. My sister has a pet door for her dog and the Pitty figured out how to use it and she would come and go after she discovered the door. She is having tons of fun sniffing out all the new smells, and looking at all the new animals, family members and houses.

Everyone was happy to see Pitty Pat... she got so much attention. Of course the baby Emily was there and Pitty Pat loves her and played with her for a long time. They were having so much fun together. I think they remember each other from Emily's visit to Ks in the Spring.:) They really had a great time with each other then.

The City was so pretty... as the sun had already set. I wanted to try and take a photo but we were on the express way during rush hour. We could not slow down or stop to get the photo :( So no Photo of San Francisco at nite. Maybe later in the week I can get a photo. It took us an hour to drive through the City so we could continue home. I Laughed at my BL he says we are going to go to the ocean and do some surfing !!!! Oh my goodness its cold :) If not the ocean we are going to go to Tahoe!!!! Now that I would love to do!!!! Can you say Gamble!!!!

My Aunt just said she wants to go to Cache Creek to go gamble... me not getting my lay over in Vegas doesn't matter now. Since I didn't get my lay over. :0) !!!!! I so wanted to have a lay over in Los Vegas...but I don't need it now :) If your going to have a lay over for 3-4 hours why not hang out in Vegas????

I gotta git for now but take care everyone I will write as I can :0)

Christmas is only two days away :)

Happy Holidays :)

The hour for leaving Ta Town is arriving soon :) I just checked in with the Airport my flight is suppose to leave on time. Without delay!!! Yeah... but coming home might be a different story. I have to go to Chicago O'Hara.. its snowed in right now, but hopefully by the 1st I will be able to fly out without incident.

I just wanted to wish all of my Bloggy friends a Safe and Happy Holiday Season and I will visit with all of you in the New Year.. if not before :)

Arrive alive this holiday season:

The holidays bring families, friends and co-workers together from across the state and all around the world. Whether you're celebrating work well done at the company Christmas party or heading home to ring in the New Year with family and friends, remember to stay safe, be smart and arrive alive. No number of presents under the tree can replace a loved one lost in a senseless crash at the hands of an impaired driver.

Winter Wonderland in Ta Town

It's snowed in Ta Town!!! I love the snow!!! Yeah snow for me before I leave for CA!!!

*The winds have blown the furniture all around before it snowed.*

While I was out last night doing the last bit of Christmas shopping when it started snowing. I have to tell you all I was sort of disappointed that I am going to be somewhere warm for Christmas. Not that I am spending it with my family ... but its just warm there. Christmas has to be cold!!! I love seeing the ground covered in snow for Christmas. So Santa brought me snow early while I was out shopping. I have to tell you getting the snow has really brought the Christmas Spirit into my life the last 24 hours. It's just not Christmas without snow, sleet, and cold weather.

I was such a bum today I didn't even go outside to scrape the snow off of my little truck, that has to set outside because of no garage. My barn is 4 stalls for the horses :) No room for the little truck.

Here is a photo of my little bird that was made out of farm implements and other garden tools.. I use to be painted bright colors but it has faded over the years. :(

Just another photo of the snow... Isn't it pretty??? As I said before I just love snow it makes everything so clean and white. Makes a person smile from ear to ear.

Holiday Goodness

Hello all my little bloggie friends..

I have been so busy trying to get everything ready for my Trip. I have not had time to post all of the wonderful swap items that I have been receiving.. For this I am truly sorry. But after I return home ... I will take photos of all the amazing things that I have received in the swaps. LOL some of the items might be missing that you sent.. LIKE The Chocolate... I have tried to keep the items together.. but if I find they are not.. I will post photos of all the extras too... I have received some wonderful Holiday aprons, Ornaments, slippers, and other wonderful handcrafted items.. I am just so sorry I don't have time to post them all now!!!! So please accept my apologies for the delay in posting the photos.. I loved all the trade items that I have received... and maybe just maybe I will get my Pink Apron from Itchin2BeStitchin after the first of the year.. I know her plate has been very full. I also have some items I have won from other blogs for Holiday give aways that are on their way too... so get ready for a lot of eye candy after I return home :) I still have tons of things to do before I go. I have to finish packing, clean the house, wrap and take my Christmas presents to my family here, do laundry and go to the little town north of me and get fresh breads to take to CA, and also I have to work my regular work days at my job. Which are WED through SUN this week. I get off work Monday morning at 7:ooam and have to be on my plane at 11:30 am so it will be rush rush rush!!! Hurry home grab the bags and the Pitty Pat and rush off to the plane. I can take a cat nap on the flight :)

By The WAY:

I did get all the stockings embellished last nite. I will take photos of them when I get them hung in CA :) I think they turned out fantastic :)

This might be my last post until I arrive in CA... they do have a computer there. Its dial up ... so I am not going to post many photos if any. I will have to keep up with the happenings you know :)

God and the Spider

During World War II, a US marine was separated from his unit on a Pacific island. The fighting had been intense, and in the smoke and the crossfire he had lost touch with his comrades.
Alone in the jungle, he could hear enemy soldiers coming in his direction. Scrambling for cover, he found his way up a high ridge to several small caves in the rock. Quickly he crawled inside one of the caves. Although safe for the moment, he realized that once the enemy soldiers looking for him swept up the ridge, they would quickly search all the caves and he would be killed.
As he waited, he prayed, "Lord, if it be your will, please protect me. Whatever your will though, I love you and trust you. Amen."
After praying, he lay quietly listening to the enemy begin to draw close. He thought, "Well, I guess the Lord isn't going to help me out of this one." Then he saw a spider begin to build a web over the front of his cave.

