mmm - cider & mulled wine - thanks!  I will wait til after my M&P meeting tonight to enjoy it though!

Carolla, lets have a virtual cookie exchange.Should I post it or will you?

sounds wonderful , the cider that is, and the cookies...

Looking forward to a house guest this week, my husband's cousin is attending a conference locally and will be here from Wed until Monday it seems.

I made real cookies tonight so I'll share some. White chocolate macademia nut ones from my "secret recipe" via Oak bay.

Had 3 gals over for card making. Didn't get as much done as wanted to but had fun. All cut out and ready to glue and stamp now.

Those cookies sound good Tabitha.   And having friends over for card-making - fun. 

Yesterday I got out recipes, checked what ingredients I'll need, checked my cupboards, and made out my shopping list.  A trip to the Coop and Bulk Barn, and I'll be ready t start cooking. 

Meanwhile I'll be doing some light cleaning and putting up my Jesse Tree and big nativity set.   It's about time to start on my Christmas cards as well.

Good morning all!

Well, you may well remember - a baker I am not . . . so no recipes from this one.  I do have favorites I like to eat though . . . date squares, nanaimo bars, and a few others.  I do like to hear your recipes and kinds of dainties though.

I've started a little bit of decorating around the house.  I like to have it decorated by the first Sunday in Advent.  The tree is up, but I am most unhappy about a set of lights that isn't working properly.  It was working when I tested it before I put it on, so maybe I bent a wire or something.  (I may get my sis over to help me undecorate and recordate one day when we having nothing else to do LOL!).

Where do you put your big nativity set, seeler - and how big is it?

Have a few chores and running to do today . . . and then home to make chicken soup. I boiled my chicken yesterday and ran out of time, so I am chopping vegetables this afternoon.

Have a good day everyone - Hope, Peace, Joy, Love . . .

I made empire biscuits for our church's 100 Anniversary High Tea this past weekend.  They were all gobbled up, but I will happily share the few that weren't pretty enough to take.  Two sugar cookies held together with raspberry jam and frosted with almond icing.  Mine were yellow stars!

EDIT: I had a photo, but I couldn't size it down...  so I figured you were better off imagining how adorable they are.

i'm not in a bah humbug mood, but, i just can't seem to get into decorating or doing the baking.  Maybe it is because I have not been engaged in advent which for years was my starter. Maybe it is because this is the first year that I am not travelling to my sister's for us thanksgiving.

Need to ponder that one...

Sounds like lots of social times that folks are having, that is great. Love the card making, Tabitha.

Empire biscuits, Hilary.  I remember my Mom making those.

I went swimming for the first time in a salt water pool (well, aquafit - not swimming).  It was good.  Think that I will make it a twice-weekly item

go for it CrazyHeart!  

Hi folks! It's been awhile since I've been in here - wow you folks are all busy!

I've been busy too! Some highlights:

Monday - a normal council meeting. Maybe this is strange to have as a highlight, but in light of the situation that my congregation finds itself in, it was nice to have a meeting that was all about routine things like the budget.

Tuesday - coffee with a friend in the morning and presbytery meeting in the evening. My friend and are organizing a carolling event for the church, so we planned that and socialized for a couple of hours. Presbytery involved some small group discussion focussing on writing Annual Reports. We were given a list of suggestions that Pastoral Relations and Oversight Committee would like to see included in our report.

Wednesday - coffee shop gathering. I've been going to a weekly Christian coffee shop gathering on Wednesday evenings for a few months now. Last night was my favourite gathering so far - I think it was because they had us making crafts. The idea was to make a Christmas ornament to be given away to someone who has to do shift work on Christmas Day. I thought that was really a neat idea - and now I am trying to decide who I will give my ornaments too. 

Thursday - Christmas at work. Today we got the decorations out and started decorating for Christmas at work. The trees are up, the lights are on and things are starting to look festive. I've spent the past two days working with a little boy with Down Syndrome and he is SO excited! He has a passion for Christmas trees unlike any other I have ever met - so much so that he talks about them throughout the year, even wandering into rooms pointing to a spot and saying "Christmas tree goes there." The cutest moment of the day had to be when he sang the entire first verse of "Silent Night" to me.

The letter has gone out, so it's one less thing to worry about for now.  I've never called so many times about something like that, I usually just trust it to get done!

Time to focus on Christmas :)

Great that you followed it up diligently chemgal & achieved your objective!

Busy week tabitha - but much was accomplished by the sound of your note.  I trust you are breathing more easily these days.

We had accreditation at work this week - it's been craziness for the past 6 months preparing - but the organization acheived a score of 98% which is exceptional!  I suppose the CEO & upper management will all be financially rewarded (she said with dripping cynacism!) . 

My oldest and 3 other young adults just left-well are outside with cars/jeeps etc. Suprise visit-I thought it was my youngest coming in.

The 3 guests loved the cats-they are just kids at heart-but now they are off camping.

Youngest due home from work in a minute.

