Good Morning everyone. it is 18º and very foggy here this A M. we have about 7" of snow on the ground. yesterday I opened the deck door took a large pan and a large spoon and scoped up the middle of the snow up and made some snow cream. was very good. just add some sugar and venal dose the trick just fine.
Have a great day everyone.

Lloyd

Good Morning Everyfriend!  We never got the promised snow. Just the kind with white parachutes.  And it froze on contact with the ground.  The salt trucks have been out doing their job probably all night.  I don't think it's even bad enough that there are any closings.  I think I heard that the schools are on a 2 hour delay.  That's not so bad.

This morning, I'm finishing packing my goodie bags and putting stuff away so Tammy can clean stuff.  Then when she leaves, I'll do a bit of decorating.  If the roads are not too bad later, I might make a quick trip to Big Lots.  I need some batteries. 

And now, Mickie has a problem.  She thinks it's time for her walk.  I think she's psychic.  She does this every time I get a hot cup of coffee.

I guess I better go get dressed and take her for a regular walk.  She just had a "yard walk" when we got up.

I wish you all a lovely day!
Make it your own in every way!

P.S. LLOYD, we used to collect snow to make "ice cream" when I was a kid and you've brought back some really neat memories to me.  My grandfather was the one who helped us do that.  We even had colors in it.  I don't know how he did it but than you for the memories.

My brain is slow now days re do the snow cream best ( clean snow out of the middle sugar and vanilla to taste also some heavy cream makes it taster. as a child we used a Hand mixer but in my old laze old age I use a electric hand mixer. you can also use other flavors use your own guess as to what you like.

 Lloyd

The day is slipping by... we did get a bit done here, went into town not once but twice!! Made a meatloaf for supper along with parsnips carrots and potatoes. We haven't had a meatloaf in a long time and there is enough for a meatloaf sandwich for us...with hot mustard !!

Tomorrow we are out of here at 6:30 am to be at the cardiologist......I pray we get there this time. Weather folks are calling for snow which doesn't really bother us as we do have good snow tires on but others that don't and tramp on the gas:(

Better go see how things are going.

You are making me hungry with your snow ice cream. I have never had that but that could change

For some strange reason, I'm really sleepy tonight.  I don't think I'll make it to bed time....whenever that is!

I hope you are all getting ready for Christmas and the visit from the Jolly Old Fella! I'm having a hard time concentrating on anything form myself.  I'm so busy getting packages ready for everyone else and tomorrow is Kiran's 13th birthday.  She was born exactly one week before Christmas.

My father had died on the 18th of December some year before and I remember they were at my house on Sunday the 17th and Sarah was having mild contractions.  I told her to just relax because she wasn't going to have this baby until sometime after midnight.  She wanted to know how I knew that.  I told her  "Daddy Wright (that's what my kids called my father) was up there playing with her and he wasn't going to let us have her until he could send us a good memory to take the place of a bad one."  I was right!  She was born around 6 the next morning.  And she's been our good memory every since.

Now I'm going to go try to watch a Christmas movie and I'm sure I won't get all the way through it before my eyes give up.

AMY, I'm so glad your car problem was not worse!  Please be careful on all those "trips to the city".  We need you happy presence around here! 

I'm off!

well i got instred in movies on t v and time got away. so i now wish you all sweet dreams and good night hope to see you all tomorrow.

Lloyd

Not much to say, but I do want you all to know how much I appreciate all of your kind comments as well as the positive thoughts and prayers for Michele and the family😍

AMY, I am sorry to read about the problem with your van, but happy to read it was not a big issue, but it sure did sound scary to have no control over the vehicle.  I hope you are able to get Kyle to his appointment to with out any problems. 

SHIRLEY, I sure hope the CT scan will give some indication of what is causing the headaches. Please just take care of yourself and do not try to get a lot done before Christmas....

JANE, it seems you are progressing well with all of your gift wrapping and getting them to the very lucky recipients😘

CAROL, nice to see your post.  I have been told that it just is not all that warm down your way this year.  How nice that your son will be spending some time there with you.  Our mountains have really been getting the snow.  There are some mighty happy skiers. 

PHYLLIS, I am sorry you continue to be a bit under the weather.  Thankfully your David is there with you to help keep things going.

GLORIA, it is sad that the CNA'S that you are sent to help you out are not even able to do a simple task like wash dishes😫 I know it must be very frustrating for you. 

