Merry Christmas - a day later

I looked about the internet to find a Christmas card to post to the blog.  After a bit of time I realized I had the "purr"fect photo right on my camera.

From my home to yours, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!  I hope your day was full of love, laughter and the joy that creates lasting memories.

I'm a day late as I've been playing with the settings on my blog and messed things up a bit.  But I wanted to ensure that my greetings went out...even if not entirely timely.

Have a great week everyone!

Procrastinator's Countdown to Christmas

I know I've mentioned this previously, I'm a less than enthusiastic technology user.  I've recently learned how to access my e-mail on my smart phone...which is apparently much smarter than I am since I've had the phone for a couple of years.

In fact, I'm eligible for a new phone but as I told my son the other day, I've only just gotten familiar with this one, why would I want something new?

Is it only me, or is this world getting more complicated?

This post wasn't supposed to be about my limited tech knowledge.  Oops, I guess I got sidetracked.
Anyway, after all the bragging I did about being ready for Christmas a couple of posts ago....it seems I'm not nearly as ready as I thought.

I should be finishing up the snowflakes I made for my staff.  Instead I'm writing this post.  It won't take much time but I've been putting it off all weekend.

I did get a little Christmas baking done (and I mean just a little) last evening.  I made a small batch of shortbread cookies which I expect will be all gone in the next of couple of days. The butter is softening on the counter as I write, but I haven't decided what else I'll bake.  Time to dig out the cookbooks.

On the other hand all of the gifts are wrapped and under the tree....with the exception of the Santa gifts.  It has been a tradition for many years that Santa brings socks.  I picked them up while shopping on Friday so all it will take is a little wrapping paper.

The turkey is out in the sun room resting in the recliner.  This might seem like an ought place for it to hang out, but we've had frigid weather here for what seems like forever but was likely 7-10 days.  This morning the temp was a balmy -29C (-20F) not counting in the windchill.  It must be warming up slightly though as we're starting to get a few flakes of snow.  By Thursday we're forecast to have temperatures closer to freezing.  I guess I'll have to find room in the freezer soon for the bird.

At this point, I'm not sure who will be here for Christmas dinner.  I informed my daughter, that while her on-again, off-again boyfriend is welcome, his roommates are not.  As a result there is some potential neither of them will be here.  I did invite a long time friend C to join us.  She currently does not have custody of her youngest child, will spend the morning with him and his dad, and then join us in the afternoon.  She's been part of our lives since my son was just a baby and while we don't see each other as much as we once did, she's part of the family.

In other words, there are still a lot of things to be done or determined before Christmas gets here.  Perhaps I'd best end this post and get at it before the list of things to do gets any longer!

Are you ready for Christmas? Just seven more sleeps!

Have a great week everyone!

Weekend wrap-up

Hooray, I made it through another work week!  Seriously, I'm finding it more and more difficult to go to work in the morning.  IF I could just win the lottery....  Well, since that doesn't seem to be happening, I've taken to arranging meetings/appointments every day, so I tell myself I have a reason to go to work each morning. Otherwise I think I might use up some of that sick leave* I've accumulated over the past 19 years.  Sigh, if I weren't so damned responsible.  On a happier note I took another marble out of the jar last week.  I've finally reached the jail sentence....two years less a day!

Things are going much better at home. Last weekend was Grey Cup weekend - the final game of the Canadian football league championship.  Our Roughriders had a pitiful season this year; they didn't even make it to the playoffs.  The two teams that played for the Cup were the Ottawa Red Blacks (guess what color their uniforms are...) and the Calgary Stampeders (whose uniforms are also the same colors).  It really didn't matter to me who won, though I cheered a little louder for Ottawa because they were predicted not to win. In fact, many sportscasters and fans suggested Calgary would run over them.  Ha!  Shows what they know...instead Ottawa came out strong and by mid-game the Stampeders QB appeared shell-shocked.  Calgary came back but in the end, Ottawa won the game in overtime.

While the game was on, I brought up the Christmas decorations and started on the tree.  I say start because it takes me a few days to be satisfied with the ornament placement.  It all depends on where I sit in the living room.  I think, a week later, I'm pretty happy with it.  Though Saku just knocked one off the lower branches so that has to be moved....this was one of the approximately 90% of the ornaments that are shatterproof.

Since I wanted the tree in front of the window, I moved the cat tree to the side.  Saku still uses it though he can't see out the window.

There are some new ornaments on the tree this year, including the little stuffed animals that I found at Costco in October (!).  There are also a few large green balls and snowflakes that were on sale at Canadian Tire for $1.43 an $0.73 each....I couldn't resits.

The china cabinet has been dressed as well.  It is as close as I come to having a mantel.  I haven't hung stockings for years and when I did, they were tacked up on the wall.