Camping in November in Edmonton? Hardy folks

Tabitha - having met your boys, I love hearing about their comings and goings.  You also sound cheerful - feeling better after a drawn-out illness.

Good morning everyone!

Light fluffy white snow falling.

Christmas Carols playing.

Downstairs cleaning basement.

Last of decorating to get done today!

Hope you don't have to wait too long for your appointment chemgal - what is on your Christmas "to do" list today?

No camping for me . . . not only in December, but hardly ever!  I'm too used to the comforts of home.  But if I didn't have a cottage, and had a little trailer, I would love to travel and camp in it.

98% is a fantastic score - way to go!

How are you today seeler - how is grandboy doing after his little school fiasco with the name and date.  I think of your family often, I guess it is because you share them with all of us .

Hope, Peace, Joy, Love . . .

hmm, actually, thinking that the camping may be in interior or southern bc and not be so bad as Edmonton , d'oh.

Great stuff, Carolla.

I am reminded that our stock is sitting at $110 and we have been letting folks go through RIF's.  frustrating to see folks gone, and to be working hard and then see the stock options that our leaders are trading in.  dang...millions.

I picked up some christmas presents this morning.  great stuff at a small children's toy store.  I love it, then hit Lindt chocolate store and  a bookstore.  

98% is fantastic!!!!

Today I'm busy preparing for cooking days with my daughter.  I mixed the dough for gingerbread men and put it in the fridge to chill.  Hopefully my grandson will be over after Sunday School to help roll and cut shapes (men, stars, angels).   Otherwise I'll do it myself.  Then I'll get the dough for icebox cookies mixed and chilled.

I didn't hear anything more about grandson's 'name & date' incident.  He is still being tested to see why he is having problems.  In the meantime he gets some individual  attention. 

(Exchange between grandson and principal)

G:  why are you spending so much time helping me?

P:  Do you want the hard answer or the soft one?

G:  The hard one.

P:   Because we believe that you are a smart boy, but you are having trouble getting your work done.

G:   Oh.   (pause)   Then what's the soft answer?

P:   Because I like you and want to spend time helping you. 

G:   Which is true?

P:   They both are.   I like you, and I think you need help to get organized so you can do your work. 

Today I put out my manger scene - the big ceramic set that sits on my book shelf. 

I'm also starting my Jesse Tree for advent, but I'm posting about it in Religion.  I hope people aren't tired of sharing my reflections through Advent (which coincides with the calendar this year).

Today, we have visitors, so it's cleaning things up a bit for them.  We got a wreath up, otherwise we haven't decorated yet.  We're supposed to get a blizzard or at least a storm Sunday night, so the Christmas lights might be waiting a while yet.

LOL yes camping for my oldest is southern BC now-but hey I raised them right! Winter camping in the Rocky's and sleeping in a quincy-(a dug out snow mound). But it was beside a cabin.

It's just o here this morning.

Youngest is taking me out for brunch and then he's off to work and I am sewing!

Done!

Done!

Done!

Decorating that is!  All done in time for Advent. 

Have my junk room in basement to re-organize as I lost steam and just threw a bunch of stuff in their to deal with on Monday.

Seeler, going to check out your Jesse tree in Advent.  I love hearing about it.

Our visitors came much earlier than originally planned and are gone now.

I was having a bit of a flare up of my throat issues, not as bad as before though.  Now I'm experiencing other symptoms that can be life threatening for the disease I'm not even diagnosed with.  Since my doctor knew so little I don't even know when to seek treatment.  Since it's never happened before though, and I probably did experience this before but just waved it off not knowing it could be something serious I'm going to try to relax and just keep an eye on it.

I am exhausted, which I've read also goes along with this so hopefully that will help me stay calm.

Chemgal - my thoughts and prayers are with you.

chemgal . . . thinking of you as you go through this scary and difficult time of such health issues.  I hope you are able to get some answers soon and then are able to receive as much treatment as there is available.

Thanks, things are better today although the symptoms aren't gone and I am worn out.  I was planning on doing a bit of shopping, but instead I hung out at home while Chemguy picked up a few things and we got a tree up.

I'm supposed to be at a few things tomorrow, but between this and the weather I'll have to see.  I might decide to go to the doctor, but I'm a bit hesistant as I doubt there's much that can be done until I see the specialist.

chemgal, take care of yourself.  hoping tomorrow is a good day.

i am home...it's been an odd weekend, some good, some great, some just busy.

I didn't accomplish what I had hoped ot do, but, I was able to meet dad at the choir event tonight, and take him home. that made him happy.

I'm thinking of parents who worry about their kids..and getting that awful feeling of knowing sometimes the figuring out of how to support them is tough.

I'm headed into work tomorrow, facing a bit of a mess created by someone who did something incorrectly , but wanted to do the right thing, hoping that I can keep the balance and keep us focussed on fixing stuff. Could be a challenge...but with a good night's sleep should be doable

Thinking of everyone as they work throug their first day of advent.