LLOYD, I read others grumbling at you for over doing it again....we all thought you had things taken care of so you could take it easy, but it appears you are not doing that🤪🤪

The news is on, and even though I do not like anything they have to say, I do want to watch the weather.

Pleasant dreams to all.

Jenny

Good morning everyone..

We had some snow over night but not a lot to worry about. Will take care of it when we get back from the city. Making this short as we soon have to be on the road. This time I hope we get back home on our own power!!
Enjoy your day everyone..

Good Morning everyone. It is 18º and partly cloudy. saying the high today will be 34º today. Denver it takes at least two to tangle. we are still having problems with ex tenant's.and x friend, not moving there belongs out. court date soon hope will take care of both of them problems. our house is + side of 2,000 foot on each level.walkout on ground each level.full kitchen on both levels. utility room and full bath on both levels. all we need is a door on the stairs to make privet like a duplex. we want to get it back in our names and grand children jointly. Nicole is the grand Daughter that is always here to help. Have a great day everyone.

Lloyd

Good morning everyone, 27° and just heard on local weather that roads are icy this morning. After the mess yesterday with snow and rain and the drop in temperature every thing is covered in ice this morning. Another day inside day for me. We had a dusting of snow overnight and I was watching a few brave ones here going out to clean their cars, snow was light and came off but underneath it is ice on the windows so a lot of scraping going on.

AMY  I never minded driving in snow but ice is something we cannot control a car on.

LLOYD  at least you can enjoy something about the snow you got. I knew some people who gathered the fresh snow and poured real maple syrup on it and loved it.

JANE  for a change the did right closing schools around here yesterday. Roads were pretty bad and worse with ice this morning. Schools are delayed today. Wonder how you got every thing done when you were still working. You seem to be busier now that you have retired.

JENNY  I had a different CNA yesterday and she was good. Imagine washing dishes in cold water because you skin gets red when using even warm water? I think all of us get red hands with hot water. I dislike complaining but the CNA's are supposed to do what we need. That cold water person didn't even want to dust the furniture. I put her in her place telling her I did read the booklet on what they can do. She just looked at me but did the dusting.

AMY good luck on your trip to the city and home again.

Have a good day.

Good Morning Everyfriend!  I'm up and Mickie has been out and had her pill so we're here waiting for the boinger.  Once the boinger goes off, I'll be "attem" for the day.

GLORIA, I think I know why I'm busier now than when I was working.  I sleep more!  If I feel tired, I just take a nap! I never did that when I was working.  I had things that needed to be done and I did them.  If there was time, I napped. 

JENNY, I still have Michele and your family in my prayers.  I hope she's well enough to enjoy a nice family Christmas with her children.  I've often wondered how the children are handling this.  I tried to put myself in their place when I was young and wondered how I would react.  I can't imagine!

AMY, I'm praying that you have a safe trip to the city and back safely.  We're all waiting to hear!

LLOYD, you mind the drs. and give Nancy a Christmas hug from me!  She deserves the best! 

I have something kind of neat to share with all of you.  A few days ago, Cathy came by with a box.  She said it's from her and my SIL and her daughter, Natalie and her husband, Clint.  They're the ones who live in Houston, TX and they were here for Thanksgiving but won't be here for Christmas.  Anyway, she showed me that the box was filled with envelopes, each one tied with a bow and dated with stick-on numbers indicating a date leading up to Christmas Day.  I was instructed to open one each day until Christmas but NOT to open them ahead.  This is FUN!  But it's also helping my budget!  Each envelope so far has contained a gift card of some sort.  The first one was from SHEETZ and I opened it after church on Sunday.  The interesting connection here is that on the way home from church my "needs gas" light came on there was the money to buy it.  I think they might have gone a little overboard but it's a pretty nice gift and the thought that went into it's preparation is pretty special.  I have a very thoughtful daughter and a very thoughtful granddaughter.  I'd love them anyway but I love them special this Christmas just for the time and thought that went into this gift!

I wish you all a lovely day!
Make it your own in every way!

It is so nice to see a bright sun this morning after a rainy day yesterday.  It lifts the spirits and I don't even mind that the temp. dropped overnight and it is COLD this morning!  It is warm inside because the heat pump is doing its job very nicely...bless its little mechanical heart. 

Jane, that is one of the most thoughtful gifts I've ever heard of from your daughter, grand-daughter and their husbands.  Please let us know what the other envelopes reveal, (if it isn't too private), would you, and let us enjoy it along with you?  What fun!

Not much planned for today except definitely a nap!  We watched the movie "The Irishman" last night on Netflix.  I can't say it was a fun movie but it was a very good movie and deserves its academy award nomination for this year.  But, it was long so I didn't get to bed until late.

