Sunday, December 30, 2012

HIGHLIGHTS OF 2012 (PART 1)

The Midwest had very much a mild winter, but I kept the comfort food coming and pretended to hunker down.  Here I made chicken soup from scratch following a recipe by Susan Branch.  It was delish!




And another.  I think this was the year of tablescapes for me after Kathleen started her fun party.
A little trip to the historic and great shopping town of Galena, Illinois came in June and we met up with fellow blogger Cindy and her husband Dan.


So now you can see why I had to divide this post into two parts.  My walks down memory lane involve stopping to sniff each and every flower.  I really had fun going through my old posts, seeing how the seasons change, how we change.  And then how some things stay true and constant.  I'll be back in a few days to complete this.  In the meantime, have a ball celebrating the beginning of a new year!  We will be very low key here at home as usual.  I can't remember the last time we went out anywhere.  I just hope all those fireworks at midnite don't wake me up! lol!

See ya!

Thursday, December 27, 2012

HO HO HO. IS IT REALLY OVER?



After Christmas Day brunch, I spent the afternoon making a festive dinner.  I didn't want any help since this was the first dinner I have made in ages, as we usually celebrate where someone else is doing the cooking. :)  I had ordered a huge prime rib roast from the butcher.  He trimmed the fat and saved it for me as I was trying a new recipe.  Fresh herbs were patted on the roast and then strips of fat went over that.  It keeps the roast moist.  While that was in the oven I made mashed potatoes, Yorkshire pudding and asparagus with homemade Hollandaise sauce.  I had a recipe for Cheddar biscuits but forgot to get buttermilk so that was scratched.  I was a bit flustered that I took on so many first time ideas and also that Abby had to work at 7:00 (who goes to a bar on Christmas night?) and Jeff had plans as well (in fact he showed up at the pub Abby works at, so we now know who goes to bars on Christmas night!).  So...dinner was served on time at 6:00, everyone was happy and enjoyed it and of course, I forgot to take pictures of the table!  Needless to say, I was snuggled up in bed with a book by 9:00, just so happy and content and sort of relieved all the fussing this month was over!! 

I didn't get to rest long.  We were up bright and early and downtown the next day for The Husband's post op exam.  His doctor is the sweetest lady.  She was as happy as we were that he is doing so well!  His next appointment is in mid January and they will talk about when he can go back to work.  He is just now starting to work out of our home office.  

Well, that's all I have for now.  After this trip to the store and then heating up leftovers, I think I am going to put my PJ's on and stay that way for a few days! 

Warm wishes to all of you!

Friday, December 21, 2012

MERRY CHRISTMAS!


I'll close today by thanking all of you again for the get well wishes for The Husband.  He is a real trooper.  And I want to wish all of you and your families a very Merry Christmas! :)

XO,
Jane

Friday, December 14, 2012

BLESSED


The day after the surgery, The Husband was sitting in a chair and walking the halls.  He is adamant about getting strong and being sprung!  He never complains, and I mean NEVER!  He is amazing.  Tomorrow he gets to start eating soft foods.  He has had nothing to eat or drink since Monday night.  He may get out on Sunday, but most likely Monday.

Well, I just wanted to bring all of you up to date.  And I'll close by saying that I prayed and prayed for a few miracles and my prayers were answered.  Today is out 26th wedding anniversary.  I have never felt so blessed that I met this incredible man to spend my life with!

Thank you again for being such a great group of friends.  By the way...is there a holiday coming up? :)

Monday, December 10, 2012

'TIS THE SEASON!


On a serious note, The Husband is having his surgery tomorrow.  He'll be in the hospital for at least a week.  I really thought I was ready for this but yesterday I was really down...worried, scared, depressed and anxious all at once.  It really hit me that I was going to see him in pain for the first time in our lives.  That I would be with him all day and come home at night alone.  Life is so filled with curve balls.  Today I resolved to be strong, positive and purposeful.  He has been fasting for 24 hours already and the surgery isn't until noon tomorrow.  I feel so bad for him.  Yesterday I made a huge Sunday dinner for him and baked cookies.  Your prayers would be so appreciated.

Well, I have to go now.  I might bring my laptop to the hospital if possible but if I don't you know why I haven't visited.  I can keep track of comments and emails on my phone.  I've loaded up my Nook with new books and magazines and when he has visitors I can sneak off to Michigan Ave. 2 blocks away to Christmas shop.  Now, be good elves and enjoy the spirit of Christmas!  :)