Christmas Week

MONDAY:
Everything is still green! 
While I worked on the washing and ironing; Bob bless his heart, called all over town to see where I could get my teeth fixed.  I had a 4:00 o'clock appointment at Aspen Dental.  I was gratefully surprised and one lucky lady when they fixed the hole where the dog had chipped a piece out.  They have a lab right there.  I sure felt stupid telling them the story.  They also told me that I need a new set.  Guess I've had them about 25-30 years and all the teeth are worn.  After we picked up groceries to bake cookies.  Betsy had supper ready and after we started making more cookies with her new recipes. We made three different kinds before calling it a night. 

LOOK HOW CUTE SHE DECORATES THEM.  THESE ARE MADE WITH MINT OREOS AND CREAM CHEESE. 

TUESDAY:
Everything is still green!  So much rain. 
I wrapped presents today for Sarah while she is enjoying herself in Paris.  She has sent lots of pictures. 

SARAH IN A SWANKY DEPARTMENT STORE

TRICK PHOTO

Bob and I went to the grocery store again!  This time to get the turkey and fixings for Christmas dinner.  We went to Tops and wouldn't ya know, they didn't have any 22 pounders.  So that made another stop at Aldi's.  Nothing is easy, right?  

SNOWMEN; THESE ARE FLAVORED WITH COFFEE. 

After supper, Betsy and I went at it again-more cookies.  We have dozens of cookies!  I'm sick of cookies!
WEDNESDAY:
Everything is still green!  So much rain. But it's warm.
I should have gone downtown this morning for a blood test but I got up during the night and ate cookies so that ruined the fast of 12 hours.  Maybe tomorrow.  I want the results at Dr. Sue's for next week. 
Still wrapping presents, I always find a few items stuffed in my closets. 
Today I made our favorite "Chex Cereal Mix".  I always make four batches of the recipe so the Gkids have some to take with them.  
A few more Christmas cards came today.  That sure has changed from years ago; people use the computer to send e-cards now.  Plus we can talk to far away relatives most any time. 
After supper we packed cookies for the friends and neighbors.  Betsy made a huge tray to take to work.  Oh, they look so pretty with all the different colors.  I made a tray for Aspen Dental as I promised them some as I was so grateful to have my teeth fixed. 
THURSDAY:
Up at 6am to set the dough.  Oh, I just can't function without coffee.  I'll do the blood test tomorrow.  Today will be a long one.  I'm making an old family recipe that Great Grandma Rindo taught me.  It's called "Balish" or "Beles" in Hungarian.  It's a huge recipe made with yeast and the dough (made into separate rolls) can be filled with ground nuts, poppy seed, prunes, cheese or apricots.  My family loves the nut and poppy seed ones.  The recipe starts with 5 pounds of flour and it takes all day to bake the rolls.  Betsy took the day off of work to help me.  Then Debbie called, she and Annalynn are coming to help me too.  We had a good day visiting and Annalynn enjoyed working with the dough.  We finished up about 3:00 so that's early than expected. 

SET THE DOUGH, MAKE THE SIGN OF THE CROSS ABOVE IT LIKE G. GRANDMA.

GRIND THE WALNUTS

LET'S GET STARTED!    ANNALYNN, BETSY & DEBBIE 

SPOON THE POPPY SEED FILLING ON

ANNALYNN SHOWED US HOW TO DO IT MORE MODERN -  PIPPING THE WALNUT FILLING ON.  NEVER MIND USING A SPOON!    SHE'S THE BAKER GIRL!

PULL BACK WITH YOUR THUMB AND GET THAT TAIL TUCKED UNDER SO THEY DON'T OPEN UP WHILE BAKING.

ALL BAKED - MAKE SOME COFFEE - DELICIOUS!

 FRIDAY:
Up early and headed for the blood lab.  There's a blizzard outside.  By the time, I drove off the snow had stopped.  We do have some on the buildings but it didn't cover the grass.  I finally got the blood test done after fasting a couple nights.  Then the Dr's office staff called and wanted to reschedule my appointment as the Dr. Sue will be away.  Can't win!
Up setting news on Face Book; Sarah's flight home from Paris was cancelled today.  She has a free hotel room and will leave at seven tomorrow morning.  That upsets plans.  When Betsy picks her up in Rochester tomorrow, she will have to take her dress up clothes to attend the other Grandma's Christmas eve events.  All one can do is punt and pray.
Bob and I drove all over Batavia today dropping off cookie trays.  The girls at Aspen Dental were sure surprised, they all had smiles on their faces.  That makes me feel good all over. 
While we were about town, I picked up some ribbon and decorations  to put some pzazz on my wrapped gifts.  That perked them up but I was pooped.  What else is still on the list?  Looking forward to some TV time now. 
SATURDAY:
Everything still green!  Another day of preparation!  Sarah is in NJ!  Sarah is in Rochester.

