Ho Ho Ho!

The twelve days of vacation

As of 5:30pm today I am on vacation... for twelve days...sing along with me...

12 days of sleeping in
11 projects to tackle (that I can't do while working full-time)
10 DVDs to watch
9 goals to set for '09
8 friends to visit
7 friends to call
6 letters to write
5 recipes to try
4 movies to see
3 sewing projects
2 states to visit
1 vacation that will be good for my soul

And, I'm tossing my alarm to the partridge in the pear tree.

I took this photo in Woodstock, Vermont in December, 2001. I love the Christmas lights on the covered bridge.

The Nativity

My sister-in-law made this origami nativity for her brother's family a few years ago.

"It is in giving that we receive."

--Saint Francis of Assisi

OH--------the weather outside is frightful...

...and having only one hour of church was delightful! I hitched a ride with my 4-wheel driving neighbor and enjoyed some lovely musical numbers, a good talk by our good bishop and wishing friends a Merry Christmas.

I just dug my car out. Mr. Plow Guy helped me out a bit by plowing the many inches of snow piled up in front of Bluebell. I think tomorrow I'll be on the bus.

I love this photo that I took on the streets of New York City a few Decembers ago.

Holiday Recipe Extravaganza: Mint Brownies

I've posted a few holiday recipes on the side bar to the right but these are worthy of their own entry!

Mint Brownies (my old piano teacher's recipe)
3 one oz. squares unsweetened chocolate
butter
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar
3/4 cups flour
pinch of salt
3/4 cups chopped walnuts
3 T milk
2 1/4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 t. peppermint extract
5 drops green food coloring
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Melt unsweetened chocolate and 3/4 cups butter in top of double boiler or over very low heat. Beat eggs and sugar until light. Stir in flour, salt and nuts. Add to chocolate mixture. Pour into greased 9x13 inch pan and bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Cool. In bowl cream 1/4 cup butter until light. Beat in powdered sugar, milk, peppermint and food coloring. Spread over cooled brownies. Let stand 1-2 hours. Melt chocolate chips with 3T butter. Spread or swirl over green topping. When set, cut into small squares or bars.

the ONLY place to eat

My friends and I decided we'd brave the storm and snow and go to dinner. At 10:30pm. We were starving! We called a few places (Cheesecake Factory, Chili's, The Border Cafe, even Bickfords) and no one was answering the phone. And then I called Bill & Bob's. They are usually open until 2:00am and the guy said they were open and, "We're not going anywhere." So my pregnant friend cleaned off her four-wheel-drive car, picked me up, we picked another friend up, and drove to Bill & Bob's and enjoyed a late night dinner. Tacos never tasted so good!!

BIG STORM PREDICTED TODAY!

Choosing Christmas tree evokes battle memories

By Robes Patton
Sports Editor
The Daily Sentinel, Scottsboro, Alabama, Thursday, December 19, 1985