As he watched, listening to the enemy searching for him all the while, the spider layered strand after strand of web across the opening of the cave.
"Hah, he thought. "What I need is a brick wall and what the Lord has sent me is a spider web. God does have a sense of humor."
As the enemy drew closer he watched from the darkness of his hideout and could see them searching one cave after another. As they came to his, he got ready to make his last stand. To his amazement, however, after glancing in the direction of his cave, they moved on. Suddenly, he realized that with the spider web over the entrance, his cave looked as if no one had entered for quite a while.
"Lord, forgive me," prayed the young man. "I had forgotten that in you a spider's web is stronger than a brick wall."
We all face times of great trouble. When we do, it is so easy to forget what God can work in our lives, sometimes in the most surprising ways. And remember with God, a mere spider's web becomes a brick wall of protection.

Happy Holidays to my Wonderful Freedom Fighters.. I have you in my thoughts and prayers for this Holiday Season.

Lord, I thank you for all our Military, and their families. I Pray for your Brick wall of protection, to protect them during this Holiday Season and everyday to come!!!Amen

Who Said Hobby Lobby Can't be Fun???

I was shopping at my local Hobby Lobby here in Ta Town Kansas today. I was trying to pick out little embellishments for my huge set of Christmas stockings that I finished yesterday. I have to tell you there is not much in the way of embellishments is there? At least the type you can purchase pre-made. I am not so hot when it comes to the embellishment stuff. I am not creative enough I don't think. Well I purchased some fringe lace, some funny wispy stringy stuff with beads, Christmas picks and other little things to put on the stockings. I think they will turn out ok with the stuff on them. While I was standing there in the isle trying to pick out the things I wanted.. a lady walked by me. This is not unusual it happens all the time right? Well this particular woman stopped just down from me and told her friend.... that was with her to pick up some of those Christmas lights. They went on for a good 5 Min's regarding how many Christmas lights they would need. She then told her friend.. just get them all!!! If I have too many I can always bring them back. They were laughing and smiling and having such a good time .. I said to the woman.. You are just having too much fun here. I need to join in on this party. She smiled and said yes they were having a lot of fun. Don't you just have to get more than one of something you really like :) Of course you do is what I said to her. We continued to chat a bit about the ornaments and things that were there on that isle.. then I moved on leaving this very happy and fun person to continue to do her shopping...

This is who I spent that 1/2 hour in Hobby Lobby with today. She grew up in My City and is here to spend the Holiday with her Family and Friends.

She visits here often as I seem to run into her a lot ;)

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Kirstie Alley
She looked just as pretty as ever :)

Tired but Happy :)

**THE STOCKINGS WERE HUNG BY

THE CHIMNEY WITH CARE**

I spent the day doing assembly line sewing. I decided at the last minute that I would make everyone in my family out in CA a Handmade Christmas Stocking. I worked on them for 8-9 hours and have decided to take a break for the night. I did get them all sewn, before I decided to quit for the night. Did I mention they are lined also??? Now all I have to do is add the embellishments. That shouldn't take to long.... or will it she asks herself???? Buttons, glue on lace, pine cones, ribbon, and anything else she can find to stick on there.. yep just might take longer than a couple of hours more... Hum I better pencil in more time on those ;) Ok lets see what do I give up for the time???? Going to the bank??? Nope have to do that. Go buy food for the Macaw??? Nope have to do that. Give up the last of the Christmas Shopping???? Nope can't do that I have rebate coupons to spend tomorrow :) Ok I guess I will just have to give up a few hours of sleep.. to embellish these stocking. As I want them nice!!! That I can do.. give up some sleep. Ok I will show you all 16 of the stockings I made today for my family :)

I know its hard to see all of them.. but I could only get my arms up only so high to take the photo.. so they had to be close together to get them all in one photo :) LOL yes you do see a Skulls and Cross bones Stocking in there :) Its for my young niece that is trying to figure out her way in life like the rest of us had to do. So far she has been all girly and glitter up until the last couple of years. She may have out grown the Skull thing since I was last out there..... but who knows for sure not me ;) ...If by chance she has.... there is an extra stocking made the usual Christmas fabric way....so she doesn't have to be stuck with something she doesn't like any more ;)

HOLIDAY EATING TIPS

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.


2. Drink as much eggnog as you can - And quickly. It's rare. You cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-aholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it! Have one for me … Have two! It's later than you think. It's Christmas!


