Thursday, December 8, 2016

101 WAYS TO GET AROUND CHRISTMAS & ENJOY THE MORE IMPORTANT THINGS IN LIFE


Thanksgiving 2016

I had to go back a bit in my blog posts to see where I left off after giving you a little taste of my newspaper columns.  I want to thank all of you for writing that you were able to see the differences in my writing the articles from the way I write my blog.  Being able to adapt to what I need to write for  certain publications and audiences is not as easy as it seems.  But most of all, you, my longtime friends, commenting that you were able to use some of the tips, well, that's what it's all about for me.  So thank you from the bottom of my heart.  

Thanksgiving is long over and although my table wasn't the fanciest, I wanted to share it. Totally no fussing my centerpiece was a simple vase of pretty yellow roses.  I mixed dishes, silverware and napkin rings.  I had a great deal of help with appetizers, desserts and side dishes from the family.  We had a record 29 for dessert, all extended family.  It was a tad crowded but we all had a ball.  
Everyone brought some sort of dessert and I made plates for all to bring home.  I sure didn't need the temptation!  It was such a relief to clean up most of it and call it a night.  :D



Abby spends a good amount of time with us, sometimes it feels as if she never moved out.  I made over her bedroom as a guest room and so far she has been our only guest.  And now she has her beast, I mean dog, Squall.  I introduced him here.  An 8 month old rescue who had lived in the shelter all his life.  

We had a really difficult time getting Squall and my dog, Milo, to get along.  It took a whole afternoon of walking them together and playing while keep them on their leashes.  Milo is not having anything to do with strange dogs anymore and Squall reacts very aggressively.  After a lot of work, Abby, her boyfriend Tom, and The Husband were able to bring them in our house and they only got into a few tussles (and the ones before were really scary).  I think Milo finally gave up (grudgingly) and Squall just has a field day exploring our house and getting good smells and nibbles from me as I prepared our Thanksgiving feast.  

He acted like the typical puppy and I  couldn't fault him.  Sadly, I had to keep Layla in our bedroom.  She is afraid of other dogs yet she will go into attack mode when confronted.  It was pretty apparent Squall and she would clash and an 8 pound dog vs. a 50 pound dog would not end up pretty.  On top of that,  Jeff brought Tulo with him for Thanksgiving dinner (Tulo is well over 100 pounds) so I had four dogs and all of these people.   To top that...it was found a few days later after a routine blood test by Abby's vet, Squall had two different parasites which could be spread by his feces.  My vet recommended I bring in Milo and Layla's samples in a week or so.  Oh, joy. Still haven't begun to look under the frigid snow.    At the cost of not being very popular, I had to say none of this was working so there will be zero dogs here other than my own for awhile.  



My most relaxing time at the lakehouse  

We had a three day weekend after Thanksgiving.  I am so enjoying sitting on the sofa in front of the crackling fire, relaxing and reading.  We won't have Wifi and Internet for a few more weeks and I truly hope I can stay away from it and continue to catch up on my reading.  Here, I was well into Isle Of Dreams by Susan Branch.  She  really weaves a wonderful memoir.  I love reading about women and their experiences in finding true independence.  :)

Tons of progress there.  No more boxes to unpack, everything washed and extra bedding and pillows are packed in heavy bins which I scored from Dollar General in town for $8.00.  We have a pull out couch, 2 inflatable beds and 2 twin bed in the guest house so I have extra of everything.  The bins stack up nicely in closets.  


The best quiche ever

I really love quiche and it's been awhile since I've posted a recipe.  This goes together quickly with few ingredients and it's great as lunch or dinner with leftovers for breakfast.  It's also tried and true for small gatherings along with a salad.  Just remember it takes about 50+ minutes in the oven so it's something you have to plan ahead.  The best part of this recipe is you get your daily dose of veggies with the zucchini, which makes its own crispy crust, as well as mushrooms.  And it's light and fluffy.  I think you'll love this.

