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