North Pole

The Wait

The anticipation of what tomorrow is, and hopefully we have not forgotten the meaning behind this day! The last minute preparations, and the saying good bye to Brenna being at my house. It really is never enough time for me to have her here. A friend stops by with her grandson, these moments are what life is about. The trip to Walmart, now you know I am not enjoying that, but it was necessary to get the groceries to last through the week. My 2 girls were busy out shopping for the food for our Christmas Eve, the calls to ask which of this and that to get. I just had to smile as they are slowly learning so much to help them with their lives. I am ready to pass on to her the fun of having Christmas Eve at her home. May your Christmas be blessed and full of good memories!! Till next time...

Perfect Golf Shot

;)Bob stood over his tee for what seemed an eternity. He waggled, looked up, looked down, waggled again, but didn't start his back swing. Finally his exasperated partner asked, "what the hell is taking so long?"

"My wife is up there watching me from the clubhouse," Bob explained. "I want to make a perfect shot."

"Good lord!" his companion exclaimed. "You don't have a snowball's chance in hell of hitting her from here."

Peas in a Pod

I came down stairs Sunday and caught my family acting like two peas in a pod. Julie was staying over night and we were upstairs having a chat and just relaxing. Tessa and John were both watching TV and drawing. The photos pretty much say it all. John is trying to draw a design for the semi that is in his lap. Julie and I had a few really good laughs. Dad, do you remember a visit to a Dairy Queen? It was when you took Julie to the Cities for college days. I am not really sure what all we talked about. I do know that the laughter got quite loud. I really enjoy moments like that!! Till next time...

The Christmas program

It has been a few days since I attempted to even write anything. It is NOT that there is nothing to comment on, it is just to take the time to sit here and put it into words. It is more like my flighty mind starts to think and then I am off doing something else. I think I finally have my Christmas cards done. I started cleaning out the files so that I am ready for the new year. May I say UGH!! I often wonder why I save all that I do. I live in fear that I might throw away something that could be important at a later date.

Sunday was Mariah's church Christmas program. I thought it was very cute! I am really disgusted at my photos. John had to work and I am NOT a photographer. I just can not seem to get clear photos with my camera when I am inside with movement. GRR!!! I made sure I tried to catch her before she had stripped off her costume. Alicia had her dressed so cute, but it was all covered by her garb. Till next time...

Getting Old

Have you ever been guilty of looking at others your own age and thinking, "Surely I can't look that old!" Well, you are going to love this one.

I was sitting in the waiting room for my first appointment with a new dentist when I noticed his diploma hanging on the wall. It bore his full name and I suddenly remembered a tall, handsome dark-haired boy with the same name. He had been in my high school class some 40-odd years
before and I wondered if he could be the same guy I had a secret crush on way back then??



When I got into the treatment room I quickly discarded any such thought.



This balding gray-haired man with the deeply lined face was much too old to have been my secret crush... or was he???



After he examined my teeth I asked if he had attended Morgan Park High School.



"Yes, I did. I'm a Mustang!" He said, gleaming with pride.



"When did you graduate?" I asked.



"1959. Why do you ask?" He answered.



"Well, you were in my class!" I exclaimed.



Then that ugly, old wrinkled ___ __ _ _____asked, "What did you teach?"

Concert

Last night was Tessa's orchestra concert, combined with the band and chorus of the 4th and 5th grades. Alicia had her Christmas party for her new job so Mariah joined us for the evening. I had to smile as I watched her expression while some of the music was played. I believe that one of the remarks made was, "This hurts my ears!" I just had to kind of smile and tell her it would not be long before it was over. I was actually kind of impressed with how well they all played together. They are just learning and I know it can not be easy to learn an instrument and then get up in front of every one to play.

Tessa seems to stay so calm, where I know I would still be so nervous. Here is her little grouphttp://dakota1980.multiply.com/video/item/39 playing . I hope this works so you can see it. Alicia got to the house right after we got home, the girls were disappointed that they did not get to play together longer.

UPDATE: John's eye is getting better. The doctor took the patch off and put in clear contact like lens to cover the eye for protection. He was not able to go with out it today, so on Monday they will try to remove it again. It is a relief to have him back driving himself around. Till next time...