The living room gets most of the attention, though I do have a vase of artificial flowers on the windowsill by the sink along with a ceramic snowman.  The table will eventually be decorated, however since Saku tends to like to hang out there I don't put out anything that he might be able to knock on the floor.  The light about the table is fair game.

The past few years I've hung the crystal icicles (plastic) from the light fixture.  After Christmas I found these plastic snowflakes and added them this year. I love how they catch the light and I leave them up all winter.

These week I also finished a sweater I started shortly before I left on my cruise.  Obviously it is for my grandson, and I expect it won't fit him until he's 6-9 months old.

It is knit from the neck down in one piece to the underarm, then the sleeve stitches are set on holders while the rest of the body is knitted.  With a pick of a few stitches the sleeves are finished.  I really prefer to knit this way as it means I don't have to sew any seams!

I found the pattern on the internet though, and the instructions were a little lacking  There were no lengths provided so I made an educated guess (using other patterns).  The boy's version is rather plain so I decided to add a couple of appliques.  Pinterest is great!  I  found these little cars to crochet.  The pattern had little black crocheted wheels but I din't have any black wool so I added buttons instead.  When I appliqued the cars to the sweater I left the windows open so they are little pockets too!

There is one big mistake that is visible - I miscounted on the rows for the buttonholes.  So I have one more button than I ought to have and the top two buttons are further apart than the rest.  Regardless, as I said when I posted the photo on Facebook, it may not be factory quality but it was certainly made with love.

This weekend has been busy with the usual household chores, some grocery shopping, and...clearing the driveway of snow.  We had some flurries on Saturday morning and while it wasn't much, it needed to be cleared or it simply packs on the driveway.  Besides we're going to get cold weather next week; the forecast is for minus 16-18C (0-3F) daytime highs and colder still at night.  I plan on staying indoors where it is warm as much as possible. (Except when I have to force myself out the door to go to work.)

On that note, I'll close this post, wishing you all a good week ahead!

*I'm fortunate to work where we are able to accrue sick leave.  I have used some over the years, but have built up a bank of nearly 6 months.  It's nice to know it is there, just in case.  When I do retire, it will simply expire - it does not get paid out as some people think.

Phew...made it!

Before I get into a re-cap of Christmas, I'd like to ask for your prayers and kind thoughts for Rian and her family in Texas.  The recent storms and tornadoes in their area caused a lot of damage, and while thankfully, no one in her immediate family was harmed it has been a very frightening and worrying time.

While there was potential for a different kind of storm here on Christmas Day, I'm proud to say I behaved myself and didn't even make any snide comments.  Oh my, the end of my tongue was near bitten off but I did it.  I picked my daughter up about 10 a.m. from her apartment; she, my son and I opened gifts together before it was time to start dinner.

This is a mug my brother gave me.  It says "I'm older than the internet".  I reminded him later in the day that this would apply to him as well. I also gave him a mug...but it simply said "Tea".  Hmmm...next year may require payback.

For dinner we had turkey and all the trimmings...stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, carrots, turnips, coleslaw and homemade buns.  The only thing I forgot was cranberries, and since my kids and I don't care for them I'm not surprised.  We picked up D's boyfriend J and their roommate B about 4 p.m.  It was pretty apparent J was pretty nervous but by the time dinner was in full swing he relaxed and was telling stories about growing up.  Later, his mom told D that she's glad I make him nervous...he deserves to feel that way.  I agree!

About that time, B had a bit of an allergic reaction to the cats so we cleaned up quickly and headed back to the apartment to drop him off.  And then I did something I never thought I'd ever do.  I drove to the local jail to drop J off so he could serve another weekend of his sentence. This is not the life I envisioned my daughter would live but she seems resigned that this is her fate.

After we got back to the house, I needed some fresh air to clear my head.  I took my camera to get a couple of shots of the full moon and of my neighbour's home.  He lights it up every year, has music timed to the lights.  This year he added a candy cane dispenser with a donation box for the Canadian Cancer Society.

The quality of the photos aren't great but I hope you can see some of the color.  The moon was so lovely and bright and the air was crisp and cold.  (about -25C).  Just what I needed!

It certainly wasn't the Christmas I would have wanted, but it wasn't as bad as it might have been.  There were no arguments or bitter words and for that I am grateful.  I'm grateful too for those of you who stop for a minute and provide your support through your comments.  Thanks for being there.



Have a wonderful week everyone!

Merry Christmas!

 Have a wonderful day everyone!  My adult children and I will be spending most of the day together, with the daughter's boyfriend and roommate joining us for dinner.

Let there be peace on earth, goodwill to all men.

Whee....

Well, I'm back...sorta.  It's been a busy time, as the weeks leading up to Christmas tend to be.  But there's been more drama than normal and I'm drained.  I'll be so thankful to see 2016 arrive.