3. if something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.


4. as for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.


5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?


6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.


7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.


8. Same for pies. Apple, Pumpkin, Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?


9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards!


10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips: Start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner. Remember this motto to live by:

"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, body thoroughly used up, totally wornout and screaming "WOO HOO!! what a ride!" Have a great holiday season!!!

DNA Image

I took this Little test over here on this little web site:

Http://DNA.imagini.net/friends

When you click on the link, a series of about 15 pictures will come up. Click on a photo in that category that appeals to you. Again 15 pictures will come up, click the one for you and move on. Just continue to keep picking. At the end it will give you a profile of yourself.... It's called a visual DNA.... Your choices dictate your profile. At the end, click on the tabs for more information about yourself.

I have to tell you it was almost spot on about my personality :)

Run over check yourself out its very easy.

Here is what it had to say about me!!!

MOOD: Dreamer

You're romantic in your out look and Love the simplicity of nature. You can be a little nostalgic and love revisiting familiar place and memories. When it come to Art, you're definitely unconventional but you appreciate precision and hard work. You are consistently impressed by the discipline and focus of true artists, what ever their field. As for music, it's the sound tract to your world. An open road your favorite tracks- just sit back .. put our feet on the gas and enjoy.

Fun: Conqueror

You're insatiable! Your thirst of affection never drops. You've got a high sex drive, and appetite for lurve.... (funny word when love sounds to mushy.)

For kicks, nothing beats and adrenalin rush. You like to take risks, and push the limits. You're confident and brave- life is for the living. When it comes to the Holidays, nothing beats the bright lights of one of the World's Biggest Cities. With metropolis as your playground, you'll never run out of things to do.

Habits: Junkie Monkey

You love being a little bit naughty. Being good all the time is boring- life should be about enjoyment. When it comes to drinking you have a bit of a sweet tooth, (Pepsi is Me)You don't get too Hung up about making healthy choices. As for the home, your a bit of a traditionalist. You like to feel cozy and comfortable.

Social: Fun

You don't like to take things to seriously. For your friendships it is all about enjoying yourself and seeing the fun side of life. When you think of freedom you think of taking charge of your direction. You don't like to be tied down. It's important to be spontaneous and follow your heart.

WEE WEE CHU

This was sent to me by our lovable Val from Yarni Gras. :o)

It's a romantic full moon, when Pedro said, "Hey, mamacita, let's do Weeweechu."Oh no, not now, let's look at the moon!" said Rosita.Oh, c'mon baby, let's you and I do Weeweechu. I love you and it's the perfect time," Pedro begged."But I wanna just hold your hand and watch the moon." replied Rosita.Please, corazoncito, just once, do Weeweechu with me."Rosita looked at Pedro and said, "OK, one time, we'll do Weeweechu."Pedro grabbed his guitar and they both sang....."Weeweechu a Merry Christmas, Weeweechu a Merry Christmas, Weeweechu a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year."MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

I am still laughing my hinny off :) Thank you for the fun Chi Joke :)

BEWARE!!!!! THIS COULD HAPPEN TO YOU.....

THIS COULD HAPPEN TO YOUR
MOTHER, YOUR SISTER OR YOUR DAUGHTER.

The strangest thing happened to me this weekend.
I was sitting at a local outdoor cafe having lunch by
myself and two men came and sat down at my table.
I gave them the death look, but they just casually
stayed at my table and wouldn't leave me alone.
I shined up my ring on my married finger, then placed
my hand on the table and I hinted to them that I
was married and that I was not interested in them.
Luckily for me they got the hint and left, but thankfully
the whole thing was captured on the Cafe's camera.
I'm sending you this picture as a warning...just in case
they try and pick you up too.
Honestly, some men think they are God's gift to women.
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FUn HOlidaY PhOtos

I just love vintage clip art, photos, trading cards, Holiday cards anything that has a vintage image on it. I find the older things have a very unique charm about them. I don't know if it was because the times were so much more innocent, or its that peoples values were so different back then. I have to tell you one of my favorite shows on TV a few years back was American Dreams it was about this family growing up in the 60's. I think it was in Chicago.. but I'm really not sure of the state. All I know is it showed the struggling times of the 60's. Where there was the Prom King that got his girl Pregnant. The Oldest daughter trying to be-friend a African American Boy in her class, and the younger sister that was a Nerd, and a stay at home mom. The mom put her foot down went to College and got a job away from the home. There were dinners at the table.. Yes I miss those times.. because I had them as a child. If you did not get a chance to watch this show.. try to find it to rent it .. it really was worth the watch. Too bad they took it off the air. Sort of reminded me of Leave to Beaver only in the 60's.