Zucchini & Mushroom Quiche

2 medium zucchini sliced in rounds
1 T olive oil
1 T butter
1 cup sliced mushrooms
2 t fine bread crumbs 
5 eggs
1/2 c cream
1/2 c milk
1 c shredded cheddar cheese
1 t dried thyme
S & P

Toss 1/2 of the sliced zucchini in the olive oil.  Butter an 8 inch pie pan or casserole and arrange the zucchini over.  This will be the 'crust'.  Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes  

Remove from oven and sprinkle 1 teaspoon of the bread crumbs over the zucchini...this will help absorb the water secreted from the veggies.  Arrange the mushroom over and then the other half of zucchini.  Sprinkle the remaining teaspoon of bread crumbs over and S& P as you desire.  

Whisk eggs, cream and milk together until frothy, this will make the dish very light and fluffy.  You can use a whisk but I used my mixer for about 2 minutes.  Stir in the cheese, thyme and salt and pepper.  Pour over veggies in pie dish.  Place in the 350 oven and bake approximately 45 to 50 minutes.  Check center of quiche with a fork or toothpick to see if it is firm.  You can also check by tapping your fingers over for firmness.  Serves 4.  Enjoy~




You may have noticed granddaughter Elsie's new picture on my sidebar.  This is another from her photography shoot for Christmas.  I love this one.  She's just darling.  She is really attached to The Husband.  He, my son and Elsie go out for breakfast almost every Sunday morning.  When she comes to visit she really enjoys walking through our home with it's maze of rooms and hallways.  We keep her toys in the family room and she's eager to take me by the hand to help her bring them to the living room where we usually sit.  On our way we pass the guest room where we keep our parrot (for lack of a better place).  She waves 'Hi" to Nina.  Nina squawks a few times and all is good.  



And here we have Maddy.  She is 4 weeks now and is really filling out and becoming more alert.  She sleeps most of the time...at least more than any baby I've ever had or known.  I have her all day on Mondays when Emily works downtown.  Sometimes I want to wake her up just to have some quality time, as if you can with a newborn.  She gets her bottle every three hours, we chat (or I do..."This is Milo and Layla.  They will be your forever friends.  This is me, grandma, I'm going to spoil you to no end."  And then I lay her back down.  Isn't she precious?

Off I go.  You might notice there is nothing Christmasy about my post.  I have nothing to show at this point.  I'm working on packing up a lot of what I have around here and there, which I've been planning on doing forever, to make room for my Christmas decor and favorite pieces.  I'm going for the tree tomorrow at my favorite garden center.  It takes some moving around of furniture so I need to round up some help for that.  Then I like to let the branches fall a bit for about 2-3 days, then I do the lights and ribbon and finally ornaments.  Can you hear me catching my breath in a panic?  Some mornings I wake up feeling a humongous cloud of anxiety over me.  Barely any Christmas shopping accomplished much less present wrapped.   Cards to fill out, address, stamp and send.  Planning and making sweets I give as gifts, at least the ones I freeze.  I've never been so behind the eight ball.  Still, I needed to write a post and believe it or not, I really relax doing so.  As much as you guys say you like reading my blog posts as if we were having coffee together,  I feel this, too.  I'm grateful we are friends. 

Back soon...

Jane x    

62 comments:

Vicki @ lifeinmyemptynest said...

I'm looking forward to trying that quiche recipe. I'm always looking for low carb lunch ideas and that looks so delicious. Enjoy your decorating - it will all get done, but at your own pace.

Maria Elena said...

Hi, Jane! Lovely post, as always. Really enjoyed reading it while drinking my morning coffee. I know what you mean about having other dogs in our home. Our little old dog really suffers when that happens and I always end up having to put her in the bedroom, which she also hates. LOL Your granddaughters are so adorable! And growing up so fast. I also have a lot of conversations with my grandson.:) Mostly on the phone because they live two hours away and I can't see him every day. I am glad you had some quite time during Thanksgiving. It must be nice not to have internet for a while. Enjoy the rest of your. xxx Maria

Sonny G said...


You already have the real meaning of Christmas all around your home, LOVE.. Do what ya can and let the rest of it slide.. laugh and enjoy all your peeps and let them enjoy a relaxed and happy YOU.

big hugs
Sonny

Deb from frugal little bungalow said...

Little Maddy is so precious and sweet Elsie's picture is perfect in every way! :)

Courtney@Golden Boys and Me said...