The holiday season is supposed to bring out the best in people, but it doesn’t always work that way. Family tradition, as a matter of fact, can draw the worst from even the mildest-mannered group. I know I’m not alone in surviving battles over Christmas tree decorations, festive meals or holiday entertainment. Our family had a unique tradition of staging a mild riot as we decided on a Christmas tree. My parents provided a learning experience by going to the source -- well, as close as we could get -- for our tree. So we’d pile in the car and Sluggo (our affectionate moniker for Dad) would drive us down to the Los Angeles railroad yards -- which won’t ever be confused with a Montana mountain or Connecticut forest. What wildlife existed along the way won’t ever be mistaken as inhabitants of a national forest either. We’d zip off the freeway near City Hall and pass the downtown bus depot, which, speaking of tradition is traditionally tucked in the finest corner of our nation’s cities. We’d continue past the Midnight Mission, countless winos and the garment district before we’d find the temporary forest. Entering the packed railroad yards we’d watch the workers unload trees, listen to salesmen shilling, and wonder why the flocked trees didn’t melt and how it snowed pink and blue. Each of us would inevitably pick a different tree: one taller than the house could withstand, one fatter than the space between. My mother would always choose some funky fir that looked like something you’d clean anti-aircraft weapons with, and Sluggo would always worry about price. We’d wander around to the different lots and try to find a tree that had just been handed down from the boxcar. That way, we could be assured it was fresh from the ground, not exposed too long to the trappings (and air) of Southern California. We never considered the trees had been grown on a farm a good sleigh ride from L.A. It was strictly our version of scrambling through the woods in search of the properly nurtured sapling. As the night wore on and tempers grew short, we’d argue and complain in favor of our chosen pine, then barter with each other and offer our finely-tuned points of debate. Sluggo would end the squabble the way Dads usually do (as traditional as the holiday season itself): he chose what he wanted and said “No more arguing...and I don’t mean perhaps.” It’s been a few years since I’ve passed through the L.A. rail yards, but I’m sure the trees still arrive and the smell of Christmas trees wafts across the asphalt. And I’m sure, of course, that one or two arguments rage over which tree to buy, keeping alive another venerable holiday tradition.

Fanueil Hall wreath

Sharing is caring

New York City Santa

Christmas carols

We always have wonderful musical numbers at church and at activities and today was no different. I enjoyed the carol these sisters sang (it was one my brother and I always hummed to each other).

You better watch out!

Christmas Party

Bunco sub wins big

I subbed tonight and was the winner! I had 5 Buncos, 15 three-of-a-kinds, and 401 points. Frosty the Snowman was my prize! I'm going to try to buy a slot as a regular player.

Greatest Gift

First Prize Winner of Woman’s Day “Greatest Gift” contest by Sandra Bateman, American Fork, Utah, Woman’s Day, December 18, 1979

It was but a few short days until Christmas in 1966. Two young Elders of the Mormon Church walked the streets of Laredo, Texas, knocking on doors in search of someone who would listen to their gospel message. No one in the entire city had time to hear the teachings of the Savior, it seemed; they were so intent on making the celebration of His birth suit their own social purposes.

Filled with discouragement, the two young men turned their backs to the approaching twilight and began the long walk home. Retracing their steps of the afternoon, they came upon a low, windswept riverbank. Jutting from its brow stood the barest means of a shelter, constructed of weathered wooden slats and large pieces of cardboard. Strangely, they felt moved to go to the door and knock. A small, olive-skinned child with tangled black hair and large dark eyes answered. Her mother appeared behind her, a short, thin woman with a tired bur warm smile. In her rich Spanish alto she invited the young men to come in and rest awhile. They were made welcome and seated on the clean swept floor. The little one-room shanty seemed to be filled with shy, smiling, dark-eyed children. The mother proudly introduced each of them—eight in all—and each in turn quickly bobbed his or her head.

The young men were deeply moved at the extreme poverty they saw. Not one in the family had shoes, and their clothes were ill-fitting and in a condition beyond mending. The walls of the little home showed daylight between the wooden slats, and eight little rolls of bedding were pressed tightly into the cracks to help keep out the draft until they were needed for sleeping. A small round fire pit dug in one corner marked the kitchen. An odd assortment of chipped dishes and pots were stacked beside an old ice chest, and a curtained-off section with a cracked porcelain tub served as the bathing area. Except for these the room was barren.

The mother told how her husband had gone north to find employment. He had written that he had found a job of manual labor and that it took most of his small wage to pay his board and room. But, she told the young men, he had managed to save fifty cents to send them for Christmas, with which she had purchased two boxes of fruit gelatin. It was one of the children’s favorites and would make a special treat on Christmas day.

Later, long after the young men had left the family, they stood and asked each other, “Fifty cents?...Fifty cents for eight children for Christmas?” Surely there must be something they could do to brighten Christmas for such children.