Once again

I had to say goodbye to another one of my projects today. I make these cross stitch pictures and then they just sit in a box. I guess it is OK to let someone else get some enjoyment out of it. I always have a hard time letting it go, as I know how many hours I spent working on it. This one also went to Turkey, the wife of a friend. I hope she has the same taste as me and like it. It is a Paula Vaughan design. I think she is one of my favorites if not my favorite. Till next time...

Ouch!

John did not have a good day at work. He was wearing his safety googles but still managed to scratch his cornea in three places. It only took the wind to blow dried pasta or something back into his face for this to happen. He has to wear this charming patch on his eye until he sees the Doctor on Thursday morning. He is not allowed to drive the forklift or his truck. I know he does not like being chauffuered around. I get to put some oitment on his eye and he has pain pills. Till next time...

A DIFFERENT CHRISTMAS POEM

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light, I

gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.

My wife was asleep, her head on my chest, my daughter

beside me, angelic in rest.

Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,

transforming the yard to a winter delight.

The sparkling lights in the tree I believe, completed

the magic that was Christmas Eve.

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep, secure

and surrounded by love I would sleep.

In perfect contentment, or so I would seem, so I

slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and if wasn't to near, but I

opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.

Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, then the

sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.

My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear, and I

crept to the door just to see who was near.

Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night, a

lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old, perhaps a

Marine, huddled here in the cold.

Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled, standing

watch over me, and my wife and my child.

"What are you doing?" I asked without fear, "Come in

this moment, it's freezing out here!

Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,

you should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift, away from

the cold and the snow blown in drifts.

To the window that danced with a warm fire's light

then he sighed and he said "It's really all right, I'm out here by choice.

I'm here every night."

"It;s my duty to stand at the front of the line, that

separates you from the darkest of times.

no one had to ask or beg or implore me, I'm proud to

stand here like my fathers before me.

My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December, "Then

he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."

My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam', and

now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son in more than a while, but my

wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.

Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag, The

red, white and blue...an American Flag.

"I can live through the cold and the being alone, away

from my family, my house and my home.

I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,

I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.

I can carry the weight of killing another, or lay down

my life with my sister and brother.

Who stand at the front against any and all, to ensure

for all time that this flag will not fall."

"so go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright, your

family is waiting and I'll be all right."

"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,

Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?

It seems all too little for all that you've done, for

being away from your wife and your son."

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret, "Just

tell us you love us and never forget.

To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,

To stand your own watch, no matter how long.

For when we come home, either standing or dead, to

know you remember we fought and we bled,

is payment enough, and with that we will trust, that

we mattered to you as you mattered to us.

WE ALL NEED TO PRAY FOR OUR MILITARY PERSONNEL

EVERY NIGHT!

These were not my words, but given to me!

December 9, 2006

A day at Alicia's

This day was SO beautiful. I saw a 48 degrees on one of those bank signs that show the temp. Tessa can only say, "It does not feel like Christmas!" I am really not so sad to have a beautiful day after the cold.

Alicia and I had planned to get together and make some Christmas cookies. We brought Nakita with us, so we could spray the house for fleas. It did not hurt her to be outside. She really would rather be in the house with the rest of us though! Everything is going along just fine, until my little darling decides to pull her usual behavior. Mariah went away mad and then the fireworks began. Tessa spent sometime outside with the dog to cool off.

The cookies made it on the pans and most of the sprinkles ended up on the cookies. The one minor mishap was when Mariah dropped on of the bottles with a loose lid, there were green and red jimmies everywhere!! One pan of Spritz cookies burned, it really does help to put on the timer. ;)

Alicia and I were checking out Gregg's Snow Village. We were just so amazed by how cute everything is and she can not wait to get it set up! We just hope one little miss will leave them alone!

The ironic part is that Tessa was so mad when it was time to leave. I wish she would remember that when she first gets there and not cause any fights. You know, there is just not ever enough time in the day! Till next time...