Your granddaughters are just precious, Jane! Your life is full of so much beauty, who needs Christmas decor anyway? ;) I know exactly what you mean about reading at your lake house. We haven't had any internet access at our cabin before, but they are about to hook it up soon. Part of me we will be happy to be more connected to the "real" world, but most of me is sad to lose that unconnected retreat. Take it easy and enjoy the season. The important stuff will get done and the rest doesn't need to. xo

Kathleen Grace said...

Oh those grandbabies! So beautiful and precious. You are one lucky lady Jane. It is so refreshing to see the simple and beautiful way you celebrated Thanksgiving, ours was much the same. Simple decorations and time with our girls and their husbands. I sometimes thing social media spurs us to worry too much about decorating, and all the fluffing and we miss out on the simple beauty of enjoying holidays with the ones we love. Thank you for sharing your life. Enjoy the season!

It's me said...

❤️ ❤️❤️

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

As I have vegetarians that I have to feed during the Christmas holidays, that quiche recipe will come in handy.

The holidays are so hard on women with all we have to do to make a good Christmas for our families. The toll it takes is both emotional and physical but we wouldn't have it any other way. However, scaling back some has become a necessity for me now but I carry on and hopefully all all work out.

Your Thanksgiving table is lovely. I take great pains to do mine as I think presentation is is just as important as the meal.

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

That quiche sounds great! I am glad the you are getting all settled back in at your lake house. The babies are so sweet!

Unknown said...

I've decorated all I plan to, except I've been thinking I should bring out some of my Santa's. I just remembered to get the Nativity yesterday.

Your sweet babies are beautiful! I know you enjoy them so much. My grandchildren are my heart! They can make the worst days better just by seeing them. I get Rheagan from school every afternoon, so I get about 2 hours per day with her, and I cherish that time. This week we've done crafts in their craft room. We've made stockings, snowmen, and necklaces and bracelets. She has a huge variety of craft supplies, and is very crafty, so that's always fun.

My sweet grandson is back home. His marriage didn't work out. She kept running home to her family, and was just immature in many ways among other unpleasant things that I won't go into. So he sold the house once they separated, and moved back next door to me. We are enjoying him being around more. He's thinking of joining the Air Force in the New Year. So I'm spending as much time as I can with him too.

I enjoyed your post today, and hope you have a great remainder of the week. Take care, sweet friend!!

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

I don't blame you for banning all other dogs for awhile. I'm sure those unplanned vet visits weren't fun. Oh, those pictures of the grand babies are darling! So cute and I know you enjoy every minute with those sweet girls. xoxo

Susie said...

Blondie, Your babies are so precious. Yes, I love the photos of Elsie. She is a doll. I do not know how you can put the baby down .LOL I would hold her while she slept. Putting away and getting out decorations can surely be a chore. I am glad I am done for awhile. Now I have to start wrapping gifts. Stay warm...scary cold here today...I am not looking forward to those polar vortexes. Blessings, xoxo, Susie

Unknown said...

Oh my goodness! Your granddaughters are cuties! Sometimes having a new dog in town takes some getting use to and it can get scary with the fighting of who is the big dog. It sounds like The Lake House is on its way for family get togethers next year.
A little bit of Christmas is here and there is all good, especially with little ones exploring:).
Kathleen in Az

Traci said...

Those are some beautiful little girls! Elsie sure has grown.

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

How did I not know you have a PARROT???..... is there a post? :-)

What a precious baby girl, both - lucky you.

Brenda Pruitt said...

I didn't know about the parrot either. How did that happen? Those are two very gorgeous little girls!
Brenda

Junkchiccottage said...

Jane your grand girls are so adorable. Glad the new grand doggie is starting to fit in with your family too. Enjoy all these sweet blessings around you.
Hugs,
Kris

Rita C at Panoply said...

Aww, Jane, I love your grands (babies, that is, and I agree with you...no more dogs while taking care of so many people. Gosh, we know you're a supermom, but hey kids, treat your mom like the queen she is!!). Wow, you've really worked hard this fall. I'm happy posting helps you relieve a little of the stress...proves your blog title is still right after all these years.

I hope your furbabies are ok, and that you have a chance to relax into the season and feel less anxiety with all its hoopla. Comfort food like that quiche sound perfect too.
XO,
Rita

Doreen@foxdenrd said...

I can't believe how beautiful your granddaughter are!. Well, actually I can ;).