I know for sure life styles have change a lot since I was a child. Although I know change is good..but sometimes it makes you wonder where all of that innocence went to. What with all the violence in TV and Movies. Don't get me wrong.. one of my favorite sets of movies right now is SAW ....Thank goodness there is still Disney, Pixar and some of the other ones that still try to keep the child in all of us. Too much violence is not good for the soul. I crave a good Disney :) So I can relax and smile. :)

I did something I don't usually do Yesterday... but instead of buying food for the food bank for the Holidays. I spent my money on those little stars on the Christmas trees , like the ones at the malls and other places. My big Mean Biker Brother that drives the Hearse is always wanting me to do that with the money set a side for his Christmas Gift. So I changed my way of doing business this year. I purchased gifts for the not so fortunate. I have a set amount of moneys that I spend every year for the good of our Community. But this year.. I spent a few dollars less on each family member and added that to my little good will monies. Which almost doubled what I usually give. So I was able to do more for my fellow man/woman/child this year :)

I had a great time picking out my 4 stars and shopping for them. I know there was a time in my life when I could have really used someone to be nice like that to me!!!!! You never know what someones circumstances are. Just like some of my followers on my blog that left wonderful holiday comments. I saw where there was struggles in everyday life and where there was just plain giving of the heart. So I preach or have preached this holiday season to be kind ... this is where my Holiday Ear Marked monies went to...

1. a four sliced toaster

2. a crock pot

3. a coffee pot

4. a blender

You see these were not over the top items.. these were really items that were affordable and useful. Not saying the X-box and Ipod's are not useful important items. These items that I chose were more with in my budget and still helped out where needed for the holiday season. Next weekend its time to pick up a couple of toys :)

BTW ...... I did pick up a sweet surprise for my little guys down the road. I got them a S'mores kit in a can... I know they will really like that :O)

OK having said all of this... I find that when I do wonderful things.. God always smiles down on me and rewards me in special ways. Whether its a sweet bag of Christmas goodies from my little guys next door or that badly needed refund check out of the blue.. or not having to pay in to the tax man!!! or just finding that up front and close parking space.

I know times are rough for all of us, what with food and gas for our autos so high. Not to mention people have lost a ton in the stock markets. I know the economy crunch has hit my house hold too. My income has been changed also, but I have still managed to squeezed out a tiny bit of money for the less fortunate...Just remember if you have a job.. that is better than some people. I know in my area they have been laying off factory workers right and left. In fact the lay off did hit a couple of my friends. So this year it is more important for those of us that can help..... help. Remember if everyone took just one star off those trees and purchased that item we all can have a Happy and Joyous Christmas.

OK OK I AM NOW OFF MY SOAP BOX!!!!!

Peace and Blessing All :)

Stock Market Warning....

Normally I avoid discussing any advice regarding buying or selling of stocks, but I felt this is important enough to share and warn you since this explosive market situation might prove to be yet another ENRON. Please review any holdings you might have in the following stocks: American Can, Interstate Water, National Gas Company, Northern Tissue Company.

Due to uncertain market conditions, I advise you to sit tight on your American Can, hold your Water, and let go of your Gas. You may be interested to know that Northern Tissue touched a new bottom today, and millions were wiped clean.

It's a rough market out there.

I just Had to share this with my bloggy friends :)

Several of you get personal e-mails from me and have learned more about me and my personal life.. we seem to chit chat often. That's wonderful for someone that lives alone like me. Thank you sweet friends for all of your e-mails...

Oh goodness got side tracked again :)

The reason for this post is I just had to share a photograph that I just received in the mail from my Niece. This Photograph is very rare indeed. There is not many of these in the whole world. Once you see it you will understand how much it really means to me and my family.

Ok here it is... enjoy with awe!!!

This is the 3rd Five Generation Photo in my family. There would have been a 4th set of 5 generation photos... but our sweet baby Etta Kay passed away three days after birth. This is very rare to have that many Sets of 5 generations in one family. The Matriarch of our family is my Grandmother Peachy in the far bottom left of the Photo... she will turn 99 years old this coming Jan. I have decided to fly out to CA to surprise her for Christmas this year. I am very excited to see her.. as it has been two years since I was last out there. It has been well over 30 years since I have had a Christmas with her. I have always felt it was important to be home with my immediate family and grand babies. But this year it is different. My sweet Grandmother Peachy has been ill for a while and I do not want to miss another Holiday that I can share with her. My family here in Kansas has encouraged me to go this year. It's so nice to have such a supporting and loving family. Thank you Adoring Dad, Loving Step Mom Kathy, and my Helpful, Selfless and Caring Bubba I love you all !!!! I know you understand my need to be away at this Holiday Season. I know we will have many more Holidays together :) here in Kansas.

I am being very Blessed today :)

I won... I won!!!!

I won the wonderful give-away at A New Path...
http://anewpathforme.blogspot.com/
If you have not visited Cary's blog please pop over there. I love her daily inspirational for the Holiday Season :)

I won this very charming little basket, filled with all sorts of wonderful goodies. It contains a coffee cup, hot cocoa, a pincushion, a wee jug and other fabulous little gift items...

Thank you Cary and Charlotte for this very wonderful gift basket chucked full fabulous items. If you don't visit her blog you will not see the cute photo of Charlotte with her Chocolate face holding my winning name :)

New Neighbors are always a pain in the butt!!!!