I'm lucky, with me things tend to develop slowly.  I get a sinus infection and bronchitis before getting pneumonia, I get tunnel vision, ringing in ears, etc. minutes before passing out, I get tingling and itchiness before my lips swell from an allergic reaction.  It appears the same goes for this.

The downside is that while I don't get super sick quickly, I tend to stay sick over a longer period of time compared to those who need emergency treatment and then quickly recover.

Pinga - better get to bed soon then!  Good luck with the work stuff.

Some of you may remember how a few weeks ago I postd that I was challenged by the behaviour of some folks at a gathering.

Joy of joy, i am now reporting to one of them. 

Should be an interesting couple of years, then again, i haven't had a manager for much more than 6 months, so, hey , who knows where it will lead.

That one will be interesting Pinga :)  Hopefully the two of you can develop a good working relationship.

The weather isn't as bad as I was expecting here, but we have a decent amount of snow.  I trudged through it to see the closest doctor (a fairly short walk).

Sent my son off a care package to college. 

A funny & tacky  set of 5 christmas costumes (not much more than garbage bags) for he & his roomies

a rubber chicken

some good dark chocolate (a few types)

a blow-up mallet for bonking folks or objects

three cans of silly string

a nice card 

and a few other small items.

that felt good

(*editted to replace gas with bags, lol)

oh yikes pinga - life has a way of circling doesn't it?  No doubt there will be interesting times ahead for you at work - as usual!!   I had something of a similar experience years ago on a ski trip with folks from my workplace - one of the VPs & a manager got stinking drunk - had to stop the bus to let them off to pee & do otherwise.  I was pretty surprised - and lost a great deal of respect for both of those guys. 

Care package sounds fun!  Will he soon be home for Xmas break?  Time to start stocking the fridge again - probably on a daily basis!!

I went off to the One of a Kind Show today - I'm always amazed at how many talented artisans and craftspeople there are!  It's a feast for the senses  to walk down all the aisles, smiling and chatting, and enjoying their beautiful goods.  And naturally the food section tasting and buying can't be missed!  I had a really lovely time, wandering along by myself. 

Greetings All!

Your son and friends would have had a few giggles opening your care parcel, Pinga, and probably really enjoyed it!

Some people are really creative and talented . . . and get great enjoyment out of their creating.  There are some ways in which I am creative, but not in a artsy craftsy way.  My mom was incredible creative - she could take a piece of junk and make something beautiful out of it.

I've been working on a few Christmas projects.  Having printer troubles, so it has been challenging.

Watching a Christmas movie and doing all kinds of chores.

Have a good night everyone!

Agreed, Carolla.  Should be interesting. Headed there next week.

Hopefully a pic or 2 will be posted for you Pinga!

For some fun news......

the person who won the 50million lottery...is a friend from work.  I have worked with her for years, though she is in the business side (engineering).  She is part of a table of women that have sat together for a number of years, and I had the privilege of sitting with when I was working at the main building and still do when I can.  (Sat with them the other week in fact)

She is a great person, and well, we are all thrilled for her.

How very exciting - to actually know a real person who's had a big win!  Such an overwhelming experience - I hope she has great advisors!  

That's so cool Pinga!

Pinga, is this the person who lost the ticket?  Who know that if you're going to go buy lottery tickets you should use a credit card.  lol Not financial advice you expect to hear!

yes, it is, ChemGal.  She truly is a wonderful person.

Isn't that fun Pinga. To know an actual winner!

It is amazing!

I hope this person's life is able to find balance, to enjoy some of the winnings to the fullest, and be able to help others in some way.

Perhaps even a nice little bit to go Pinga's way LOL!.

My hubby and I always joke about us divorcing if we ever won big bucks, because we differ in how we would use it.  I would want to give lots away to all my family members :).  He disagrees with the amounts I would want to give away.

Is she quitting her job, Pinga?

Knowing somebody who knows somebody who won big makes it more real to me.  I'm glad it went to a nice person - and if Pinga says that she is nice that is good enough for me.

Everone, I contacted Lbmuskoka and she found the 2 Christmas Vids she made of all of us, They are in Social under Merry Christmas, CrazyHeart. What a lot of memories. Go and have a look. make sure you leave a comment.

I did enjoy the Christmas videos CH.

As you all know this fall has been challenging for me health and energy wise. I'm happy to report I was back at yoga Thurs. night. First time since late Sept and it felt very good-and yes a little sore in the morning.

What a treat to be back at most of my usual activities!

Thanks Crazyheart!  I loved the videos!   

Good to hear you're feeling better tabitha - I just recently got back to yoga too - was surprised (well, not really!) at how stiff & less strong I had become just from a couple of months off.  It was a realization that reinforces my resolve to get there at least weekly!

Just dropping in to say I've had some good news from my sister......

She's had her annual M.R.I. for her benign brain tumour - and the specialist said it hasn't grown from last year.

This is especally good news, as it's in an area difficult to operate.

We're lunching tomorrow to celebrate!

wonderful news Pilgrim's Progress.