I'm so glad you decided no more dogs for a while. Way too much trouble, and your fur babies shouldn't have to deal with that either.

I think I'm going to make that quiche tomorrow. I have everything, including some Black Forest mushrooms which I've never tried but they should be awesome .

xxx

podso said...

Wow Jane, your grands are so sweet!

Lorrie said...

A lovely chatty post, Jane. Those two grandgirlies are so precious. How sweet to hold a newborn.
Take time to enjoy the preparations for Christmas, even though you feel like there's too much to do.

Lynne said...

Why is it that everything seems to lump into the final few days . . .
My suggestions . . .
No more dogs, (I think you have that handled already!)
Little precious blessings . . . surround yourself with them . . .
Gifts, cards, tree, decorations, baking, entertaining . . .
How about choosing just one, enjoy that one and cut back on all the rest . . .
You have had several deadlines of late . . ,
Maybe not making Christmas a "deadline" will give you a "gift!"
Wishing you all things happy Jane . . . and relaxing, sweet and merry . . .

Scribbler said...

Just chill -- the world will not end if you are not Martha Stewart! You already have everything that's important anyway. We have learned to enjoy the quiet at our house, just the two of us.

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Jane, so enjoyed catching up with you tonight. Just take it one day at a time. We all seem to rush and run up to Christmas but this year I have resolved to walk up to Christmas and enjoy every minute of it. That thought takes off the pressure and everything does get done.
Your little grands are adorable. I know you are enjoying your time on Monday's.
Wow the quiche looks delicious. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend and Christmas blessings be yours! xo

Mary said...

You are such a wonderful woman Jane - I love reading all about your latest escapades, and the family, and beautiful babies!
Sorry no time to leave much of a comment as we're packing seriously today - and going to get hair cuts etc. Flying across the pond tomorrow and so much still to do around here.
Happiest of holidays - know you will certainly make them bright and beautiful.
Love from us both.

A Joyful Cottage said...

Your granddaughters are so beautiful, Jane. That spot where you relax looks so inviting. Love the quilt. Enjoy your precious family. That's what's important. No one will remember how you decorated the house for Christmas this year, but they'll never forget your love. Hugs, Nancy

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I agree...it's relaxing to write and share photos! Love those precious grands! And you have such a nice place to relax. Enjoy your weekend! Hugs, Diane

Mereknits said...

Sounds like you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, dog tussles and all, Those girls are just so beautiful.
Happy decorating.

Kim said...

Haha...I love your title. I feel like I am right there with you, so behind the eight ball, but enjoying other things a lot. The girls are gorgeous, the quiche looks delish, I wish I could lose internet for a few days and I had no idea you had a parrot! ;) Enjoy the weekend, Jane. xo

Bluebird49 said...

Hi, Sweetie--what a thoughtful post. a little of everything and a segue into the next portion. I don't know how you do it---but I am sure your brain isn't as scrambled as mine. I had rather big fall on concrete right before Thanksgiving. We couldn't go to Ed's and it was really a downer. And I don't really even knew about Christmas now, either.
I haven't really been able to do anything for the Christmas season , either. I only go out to Doctor's appts! I am using a walker right now--hope to gradute to a cane soon--and then walk...soon, I hope!!

Anyway, that's why you haven't heard from me, but I caught up reading your last two posts, too, and I really enjoyed them both. Your new job has really shown us more of your writing skills! I really don't know how you separate your topics---but it's a smooth way you do it.
Oh, both the grandkids are so perfect and cute. I know you are so appy to add them all, and maybe kinda glad to have dispersed a few dog that terrified little Layla, and upset Milo, too. Adding an animal when yours are already so happy and settled, and have a routine. I know you almost pulled your hair out! (See how I can just roam from one topic to the next. I'll stop!!

Stonecropsister said...

Hi Jane,
loved stopping by, your grand babies are so beautiful. you must want to smooch them all day! And hey, don't stress about Christmas, honestly, put some music on, light a few candles, and enjoy a glass of wine. Your blog is all about your beautiful home, and it's not the decorations and decor that make it that way, but You! Having only met you once in person, but having felt your warmth so many times when you visit my blog, I can only imagine how people must enter your home, and sigh, and think "Ah, so glad I'm here, safe, sound, good food and wine, wonderful company". That's the season, that's what its about. xx Nancy

Vee said...

