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