CHRISTMAS DAY:

Merry Christmas!  Have a wonderful day!

Golden Gram

My Dog Story was deleted!

Opps!  Some how I hit a button that deleted my dog story! 

Saturday:

Most every night,  I spread a blanket on the rec room floor and lay down to play with our dog. (Cinderella)  That is if she feels like it, otherwise she just lays beside me while I read the newspaper.
All week, my false teeth (bottom plate) has been hurting me.  And again today so I took them out and laid them on the blanket.  Later I had to use the bathroom and I got up and left the room.  When I returned the dog was chewing on something, I looked down, oh my G..  She was chewing on my false teeth.  She had broken a big hunk off the side.  Now I have real sharp points there.  That was the stupidest thing I have ever done!  I went out to the garage to show Bob.  He laughed his head off!  He apologized.  He laughed some more.  That was the funniest event he has enjoyed all week, I guess.  It won't be funny when I have to pay to get them fixed.   I'll have to call the insurance tomorrow to see about dental coverage.  True story!  

Golden Gram

DH "DEAR HUSBAND" OR "DAM HUSBAND" and A FUNNY-THE DOG CHEWED MY TEETH

MONDAY:
Ah, what's the hurry?  I hustled all last week.  Enough already.   I'm doing the washing and ironing while Bob is helping on computer.  Do you have the patience to work with another on computer?  I detest it!  Since it's cold out the duties outside are not there and I find Bob sitting at my station more often.  I want him to update his lap top so he gets off my computer.  I have stuff that I want to do, ya know.  But he is helping me, right?  I did ask him to download a form so I could do the Holiday Rambler RF-2 FORM that's due.  He did that and then preceded to fill it in, and he clicks so fast that he makes more work. Okay, "DH"  I folded clothes and then went to take a nap!
About 3:00pm Bob's eyelids were getting heavy and I suggested he take a nap.  It worked and I have my computer back.  So I banged out some payments and read my e-mails..e gads I have over 200 e mails to delete.  Got behind there.
TUESDAY:
Okay, I'm getting my snap back.  I'm up at 6:00am.  Bob's (DH) not up yet so there is peace and quite thru out.  I picked that up, "DH" from another persons' Blog.  DH could mean "Dear Husband," or "Dam Husband," or what ever.  Betsy is heading out for work.  (In the dark and return in the dark) 
Our car needs some molding replaced so it has to go back to dealers today.   You know who will be gone.  ("DH") Not having a car doesn't fit in my schedule as I'm ready to go shopping.  Well, I'll just make a list of all jobs to do and be happy that "DH" is getting the work done. 

BOB WENT TO THE RAILROAD MUSEUM WHILE WAITING FOR THE CAR.

BOB STAYED SO LONG THEY ASKED HIS HELP TO REPAIR A COUPLE PROBLEMS. 

WEDNESDAY:
We completed a marathon today!  We left home at 9:30 and hit about a dozen places which took us until 4:00pm.  We picked up lots of the stocking gifts plus went for groceries.  When we got home it was an effort to put stuff away.  I made our 4:00 coffee and we had our treat-a big fat cholesterol free donut.  I still have the meats to divide and freeze.  Bob (our friend) if your reading this, we bought a couple slices of ham to make that ham salad.  Yummy.  I picked up a roasted chicken (which was dry) and some tater tots for din din, something easy.   I cleaned the refrig (garbage night) until we got hungry enough to make supper.  Another friend had called while in the grocery store so I called her back. 
After supper, I just sat at the computer.  The knees are kaput!  I read two of the Caring bridges blogs to check up on friends.  I made a bank deposit and when I opened up the bank envelope to put the checks in,  there was $22.00 in cash in there.   I guess the milkman "DH" finally took the pop bottles back.  Not much else new or exciting; I'm glad today was warm, at least until it rained.  It ti's late so guess I'll head for bed.  I finished a good book last night and I wish I had another to unwind!
THURSDAY:
We went shopping again.  It's hard work!  At the galleria, I sent "DH" on missions while I tried to maneuver the Macy's store.  Betsy and I needed nail polish so that was "DH's" mission - half way down the mall.  They were out of our brand so "DH" sent the salesclerk running down near Sears (other end of mall) to their other store.   Great clerk with lots of Christmas spirit!  We later went to the Apple Store.  We played the "Old Farts" routine and asked lots of questions.  That was the most fun shopping I have had yet. 
FRIDAY:
I spent most of the day wrapping gifts.  I have one more stocking gift to get yet.  Bob went out and did errands for me.  That helps so much.  I needed freezer bags so when "DH" returned we divided the meats and prepared them for the freezer.  I made a batch of cut out cookies to put in refrigerator.
Sarah is home from college and unloading her car.  Boxes, bags, and suitcases; what a load.  She even remembered to bring back our cooler.  She took one look at our "down sized living room tree" and said, "I don't like it"!  "It's pretty but it doesn't look right, it's not full enough. 
SATURDAY:
After breakfast, I made a batch of ham salad.  This time I used the food processor trying to hurry and  it ground the ham up to a paste!  We didn't like it.  It still tastes good but not what we are used to.  Haste makes waste.