Such darling granddaughters! One thing is certain, Jane, everything that needs to get done will get done. Pace yourself and I know I can trust you to make the pricess fun. Many blessings!

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

Love your simple and rustic table, Jane! It's so pretty. Oh, I had to laugh about your 'dog tales'! I always have a house-full with my daughter's dogs on every holiday. They are used to coming here, but sometimes it can be a bit much. I don't blame you for putting your foot down, so to speak. How adorable are those two little babies? There is something just so precious about innocent faces and chubby cheeks! Not to mention that sweet baby smell.....ahhhh! Christmas is always such a marathon and I start getting tired about this time. We started drawing names a few years ago, so the gift-giving is manageable now, which I am grateful for, but the rest of it just wears me out. I do enjoy the results, though, once I can sit down after the fact and process the sweet memories. I know you will make everything beautiful and special and your family will be so grateful that you did. The quiche looks delicious! Sending hugs xo Karen

Melanie said...

Sounds like you had quite an eventful Thanksgiving with the dogs! I know how territorial they can be...I have witnessed some not-very-pretty things with my mom trying to bring her dog to my sister's and aunt's houses, both whom also have dogs. My mom's dog (a little Pomeranian) was actually attacked last summer by one of my aunt's dogs (long story) and almost died. Mom has now learned to keep her dog at home!

On to a better subject: your granddaughters. They are both so precious and beautiful. You must be in heaven getting to babysit and once again holding a baby and feeding her.

Your quiche looks delicious, but unfortunately, I am allergic to mushrooms. :-(

Hope you have a good weekend, Jane - and that we don't get too much snow!

Kit said...

Oh what lovely Grand daughters! They are all the decor you need. :) Have a great holiday in your own way. Kit

Leslie Harris said...

Jane your posts always transport me into your living room. I really felt the whole doggie issue and I could relate too since our stella isn't very friendly with other dogs, actually she's easily spooked since she's had such bad experiences with aggressive dogs. i'm glad milo and Squall are making progress. Hopefully in time Layla will get better with Squall too. You really had your hands full with all those guests and the fur babies too. Speaking of babies, my goodness you've been blessed with some beautiful grand babies. What precious time you're having with them both, and especially with Maddy. Honestly, please don't stress about the Christmas decorating it always works out in the end. I honestly can't believe how much you've accomplished lately with all the unpacking boxes and organizing at the lakehouse. Personally I think it would be so liberating to not have wifi because there's no guilt about having simple down time. By the way--thanks for sharing your articles I really really enjoyed reading them. And I saw the same warm, friendly writing voice from your blog... in those articles!
xo
Leslie

Theresa said...

Spending time with little ones is the best gift of all! It is nice to take time during this busy Season to just enjoy the moments:) That quiche looks SO YUMMY! Have a blessed day dear friend, HUGS!

Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse said...

I think that by trying to create a perfect Christmas we are sometimes ruining the end of year, actually. You're doing it just right by spending time woth your loved ones.

Unknown said...

Thought I would stop by and say hi. Love Elsie picture. .she is so pretty. And so is the newest addition. You're so very blessed my friend. Two beautiful granddaughters to spoil. I know the feeling of panic you feel about Christmas. It just kind of sneaks up on you. I'm trying to get things done but it never feels like enough. Looking forward to planning a get together after the holidays. Enjoy that new baby. Hugs my friend.
Cindy

Debra@CommonGround said...

Jane, honestly I don't know how you do it all. The doggy business would have just done me in, haha! I had to lay down the law once about cats, so I know how you feel. Don't put pressure on yourself, rest and listen to your inner voice about Christmas. Holiday expectations can get way out of hand. It's ok to stay low-key, and don't feel any guilt about it. xoxo

Sonia said...

Hi Jane,
Catching up on all my favorite blogs. Wow sounds like you have been really busy...but glad you take the take to post in the midst. I love your simple Thanksgiving table with the pretty yellow roses. Simple is good and with 29 people for desert I would be using paper plates for sure! The older I get the more simply I decorate for the holidays. I have a skinny tree and all the decorations fit into one plastic bin. It's easy to throw up and take down. Your lake house sounds like it's ready for lots of visitors. Enjoy and Merry Christmas!