I won't get into all the details but at the beginning of the month my daughter's useless boyfriend was stopped by the police.  Since he was driving without a licence and was on probation, her car was impounded until the beginning of January.  It's been a rough time for her, and I'd hoped she'd finally come to her senses, and put him out of her life but sadly that isn't the case.  In the meantime she's been asking for rides and other favors and while I've said "no" a lot, I've also helped her out a fair amount on the weekends.  I've driven her to various doctor appointments, dropped her off at her second job, and gone grocery shopping with her.  When we took the groceries to the apartment, the loser boyfriend told me "you and I have to get together and talk".  Yeah, that is so not happening!  I am so angry with him at this point, I can't stand the thought of being around him.  I guess I'll have to as I've invited he and the roommate to join the three of us for Christmas dinner.  Oh joy!

Meanwhile I've been busy getting ready for Christmas.  My shopping is done, the presents are wrapped and (mostly) under the tree.  There are a couple of bulky items that are tucked away and will be brought out when we open gifts.  I bought both of them new pillows and new winter jackets.  D really needs a new jacket, but with having to pay the storage fees on her car can't afford one.  I was thrilled to find Ricki's had coats on sale at 70% off this weekend.  I was able to get a really nice jacket, regularly priced at $190 for $63 taxes in.  Chad's was also on sale at Marks WorkWarehouse, and although he has a decent jacket, this one is a little heavier.

I did do a little baking for my friend K and her partner J.  I made a batch of shortbread which J loves and K refuses to make.  I usually make her Dundee cake but did not have the ingredients so made a batch of Hello Dolly bars.  These were her recipe, it was my first time making them, and although the tasted great they didn't look very pretty.  I'll make a batch of cheesecake brownies this week in time for our Christmas Eve potluck.  Another batch of shortbread and a Rice Krispie square cake for Christmas dessert.  These are my kid's favorites and much easier than pie.

I even got my Christmas cards and letters written this weekend and mailed.  Over the years the number of cards have significantly declined, as I've connected with people more and more on Facebook or by e-mail..  This year I only sent nine cards, and of those, only five contained the letter as the rest are Facebook friends and family so have heard all the news already.

My brother and his children, and possibly his wife, are expected to drop by on Tuesday evening.  He had thought we might get to have dinner together but it is his wife's sister's birthday so they will be going out for dinner with her.  So I'm hoping they'll be able to drop by on their way home.  I suspect P will make an excuse to go back to work (as she did last year) so I suspect it will just be the three of them.

About ten days ago I decided to seek some help for myself as I've been feeling overwhelmed and stressed out for some time.  This situation with my daughter has definitely added to those feelings.  When I explained that I've been feeling as though I'm in a fight or flight situation almost all the time, and find it very difficult to relax, the counsellor suggested I may be suffering a low-grade depression.  Whether I am or not, it was almost a relief to hear these words. One of her suggestions is that I have a physical, which I've since arrange for mid-January, to rule out any physical causes.  She's also recommended I find time to exercise and get out among other people.  I do tend to hole-up in the winter time, I hate the cold, and prefer to stay home so I will try.  At least thus far, this winter has been pretty nice with little snow and warmer than normal temperatures.

So, yes I'll be very happy when 2015 comes to an end.  It started off well with my trip to Parksville, but is certainly ending on a less than happy note.  For now, I'll try to relax in the glow of the Christmas lights, with a cat (Saku!) snuggled up against me, and with the knowledge I've done what I can.

Have a wonderful Christmas week everyone!

How many sleeps?

Goodness, another long lapse between posts.  Things have ticking along here with nothing truly exciting to share.  Though I did take another marble out of my jar at the beginning of the month.  Just 39 more before I lose all my marbles!

I've been trying to get ready for Christmas, I've done some shopping, started my Christmas letter, and the tree is up.  But I'm certain I still have shopping to do ...it's time to sit down and make a list of what I've purchased and what stills needs to be picked up. Maybe tomorrow evening.

I must say, thank goodness for Amazon, not only do they have almost anything and everything one might need, but I can shop from the comfort of my easy chair, AND they deliver to my door.

Although I've started a letter, I've yet to pull out the box of Christmas cards.  Another task I could do from the comfort of my easy chair but I've chosen not to...at least thus far.  Maybe tomorrow.



There has been no Christmas baking accomplished either.  I took out the margarine and butter on Saturday afternoon, and put them back in the fridge on Sunday.  Maybe next weekend.