I was in the house several summers ago when someone was pounding desperately on my door. I ran to see what was the matter as the homes in my area are several acres apart. Lets just say its a walk to each others house. Nice way to get exercise... I walk down the street to my friend Juanita's all the time in the summer. So its a good 3/4 mile down there. Any way we had these new neighbors move in across the street from her.

There was a Man, Woman and Child that moved into that old farm home. We didn't think to highly of them as they threw out their beer cans on the road and trash. Just like the Red Necks I tease and joke about here on my blog.....(LOL I am a RED Neck sort of GAL too!!!!!) They always let their dog run loose chasing my horses, cats and goose. Lets just say I did not like them!!!

All of us on our street cleaned up trash and mowed to keep our places tidy. Not these people!!!!

When I opened the door there stood the woman, a small child of a tender age of about 1 maybe 2, and a young teenage boy. There they stood all hot and sweaty with crocodile tears running down all of their faces. I was surprised at what I saw. It was them!!!!! I had two choices that day... not open the door or slam it in her face. Being the person that I am I opened that door. When I opened that door.. it sent me down a new path........

It would have been much easier for her to go across the street than to my house. The people in my area know I work for the local Police dept... as a support personnel... so she must have seen me drive by her house in my uniform. She must have felt more safe coming here. I know my friend Juanita that lived across the street is usually home all day too and a lot closer than my house.

There she stood the person that I was not too fond of because of the mess in the road all the time, and their dog running a muck in my yard.....

Of course I wanted to help!!!! She had said her husband had gotten drunk ... which I gather was a normal thing in that household. Anyway he had gotten drunk and started fighting with his dad. They were rolling on the ground in a fist-a-cuffs as we were speaking and could she use my phone. I said sure... they had only moved in a few weeks before to their new home, I don't think there had been enough time to get service yet.. Or even money for that matter.

She called Johnny law to come out and help with the situation. When the called was completed she asked me if I would watch her Child and her nephew as she wanted to return home for the Police to arrive.

The Police came and took the husband away to jail. (He had to do a few days there) The young girl came back down to collect the children and introduced herself to me at that time. She told me how thankful she was that I was home and could help her out like that not even knowing her. She said that it meant the world to her for my kindness, and she would always be very grateful for it.

That Christmas there was a wonderful little cookie plate waiting on my porch for me when I got home. It had her and her sons name on it with a big thank you. I had no contact with her since that time.. but I had seen her and waved several times as I went to work but never had spoken again.

Then came the coldest part of winter. There was a knock upon my door.. now this is not normal for me. I don't get unannounced visitors... lets see maybe once in 3-4 years. So of course I ran to the door to see who was there. There she stood in the cold and the deep snow with the little boy. She looked to be 7-8 months along with child. She was crying once again. Awe my heart sank... as I did not see a vehicle in the drive way. Of course I wanted to help!!!

She was invited in so they could get warmed up a bit... as you remember its quite a jaunt to my house. She was crying and told me she had locked the keys in her running car. She wanted to know if I could let her use my phone again. Of course she could!!!!

As we waited for her dad to come help she told me that her husband had stopped drinking. He was so ashamed of himself.. he went into re-hab the day he got out of jail and got sober. She told me after he got out of re-hab they had a long talk. She told him.... she would not stay married to him if he was going to drink..because he was a mean drunk. (She did say he had never hit her) Further she told him she was going to go to work away from the home. This had been at least 5 months since the incident.

She was smiling from ear to ear when she told me that he had cleaned up his act. You could see she was really proud of her husband for his decision to get sober. She also told me that she had gotten a job and was working part time, and she would soon have enough money to be able to get a telephone. I could see that she was doing much better and had made some really good changes in her and her child's life.

I have seen and spoken to her several times though the years now. Her Mr is still sober and they are doing well. Both boys are growing up to be really good children. I see the boys out in the yard happy and playing all of the time. Their dog still runs at large..but what the heck I have learned to deal with that now.......

Where was I going with this story... well I just got a knock on the door.. It was my little neighbor and her two boys. They had brought me down my special Christmas Present like they have done ever year since that terrible day. We have spoken many times since then. She tells me that I was her angel and she didn't know what she would have done without me that day. Well I am just me... but I guess that one small act of kindness really does pay off. Every year since that faithful day I have received a sweet Christmas offering from her and her Children. If she doesn't see me for a few days... she drops by and knocks to see if I am ok!!!

My little gift of goodies... had wonderful handcrafted ornaments from the boys and a handmade Christmas card that would melt the hardest of hearts. It had glitter, and cotton and just good kid stuff on it. Inside was a wonderful Christmas blessing and signed by all, Chomper (the run at large dog) was even on the list of signers.... there at the very bottom was..... and love your horses. The boys have always fed them apples through the fence for years. They just love spending time with them.