Betsy and Sarah was doing her washing.  As they washed, they repacked Sarah's suitcase.  Sarah is flying to Paris to join her friend, Anne for a week.
Anne is one of our neighbor's and she and Sarah have grown up together.  Annie is finishing a semester of study there.  So it was stay out their space and no photos either.
I went back to the kitchen and baked 3 batches of cookies.  The first that I have made.  

SNOWBALLS & PEANUT BUTTER/CHOCOLATE KISSES

I decided to bake a recipe of each of our favorites.  Bob favorite is the Snowballs.  Sarah likes the Peanut Butter Kisses.  Betsy's favorite is the cut outs.  Mine is Meatballs.  That will be more than enough.

Betsy and Sarah left about 4:30 for the airport.   We had leftovers for supper and then watched some TV. 
Univera and see how much dental insurance will costs.  (Golden Ages $$$$)
SUNDAY:
Sarah sent an e mail-she is going thur customs.  She hasn't found Annie yet.  Not to worry, right? 
Bob is going to drug store; he needs 52 pills to get thru the year.  (Donut Hole till then)
Betsy and I put the icing on the cut out cookies then made a batch of the meatballs. 

THE SUGAR CUT OUTS

BAKING THE MEATBALLS-CHOCOLATE, SPICE & RAISINS-YUMMY.

ALL DONE!

There's more work to be done and it surely will make the coming week short!   I often think, how did I do it all when I worked.  I hope all your efforts are coming together so you all have a relaxing Christmas and enjoy your families, the good food, and the blessing of Christmas.

Merry Christmas!  Thanks for clicking in.

Golden Gram aka "Santa Gram" 

APPOINTMENTS & PARTIES

MONDAY:
Bob has left for the eye doctor's (1st app. this week) for a follow up exam of the laser treatment a couple weeks back.  He didn't think that I needed to go to drive.  So I start my wash and the computer.    
Good news!  Today my son, David, sent an e-mail to us-"Guess what I got?"   When I opened it he had been recognized with a prize money gift for entering photos into the AMERICADE EVENT (Motorcycles) at Lake Placid held this past June.  How special is that?  What a nice feather in his cap!  He told us to go on line @ www.americade.com and look at the photos within their magazine.  We did and we found several that belong to David.  We are so proud.

THE BIKER GIRLS!
DEBBIE, DONNA & JOANN

DAVID -THE PHOTOGRAPHER  & DONNA

TUESDAY:
Bob had a a follow up (2nd) Dr's appointment today in Lockport regarding the stent placement.  He had an EKG and it was good.  He also had the flu shot.  From there we went to lunch and finished the afternoon doing some Christmas shopping.
That evening, Bob helped me to order Christmas cards thru Wal Mart.  I wanted to use a photo of all the grand kids that my son had taken and altered with snowflakes and holiday greetings.  He is clever. 

WEDNESDAY:
(3rd&4th) I had two doctor's appointments today.  One in Rochester and one in Batavia.  See the Golden Years takes all our Gold to stay healthy.  The Rochester doc wants another Cat Scan to follow up on a previous problem.  In Batavia I went to the orthopedic Dr's for another couple shots in the knees!  I hope that will get me thru Christmas Day.  One side is burning right now.  Doc told me to put ice on them once at home, so I did and I promptly fell asleep. 

THURSDAY:
Today I helped my friend who is a caterer.  She is serving lunch at Social Services where I used to work.
Other than carrying in the food and set up; my job is is simple- just keep the salad bowls and the roll basket  full.  Oh ya, watch the butter dish and add to it as needed. 
Each year, there are less and less staff that I still know due to the turn over.  But after serving, (they have to go thru line, eat and back to work in the hour) I did visit with several of them.  They all say things are bad so I can't help but be thankful that I'm out of there.
After I went to have a blood test that's required for the Cat Scan.  Arriving there, the script wasn't faxed to the right place so that had to be traced down.  The results weren't directed to the Imaging place either so that had to be corrected.  Sometimes, it seems like constant maintenance to get things as ordered.
I had fun getting the Christmas Cards ready for mail that evening. I can do most everything on the computer now so that's no biggie.

