MONDAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS:
Betsy had the day off.  When I finally got up David was here and helping her and Bob make the dinning room table bigger.  They extended it with masonite boards (Bob's train tables) and it is heavy.  Then the table cloths and get the china out. Etc., etc, etc.

Thanks to Face Book, we enjoyed seeing many families Christmas Eve.  That is so nice, thanks for sharing. 

TUESDAY:
At last, Christmas.  A wonderful time.  Lots of laughs.  We enjoyed all our family and lots of food.  The four of us had our AM Christmas and went about showers and fixings for dinner. 

Our PM Christmas: David and family came early as Christianna and Joe had two families to please; they were coming early and could only stay a couple hours.  Donna brought a dish of her famous Mac & Cheese and cookies.  Alex & Eric jumped right in helping make the Horses Over (Hors d'oeuvres, I can spell it.)    When Surace's came, Annalynn brought the wine punch.  Mmmm good.  Debbie had made a cheesecake, and cookies.    Rocco brought shrimp and he cooked them right away.  What a great day, so thankful to have the family all here.    




We went thur our stocking gifts pretty fast.   Bob and I had Christianna and  Joe's names and they had ours.  Funny how that worked out, so we did those gifts first.  I received several things but the most treasured was my first piece of MacKenzie-Child's china.  Everything is hand painted, at least it was when my girlfriends and I toured that place. 

Then I wanted the Grandchildren photos before DeVoe's left.  I had ordered some cute hats for the photo so I passed them out. 



 

GPA, GMA & THE GRANDCHILDREN
ROCKY, ANNALYNN, SARAH, ALEX
ERIC, BOB, CAROLINE, JOE AND CHRISTIANNA
 

Somewhere in between that and gift exchange; Rocky started taking a pan o ramic (sp) photo on one of those fancy I Phones.  But each time that I put it in here, it cuts the sides off!  Of all things.

Now for some funnies:

I NEVER TAKE A GOOD PICTURE!

BOB'S NEW LIGHT TO TIE FISHING FLIES.
LOOK AT HIS BEAUTIFUL NEW TOOTHIES!



ANOTHER HEAD LIGHT BOB? 

SARAH MAKING A BIG APPLE WHEN SHE FOUND OUT THAT HER EXCHANGE GIFT WAS AN APPLE TV.
 

I SAID, THEY WERE FUNNIES! 

WEDNESDAY:
Today was recovery day.  I emptied the dish washer, put away silverware and china.  Put away my stocking gifts.  Gee, I received 5 paper back books to read. They ought to last me about a week and a half.  I washed pots, pans, dishes that were put on the porch-"till tomorrow."   I read the instructions for my new coffee pot.  Bob and I went thur 4 bags of paper trash to make sure a gift didn't get tossed out.  I glanced at Face Book but was to tired to concentrate.  After lunch I laid down and took a 2 hour nap. 
After warm ups for supper, Bob played on our new Apple IMAC; Face Time, e-mails  and something with photos.  He called Sarah for help a hundred times, then he called our son, David.  Of course for help.  It's like a new language.

LOTS TO LEARN

THURSDAY:
The snow storm had pelted us. About  5:45am, I heard a noise. 
Being the light sleeper that I am, I got up, looked out the window and saw Betsy cleaning her car off and she had the snow blower going.  Oh my gosh.  At 6:45am, Bob got up to go relieve her so she could get ready for work.  By this time we had maybe 14-15", depending where you measured.   Betsy said she could only take a quarter of the blade width as the snow was so heavy it plugged up the machine so it took much longer. I got dressed just in case there maybe an emergency run. 

WINTER GREETINGS PATTERN

 I went on the computer hunting sales!  Not wise, but so much fun, as I found sale items within my Christmas china pattern...just had to have a few more pieces.  Because we buy all year if we want something, we just do a few presents for each other on Christmas Day.   I think I bought my first two  place settings in 2008.  I had admire (coveted) them for two years before.   I just love them  They are by Lenox and they are dishwasher safe!  The kids have added to my inventory too.  My sister in law (Marj) would love this pattern; hint hint to Rick.

Bob went to the dentist for an adjustment.  He also went to Sears to pick up fluorescent light bulbs for his new shop lights from Christianna and Joe. 

Bob ran the snow blower again until it ran out of gas.  I said, "that's enough!"   Take a nap.  He did but he went back out before supper to finish.  Lots of snow.
After supper, he played on the I Mac computer again.  Still no pics sent to my computer.  He says they are too large and he hasn't figured out how to condense them yet.  "Patience Grandma." 
FRIDAY:
I figured out how to turn on the new computer.  Sarah guided me to the photos so I enjoyed looking at all of the Christmas ones. 
Bob and I sorted and put away all the wrapping paper, ribbon and bows in the storage boxes.  More things to pick up, more left overs and more reasons to just "couch potato!"
SATURDAY:
The girls had such a schedule all week and again today; that we crammed in Ice Cream Cake at 11:30am for Betsy birthday which is tomorrow.  Then they left and we had lunch.  Crazy ahe.
We putzed around all day until time to head to Buf for dinner and a movie with all the kids.  The roads were not to good and it was still snowing.  I mentioned once that the truck was sliding.  "Naw, I didn't feel it says Bob"  He drove a little more, I said, "no dinner or movie is worth this ride and we shouldn't be out here at 10:30-11:00 once it freezes."  The roads got slushier.  Finally, he asks me if I 'd mind turning around and going home.  (What did he think I had been saying? Men listen differently, don't they?)  We did turn around and it was comforting to be safe at home.
SUNDAY:
We were up early to say good by to Sarah.  She and her girlfriend (a neighbor) left about 8:00am.  Her truck was loaded to the brim again with household items for the new apartment, and all her winter sport equipment. 
Betsy ran the snow blower again.  I went out to clear the porch and then walked to the bird houses out back to clean off the snow.  The snow was so deep it was hard walking. 