I guess this long winded story is ... you never know who comes into your life and how you affect them by how you deal with them. I could have slammed the door in that girls face that day or not even answered. But that's not my nature... I am a helper, and a giver. So by giving of my self ... I have received the most wonderful gift of all from an unlikely place... a sweet, thoughtful and dear neighbor. Who watches out for me too!!!!!

OK EVERYONE I CHALLENGE ALL OF YOU TO GO OUT THERE AND DO ONE RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.

If you do help others this Holiday Season....please share it with us... we would like to hear of your kindness given to others :)

The Clock has Chimed Midnight Thirty :)

Hello everyone :) It's after Midnight on Dec 10th. My give-away is officially closed and yes we have a winner :)

Persons that sign up for the swap. Do you see your name????

All of the little names all folded and ready to put into Santa's hat ;)

Of course Santa's Hat :)

Names inside the hat... don't they look cute sitting there ready to be picked. I can hear their little voices.. pick me pick me!!!

Here I am picking out the winner ;)

Before I tell you who won.....I want to thank everyone that joined in on my Christmas Stocking give-away. You all shared such wonderful stories and memories with me. I had a lot of fun hosting this give away. I am so sorry that there can only be one winner. You all are the best and are very deserving of some Christmas Cheer..... but alas I have to draw one name :) So speaking of one name... without further hesitation:

Our Beloved Cathy Jean (CJ) from Aunt Daisy's Cottage is our winner!!!

Congratulations My Dear Sweet Friend :)

Some More Holiday Cheer :)

HAppY HOliDaYs AMerIcA :)

Warm and Toasties are Done!!!!!

Yeah all my swaps are done for the Season!!!!

I have just finished up my little slippers.. they are all bagged up and ready to be shipped out. I would mail them today.. but Old Man Winter came in today and it is blowing snow and frightfully cold outside. I have to admit... I hate to scrap ice and snow.. Besides I have to go to the post office later this week. Why not make one last trip of it all???? So I am going to wait until I send out my Christmas Stocking to post them. So I will almost be at the due date of the 13th. But Yeah they will be out before that date for sure :)

I gave you a tease on the first pair of slippers... so here is a tease of the last pair :)

Twenty Uses for Fruitcake

I don't know about you but .... I don't like fruit cake. I have yet to find someone that does like it. I started asking years ago .. "Do you like Fruitcake?" I always got the same answer... NO!!! So tell me is that one of the items..... that can be Re-gifted???
Didn't I read somewhere where fruit cake keeps for years???? If it keeps for years ... I would never eat it.. so I have decided to make a list of 20 things you can do with fruit cake :) Come join along and tell me what you would do with this heavy brick of cake :)

1. Use as a doorstop
2. Use as a paperweight
3. Use for a shuffle board puck
4. Use as boat anchor
5. Use as bricks in fireplace
6. Build a house with them
7. Use it to hold up your Christmas tree
8. Use as a pencil holder
9. Give it to the cat for a scratching post
10. Put it in the back yard to feed the birds and squirrels
11. Hold up your car when changing tires
12. Slice and use for poker chips
13. Use it as a sponge to clean the toilet
14. Use as replacement for Duraflame log
15. Use as a footstool at the computer
16. Use it as a seat at a stadium event
17. Stand on it when you change a lightbulb
18. Put it in the back of your car/truck for snow/ice driving
19. Replaces free weights when you work out
20. Use as book ends at the school library

I THINK SANTA CLAUS IS A WOMAN

I hate to be the one to defy sacred myth, but I believe he's a she. Think about it. Christmas is a big, organized, warm, fuzzy, nurturing social deal, and I have a tough time believing a guy could possibly pull it all off! For starters, the vast majority of men don't even think about selecting gifts until Christmas Eve. It's as if they are all frozen in some kind of Ebenezerian Time Warp until 3 p.m. on Dec. 24th, when they -- with amazing calm -- call other errant men and plan for a last-minute shopping spree. Once at the mall, they always seem surprised to find only Ronco products, socket wrench sets, and mood rings left on the shelves. (You might think this would send them into a fit of panic and guilt, but my husband tells me it's an enormous relief because it lessens the 11th hour decision-making burden.) On this count alone, I'm convinced Santa is a woman. Surely, if he were a man, everyone in the universe would wake up Christmas morning to find a rotating musical Chia Pet under the tree, still in the bag. Another problem for a he-Santa would be getting there. First of all, there would be no reindeer because they would all be dead, gutted and strapped on to the rear bumper of the sleigh amid wide-eyed, desperate claims that buck season had been extended. Blitzen's rack would already be on the way to the taxidermist. Even if the male Santa DID have reindeer, he'd still have transportation problems because he would inevitably get lost up there in the snow and clouds and then refuse to stop and ask for directions. Add to this the fact that there would be unavoidable delays in the chimney, where the Bob Vila-like Santa would stop to inspect and repoint bricks in the flue. He would also need to check for carbon monoxide fumes in every gas fireplace, and get under every Christmas tree that is crooked to straighten it to a perfectly upright 90-degree angle.
Other reasons why Santa can't possibly be a man:
Men can't pack a bag.
Men would rather be dead than caught wearing red velvet.
Men would feel their masculinity is threatened...having to be seen with all those elves.
Men don't answer their mail.
Men would refuse to allow their physique to be described even in jest as anything remotely resembling a "bowlful of jelly."
Men aren't interested in stockings unless somebody's wearing them.
Having to do the Ho Ho Ho thing would seriously inhibit their ability to pick up women.
Finally, being responsible for Christmas would require a commitment.
I can buy the fact that other mythical holiday characters are men...
Father Time shows up once a year unshaven and looking ominous. Definite guy.
Cupid flies around carrying weapons.
Uncle Sam is a politician who likes to point fingers.
Any one of these individuals could pass the testosterone screening test. But not St. Nick. Not a chance. As long as we have each other, good will, peace on earth, faith and Nat King Cole's version of "The Christmas Song," it probably makes little difference what gender Santa is.
I just wish she'd quit dressing like a guy!!!