FRIDAY:
(5th) Bob took Cinderella to Vet's to have the stitches out.  She was a real good girl.  The bumps have gone down nicely.  I hated to leave her alone after but we had to go to Rochester for the (6th app.) Cat Scan.  I had to make sure they received the blood work or it would have been a long drive for nothing.  By now, Bob is feeling like an ambulance driver with all these appointments.  He is going to get a red light for the top of the car, Ha!  After, we shopped some as we needed two $5.00 gifts for Saturday. 
At home, I jumped into high gear to make 2 desserts, wrap two packages, make a Auction basket and get some computer work updated for the two Christmas parties on Saturday.  Hay, this old girl is to old for this schedule.  My back was aching!  I finally finished about 11:30pm.
SATURDAY:
We have a ground covering of snow now.  It's pretty! We left for the Gold Prospectors Christmas party luncheon about 11:15am.   For some reason, lunch wasn't served until 1:30pm and and they still had the children's gift exchange, basket auction, Chinese auction and raffle's to do.  It was a long drawn out affair. 

MY TICKET WAS DRAWN FOR THIS CUTE SNOWMAN.

We left about 3:00pm and headed home to pick up dessert & gifts for the Holiday Rambler Christmas party in Tonawanda.  We had a small turn out but it was very pleasant to see the camper friends again.  During the business meeting, the nominating committee of one (our friend,Bob) announced the officers slate and all was accepted and passed.  My Bob is now President and our friend, Bob has agreed to be Secretary.  (Too many Bob's)  We will be glad to help him get started as Secretary. 
SUNDAY:
I just had a horrible night.  I thought the dog was so sick she was dying.  She huddle so close to me all night that I couldn't turn over.  I finally went to the living room couch with my pillows and blanket.  Not to long after, I hear click, click, click.  Cinder's toe nails on the floor and she hops up to sleep with me on the couch.  When the rest of the household woke up, she left me and I went back to bed for some sleep.  When I got up, Betsy told me that the poor thing had poopie all dried and stuck to her hinny!  She probably couldn't go to the bathroom.  So, now I'm washing the bedspread and blankets. 


Golden Gram

All thru The House, more down sizing!

MONDAY:
49o and it's a wet morning.  The field is all brown from the rain instead of golden.  I haven't seen any deer and the hunters are disappointed because we don't have snow to make tracking easier.  Sorry guys but I'm sure we will get our share as it's a long winter.

Insurance phone calls and some computer work occupied us this morning while wash day Monday reigned again. 

After lunch, Bob took Cinder (dog) to the vets for a nail trim.  He also asked about the warts on her back and head.  Much to our surprise the vet said they should come off.  (He didn't think so last visit.)  Another surprise, the vet said he could do it today but we would have to leave her there until 6:00pm.  Bob called Betsy and I to ask what to do..."get it done."  The wart on her back is nasty looking and it's growing, now about the size of a thimble. 

While waiting for 6pm, Bob started putting up my tree in the dinning room which I put my glass ornaments on.  I unpacked all the ornaments. The rest I'll do tomorrow. 

Bob & Betsy brought Cinder home.  She is a little groggy.  They used wire for staples, OMG.  Now we have to take her back in 9 days to have them removed.  It's like a child all over again.  We feel so sorry for her because she is showing signs of soreness.  Hope we get thru this.
TUESDAY:
Wow, the whole day has been thick fog.  I wonder if we are going to get a big snowfall.  I heard geese today (kinda late) and I checked the field and it was full of them.  They must have been way up North.
I have my dinning room Christmas tree almost done. I'll put the icicles on it tomorrow as I have worked all day on it.  My ankles, knees and back hurts.  Enough already.

Cinder has slept most of the day.  She still sits down very gingerly.  The swelling on her back looks like it went down some but not on her head, still bunches;  I hope it heals without them bumps. 

Bob took the Escape (Ford) back to the dealers today and they installed the running boards, window shields, auto start, and new wipers.  He says that he had a big list for them to check.  He asked about rubber floor mats for winter and low and behold, they gave him a set.
Well, I have a few minutes until the Biggest Loser on TV so guess I'll go sit with the dog.
WEDNESDAY:
I finished putting the icicles on the tree this morning.  Then the curly cue glitter sticks, then the tree skirt.  Looking good.