The next morning, as soon as the local shops opened, the young men hurried to the dime store and purchased as many crayons, cars, trucks, and little inexpensive toys as they could afford. Each was carefully wrapped in brightly colored paper and all were put in a large grocery bag. That evening the two young men took their gifs to the shanty on the riverbank. When they knocked, the mother swung the door open wide and invited them in. They stopped inside and in halting Spanish explained to the children that they had seen Santa and he had been in such a hurry he’d asked if they would deliver his gifts to the children for him.

With cries of delight the children scrambled for the bag, spilling its contents upon the floor and quickly dividing the treasured packages. Silently the mother’s eyes filled with tears of gratitude. She stepped forward to clasp tightly one of each of the young men’s hands in hers. For long moments she was unable to speak. Then, with tears still welling from her eyes, she smiled and said, “No one has ever been so king. You have given us a special gift, the kind of love that lights Christmas in the heart. May we also give you a special gift.” From the corner of the room she drew out the two small boxes of fruit gelatin and handed them to the young men. Then all eyes were moist. All knew the true meaning of giving, and none would ever forget that at Christmas the greatest gift of all was given.

1st Christmas treat

Delicious sweet cheese bread from some very nice friends and I'm not sharing!

Christmas runner

I bought a cute Christmas charm pack recently (22 - 5" squares) and tonight decided to make a little table runner. Nothing screams Christmas like a midnight sewing project!

Holiday Stop for Train Number Seven

by Lavetus Mahan Wimmer, Medford, Oregon

Published in Family Circle December 11, 1984

My most joyful Christmas remembrance goes back 60 years, when a simple message in a letter brought together three nations. The great flu epidemic of 1918-19 had claimed my father several years before, leaving Mom to care for us seven children. An enterprising woman, she did the best she could providing for us. We were poor, but happy.

Many of our friends lived, as we did, close to the railroad tracks. There were the Hopi Indian boys we often played with and our Mexican friends, who lived in a section house. These houses were provided by the railroad company, which allowed only two rooms per family, no matter how big the family was.

As I think back now, we were a super bunch of kids. We all got along well and learned to respect each other's backgrounds. We visited each other's houses and enjoyed our families' ethnic foods as often as we could, though our parents never mingled.

The area between our house and the train tracks was our private playground. From there, we watched the trains go by each day. We waved to the crewmen daily. Although the passenger trains went by very fast, the crew­as well as the passengers­never failed to wave back. Our favorite train was the Number Seven, Chicago Limited; it was long, shiny and black, with its Pullman windows red-curtained.

The afternoon of Christmas Eve, with faces aglow, noses runny and hands blue and trembling from the cold, we 17 children lined up to wave and shout holiday greetings to our favorite train. We all watched in awe as the Number Seven, whistle blowing, topped the grade. And then, wonder of wonders, that long, magnificent train pulled to a halt right in front of us. We couldn't believe it.

The big engineer swung down from his cab. Close behind him came the crew, carrying boxes and crates filled with treats for us. As the trainmen approached us, the passengers leaned out of the windows, waving and calling greetings to join in the celebration. The conductor stood near the train, observing the festivities and holding a single package under his arm.

Mother had heard the commotion and came out to join us. The conductor handed her a letter along with the package. Then, before we realized what was happening, the train pulled away.

Mother began to read the letter, and soon she was shedding tears of joy. She sent the other children to get their parents, telling them to come back with baskets for the goodies.

When everything was divided among our families, Mother asked us to be quiet. She opened the package the conductor had given her, and there, under all the layers of white tissue paper, were 17 pairs of red woolen mittens in various sizes. With the help of our parents, we each found our size and eagerly put them on our cold hands.

Mother then took the letter from her pocket, and we listened very carefully as she read it aloud: Merry Christmas to our Junior League of Nations. You are the future of our country. We stand proud of you. It is our fondest hope that someday all races and nations, like their children, shall come together and live in peace.