Too Many Milk and Cookies For Santa!!!! Oh no Stuck!!!!

Gingerbread

What smells more like Christmas than gingerbread men baking in the oven?
The origin of Gingerbread dates back to ancient times when the spice, ginger, was known for its medicinal properties, often used for curing stomach aches. Small gingerbread cakes adorned with symbols of the sun were made to celebrate the Winter Solstice in pre-Christian Europe.
In the 11th century Crusaders returning from the Middle East brought a new spice, ginger, with them,
Catholic monks baked gingerbread for special religious celebrations. The cakes were constructed in specific designs depicting saints and religious motifs. The early carvings were made with a large and elaborately carved "cookie board" that impressed the pattern onto a stiff rolled dough.
As the costs of exotic ingredients and spices dropped, gingerbreads slowly became more popular across Europe and Britain. The English added bread crumbs to the recipes. In the 16th and 17th centuries, gingerbread became lighter, with flour replacing breadcrumbs in the recipes. As early as 1573, treacle (molasses) was used instead of honey, and by the mid 1600s it had replaced honey altogether. Butter and eggs became popular additions to enrich the mixture.
The first gingerbread man is credited to the court of Queen Elizabeth I, who impressed important visitors with charming gingerbread portraits.
The tradition of baking a Gingerbread house began in Germany after the Brothers Grimm published their collection of German fairy tales in the early 1800s. Among the tales was the story of Hansel and Gretel, children left to starve in the forest, who came upon a house made of bread and sugar decorations. It is possible however that brothers Grimm were actually writing about something that may have already existed.
Early settlers from Northern Europe brought the gingerbread tradition to the New World by the 19th century.

Yule Log

The tradition of a Yule Log is one of the oldest Christmas traditions, dating back even before Christmas.
The first Yule Logs were burned in celebration of the Winter Solstice in Scandinavia, Ireland, Greece and many other European countries. The purpose of the celebrations was to mark the rebirth of the sun after a long winter.
As the custom of burning a Yule Log became attached with the celebration of Christmas - the fire of the burning log represented the light of the Savior rather than the light of the sun.
On Christmas eve, a large log was placed in the hearth. The log must be harvested from the homeowner's property or given as a gift.
Celebrations began with songs, stories and dancing. Offerings of food (some say flour), cider or ale and decorations of greenery were placed on the log. It was said that the sins, mistakes and bad choices were burned in the flame so you could start the new year with a clean slate.
The log was not allowed to burn completely, the next log would be started from the original log. Often, the remains of the original Yule Log would be kept in the home and used to start the next years Yule Log.
The log brought good luck, protecting your house from fire, or bad will. It was said the log could also predict bad luck. If the fire went out before the night was over, tragedy would befall the home in the coming year.
English traditions state the log should burn for the twelve days of Christmas, staring on Christmas eve on December 24th until Epiphany on January 6th. For this reason, a team of horses was often required to drag the large logs to a castle or manor.
Today, it is tradition to burn your Yule Log on Christmas eve, or to light a candle to represent the Yule Log. You will also find Yule Logs in the shape of candle holders, centerpieces for your table, and even as an edible cake.

What is Wassail any way?????

