Just need to talk to my friends(201)

Good morning,

I survived the holiday festivity with no broken dishes, no family squabbles and sent everyone home with leftovers, lol. Hope your day was joyful as well.

I didn't get to watch the dog show but did see on the news that the Pug won. They're cute, but I've never had one.

Today I will put my kitchen back in order and break down the garage set up. My tables worked out ok, it actually looked pretty festive, and we had enough seating. I'm glad it's over. I don't plan to host a Christmas "dinner". Snacks and finger food at the very most, if that. I'm trying to get DH to go on a trip, but you know how that goes. We do have our trip to Texas in January.

Hope everyone has a good day. I'll be babysitting the great grand today as her Mommy goes out to the Black Friday sales. And I'll be happy not to be in the crowds.

here

we all cleaned up together too David. Glad you had a nice day. I did too.

cold and cloudy here with a few snow flurries.

sounds like it is someone else's turn JeriLynn.

My sister took mom a plate for supper and ate with her. She said mom didn't eat much but was gracious.

take care

That tree looks like a Balsam Hill advertisement! Great job!

Thanksgiving was a quiet affair this year. No need to put the leaves in the table with only three of us here. DS ate both drumsticks like a starving wolf, and DW ate cottage cheese directly from the serving bowl, so it was pretty informal, but I don't care. Sharing food with people you love is the second most pleasurable thing people do together, which is why people have been having dinner parties since they were held around campfires, or maybe even before.

DW's sister used to show dogs. We went to one of the shows but had to leave early. The air was so thick with talcum powder and dog hair from people grooming the entrants that DW couldn't see or breathe. Watching on TV is fine, though. That pug is a beautiful animal. I don't know anything about dogs but I know grace and beauty when I see it.

Goodmorning on the way to the VAhome. Decorated the tree before I left

David, your tree looks great and looks like a very pretty home! I love the hardwood floors and the lacy curtains! Was this your home with your first wife?

The best day on the cruise was the day we transited the new locks of the Panama Canal. The original locks opened in 1914. The new locks opened in 2016. There are 4 sets of locks, two on the Atlantic side and two on the Pacific side. There are 3 chambers we went through. The water level is raised to allow the ship to pass from one lock to the next. An engineering marvel! Also, note : View from a high bridge showing the old locks (right) and new locks on the left.

No this with my current wife. I don't have any pics of my home with my first wife when I got my phone none of th photos did not transfer. Fortunately I have pics of her and many memories.

Well, my kitchen is restored! I've moved some little used things like crystal to the top shelves and moved things down that I use often for "nice" serving dishes that are vintage items. I like those. I don't guess I'll ever host another dinner that includes china and crystal. I think I have 4 sets to leave for the children and grands who do not want them. I'm not getting rid of them. They can deal with it.

Got 1/2 the Christmas tree put together. I wasn't going to do one but then I felt guilty for the littles. The joy that comes from watching their little faces as they ooh and ahh… I'll start and finish the living room and tree tomorrow.

I'm going to see Wicked (part 1) with my girls today! (even though one granddaughter and I saw the Broadway play when we went to NYC). The theater is next to a shopping venue, so I'm sure my wallet will feel some pain. It's fun though. I watch them as they look at things, consider and then put it back. Then I go pick it up and take it to the checkout. LOL.

It's a beautiful day today after wind chill in the 20s yesterday. I decided to dress in black leggings and turtleneck with an ankle length grey sweater with sparkles down the front and a snakeskin pattern down the entire back. It sounds loud and flashy but really, it's subtle. Black suede boots. I even used the curling iron. You can tell I don't get out much, LOL.

Beth, that looks like an amazing trip! If only I could get DH on a boat or a plane. Alas, no go.

David, your tree is lovely! My late MIL used to crochet Angels like the one you have on your tree. All sizes. One year I had the windows and french doors going out to the lanai decorated with them. Lots of candles and the tree was on the lanai. In Florida, of course.

Iris, are you feeling better?

Lorita, best get that eye checked Monday!

Mint, my bundt pan is an el-cheapo from Wally World. It's non-stick and works OK for me. Keeping in mind, baking is not my strong suit. But the last two cakes I made (one fresh blueberry, one strawberry) turned out really well. The thing I don't like about baking is you actually have to follow directions. :( I like the "oh I think I'll try this" method of cooking and that doesn't work with cakes or pies does it, lol..

HB, I bought 2 pairs of jeans from Talbots. Signed up for email and text messaging for 10%, got the instore 40% discount, another 10% for ? something - I don't know: the saleslady and I were chatting away and after a bit I think she was just making stuff up as she went along. Anyway, since those jeans were EXPENSIVE, I was happy for all the help she would give me. I was trying to channel you and your Mom. And I also scored at Chico's. Today I have COUPONS !!!!! REWARD POINTS!!!! I'm looking forward to a little retail therapy.

OK, dear daughter should be here in a minute. Gotta go fluff this freshly coiffed hair. Did I mention I have been up since 1:30 am?????

Have a good afternoon everyone!

Garland…I have my mothers which is now in many pieces. I throw some greenery in my big easel then add the garland, italian lights and a few special ornaments. The front porch has a garland with the same lights and a string of red peppers that light up. There are Italian light in the trees that need a dusk to dawn supply.

Beth..I would love to go through the Panama canal. that was a great photo. Cartahena look like Miami beach!

Davis…glad all went well

Mint…how coul d you have too many muffin pans with all the you cook! I have a sans castle baking pan that is wonderful After baking I put tiny flags in the turrets. I have not used it in years but think I will use it this Christmas.

Anyone else remember the bundt cake from My Big Fat Greek Wedding??? What a great movie.

Lorita,,,I have done this;

https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-find-a-water-leak/