Maggie said...

Good morning dear, loved catching up with life in Blondie's world. Babies, recipes and dogs, it's a wonderful life!
Love and best wishes to you and your lovely family at Christmas.
Maggie Xx

Dewena said...

Jane, your Mondays with Maddy are clearly one of the important things in life your title speaks of, as is beautiful Elsie, along with all the wonderful people and pets that make up your family. That's Christmas all year round, isn't it? A big puppy with small senior dogs is not an easy mix, even playing can be dangerous for the little ones. We'll be babysitting our two schnauzer granddoggies tonight through Sunday night while our daughter and son-in-law are in your hometown. They will celebrate Christmas early there where one son and his wife are living now, and another son will fly in too. I know they are going to love it. And our two dachshunds and their schnauzers will get used to each other, after the first 24 hour period of each one trying to prove who's the boss.

I bet you have your tree up by now and are enjoying it. Merry Christmas to you, Jane!

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Hi Jane. Those are two of the sweetest and cutest little girls! What a joy they must be to you. Sounds like you have some other "grandkids" that are not so much!! But you have to love them all no matter what. When my kids come up they bring Big Cruzer and Little Rosie and then there is Kai. It was really hectic when we had our cat because she didn't like any dogs at all. There are the same amount of animals when we go to their house, but somehow it doesn't seem as much when you are at another home. Have a wonderful time celebrating the holidays and Merry Christmas to you and your family. xxoJudy

The Charm of Home said...

I agree that we are doing way too much for Chritsmas. I read the bible this year and after reading it I am convinced that Jesus would not like our Christmas traditions. Yeah, you heard that right...He wouldn't like it. Most of us do so much stuff and we don't even know why we do it anymore. It's pagan. I know that is a hard pill to swallow. So this girl is not doing Christmas the same way ever again! Much love to you Jane. Have a wondeful Holiday with your family however you wish to celebrate it. Taking it more low key is a good thing.

Benita said...

Those babies are just adorable and I know you just love them up!! I don't have alot of things out for Christmas this year. Most of it is packed away in storage. I find that each year, I decorate a little less...not because I dislike the decorations, but because it seems that the focus changes when so many things are scattered around the house. I want us to spend time together...loving, sharing, appreciating and being thankful rather than rushing around trying to get things done. I enjoy the soft glow of twinkle lights on the tree and mantle. I like the special plates on the table...and that seems to be enough sometimes. Does that make any sense? Sometimes, I just rattle on...LOL Love and hugs!

Stacey said...

I've decided that bloggers who have no Christmas to show right now are my favorites!! No really, I'm taking it at a snails pace this year. This rent house is not inspiring me so much.

Your grand girls are so precious. What a blessing.

Susan said...

Hello Jane! Thanks so much for stopping by my blog. Hope you visit again. We actually have a lot in common. I write for a weekly newspaper, love cooking and baking and truly love Susan Branch! Hope you have a good rest of the week. As for preparing for Christmas, my mantra this year has been "if it gets done, great. If it doesn't, there's always next year." Ha! Take care. Susan

Anonymous said...

looks like we are in the same boat as I have hardly any Christmas décor up yet. I guess this weekend it will get done as the next weekend is Christmas :) Always enjoy reading your post Jane and so glad you stopped by. xoxo

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

Wow, you sure have alot of follwers! I made a rule when we moved to this house of NO DOGS. It saves my nerves. You are smart to not let the holidays stress you out. You know in your heart what you can do and handle. Don't let anyone (yourself included) make you feel guilty!!! Merry Christmas!!!!!

bj said...

I have done several things to make my holiday less stressful and I STILL wake up in the night, wondering if I got this or that for whoever...and do I have enuf baked for Christmas Eve and is that great crock pot potato soup, ham and cheese roll-ups with a salad going to be enuf for C. Eve...???
it all just wears me to a frazzel but I wouldn't want it any other way...:)
Have a blessed Christmas...xoxo

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Hi Jane, I always enjoy your posts. Your grands are just precious. Little Elsie is such a doll! My Christmas this year is going to be more low key, too. It's just a few of us now and we like lots of food, laughs and play card games when we get together. Nothing has to be Just So. I'm even going against tradition and not having a big turkey dinner this Christmas. It seems only yesterday I was fixing that for Thanksgiving! Where does the time go? Have a nice Friday and weekend and enjoy your Christmas preparations! Take care, Cheryl

Art and Sand said...