December 8, 2006

I went to Tessa's class for a continuation of the beading project. She is sitting with a new group of students for the month of December. I had to smile as this one girl kept saying "Don't be so mean to your mom!" Little Miss Independent really did not want much help, but did find using my finger to hold the beads up while drawing the needle back through to be helpful. I think I will just have to keep coming, maybe just to irritate a bit. ;)

The main plan for this weekend is to get with Alicia at her house and make cookies. I have not told Tessa that as if something goes wrong, she will never know what she missed out on. I just need to get those cookies mixed up and in the fridge tonight. Till next time...

I know my sense of humor is going to get me in trouble one day. These Christmas cartoons unfortantly made me laugh!

Our poor dog, well maybe now we are going to get this cleared up. I should not be surprised that it was so EXPENSIVE!! Merry Christmas, Nakita!! She is on antibiotics for the HOT spot as it was called and then I get to spray her 3 times a day. YIPPEE!! The pills I have to find treats to slip them into. I also get to spray this stuff in my house and we all have to leave for an hour. I should do this when everyone is at school and work. I just do not want to have to sit in my car by myself with the dog. I know this whole entry sounds like I am grumpy. I THINK I AM!! I could not believe when we weighed her and she had lost 10 pounds. I wish I could do that so easy. OK, I guess I need to get on with the rest of my day. Till next time...

Delight

I have to say that this morning started out so good, with a LAUGH!!! Tessa just shook her head and watched me laugh. I felt like someone flipped a switch and I had finally awoke out of a fog. This cold though, cannot seem to get it out of my bones. Alicia came on her lunch hour and I forgot to play a trick on her. Tessa had taken this thing from her magazine and put it in a DVD case to make it look like a different movie. She is going to be irritated with me for not doing it, IMAGINE THAT?!?!?

I finally brought myself to do something I have been dreading. I gave Nakita her bath and tried to shave the hair from around her sore. I feel so bad for her as I know she is miserable. I finally think that she has fleas and so she will see the vet tomorrow. :( I really hate having to bring her in, but what else can I do. The temp keeps falling today. Tessa is going to come home and want to play outside. I want her in where it is warm. Time to get ready for the onslaught that is Tessa. Till next time...

A new day, with fresh possibilities. I have been given the gift of time and now need to make good use of it. I woke up not realizing it was only 5am. I guess I did not hear him tell me last night he had to go to work early. I would like to know why I do NOT hear anything this man tells me!?!?! I know I am not deaf, but can not seem to HEAR him.

Tessa always tells me that I talk to her to much. I do NOT mean to be a nag, but I do need her to do certain things, just the common activities like brush your hair, brush your teeth so on and so worth! I really do NOT find mornings to be our best time. She does NOT like to be told what to do and when to do it.

I now have the dog that needs some sort of attention. John thinks maybe she does have fleas. We looked last night and could NOT see anything. I said we need to give her a really good bath. I can just imagine how fun that will be to do in the house. He got home so late last night that I hope tonight is not that late. I am NOT sure I can get the bath done by myself. I guess it can not hurt to try.

Alicia plans to come over and use the computer over her lunch hour. It is going to be rather nice to have her working so close to me. Tessa made the silly remark that she did NOT want her coming to HER house. I really wonder where she gets these idea's sometimes. I had to tell her, "you are only one of my three children and all are welcome in my house!" I hope to see that strong will used for some thing good one day! Well, that's all for now folks! Till next time...

I was in a panic the past few days. I was not able to get this site to work. I had lost the compose function and was ready to call it quits until in mysteriously showed up just like it had left. I have to say that I am COLD! I am not a winter person, I do NOT enjoy the cold. This morning I thought I am going to freeze something off while shoveling the snow. It is probably good I have a neighbor that is always making sure his snow is shoveled. We share a driveway and so it looks bad when I do NOT get my butt out and get that little job done.

Alicia started her new job today. She is only a block from my house now. I have a feeling I will see her quite often on her lunch hour. It is kind of nice to have someone to talk to during the day. I am glad it is not me starting out new. New people and new job duties to get used to.

Soon, I will have to go and get my little miss. It is Monday and she has her violin to bring home. My mind seems to keep wondering off and then I have to go and find it. I need to work on Christmas cards and can not seem to get into the mood for that. I am just glad that my sister, Dad and daughter all stopped by to break up the monotony of the day. Till next time...