TREE #1 -  DINNING ROOM 

Then we went downtown for a few things before heading off to Lockport for a hair appointment.  We picked up a few stocking stuffers in Wal*Mart.  Yeah, we are started with the shopping.  We drove in heavy snow which showed up on the ground but disappeared by the time we started home.
On the way home, we stopped at Debbie's for some coffee and to visit.  They have done some serious shopping; packages on the porch and deliveries in the house.
At home for supper, I had hoped Betsy had started the chicken thighs, nope.  She was busy setting up a new Christmas tree in the living room.  It's a down sizer!  Tall and slim. 
Our previous tree was huge and heavy to handle.  There Mom, you can play with it tomorrow.  But the stairs shelf needs decorated first.  Bob called for pizza and everyone had projects for the rest of the evening.
THURSDAY:
I don't know why I put off making  telephone calls.  I just hate to give up the time, I guess.  I had to make alot of calls when I worked, (3 quotes for purchasing) and I hated it, but that was 19 years ago.  Get over it, right?   So, this morning I made several calls that were long over due.
Just before lunch I started putting up the Toontown houses on the stairs shelf.  These are all "Mickey Mouse" related.  They are Sarah's that she received as gifts over the years. 

TOONTOWN HOUSES - MICKEY'S & MINNIE'S

CITY HALL

FIVE  & DIME STORE   AND COURT HOUSE

THIS IS NOT A  TOONTOWN- JUST A CUTIE PATOTIE!

 I was ready to tie down the electric cords but the houses didn't light up.  Bob was napping so I waited for him to wake up to help.  I changed course and went and did some scrapbooking.  
When he worked on them, all he had to do was put batteries in the flipper!  Whoda thought of that, I'm such a twit!   
We missed purchasing a couple of units in this series; we still need Goofy's House, Chip & Dales' Tree House, and the Fire Department.  All houses are retired now so every now and then I have someone check on E-Bay to see if any are posted for sale.  Wonder what the price is now; they were $48.00 new. 
FRIDAY:
I made chocolate chip cookies for our afternoon visit with my friend who had lung surgery 4 weeks ago.  She is doing good but tires easily.  She has some Christmas shopping done but she is not in the mood for decorations; probably thinking and scared as she has to have chemo.  We all visited and she made coffee to go with the cookies.  I thought that we had stayed to long but the guys were still yaking-"machines & Ipads" and I had a hard time getting Bob ready to leave.

We hadn't been home long and Betsy came in from work.  We had coffee together and decided what we wanted to work on while she was available.  The decision was the living room tree since I didn't get time for it. So our evening was hauling out more boxes of decorations, putting on colored lights and ribbon.  Betsy and Sarah collect "Old World" ornaments and they have a huge box full.  So I unwrapped all of them.  It was time for the Gold Rush on TV so everyone quit to watch that show. 
SATURDAY:

TREE #2 - LIVING ROOM

 When I got up at 10:00am, Betsy was just finishing putting  the ornaments on the tree.  She ran the sweeper and hauled the storage boxes back to the garage.  It wasn't long and Bob had the Christmas train set up under the tree and running it.  

BOB POINTING AT BETSY'S BLUE CHRISTMAS TRAIN

 A quick trip over town for battery lights for 2 other wall decorations and to Tops for groceries and we were pooped.  We had supper at Tulley's (chicken tenders are back on menu) instead of cooking for ourselves.
Once I get those wall tree decos up, I'm done decorating.  If Santa doesn't see the lights here, it's not my fault.  We are already blowing fuses!   
SUNDAY:
I printed Bob's Christmas List as he finally finished it. 

Cinder is playful again.  She is laying on her back and swishing back and forth.  She tugged on toys with me. She must feel better.

On to the next project; Christmas Cards.  I've updated all the addresses that have changed this year and printed the list.  I've checked printing prices.  Now to decide on a photo and do an order. 

I think the ghost of Christmas Past was here to visit.  I had a wall tree (1/2 a tree, flat on hanging side) decorated upstairs and ready to be hung and it went crashing to the floor while I'm on the computer downstairs.  He was here while Sarah was home too, as her manger scene was all messed up.  The tree was in the stable, the lambs were in the hayloft, the Wise men were coming from the West instead of the East and etc. 
Strange ahe?
No Steelers on TV today, darn.  Betsy saw the score and they are ahead-good!
Well, I have some prayers to complete for people who are seriously ill and probably won't enjoy the season as much as you or I.  So, I'm going to post this Blog.

Have a good week everyone.  Thanks for clicking in.

Golden Gram

Grandkids Are Home from College

MONDAY:
Of all things, with all the grand kids coming home from college, I made up my mind to enjoy them and take a bi-week from my Blog.  Then I had second thoughts, many others are looking forward to the Blog.  Alas, Monday is always wash day and work on the computer while you shove the loads thru the machines.
Preparing to pay bills, I went on line to the bank.   A couple weeks ago we received instructions for a high teck security code that the bank was installing, it looked simple enough then.  Well, no matter what I did the cursor went to a different line.  I tried three times.  I anticipated trouble with the bank sale.  (HSBC to NIAGARA)  As Bob walked by I related my problem.  He sat down and with all the patience in the world, he could do it.  It didn't work for him either.  It locked us out and told us to call this number.  Right away Bob grabs the phone....dial....wait....wait...wait.  He hung up and dialed again.  I said, hay you better wait until we have the new minutes on the phone as we had 30 minutes left.  (new minutes the next day) I can work on something else until tomorrow.
Why don't you bring in the "Ugly Trees" for me to set up.  The Ugly Trees are a set of 3, of cheap-o pine.  Three different heights.   It's a challenge to make them look beautiful.  I like to put them on the stairs landing with a Manger Scene underneath.  However, I can't find the manger.  I must have packed it differently and I'm not ready to tear storage out from under the steps. 
UGLY TREES