I've spent last weekend watching curling (you'll already know that if you've read the cats blog...they enjoy that I'm glued to the couch) and doing a bit of knitting.  This is "wine" cozy pattern I saw on-line.  Don't ask me why a wine bottle would need a cozy but I thought it might be a fun way to wrap a bottle of wine for a friend (which I still need to buy....this is bottle of sparkling Saskatoon juice that we'll have with our Christmas dinner).

The same site had a pattern for a little toque and scarf set, also meant for a wine bottle.  Well, I looked at it and had a different idea.

The top of my china cabinet usually holds photos and a couple of knick-knacks including the little cats.  I'd removed those items to put out a few Christmas decorations when I got the bright idea to dress up the cats

The toque fit the smaller one but I would have had to revised the size for the second so I just made the scarf for it.

That's pretty much the extent of my Christmas preparations and I'm realizing there are only 16 more sleeps to the big day.,,,yikes!

So you'll forgive me if I'm not around for the next week or ten days.  I've got to get out of this easy chair (where I collapse every evening) and get something done soon.

Have a great holiday season everyone!

Funny Friday

Ready, set..

I love Christmas!  I love the gift buying, wrapping, decorations, the food (all the food), visiting with family and friends.  But this year, with my trip coming up I've been a little distracted.

Christmas seemed to sneak up on me a bit, and yet I was so relaxed this year. We had a wonderful Christmas Day.  My daughter spent three nights here arriving on Christmas Eve and leaving on Saturday. Since my son works retail, Christmas Day is the only full day we have together. Of course, being young adults they tend to sleep in so our day didn't get started until nearly noon.  It meant I had a quiet morning, sitting with my coffee in the glow from the lights of the Christmas tree.

I started our dinner, a beef roast, in the slow cooker about 8:30 a.m.  Later I set the table, getting a little help from Saku.

For dinner we had the roast, with Yorkshire pudding, mashed potatoes, cooked carrots and a broccoli/cauliflower salad (it was so good!). I'd never made the Yorkshire pudding before, but they were easy and my daughter loved them!

My friend C joined us for dinner.  She spent the morning with her ex-husband and her son but was going to be on her own for the rest of the day.

We had a wonderful visit (and meal...if I do say so myself).  C has been part of our lives since my son was just a little guy; she was the one who rode the rides on the midway because mom was too afraid!  There was lots of laughter as we shared memories!


We'd opened gifts earlier in the day.

The cat is a gift from my friend's C & N.  On the card it reads in part:
"Pop Artist Romero Britto uses vibrant colors and bold patterns as a visual language of hope and happiness."

This is "Happy Cat" #1289/4000
Isn't he cute?

 
The bag is from my brother and his family.  He'd told me he bought something I could use on my trip and I'd guessed an umbrella!

It has a drawstring at the top so I wouldn't be able to use it as a carry-on.  But it will certainly be in my suitcase to be used for carrying groceries, or my camera ...and probably an umbrella. :)

My children gave me this Saskatchewan Roughrider hoodie.  I had suggested a t-shirt but this will be great for spring and fall.

Boxing Day I did go shopping, but not early as I have in the past.  I slept until 8  a.m. and then headed for Walmart. The big score was kitty litter - a large container is normally $15 but was on sale for $10.  I got four of them, along with cat food, both dry and wet (not on sale).  I wanted to stock up so my son C doesn't have to purchase any while I'm away.

I also picked up more yarn (yes, I'm getting quite a stash built up) at Michael's.  the project I was thinking I would take on my trip is too big so I wanted something smaller.  I'll share that in another post, suffice to say it's new to me and it's going to be fun!

After shopping I met my friend B for brunch at Denny's.  She wanted to try their pumpkin pancakes.  I stuck to the tried and true, the Grand Slam breakfast.  Later that day, I made a batch of buns and a salad to take to a potluck dinner that evening at C&N's.  We normally would go out for dinner but the restaurant was closing at 3 p.m.  C made a beef stew, there were two dishes of perogies, coleslaw, a veggie platter, and my offerings.  We all ate very well.  Did I mention I love the food?

After dinner, we watched some video of N's summer job; he flew water bombers fighting fires this year.  We played a Christmas trivia game C had put together,(do you know the name of the Grinch's dog?*) and listened to "The Shepherd".  This story, by Frederick Forsyth tells the story of a De Havilland Vampire pilot, going home on Christmas Eve in 1957.  Without his instruments, running low on fuel, and encountering heavy fog, the pilot is certain he is doomed, but a Christmas miracle occurs and he lives to tell the story.  If, like me, you've not heard the story, take a listen.


Yesterday was back to the normal weekend chores, and I took down most of the decorations, and undressed the tree.  My son still has to dismantle the tree and carry it downstairs for me so I can vacuum and wash the floors.  I also got my sewing/craft room re-organized so that I will be able to use it.

There is room to the left of my chair to set up the ironing board and the closet (not pictured since it still a mess)has my yarn stash, iron, material, and other supplies.