Take care, All.

Jane, that sounds like an Advent gift from your thoughtful family. 

It is 16 degrees here now and may go to 18-20 degrees later today.  I think we are to go to 40+ degrees tomorrow.

Mary Ann

Glad to be home!!The trip into the city was horrid!! Snow, blowing snow and white outs made it quite interesting but the trip home made up for the nasty trip in. The sun was shining and with the new snow on the trees ,it was a wonderful winter land and the roads were clean!!. All went well for the test and now it is a wait and see..

We stopped at Dairy Queen for lunch which we shared with the dogs. Kyle didn't want his sundae so I told the lady to give it to someone else. While we were eating she came to the table with a pint of ice cream for us to bring home!! What a treat!!

Jane, was a thoughtful gift but then you have thoughtful children and grands..they take after Mom/ Grandma. 

Mary Ann the weather here has also taken a dip in temp it is +4 and windy.

Lloyd, I do hope all this is settled for you and Nancy ,you sure don't need this anguish!

Phyliss, I don't mind the cold as long as I am hugging the fire!!

Gloria,thank you, trip went well. I too do not like the black ice....makes one spin around like a button on an outhouse door!!!

Going to go relax a bit... 

Phyllis, so far each of the envelopes has contained a gift card.  The second one was to YungTing restaurant.  This is a local Chinese restaurant that opened here about 20 or so years ago.  We watched a little boy move a stool around so he could see over the counter or answer a phone. He was the only member of the family who spoke English. He's all grown up now and has graduated college.  And he's OUR little boy!

The third one was to a local restaurant called Good Wils.  My former office friends gather there about 6 times a year for dinner and friendship.  I'm ready for the next time
 
The fourth one was for Amazon.  To "get anything I want" according to the note.

And the last one that I opened today was for my favorite Amish Store.  I'm ready for the next shopping trip.  So far, that's it.  I'll try to remember to report in tomorrow  I really think they went a little overboard but they don't.  So I'm accepting and loving them for the nice thoughts.

Right now, I'm waiting for Frankie to call for pickup.  She's at an appointment and when she gets back, she's going to give Mickie a bath and then I'm taking her and her doggie home.  He's already had his bath.  She only has a shower at her apartment so I can count on a visit from them whenever Cooper gets dirty.

AMY, I'm glad you're safely home with no incidents.  I hope the news you await turns out to be good news.

MARY ANN, it is kind of an ADVENT.  That's a waiting period for a special event and all the events leading up to it.  The last envelope in my box says "Dec. 25, CHRISTMAS" on it.  So....

LLOYD, is this the day things are supposed to be happening?  Let us know.  I think I might be tempted to put that man's things out by the road and tell him to pick them up before they get buried in the snow.  But I suppose something like that wouldn't count in your favor.  I'm not very nice about people taking advantage of my friends. 

Better sign off before Frankie calls.  Hope everyone is having a good day!

Good Afternoon,

Countdown continues for The Big Adventure in Wisconsin.  Today I was able to put a hold on the newspaper delivery via phone but needed to go to the post office to have one put on the mail. Also needed to send a couple of things via certified mail. 
It's sunny and warm so I decided to Get Up And Go - no matter how long it took.
Was amazed when someone backed out of a parking place right in front of the p.o. door,there were three efficient clerks working....AND there was NO LINE!!!   

I think places like CVS, Walgreens, etc. put the pharmacy at the very back of the store so customers will "have an opportunity"  to browse both going to and coming from.  'Twas true this morning for me as I thought of several things I "needed" before I got to the pharmacy counter. 

Janie,  love your multiple envelope gift.  I'm sure they had as much fun planning and putting everything together as you're having opening them.

Amy,  no Dairy Queen around here any more and I really miss it.  Loved their hot fudge sundaes.

Lloyd,  I remember my mother making snow ice cream but don't think we ever tried it when we lived in the Colorado mountains. Either that - or it didn't work and we only tried it once!

Gloria, we had no trouble driving on packed snow in Colorado but I'd forgotten about Black Ice when we moved here.  I remember leaving to do errands and parking on the sloped driveway while I went back in to get something I'd forgotten.  When I came out, the car had slid into the street.