From the Engineer and Crew of Number Seven, Chicago Limited

One small glitch: the pillow

We got on the road last night around 10:30pm hoping to be back in Boston by 2:30am at the latest. It was snowing when we left the Big Apple and by the time we got on the Merritt Parkway there was a bit of accumulation but we were traveling about 30mph. After some discussion and a prayer we decided we'd be better off staying at a motel and returning home today so we got a room at the Milford Motel. My friend asked the desk clerk if we could have extra bedding and he said if he gave us another sheet/pillow it would be admitting that there were more than two of us in the room and apparently he had given us the "trucker's discount". The picture is of my pillow.

I'm back and I need to work on the finishing touches for my lesson today. All I can say is Women who know and do MORE get in trouble. :)

New York City!

Here's how the day went: leaving Boston at 6:00am, driving to Manhattan, buying a day subway pass, taking the subway to Macy's, a delicious eclair (for $6.49!), finding the Clark shoes I was wanting ($25!), walking all over the Christmas department (ornaments, nutcrackers, decorations), extending the meeting time so we could do more shopping in the huge store, taking the subway to Canal Street, one of my college roommates recognizing me (I haven't seen her in 26 years!), Purl SoHo (the coolest fabric store EVER!), eating lunch at John's Pizza, riding the subway uptown, strolling through Central Park, riding the carousel, Dylan's Candy Shop, walking down Fifth Avenue, Niketown (enjoying some great deals using my brother's employee discount), the American Girl Store, Rockefeller Center, Anthropologie, taking a taxi to the Shake Shack, asking for a hot dog with EVERYTHING which included a VERY HOT hot pepper!, eating outside in the cold, riding the subway back uptown to the parking garage, enjoying delicious creme brulee at Cafe Lalo before driving home. It was a wonderful, fun-filled, magical day! I LOVE NEW YORK AT CHRISTMASTIME!!!

RE-roof

If you're going to do this...














...you will need this.

BAKE IT FORWARD WINNER(S)!

I decided to have 3 random winners and they are:

Smilin' Sunshine
BunchesofBradys
Cara

Please get in touch with me and let me know who you would like to receive the tin of bretzelis (and why-----I'd love to share the stories on my blog).

Wanna make a wreath...

...or 2 or 3 or 125?!? We've got boughs.


















I felt (and LOOKED) like I was driving the Joad's truck today.

Count the countdowns

One day until the wreath making party (I'm in charge). Two days until I assemble and decorate my Christmas tree (if I can find someone to help me--it's ten feet tall). Three days until New York City (I love going the first Saturday in December...Macy's, Fifth Avenue, Canal Street, the Central Park carousel, Cafe Lalo, Purl SoHo, decorations on a fire escape, lights, and holiday cheer)!!!













Four days until I teach Relief Society ("Women who know do less"-----don't laugh!). Five days until..........

Countdown to Thursday

Bretzelis: A holiday give-away

Ruth Hirschi was my Merrie Miss Primary teacher in the Van Nuys Third Ward. She taught me how to knit and crochet and she invited me over around Christmas to help her make bretzelis, a traditional Swiss cookie (Ruth was born in Switzerland). The cookies are made on an iron and then Ruth would put them on a rolling pin to cool and to give them a round shape. The ingredients are basic: butter, sugar, eggs, flour, vanilla and a pinch of cinnamon. They. Are. Delicious.

When I moved to Boston I decided I wanted to make some bretzelis so I called Ruth to get the recipe and to find out where I could buy one of the irons. She explained that the irons were very expensive and hard to find in the U.S. but suggested I buy a pizzelle iron instead (used to make Italian cookies). So one December night after work I took the subway to the North End (Boston's Little Italy), found a hardware store, and purchased my own pizzelle iron for $19.99.













To ring in the holiday season I'm going to have a random drawing Thursday night at midnight for a tin of bretzelis. But here's the catch: the person who wins has to give me the name and address of a friend/family member/acquaintance and they will receive the tin of cookies. I'm going to Bake it Forward.

Happy Holidays!