Bob decided to wash the rec room windows and move all the furniture and sweep with the big boss.  (Kirby)  Great helper!  I go past the rec room with the first tree ready and Bob is laying on the couch.  "What's the matter, don't you feel good?"  "I'm resting as I can't put the furniture back until you put the manger scene up."  Okay Bob.  I drop all the tree work and unpack the manger. 

This is a miniature Fontanini set for young children which I gifted to Sarah years ago after one of our motor home trips to Bronner's Christmas Wonderland in Michigan.  Bob made the stable.(with electric tools)  
My friend stopped by for a cup of coffee and we visited until 5pm.  She wanted some investment advice, don't ask me, I can't even get my decimals in the right place!  She had just left and Betsy was pulling in from work. 
Supper over, dishes washed, back to the Ugly Trees, while we all waited for Sarah to get home from college.
TUESDAY:
Most of our day was preparing and driving to and from Lockport for calling hours for a friend's mother.  On the way home we buzzed by Debbie's but no one was home so we missed out on a good cup of coffee.   
I made one of Sarah's favorite meals for supper.  (Chicken Alfredo)  After we tried the bank again.  Same story.  I was starting to get concerned.  Bob was irritated!  My suggestions added to his demeanor, I needed to get away as he continued to punch keys.    I went in the craft room and did some scrap booking and watched the Biggest Loser. 
WEDNESDAY:
A wet morning; water laying in the back field again.  At least it's not snow.  So far, we haven't had a ground covering yet,  knock on wood. 
I wanted to bake more banana bread with cranberries as I thought the dates that I had put in my first batch was too sweet.  I did that and then started getting turkey fixings ready. 
Bob has bundled up his lap top and all the bank stuff and was going down town to the bank for help.  He was gone a long time and I was in need of more celery so I called to ask a favor of him.  Big mistake!  He was ticked with the bank employees who didn't know how to  help (or wouldn't) and was going to another bank to open a new account.  He made his anger known.  He found out that they had an hour back up on the phones; more customers than us had the same problem.  Fire the programmer!  At the new location, he received a call asking if he would come back as they figured out how to help him.  Long story short, we have to see if it works at home.
That evening the family gathered at the Red Osier (big beef house) to celebrate my birthday. (Stretching it again)  Betsy had made the reservations so all the kids were home from college and could attend. 

SARAH & BETSY

ALL HERE EXCEPT CHRISTIANNA & JOE WHO ARRIVED AFTER WE HAD OUR TABLE.

While there we drew names (first time ever)for our Christmas gift exchange, Annalynn had prepared the slips of paper with the names.  There was a couple orders for the famous big prime rib-16oz.   We could have lit up the table with all the cameras going off. Then David took group photos of the grand kids.

CHRISTIANNA, SARAH, ANNALYNN
 ALEX ERIC ROCKY

JOE HAS TO BE INCLUDED IN THE BLOG!

THE BIRTHDAY CUPCAKE!

After the songs and presents, the old farts headed home for a early evening, the college kids headed for other events.  All 21 or over, except Eric.   
THURSDAY:
 Oh, Milkman go get the turkey out of the garage refrig!  Ha, my chance to be up first, all dressed, charming, happy, making noise, while he tries to wake up.  What goes around comes around. 

We left for Debbie's about 1:00pm.  The turkey smelled so good all the way up there.  We had a great dinner.  After dishes everyone started reading the newspaper for Black Friday deals.  They went on line to order some items.  Debbie & Betsy prepared dessert.  We celebrated little Mathew's birthday; he will be nine tomorrow.  Bob forgot the camera so I'm waiting on photos in e mail.
FRIDAY:
I'm up-7:15am working on the Blog!  The Blog is developing into a competition as to who makes it in Grandma's Blog. I told them all, send me photos. 
This morning, with Bob's help, I pulled all the storage out from under the stairs.  That is a real pain to the hips, knees, and all over.  We unpacked more decorations and then put all the boxes back.  Little by little, we are getting there.

I FOUND IT!