Today, I slept in until 9:30 (how lazy!).  The cats did have me awake earlier to feed them but I decided to let myself sleep until I woke up. Apparently, Christmas has tired me out!

I still have housework to do (see above) but I've taken it pretty easy so far.  There is batch of buns in the oven, and another pan to go in shortly.  Half of the batch I made on Boxing Day were eaten at dinner that night, and my children made short work of the rest.  This batch should last a little longer, I hope!

After the buns are done, I'm going to go outside, get some fresh air and shovel the driveway as we got a bit more snow yesterday. We're into a cold snap (-26C this morning) and this should be the last time before I leave.  (Yes, I started packing yesterday!).

It's going to be busy week before I get away.  I'm working full days on Monday and Tuesday, just three hours on Wednesday and then on Friday afternoon.  The latter two days are the result of the need to have sufficient managers in the office to supervise the minimal number of staff who will be around.  I've got a manicure and hair cut booked for Weds. a.m. and some last minute errands to run on Fri. before I fly out on Saturday.  By this time next week, I'll hopefully be posting pictures of my first walk on the beach on the island.

I'm horribly behind in reading blogs but hope to get caught up in the next week or so.  To atone for my lax ways, here's the recipe for the salad I made twice this week.

Broccoli/cauliflower salad (all measurements approximate)
3 cups of bite-sized pieces of broccoli tops and cauliflower**
minced red onion - as little or much as you like
cherry tomatoes halved - as little or much as you like
Dressing:
Equal parts of mayonnaise and sour cream (I used 4 tablespoons of each to start)
1 tablespoon of vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons of white sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
Stir together and pour over vegetables.  Let stand in bowl for a couple of hours before serving.

This has to be my new favorite salad.  The dressing is fresh - it's the only word I can use to describe it and the colors, green, red and white are so Christmas'y.  A co-worker brought it for our Christmas Eve brunch and when I asked she gave me a list of ingredients but no measurements.  I just put it together by taste. No pictures available as it was all eaten by the time I thought about it.  Enjoy!

Have a wonderful week everyone!
*Max
**I cheated and bought two bags of pre-cut

Merry Christmas!

Wherever you are, however you choose to celebrate (or not) this day, I wish you all a day full of the things you enjoy most.

Love,
Eileen

*comments off

Countdown to Christmas

Another busy week is behind me, thank goodness.  Four more sleeps to Christmas, and in two weeks I'll be able to take my first walk on the beach in Parksville.   Oooh...I'm so excited.

I spent the week in our Saskatoon office.   The plan to work with my staff there was nearly thwarted when two were ill,  another was in a training course, a fourth was out of the office working so there was only one person actually in the office on Monday and Tuesday.  But by mid-week, with the exception of the one working away, the rest were in the office.   Thursday we all went for our Christmas lunch to a local restaurant.


In addition to a Chapters gift card, my staff gave me this lovely five piece calendar set.  It has the large calendar, a mini calendar, list pad, bookmark, and four note cards with envelopes.

They've come to know me well.  I made a stop at Chapters on Friday evening and spent the gift cards on a couple of books for me, a cookbook for my daughter and a set of ice-cube trays for my son. (I can tell you this knowing neither of them read my blog!)

Friday morning there was heavy fog in the area.  I left the office about 10 a.m. and it was starting to burn off.  I never had less than 1/4 mile visibility and the roads were clear.  Still I was glad to get home.

I  had planned to have my brother and his family over for dinner on Friday, but their plans changed so we arranged to get together on Saturday instead.

My niece, L will be 12 in January, while my nephew K was 14 in November.


They're fairly close in size and both were excited that they are taller than aunty now.

They came from L's basketball game, had lunch with me and a short visit, before they had to head over to their Granny's house before the next basketball game.  I'm glad I don't have their schedule!

Today, I'm trying to get caught on housework.  I did some laundry yesterday and loaded the dishwasher  The last of the gifts are wrapped and under the tree (except Santa's because he doesn't come until Christmas Eve!) and the kitchen counters are clear.  I still have to scrub the floor, vacuum the upstairs, clean cat litter boxes, and take out the garbage.

This morning I mixed up a batch of these crackers.  I was supposed to use Ritz cheese sandwich crackers but I messed up and bought the original.  The recipe is very simple, add two tablespoons of dill weed, two teaspoons of garlic powder, a package of Ranch dip mix (dry), and a cup of canola (or veg) oil to five 180 gram packages of the crackers.

Mix in a large bowl and stir every 20 minutes to half hour until the oil is fully absorbed. They are yummy whether you use the right crackers or not!

Before I get back to my housework, I'll leave you with some photos I took in the yard this morning. The hoar frost is sooo beautfiful!