The game of dance

Miss Mariah was able to come to my house Thursday while Alicia was at her going away party. She enjoyed a little time on that dance factory game that we have. She had a hard time keeping up with the arrows that kept flashing by on the screen. IT was cute to watch her though. Till next time...

The annual putting up of the tree.

I have been in a funk and not really able to write. Now I have to catch up on this week. I think that maybe the one activity that John really dreads is putting up the tree. Our tree is just to large and looks great, but is a BIG pain to put up. I think that after this year, we maybe switching trees with Alicia as she has the house for this one.

As you can see by the photos, no blood was shed and the tree once again is up. John tried to stay in the mood with a little of Christmas music. I have to smile as even in that we do not agree in style. ;) Tessa had the job of picking out of the box the many color coded branches for this tree. You know how it is when someone is just TOO happy. She managed to find both of our last nerves. I do have to say though, I just LOVE the lights twinkling in a dark room. Till next time...

Long Time Ago

I can not honestly say I remember this moment. I do remember the house without the shanty that Dad built on to it later. I look at my hair cut and wonder, WHY?!? I guess it was probably easier to take care of. WHO knows?!?!? I will have to get back to scanning more of these old photos into the computer. It takes so much time to do this. I have gotten tired of sitting at the computer. I know my family can not believe it, but it is TRUE! Till next time...

Fortune Cookies

John said that he did not care where he ate, as long as there were NO potatoes. We all kind of agreed oh Chinese. The Panda Buffet is kind of a favorite. Tessa really only likes the seafood mixture. (with a little bit of pie mixed in.)

The little pieces of paper in the cookies always kind of make me smile. John's said, "Time flies. Suns rise and shadows fall. Let time go by. Love is forever all." Jacqui's said, "Someone from your past has returned to steal your heart." I do not believe in these, but they are entertaining. Till next time...

Festive Lemon Cookies

1 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 cup sugar
1 (3_oz.) package cream cheese, softened
1 egg yolk
2 Tbsp. ReaLemon Lemon Juice from Concentrate
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. salt
21/4 cups unsifted flour
* Lemon Glaze (recipe follows)

Lemon Glaze: With mixer, beat together 4 cups unsifted confectioners' sugar an 1/4 cup ReaLemon Lemon Juice from Concentrate. (Add additional lemon juice in small amounts for a thinner consistency if desired.) Divide glaze and tint with food colorings if desired. (Makes 11/3 cups).

1. Combine all ingredients except flour and Lemon Glaze; with mixer, beat until well blended. Beat in flour.
2. Divide dough in half; wrap in plastic wrap and chill at least 1 hour.
3. On well floured surface, knead one dough portion into a smooth ball. Roll dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased sheets.
4. Bake in preheated 375 degree oven 7 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned around edge. Cool. Repeat with dough scraps and remaining dough. Decorate with Lemon Glaze. Store tightly covered.
   
   

Thanksgiving Day

This will be a quick post to say that we arrived at my parents this morning at 10:30am. I am sure that John was wondering if he was ever going to get all his females out of the house. (Dog included!!) The country side is so brown and in need of a coat of white. I really do not like this time of year as it is just to drap.

Mom out did herself with the simple turkey dinner that we all enjoyed. Ronna had called to say that she was at a different residence and that she had also had another baby a year ago. It has been hard to keep up with her so nice to finally make contact.

I had to have a little nap and then many of us went out to the old missile site to see what it looked like inside. I remember often wondering what it was like when we would drive by that place. It is a big mess right now. The raccoons have been making themselves at home and one never left. It was hard to see as there is power to the place and windows are boarded over.

It is now evening and the kids are playing Lego's, some are watching movies. I for one am trying to keep my eyes open, TOO much food!! I hope that you have all had a great Thanksgiving!! Till next time...

Rena's Buttermilk Cake

2c. sugar 1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. butter or shortening 2 tsp. soda
2 eggs 1/2 c. cocoa
1 c. buttermilk 1 c. hot water
1 tsp. vanilla 2 1/2 c. flour

Mix ingredients and bake for 350 degrees for 40 minutes.