( A little history for my kids) I bought this manger scene when I worked at W. T. Grant store (5 & dime) in State College, Pa., in 1956.  So it's old!  All the figurines are marked from Italy (not a chance that it is a Fontanini) and the price is on them-.29 cents except for the lambs which are marked .19 cents.  That being our first year of marriage, Bob had a hand saw and a hammer as tools, nothing electric.  He made the manger by hand and designed it so it would all come apart and lay flat in storage.   I hope there is someone in the family who will want this so it doesn't go to the curb trash when we are gone. 
After lunch, (to rest a bit) we took a drive up to Lancaster to D N D's and gave them some turkey leftovers.  The bank employee called us on Sync to say they had sent an email and had reset the sign in. (Really)  I also wanted to stop at Dave's Christmas Shop to look around and get some inspiration for decorating the trees.  They put so much on the trees, one can hardly see the tree.  But they are beautiful.  Leftovers was so good for supper.  We lounged the night away, watched the Gold Rush on TV until the girls came home from shopping to show us their treasurers. 
SATURDAY:
Dear God, will I ever get my sleep patterns back to normal?  It's 4:45am and I'm wide awake.  I ached all over so I took ibuprofen.  Staying quite, I had coffee and turned the computer on.  Finally, I could pay some bills. 
About 7am, I made some orange juice and went back to bed. 
The afternoon held some excitement when Sarah & Betsy returned from Rochester with Sarah's new lease vehicle.  Bob and I had to look it all over.  Sarah took us for a ride.  They are working on a ski rack for the roof.

SARAH, CINDER & THE NISSAN XTERRA

We had family movie night after supper.  During our break; I opened my birthday wine and made popcorn. 

SUNDAY:
We can't hardly believe this weather.  62o  We have had all the doors open in the garage just like summer time. 
My whole day was mostly cooking.  I made  bacon and poached eggs for everyone for breakfast. Then the favorite breaded chicken, rice & asparagus with chive & onion sauce for din din.  Bob and Sarah worked on putting the ski rack on the car.  Sarah started packing for the trip back to Bryant.  Betsy packed a cooler of food & fruits for Sarah to take back. 
What a busy week.  Now to relax and get back to the daily grind.  I'm looking forward to the Steelers game.

Hope everyone has a good week.  Thanks for clicking in.

Golden Gram

BIRTHDAY WEEK & Research about Black Friday.

MONDAY:
How did you find my Blog Sunday?  I posted it and received all the confirmations that it posted but I couldn't find it on Face book.   Some times it will post twice.  Maybe I'll post it again.  Once again, I'm frustrated!
Well, here they come!  The Christmas Wish Lists in my family are always a contest to see who gets their list out first!  Betsy's arrived by e-mail @ 4:16pm and David's arrived by e-mail @ 7:24pm.  Television was a big influence for ideas when the kids were young.  As new toys were introduced they would start their lists; by Christmas they had all new ideas on their lists.  So you wouldn't want to rush out and scoop up stuff to early.  The kids would stick their lists to the refrigerator with arrows pointing to their name so Santa and I didn't miss them. 
Now with the computers, " Dear Santa" gets photos of the gift on the list. Just in time for Black Friday.    I really don't remember when "Black Friday" started but I never heard my folks talk about it.  Maybe Wal*Mart started it.  Research? 
JANUARY 1966 -- "Black Friday" is the name which the Philadelphia Police Department has given to the Friday following Thanksgiving Day. It is not a term of endearment to them. "Black Friday" officially opens the Christmas shopping season in center city, and it usually brings massive traffic jams and over-crowded sidewalks as the downtown stores are mobbed from opening to closing.^[11]
The term Black Friday began to get wider exposure around 1975.

Philadelphia police and bus drivers call it "Black Friday" - that day each year between Thanksgiving Day and the Army–Navy Game. It is the busiest shopping and traffic day of the year in the Bicentennial City as the Christmas list is checked off and the Eastern college football season nears conclusion.

The term's spread was gradual, however, and in 1985 the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that retailers in Cincinnati and Los Angeles were still unaware of the term.^[12]
More recently, Black Friday has been exported to nations outside of North America such as Australia and the United Kingdom by major online retailers like Amazon or Apple.^[9][10]
TUESDAY:
Today Betsy has our new car while hers is at the mechanics. She is trying to keep it running until Sarah graduates. She has a 2002 Yukon.  I suppose she is showing ours to the guys at work.   Last week, they said her Dad got screwed because there isn't a gas cap.  Another new fan dangled item;  the little door is under pressure or something. There is a special insert plastic funnel in case you run out of gas and half to fill manually.
So Bob without a car means I have to entertain him; find stuff for him to do.  Okay Bob.  It's still nice outside so we worked on a couple more Christmas decos.  Now he has electric lines to run for those things.

THE NEW TREES/ CAN'T EVEN SEE THE RED BERRIES AND PINE CONES  BUT AT LEAST THEY WON'T BE CLIMBING A LADDER TO DO THE COLUMNS.