 Have a great week everyone!

Random Sunday

Christmas baking done, check.

Christmas cards addressed, check
Roast for Christmas dinner bought, check
Christmas gifts bought, check ???

To do:
Write the Christmas letter, insert in addressed envelopes and mail
Wrap gifts, realize I've haven't found a gift for my son

And I just realized what both these tasks mean - I'm going to have to venture out to the mall/post office.  Arrggh!!

I had to run to Walmart yesterday to pick up some dish detergent (I didn't count the loads of dishes from my baking but it was lot) and tissue paper for wrapping.  When I arrived home, I said to my son, "the next time I say I'm going to run to Walmart on a Saturday afternoon before Christmas, remind me not to be so f*ng crazy."  My first clue - there was a line-up into the parking lot!  Finding a spot wasn't difficult because I don't need to park within 10 meters of the store.  Especially when it's above freezing!  And I could use the exercise...though on that note I should have walked from home.

I digress.  The second clue was the lack of carts inside the store.  There were lots abandoned in the parking lot, and the rest were playing a game of seek and destroy in the store driven by the same idiots people who recently circled the parking lot.

The thought of heading out to the mall again makes me shudder!!!

****
Our warm weather is nearly at an end.  We've cooled down today, though I do see we're getting sleet or rain as I type this.  This close to freezing weather is a bit scary as the roads get dicey.

Thankfully the forecast for the next couple of wees is for normal temperatures and not bitter cold. We'll see temps around -10C for daytime highs and -17C for overnight lows.

Yesterday, I was able to let the cats out into the sun room briefly.   Unfortunately it wasn't sunny and my daughter borrowed my space heater a week or two ago and hasn't brought it back yet otherwise they could have been out there longer.

****
I'm off to Saskatoon this week as I'm going to take my staff out for lunch on Thursday.  My two staff and I joined another group, this past Thursday at a restaurant near the office.  We pre-ordered, which was a great idea as our food was out to us quickly and we were able to relax and visit for awhile before returning to work.

Friday was my earned day off.  So guess what I did?  Can't guess...don't want to guess...I went to the office.  Now why would I go to the office on my day off?

Because my boss decided we'd have our Christmas lunch on Friday.  He told me that the date worked for everyone else because they were all planning in the office so I reluctantly agreed to come in. Then on Thursday I discovered that he had told three of us the same fib.  I seriously thought about skipping the lunch but it wouldn't have been fair to the rest.

But I did cut it short by telling him I had to pack my computer, etc. for the trip to Saskatoon so we were all out of there in 90 minutes.

****
Speaking of packing, I'm starting to think about what I'll take with me to B.C. in January.  I am sooooo looking forward to wearing casual clothes most of the time. I'll take something dressy to wear just in case but t-shirts and jeans will be the norm.  But besides clothing I want to take a few things from home to make me feel at home.  I was thinking taking some photos but I'll have my laptop so will lots of pictures of the cats, and I can call or text my kids.

I am going to take some yarn to either crochet or knit though I don't want to take up too much space in the suitcase.  So I won't be taking the nearly complete afghan that just needs to be sewn together.  It's been in a bin in the craft room since...well a long time.  I have a project in mind that I'll share once I've actually started it.

Something else I'm taking is small packages of the spices I use most regularly.  I won't need or want to purchase full containers so the plan is to use the small travel bottles  (cleaned and labelled).

I'm also taking my camera with me.  I'm so looking forward to being near the water.  I'm imagining going for a walk every morning on the boardwalk.  Soon, very soon!

****
Enough dreaming, I still have more gifts to wrap, the floors need to be washed, and the curling finals of the Canadian Open have started.

Have a great week everyone and I hope you're able to avoid the Christmas crowds!!

Friday Funny

Making a list

I've been making lists but it doesn't seem to be helping any.  How can it be that I felt so prepared for Christmas a week ago, but today I'm having a conniption fit trying to figure out how I'm going to get everything done?

But I'm

I suppose if I didn't try to cram everything in on the weekend perhaps I'd feel less stressed.  But after a long day of work I feel like doing nothing more than curling up in my chair with a cat or two, watching television, and maybe catching up on blog reading.  So that's what I do even though I ultimately pay for my laziness.

As a result the weekend is busy!!  I did housework and errands on Friday, yesterday was shopping, a little baking, lots of curling to watch, and my daughter's birthday dinner (pizza/ribs/Caesar salad ordered in).  She and I ran to Costco and Michael's this morning, then it was home to watch more curling, and continue baking.  

Which reminds me - Trish mentioned last week that baking and not sharing my recipes isn't right.  At the bottom of the post you'll find the recipe for cinnamon sugar cookies that I made last weekend. These have been such a hit that they are on my do-over list.