The only Christmas t.v. show I've watched (so far) is Kristen Chenoweth performing with The Mormon Tabernacle Choir.  Singers/dancers on the others I've tried haven't been "my kind of music".
I'm looking forward to next Monday night when I'll see Miss Ellen singing and dancing in "Holly Jolly Christmas".  The theater's Facebook page posted a video of the "Santa Baby" number.  We all picked up on Ellen using her "Betty Boop" voice for her solo bit. She said she had ad-libbed it in rehearsal. The director liked it but suggested she "dial it back a bit" for the performances.   
That reminded me of when she sang "I Wanna Be Loved By You...boop boop de boop" in a local revue when she was in high school.  As she flounced off the state, her brother turned to their mom and said, WHAT was THAT??" Totally out of character for her then - not so much now. 
She'll also be singing a duet of "Winter Wonderland" that will show off her lovely lyrical voice.

Wishing Everyfriend Everywhere an Enjoyable Evening.

Shirley I was deeply touched by your by your kind words It served also to remind me that I have been remiss in maintaining contact with all of my friends in S&F. I will do better in the future.
Don

Sure is good to "see" you again, Radioman Don!  Don't forget us and don't let us forget you.  I want you to know that I made your Sweet Potato Soup a couple weeks ago and it's as good as ever.  So you see, I think of you fondly whenever I eat it. 

Good morning...
Hokey teddy bear tis cold out -20 F at the moment!! I pity any dog/cat that is left outside on a day like today. We are meeting friends in town to give them "stuff" that was picked up for them and then I have a quilt delivery either today or tomorrow . Work around the house today after the running is done.

Don, I agree with Jane, hope you come back soon to your cyber family.

Callie, can feel the excitement building up...hope you can show us photo or utube  scenes of the show.

Gloria, bet you don't go for a walk outside today!! Good place to be is inside and warm.

Better get a move on here.

Enjoy your day everyone.

good Morning everyone. 28º and clear calling for 45º and sunny today. well get my shoes tied and go eat morning meal I will be fully dressed and ready to go see the sawbones at V A. roads are cleaned off good. stop at Sams club and stock up on a few thing we are getting low on. have a good day everyone.

Lloyd

Good Morning Everyfriend!  I notice that I didn't stop by to say Goodnight last night.  Sorry about that.  I fell asleep on the sofa when we came in from our last foray into the cold and when I woke up I went straight to bed.

AMY, it's 16 degrees here and I thought that was COLD!  I'm really glad I'm not where you are.  We get some "below" but usually not until sometime in Jauary.

Today is a "catch up" day.  If I get all caught up around here, I might make a quick trip to WM to pick up the stuff I need for Christmas dinner.  My Maryland Daughter and her husband and her daughter who lives here and MAYBE her twin brother who lives here,will be having dinner with me.  Not a big crowd but a good one.

OOPS, I just remembered, I forgot to set the boinger after Mickie's pill.  Now I have to back track and try to figure out when the waiting hour is up. 

CALLIE, I'm waiting for a full report on you "WEEKEND AT THE CONCERT".  I bet it's goin to be one of the best highlights of your life.  It's nice that it's close enough that the family can support Miss Ellen in force!  ENJOY every minute of it.  Of course you will!

I wish you all a lovely day!
Make it your own in every way!

Jane, how well your family knows you.  I am thinking of the song from The Sound of Music and saying in my mind that your daily Christmas gifts are each one for a "few of your favorite things".  These are all things that they know you have enjoyed over the years with friends and familiar places that make up the fabric of your life.  What a treasure!

Cold here, too, but nothing like your "belows", Amy, and I am eternally grateful for that! Hope you can stay home and near that big warm kitchen stove today.

Grocery day.  Ugh!  And a long list, too.  I don't know if there is enough "git up and go" in me but I think I'll try.  David has taken on so many of the household duties that I feel guilty but he says that sometimes it is just easier for him to do the shopping on his own than it is to worry about taking care of me getting around as well.  Finally, the disability parking placard has arrived so if there is a space available we can park a little closer....maybe.

Callie, safe travels to the North Country.  Enjoy the Christmas Show with Miss Ellen and all the family watching with button-busting pride.  A nice memory in the making.

Nice to see you, Don.  Please come back often.

Thinking of  Shirley and hoping so much that she is doing better and that the pain has gone.  It would be nice to hear from her soon.

Please take care, All, and Good Thoughts for Everyone.
 

Good Morning,

Sunny and cold in central Oklahoma.

Janie,  Miss Ellen is in Wisconsin!  Don't want to publicize details of trip so will report fully when we get home.

Amy, The Palace Theater has posted several videos of show numbers on its Facebook page that include Miss Ellen but I don't think they're on YouTube. 