This recipe has been in the family since I was in 2nd grade. A classmates mother put it in a book that was made at that time. It is very yummy!! ENJOY!!

The Photo for the day and I know that Julie is so happy that I took it. ;) She had to check her email and make a small post before she left for Pracs and then home. I know that my desk is very cluttered. I do think that is my middle name. Tessa was very excited that she left her lemon poppy scones here. I just have to get her off to school and then I can relax.

Tomorrow we will be going home to my parents. I know that Tessa had hoped that we could go tonight, but John is going to be putting in another long day. It just means one less night of dealing with the dog at Mom's. I hope to have many new photos to share with everyone when I get back. Till then, ciao...

Rhubarb Crunch

1 cup sifted flour
3/4 cup uncooked oatmeal
1 cup brown sugar (packed)
1/2 cup melted butter
1 tsp. cinnamon
Mix till crumbly. Press 1/2 crumbs into 9" baking pan. Cover with 3 cups of diced rhubarb.
Cook until thick and clear:
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
2T cornstarch
1 tsp. vanilla
Pour over rhubarb. Top with remaining crumbs and Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Enjoy

Butterscotch Bars

My Grandma Helen's Bars.

Dry ingredients:
2c. graham cracker crumbs
1/2c. walnuts
1/2c. coconut
2c. miniature marshmallows
Syrup:
Beat 2 eggs
1c. white sugar
3/4c. margarine
Stir, bring to boil and boil slowly for 5 minutes. cool.
Dump in dry ingredients and press in 9 by 13 pan.
Icing:
1 pkg. butterscotch chips
3 tbsp. peanut butter.
I made these yesterday. Due to much confusion around the kitchen, I did not let the syrup cool. They do not turn out as well, but everyone eat them anyway. This is one of those recipes that I always think of my grandma when I make them. I do not put the walnuts in, I do not put nuts in any recipe. Hmm, well I guess that is all for now.

Chicken Zucchini Casserole

1 package (6 oz.) stuffed mix
3/4 c. butter, melted
3c, zucchini
2c. cubed cooked chicken
1 can (103/4 oz.) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1 medium carrot, shredded
1/2c. chopped onion
1/2c. sour cream

In a large bowl, combine stuffing mix and butter. Set aside 1/2 cup for topping. Add zucchini, chicken, soup, carrot, onion and sour cream to the remaining stuffing mixture. Transfer to a greased 2 qt. baking dish. Sprinkle with the reserved stuffing mixture. Bake,uncovered, at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.

I just wish that my family loved this as much as I do. I have to make it just for my daughter Brenna and I. It is a great way to use the zucchini that is growing like crazy in the garden right now. Enjoy!!

Oatmeal Cake

1 1/4 cup hot water 1 1/3 cup flour
1 cup quick oatmeal 1 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 cup butter 1 tsp.cinnamon
1 cup white sugar 1 tsp. soda
1 cup brown sugar pinch of salt
2 eggs beaten

Pour hot water over oatmeal and butter and let stand 20 minutes. Add rest of ingredients and mix well. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.

TOPPING:

1/2 cup walnuts 1/4 cup cream
1/2 cup brown sugar 1 cup shredded coconut
6Tbsp. melted butter

Mix together and place on cake. Place back in oven under the broiler to caramelize. ENJOY!!

Banana Nut Bread

1/2cup butter
1 cup sugar
3 bananas
2 eggs
2 cup flour
1 tsp. soda
1/2 cup nuts
1 bottle Maraschino Cherries

Cream the butter and sugar. add the bananas and eggs. mix this. add flour and soda. I do not follow the rest of this recipe. I hate nuts so I put in chocolate chips. My family does not like the cherries so they are left out also. Mix well. Bake 350 degrees for 1 hour. Enjoy!!

No Bake Cookies

2 cups sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 stick of butter

1/2 cup peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 cups oatmeal

Directions:
1. Mix first four ingredients in a large pan and have an adult bring it to a boil, stirring frequently.
2. Remove from heat and add peanut butter and vanilla. Stir until peanut butter is melted.
3. Add oatmeal and stir until well coated.
4. Drop by spoonfuls unto a greased cookie sheet. Refrigerate until set.