Something that is not, is the fudge bar - basically fudge on a shortbread base.  Well, if you figure out a way to get fudge to adhere to the base you're way ahead of me.  So I have a pan of fudge with shortbread crumbs on the bottom.  Very disappointing!

This weekend I baked peppermint cream cheese brownies (yet to be iced and cut), Dundee cake (an almond cake with lots of fruit, shortbread, and mini chocolate cupcakes.  The latter will be iced and sprinkled with bits of candy cane.

The almonds on the top of the Dundee cake should be placed in a circle but I figure by the time it is cut no one will know the difference.

 There's my laziness rearing it's head again.

I'm taking a break for a little bit, then will try to get one more batch of shortbread done (no sugar on top - it's a gift for a friend) as well as a batch of white chocolate M&M cookies. 

AND that will be it for baking.

While I've been watching curling I've been knitting.  My daughter wanted dishcloths - I'm on the fourth one this weekend - she got to take three and I'll keep this one for myself.  

I picked up some more yarn at Michael's for a crochet project.  It's something, that if I don't finish over the next few weeks, can be taken with me to B.C. to finish there.

*****

We had some weird weather today over a period of about two hours.  It started with rain.

Then the snow started coming down in earnest and the wind started to blow.

Within 30 minutes the snow and wind stopped and it's simply been overcast ever since. Weird!

The weather is supposed to warm up significantly, we may even get above freezing.  

*****

Finally what you've been waiting for; the first is the recipe as it was published, and below that is my way...the lazy way.

"Cinnamon Roll" cookies

3/4 cup butter, softened

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 egg

1 tsp. vanilla

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp. baking powder

Pinch salt

Cinnamon sugar:

2 tbsp. packed brown sugar

2 tbsp butter, softened

1 tsp cinnamon

In large bowl, beat butter with sugar until fluffy; beat in egg and vanilla.  Whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking powder and salt; stir into butter mixture in 3 additions.

Divide dough in half; shape into discs.  Wrap each in plastic wrap; refrigerate for 1 hour. Let stand at room temperature until soft enough to roll out, about 15 minutes.

Between waxed paper or on a floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to 12 X 10 inch rectangle.

Cinnamon sugar

Combine sugar, butter and cinnamon, spread half evenly onto rectangle.  Starting at long side roll up dough.  Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.

Cut rolls into 1/4 inch thick slices, place 1 inch apart on parchment lined or greased baking sheets.  Bake 1 sheet at a time, in 375F oven until pale golden on bottoms and edges, about 10 minutes.  Transfer to racks and let cool completely.

Cream cheese glaze:

Quarter package (250g package) cream cheese, softened

1/3 cup icing sugar

2 tbsp milk, warmed

Combine cream cheese, icing sugar and milk, drizzle over cooled cookies.

Makes about 60 cookies.

The lazy way:

Although I followed the recipe as far as ingredients went, the rolling and drizzling was too much futzing for me.  So I simply rolled out the dough, used a scalloped cookie cutter, and sprinkled a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon on top of each cookie.  As Jamie Oliver would say, "easy peasy".  

Enjoy!

Good to see you gone (November)

Is it just me or has the last eleven months zipped by?  Here we are on the cusp of December, just a short few weeks away from 2015.  Not to say I'm not looking to January this year but still...

Frankly, I'm glad to see the last of November especially the weather.  Like much of North America we've had January weather the last couple of weeks.  At 6 p.m., it's currently -23C (-9F) only a three degree warmer than our overnight temperature.  But there is a warm-up in the forecast though at least for tomorrow with the strong winds we'll still feel very cold.  From the Environment Canada forecast:
EC forecast: Sunny. Becoming a mix of sun and cloud near noon. Wind southeast 30 km/h gusting to 50. High minus 13. Wind chill minus 39 in the morning and minus 27 in the afternoon. 
Is it any wonder why I want to get away from it all?

Speaking of the cold, my daughter showed up early this morning because the boiler had gone out overnight at her apartment.  She waited until 8 a.m. to call the caretaker and then came over to the house to get warm.  I probably would have come earlier myself and called from here but I guess she didn't want to get out of bed!  With a couple of cats to cuddle up to, she crawled into my bed and slept for nearly an hour.

I took advantage of her company and together we decorated the Christmas tree.  My son had brought it from the basement and set it up in the living room last night but he's never shown any interest in helping decorate.

It took me nearly two hours last night to get the lights on the tree. It would have been less but I was watching the European women's curling final (Switzerland won) and had to keep stopping to watch the last few rocks of each end.

With D's help the tree was decorated much more quickly. At least for now.  Does anyone else rearrange the ornaments?  I continually move things around depending on the view of the tree.  By the time it is up a week though I should have it "finished". In fact, I think I see a bare spot from here.