THIS IS MY "LEAVE A NOTE" MAILBOX

Things are real confusing here; inside I have fall decos and outside are Christmas.  Hooa, Hooa!

I hurried inside and started to remove the items on the top of the china cabinet to wash.  Maybe if I do one shelf a day it won't be such a big job.   If you have glass, make it shine! 

I have to get all the tables cleared by the time Betsy gets home.  After supper she will want to work on the turkey and cranberries that she is taking to work tomorrow for the office luncheon.  Ha, I have to laugh.  The guys bring canned gravy, instant potatoes, bags of lettuce, etc.  but each does a part.  At least the boss still lets them do it. 
WEDNESDAY:
Up late, late breakfast;  make something of this day girl.  I started to do another shelf in the china cabinet.  I tried some multi tasking and prepared a pot of chicken soup at the same time.   I'm having dinner out with my friends (early birthday) so I felt guilty and made the soup for the crew.  I'm to old world; they could have cooked and there is always peanut butter.  Time to shower and get ready to go at 4:00pm.

THAT'S A BIG POT  OF SOUP!

THURSDAY: 
We went to Tully's last night for dinner.  I was happy as our older girlfriend was able to come this time.  I had the best chicken fingers, so good.  The girls gifted me with a big basket of things; movies, popcorn, napkins, wine etc.  Now when Sarah gets home we can have movie night.  The basket also included the new Nicholas Sparks book, "Rescue."  I've finished it now and was surprised on the idea for the story at the back of the book. 
However, maybe for the first time ever, the coffee or something kept me up all night.  I heard Betsy get coffee at 6 this morning, then I slept until 12:30.  That just ruins my day.  I was so annoyed!
I hustled to start another shelf in the china cabinet.  Then we went to Tops for the groceries and to get the turkey at .48 a lb.  Shoot, when we got home it was time to start supper. 
Bob has gone to a neighborhood meeting, (rezoning) and he will report on his visit with the owner of the back field who definitely does not want the field rezoned!   Another buyer is in the wings already.
Now to turn on the computer and catch up on the days happenings. 
FRIDAY: 
Boy, this sleeping late is becoming a habit.  Bob just asked what I want for breakfast.  I'm the birthday girl today!   He is up, showered, dressed and cheerful.  Ugh!   He offered to cook!  That's a good start.
We went downtown to do about 4 errands.  One stop was to drop off used clothing at a church.  We drove in and the little building was all locked up.  Funny, they didn't have a open window or a deposit hole.   Bob put the bag on the door handle rather than the ground.  As we drove away, I noticed that the back side had a deposit hole....wouldn't you think it would be by the driver's side of the building. The spoiled-can't walk society demands an adjustment. 
Back home, we had lunch.  I finished the china cabinet before supper.  Yeah!  Bob worked on the ceiling fans & chandelier light.

When Betsy returned from work she had an ice cream cake which we had for desert.  Then we all jumped in the car and went to see the movie "HAPPY FEET 2".  It was so cute.

WE ARE ALL SET FOR 3 D WITH OUR GLASSES & POPCORN! 

We were surprised by the "sold out crowd" at our local theater.  They were all going to see a vampire movie.  Both showings were sold out.  There was only 14 people in the Happy Feet 2 movie.   No wonder the world is so violent, I'll stick with Warner Brothers & Disney.
SATURDAY:
The day is almost gone and I haven't accomplished much.  I did bake Banana Bread for turkey day and the Apple Cuts Sheet Pie to take to Debbie's tomorrow.  We visited with a neighbor.  Oh, I made my Christmas Wish List.  Other than that-nothing.  I can't even say I was reading. 
SUNDAY:
 Betsy called me this morning to get up and get ready to go to Lockport for the Bridal Workshop.  My knees ached and I just couldn't get going so as not to hold her up, I decided not to go.    
I wasn't out of the shower yet and we had company.  There was a mix up; David & Donna came here thinking the workshop was here as we always do crafts & painting here.  Little slip of information.  So we had coffee and visited. 
After they went back home; Bob and I worked on more Christmas decos.  We put up the North Pole Christmas Village.  It looks so beautiful. 

SANTA'S HOUSE AND ELF HOUSES

THE COKE A COLA HOUSE.

THE GRINCH'S HOUSE

 I had just finished sweeping up the mess and grandson Alex stopped in on his way home from college.  We had pizza for supper and he visited with Betsy when she came back home.  We all watched some football.  Nice to relax.

A couple years ago, at our Thanksgiving dinner a large feather was passed to each guest and they had to say what they were thankful for at this dinner.  "Like count your blessings!"  Have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Thanks for clicking in.

Golden Gram