Few holiday traditions have endured as long or seen so many variations as that of wassailing. Its origins are unknown, but it is mentioned in texts dating as far back as the Fourteenth Century. In one such text, the leader of a group took a bowl and, raising it to the crowd, shouted "Wassail!" an Old English term meaning "to your health."
There are three variations of the wassailing. One is the filling of a common bowl or cup, often referred to by ancient clergy as the Loving Cup, which was passed around a room to be shared by all. Another variation calls for the bowl to be taken to each individual house, so that neighbors might partake of the wassail as friends. The third is a celebration of the apple harvest and the blessing of the fruit.
The earliest known practice of the wassail was to pour it onto dormant crops and orchards after the harvest to bless the ground for the Spring and ward off evil. Like many such customs originally devoted to defense against wickedness, wassailing has always been something of a festive activity associated with partying and making merry. In the past few centuries, the practice has tended to have more to do with good cheer and well- wishing rather than the blessing of crops.
Wassailing is almost always accompanied by the song: "Here We Come A-Wassailing," which is a Christmas classic loved by many but understood by few. It is often misinterpreted and likened to the act of singing...hence the frequently used "Here We Come A-Caroling" which is substituted for the first line of this popular carol.
The actual ingredients in traditional wassail are widely disputed. This could be attributable to the fact that festive bands who traveled from home to home often replenished the bowl with whatever liquid refreshment was available. While one home might have apple cider, another might have spirits of a stronger sort. There can be little doubt that alcohol has played a storied part of wassail's history, but tradition does not dictate it to be necessary. In fact, the custom is not so much concerned with drink as it is with the good will and society that wassailing generates.
Although wassailing is classically observed during the Christmas holiday season, it is also practiced at weddings and other such similar events where community and family are celebrated.

Hot Christmas Cider

2 quarts apple cider
1/2 cup brown sugar
Dash of salt
1 teaspoon dried ginger
1 teaspoon cloves
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
cinnamon sticks
Combine cider, sugar and salt in a saucepan. In a small piece of cheesecloth, combine spices, and tie off. Add spice packet to cider mixture, and slowly bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes. Remove spices.
Serve hot cider in mugs with cinnamon sticks

The Origin of Mistletoe:

The Custom of embracing under a sprig of mistletoe, if not actually kissing under it, originated in ancient Britain among the Druids two hundred years before Christ's birth. The Druids celebrated the start of winter by gathering mistletoe. Sprigs of the yellow-green plant with waxy white berries were hung in homes to ensure a year's good fortune and familial harmony. Guests to a house embraced under the auspicial sprig. Twigs of the evergreen outside a house welcomed weary travelers. Mistletoe was a plant of hope, peace and harmony.

'Twas the Night Before Christmas (or A Visit from St. Nicholas)by Clement Clarke Moore

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the housenot a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads.And Mama in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap.

When out on the roof there arose such a clatter,I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.Away to the window I flew like a flash,tore open the shutter, and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snowgave the lustre of midday to objects below,when, what to my wondering eyes should appear,but a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.More rapid than eagles, his coursers they came,and he whistled and shouted and called them by name:
"Now Dasher! Now Dancer!Now, Prancer and Vixen!On, Comet! On, Cupid!On, Donner and Blitzen!To the top of the porch!To the top of the wall!Now dash away! Dash away!Dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,when they meet with an obstacle, mount to the skyso up to the house-top the coursers they flew,with the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roofthe prancing and pawing of each little hoof.As I drew in my head and was turning around,down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,and his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,and he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes--how they twinkled! His dimples, how merry!His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,and the beard on his chin was as white as the snow.The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,and the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.He had a broad face and a little round belly,that shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,and I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself.A wink of his eye and a twist of his headsoon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,and filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.And laying his finger aside of his nose,and giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.But I heard him exclaim, 'ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

A Brief Note about the Author and the Poem
Clement Clarke Moore's famous poem, which he named "A Visit From St. Nicholas," was published for the first time on December 23, 1823 by a New York newspaper, the Sentinel. Since then, the poem has been reprinted, translated into innumerable languages and circulated throughout the world. Clement Clarke Moore was born in 1779 to a well-known New York family. His father, Reverend Benjamin Moore, was president of (what is now) Columbia University and was the Episcopal Bishop of New York. Moore's father also participated in George Washington's first inauguration and gave last rites to Alexander Hamilton after Hamilton was mortally wounded in an 1804 duel with Aaron Burr. Moore himself was an author, a noted Hebrew scholar, spoke five languages, and was an early real-estate owner and developer in Manhattan. Despite his accomplishments, Clement Clarke Moore is remembered only for "'Twas the Night Before Christmas," which legend says he wrote on Christmas Eve in 1822 during a sleigh ride home from Greenwich Village after buying a turkey for his family. Some say the inspiration for Moore's pot-bellied St. Nicholas was the chubby, bewhiskered Dutchman who drove Moore to Greenwich Village to buy his holiday turkey. Moore never copyrighted his poem, and only claimed as his own over a decade after it was first made public. Moore read the poem to his wife and six children the night he wrote it, and supposedly thought no more about it. But a family friend heard about it and submitted the poem to the Sentinel, a newspaper in upstate New York, which published it anonymously the following Christmas. Moore's poem immediately caught the attention and imagination of the state, then the nation, and then the world. Finally, in 1844, he included it in a book of his poetry. Moore died in 1863 and is buried in Trinity Cemetery in Washington Heights, New York. Because of his "mere trifle," as he called it, 175 years ago Clement Clarke Moore almost single-handedly defined our now timeless image of Santa Claus. Note: Some scholars now believe the poem was actually written by Major Henry Livingston, Jr. Whatever the authorship controversy ultimately determines, this work has become a Christmas favorite. "'Twas the Night Before Christmas."