You have it right to take care of the important things in life and don't worry about the others.

Susan EvelynAndRose said...

Always enjoy seeing what you're up to on the blog, Jane. Congrats on the newspaper articles! You're a natural at it. Try not to stress about things not getting 'done' before Christmas and just enjoy the magic of it all.
Love those grandbabies!!
Thanks so much for your sweet visits to my long-neglected blog.

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

Jane, I always love reading your posts. It's like we are talking on the phone about this and that. I do that with my cousin in Virginia and my w friend here. One friend we talkevery day. I think she calls to be sure I am okay - makes me feel goof.

The girls (grands) are beautiful. That Elsie is going to break a lot of hearts. The baby is so cute. Are there any boys on the way?

Your Thanksgiving table looks very pretty. Sounds like you really had a housefull. The new dog will settle down. Poor little thing being in a cage all her life, how sad. Now she has a forever home.

Don't worry about Christmas decorations - they will get done and i am dure they will be beautiful. If I iived close would come over and help you decorate.

Today I made Brownies and Pumpkin walnust bread for gifts. Tomorrow it's candy and cookies.

I always take the boys to school when it's raining so they don't get wet. They live down the street and are rally good boys. So I got up really early to get ready and they didn't need me, so I need a nap.

Have you noticed that when you purchase supplies for candy, bread, etc. they are reducing the weight, so the recipes call for different ounces, so you have to buy extra. Got a recipe for Pepermint Bark from Mary a blogger. Her blog name I can't think of right now, but she is alwys on the boat or by the Lake. It sounds wonderful and I love that candy.

I have to recommend a wonderful cook book by the Pioneer Woman. She really has some great recipes in there.

Well this looks like a book, but I am trying to cover all the subjects in your post.
Again, love the post. Sorry to be so tardy in commenting but my computer got a virus and I was donw a couple of days.

Enjoy your weekend and don't overwork.

Hugs
Mary

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

Hi Jane, it's so nice to meet you! Yes, we do share a lot of the same friends. Your grand babies are just sooo adorable. Thanks for the quiche recipe. I Love the idea of a zucchini crust, which I must try soon.
Thank you so much for your visit and Merry Christmas blessings to you!

NancyB said...

your granddaughters are beautiful! Elsie looks so much like her daddy!

Optimistic Existentialist said...

Will you post a picture of your tree? :)

I hope you have a most wonderful Christmas :)

Helen Philipps said...

Loved this post, well I always love your posts Jane! It is a pleasure to read about your life. Your little grand girls are so adorable and how lovely to have a tiny newborn to cuddle again! I hope your Christmas arrangements get themselves done with the minimum of fuss and you have a wonderful time!
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas x
Helen xox

Anonymous said...

Hi Janie! Oh, I so love reading your posts an I'm so happy for you writing for the paper. Shoot! I'm sure folks would enjoy your blog posts too as you really write from your heart. Just enjoy your adorable little grandchildren and I'd like to wish you a very Merry Christmas!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Karen (Back Road Journal) said...

Love the sweet Christmas photo of Elsie, she is adorable. I'm sure by now that your home is beautifully decorated for Christmas. I hope you and your family will have a wonderful holiday together.

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year to the beautiful "B's"!

Two Christmases ago I edited my Christmas Boxes from 6 to 4. Two of them holding The Christmas Village.

This year, I baked only two varieties of cookies, ( Biscotti and chocolate dipped shortbread . . . ( This will be known as the first year in decades, I didn't get the pizzelles pressed). I fluffed the cookie tree and plates with the best of Fran's Chocolates.

I simplified the Christmas dinner menu. Only individually plated salads and 2 sides served to compliment the Prime Rib and Mr D's amazing apricot glazed ham.

As you know, wrapping is a passion of mine.

A simpler holiday gives one more time to spend with a growing population of love!

My goodness! How precious is Elsie Jane!

Oh how your love has grown since I became acquainted with you, Jane.

To our amazing year ahead!

w/L