Sunday, November 30, 2008

Red and White Christmas Shopping


I've been trying to knock out most of my Christmas list, so I've been away from the computer.



It's crazy out there. I much prefer to shop early. My goal is to be done by the end of next week.
I'd just like to say that Target rocks! I love that store.





The trouble with shopping for teenagers is that they always end up knowing some of their gifts ahead of time. My daughter wanted these cute boots at J. Crew, so I ended up getting them for her while she was with me. She has very tiny feet...size 6.






Good news...my daughter has successfully submitted 5 college applications! She has a few more to go...and now, the waiting begins.

Friday, November 28, 2008

After Thanksgiving Sail

The after Thanksgiving sail...
...sail through the house and pack away all the Fall items... While everyone else is out taking advantage of the real Thnksgiving Sales...this is what I'm doing...

I'm melting!
I got a good laugh at this turkey butter sculture today... looking a little worse for wear. That pretty much sums up how I felt yesterday.





Table doo-dads to store...

Clean dishes to put away...


Linens to wash...
Lots of leftover candy to eat...

See there's always an up side!

Christmas decorations to unpack!!!!!!!!!!!!!!




Over in a flash

After two days of preparation, cooking...



... baking...
...table decorating...

...and centerpiece making...
I was very tired.


The turkey turned out fine...




but, I really enjoyed the acorn squash soup the most. The fact that this odd, acorn shaped vegetable...once cut, roasted and pureed could result in this velvety smooth, tasty soup was even more satisfying to me...culinary wise... than making the turkey.



...and, what's a holiday (or, any day) without chocolate and sweets!







Once everything was on the table, I only had the energy for this one photo.
...and when I went to bed... it was early.
I remember my mom commenting that after all that work, the meal was over in 20 minutes.
I didn't even feel like eating after looking at all that food all day. I've decided...this was preparation enough to convince me that next year...we are taking a vacation and making reservations...again.
At least until there are grandkids.

I hope that you weren't the sole chef... or, at least that you had plenty of (or any) help...and that your Thanksgiving found you restful and hungry.
As for me...the turkey sandwich ...that I ate alone ...at my kitchen table ... for lunch today...
was divine!

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Thanksgiving Prep

Whooo is ready for Thanksgiving!...
...well, I'm slowly getting there...
...a few decorations...

...a spur of the moment banner that I made last week...



...some spirits...



The menu for tomorrow!
Yes, I know... that's a lot of food...but, I like variety... and more importantly...I didn't want to leave out any of my childhood traditional foods. I'm sentimental that way.


Back to prepping...

Monday, November 24, 2008


This came in my e-mail today from the conservation fund at SeaWorld. I thought it was such a beautiful image and sentiment.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

strike the set

Candids of the final performance.




Here's my daughter reacting to my tears. I was sad at the fact that this was her last Fall production...at least in high school.



Saturday, November 22, 2008

Another great show


My daughter with the cast member who plays her husband. (Scrooge's nephew)



Only one more show to go, and then...auditions for the musical.


The weekend has been blocked out for the play...but we did manage to get started on some Christmas shopping...I feel a little better...now, that it's been started.


I also took a few moments to walk down memory lane and look back on some of my daughter's old drama photos. The costumer always finds amazing costumes for my daughter. It's fun to see what she comes up with for each period costume. Here are a few of the more memorable ones.

Here she is playing the aunt in Little Women...



As Sue...in No, No Nanette...



Playing Abigail in The Crucible...




Brother and sister
(my youngest son is changing so much these days)

Nature's black and white

Look who has taken ownership of the dog's bed!




Friday, November 21, 2008

Friday morning surprise

We woke up to the first real snow this morning.

There is an element of magic involved ...when you look out your window and see the landscape completely transformed overnight.

..the snow tip-toed in while we slept ...

... secretly blanketing the trees, and sprinkling the ground with a crystal layer of fluffy icing.









Thursday, November 20, 2008

In the mail

During the Halloween party, I won Debbie's giveaway for this mischievous fella. She sent it to me last week. And, she included these fabulous extra treats. Thanks Debbie...they are wonderful!




Isn't she lovely!

Find a way

Find a way
a path will take you there...or make your own