As you'll probably I'm not a coordinated decorator. I like lots of color and most of my ornaments have been gathered up throughout the years.

Here are a few of my favorites.

I have six of the birds, two mice and at least four cats on the tree along with the various baubles, icicles and snowflakes.  The cats were gifts, but I bought the birds and mice because they are also bells.  It's good to have a little forewarning when one of the cats (Saku) decides to visit the tree.  The whole thing would probably make a designer cringe but I love the memories.

Yesterday I started my Christmas baking.  I haven't baked a lot the last few years but a friend asked if I would make some for work.  I was just a little irritated...okay a lot irritated...when I discovered my daughter had taken my vanilla extract and my lemon juice sometime since she's moved out.    I had planned to get some groceries sometime this weekend, but the lack of those items had me scurrying out into the cold much sooner than I planned.

Thus far I've made two batches of cookies, mocha snaps and cinnamon sugar, and two bars, one with lemon, cranberry and coconut on a shortbread base, and a fudge bar also on a shortbread base .  The mocha snaps are the only recipe I'd made before but everything has turned out very well.  (I have to taste it to make sure, right?)  I have to say the cinnamon sugar cookies are probably my new favorite. Next up are the chocolate cookies with M&M candies, and another bar...probably something with cream cheese.

I'd be baking this evening as well but the Grey Cup game is on.  It's the last football game for our Canadian teams of the year, and while our Riders aren't in it, it's still fun to watch.  So the mess in the kitchen will need to wait until half-time because I'm not moving from this chair.

On that note, I'll end this post, wishing you all a good week!

Random Saturday

Where to start?  Well, since I'm from Saskatchewan and nearly every conversation around here starts with the weather I'll start there.  (Is that normal elsewhere or this just a Canadian thing?)

After a week or ten days - it seems forever - of below normal cold weather and snow, our  high yesterday was 7C (45F).  Not only was it a relief but it melted pretty much all the snow.  

Poor Mr. Bunny has nowhere to hide, but I bet he appreciates the warmer weather too.  From the look of him he's been eating well for the last few weeks - there is still a little green stuff around to nibble on to add to his store.

Unfortunately the warmer temps won't last long (at least long enough for me). We've got a chance of freezing rain this evening and forecast of 2 cms. of snow overnight.  

Oh well, it was nice while it lasted.

*****

At work, my mantra DLTBW* seems to be working for me.  Reminding myself that I have no control over the decisions that are made only my reaction to them has reduced my stress level significantly. The change in my attitude is noticeable enough that others have even remarked on it.  

My immediate boss still annoys me frequently as he often demonstrates the Peter Principle, "managers rise to the level of their incompetence".  He would annoy me less if he put a little effort into doing his job.  But he's less than two years from retirement so chances are that isn't going to happen.  Shrug, not my forest, not my fire.

*****

Of course, part of the reason I'm a more relaxed likely has to do with the days ticking by bringing me closer to my trip to B.C.  

First though there is Christmas to plan and organize.   I have a tendency to purchase gifts throughout the year and tuck them away.  The other day I went through my closet and pulled everything out, made a list and found that I was more than half-way through my shopping.  Since then I've managed to pick up gifts for my staff, my son, and a friend and ordered books for my brother and his family on-line.  There are still some gift cards to purchase but I think my gift shopping is very nearly complete.

I've pulled a couple of bins from the basement storage to start the decorating process. My plan is to downsize a bit, anything that is worn out will be tossed, and items that I'm not as fond of any longer will be packed into a box for next spring's planned garage sale.  Or it will be donated to the Community Living charity for re-sale.

I'm not in any rush, the tree will wait until next weekend - it's something to do while the final football game of the season is underway.  Plus I need to clear out the cats' play area first.  They are just a little spoiled!

******

I'm still having some issues with my food intake.  I feel fine as long as I eat small, frequent meals but if I eat too much I pay for it.  Last night we were out for dinner and I took a chance and ate what would have been a normal meal for me; two chicken fingers with Caesar salad and a half slice of garlic toast. At four a.m. this morning I woke up in severe pain.  Lesson learned, I need to stick to less rich food and smaller portions.

******

This evening I'm off to the symphony with a friend. We'll be experiencing Prokofiev's Fifth - I'll be honest I have no idea who Prokofiev was, and I'm not generally a huge fan of classical music.  I had purchased a subscription for the Pops series and these tickets were complimentary.  We'll give it a try but I've told C if we aren't enjoying the music we'll leave at intermission and go for coffee and a visit.

******

It's been a pretty routine week for the most part.  The rest of the weekend will be spent getting housework done in between watching curling (hooray!) and football (Riders are out, boo!).  

Have a wonderful weekend everyone.

*don't let the bastards win.