Have to get serious about packing today.  It's been a very long time since I've attempted this kind of trip.

Wishing Everyfriend Everywhere an Enjoyable Day.

Good morning everyone, I slept late today and it feels good. Just checked the temperature and it is 8° and wind chill is -5°. Yes that is minus 5°. Now that is really cold and winter is not officially here yet.

JANE  love the gift you got. Reminded me of the time my daughter had an envelope stapled to every page in the yearly calendar she sends me. All different gift cards. I had to wait for each month to open them. That was fun and lasted a year.

PHYLLIS  it is fun and a surprise that Jane got from her family. I had a gift that lasted a  year from my daughter. opened the first of each month.

AMY  I slid on black ice one morning going to work, ended when I hit a guide wire on a telephone pole. Turned around and went to the garage. Felt like I was driving side ways. Threw the car out of line so the man at the garage drove me home and brought the car back at the end of the day. So instead of earning money that day I spent it.

JANE  it is a thrill to open a new envelope and find a surprise in it. You are lucky to wait only a day, I had to wait a year to find out what I had.

CALLIE  you were lucky at he post office.Not even a line  to wait in at this time of year. There has been a lot of black ice around here already. Seems like they are not spreading as much sand as usual. Enjoy your trip  and seeing Ellen perform.

DON  it is wonderful to see you this morning. Bubble told me you were going to be Santa where you are living. I bet everyone will love you. I still miss you and your Sunday programs.

AMY  you are so right. If I had an appointment today I would call and cancel it. I am staying inside. I can always walk the halls here but that is not out in the fresh air. it is now up to 10°, getting warm?

LLOYD  have a good day.

Have to get moving, getting hungry so better get going.

Have a good day and stay warm.

Gloria, we have been out and back home again..even my eyelashes shivered!!!

OK, I made myself wait to open today's envelope until I finishes all the things I had planned to do today.  And I just finished and opened the envelope.  When I get home from the Amish store, I'll have to jump right into my friend's car and head for the movies so I can use my AMC gift card from today. 

Whoever it was that said "they know me pretty well" was absolutely right.  So far, everything is for places I like to eat, things I like to do and good places to shop!  Natalie was only here for 4 days and one of them was Thanksgiving.  I wonder how they got all this done? Just accumulating all those cards took some time and putting it all together took more time.

Now, since I'm finished with today's chores and my list is ready for tomorrow, I'm going to take Mickie out and then snooze for a bit.  We don't walk far in the cold.  Dogs must have great padding on their feet because she never "complains"!  I always do!

I wonder about Shirley!  Hope all's well

Keep on keeping on!  The day is yours!

I come to check on all of you at least several times a day but since my head is still hurting (pain behind ears, top of head & that board someone whacked me across the back of the head/neck is still as sore as ever.... so I hate to be a downer with the happy Christmas talk! Results back from blood test & CT scan, inflammation markers not pinpointed... and I have no idea what the next step so asked the nurse that called to ask Dr what more can we do???  I mentioned getting a carbon monoxide detector, maybe try a different type BP med (that is always high)... can't keep taking aspirin every 5-6 hours the rest of my life!!!  But, I will say, those aspirin actually helped me get along better with the knee & after NOT taking since midnight last night, I do know that knee still protests walking normal!  Head is splitting but my tummy has reached the limit of accepting so many aspirin. Vicious circle.

Enough about my crazy life, I am putting up a strong battle but house & cats are not too happy. Cats can't figure why I'm not giving them a lot of hugs & extra petting, they just watch me with big eyes. 

Don, so good to have you pop in for a visit, we do think of you as our personal Santa so a special treat! 

Thank you all for thinking of me, I am just wallowing in this not knowing what is wrong. As Pollyanna would say, "just look at all the things tests show that AREN'T wrong with me!!!"   

Time to feed cats, the girls are outside and Tom has been in all day so he will want out for exercise after he eats. Thank you all for the updates in your world, when bundled together it makes for very happy moments of reading. Callie, an extra hug for our star, she is such a lucky girl to have her family rally around this special occasion. Her cyber family will be waiting to hear all about the curtain calls!         

I just wanted to show you all how pretty my christmas catcus is when it is in bloom!

Here is my wife with the Christmas cactus, but the picture is rotated 90 degrees and we can't figure how to stand her up. Can anyone help us out?

Lloyd, is this your beautiful granddaughter with you?  I hope you get to post the photo of the Christmas cactus.....mine has only 4 blossoms on it.