Later I made some cookies for the birds.  Heart cut outs iced with peanut butter and dipped in birdseed. 

CUT OUT BELLS

WONDER HOW THEY WILL HOLD UP IN THE WEATHER?

I made a roast chicken dinner and we had the last of the ice cream cake for desert.   Now it's late and I need to rest.  So time to do the spell checker and post.

Hope you all had a wonderful week and will have a Happy New Year!

Thanks for clicking in.

GOLDEN GRAM

THE COUNT DOWN!

Bob repairing an angel for my friend, Mo. 
The angel's horn fell down. 

MONDAY:
Lousy night trying to sleep.  Christmas is a coming and I'm in high gear!  So much to do.  I'm checking my lists.
Bob was off to the dentist.  All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth.  You've heard that song, right?  Bob came home with his new set of teeth.  He has been going since October, about time.  Joe enjoys fly fishing too so they must have talked about that all the time. Bob looks so much better when he smiles, no chipped teeth now.    And that requires a whole new set of rules for cooking until he gets them adjusted correctly.  MUSH, JELLO AND COTTAGE CHEESE!  He didn't even try his favorite cookie with nuts in them.   Hopefully it won't be to painful. 

BOB WITH DR. JOE.  WE FIRST MET JOE AT A WELCOME WAGON PARTY WHEN WE MOVED HERE IN 1968/9.  HE AND HIS WIFE WERE NEW TO THE AREA THEN TOO.

Betsy and I put the icing on the cut out cookies.  I thur away a double batch of Almond Snowballs for the 2nd time-not baked in the middle.  Something very wrong with that recipe! 

TUESDAY:
The second lousy night trying to sleep.  As I folded the drip dry laundry, I was hoping more of my "on line" gifts would come this week.  Then Cinderella started barking.  The big brown truck (UPS) was here.  He left six cartons...yeah!   Most of the orders were without shipping costs.  No dogie treat for Cinder, the driver and  a new guy doing the running to houses.

delivered right into the garage!

I worked all day and into the night wrapping just like Santa's helpers.
WEDNESDAY:
Third lousy night.  I'm cleaning my china cabinet today.  That glass has to sparkle!  I decide that I don't have enough water glasses left for my dinner  guests.   I loaded the dish washer and went over to Bed, Bath and Beyond to purchase a new set.  Mom Rindo gave me the current glasses many years ago for Christmas.  They couldn't be 50 some years old? 

MY SHELVES ARE SO FULL WITH MEMENTOS, 
 NO ROOM FOR THE CHINA.

From there we went to Michael's with a coupon, and I got a good deal on another stocking gift.  50% off one item.  Then on to Oliver's for some chocolate.  That's how you spell Christmas, ya know, chocolate!   Last stop, was Wendy's for some chili and baked potato with broc & cheese for supper.  If I'm doing the hutch; it's a big mess on the tables so that's the excuse I'm using for the warm ups!  Ha.
We enjoyed the TV show with Rascal Flatts called  A HOME FOR CHRISTMAS.  All about adoptive children.  It brought back some sad memories of when I worked.  The Child Welfare unit had their hands full. (I was in accounting unit) Christmas time was always hard for  people ; the biggest crimes happened then, suicide, dropping children off at the waiting room work site and driving away.  Many children had cigarette burns, black & blue areas but the worst that I witnessed was the child crawling with a helmet on to protect his skull from  more assaults   He had been beaten so severely he couldn't walk.  I pray for all these people. 
THURSDAY:
Fourth:Lousy night trying to sleep.  That chili last night nearly killed me! 
I got nervous thinking it was the beginning of a heart attack; well every one's symptoms are different.  But I'm up early, showered and dressed, just passing time until Betsy comes home from work.  We are then taking her to the airport where she will fly to Boston for the weekend to help Sarah move from Providence to Boston.  I can just see the sofa come down off the porch and over the banister of the three story building...pulleys in action.  Everything is on a hill there.   They will drive home together on Sunday to be here for Christmas. 

Betsy leaving for her trip to Boston.

As we sit in Roy Evans having a leisure lunch, Betsy sends a text-"on the plane."  Okay that's good.
My shopping is done but I wanted to see if I could get some frosted ornaments for my glass tree on mark down.  Right on!  Macy's had some; from $12.00 - $9.00 and I ended up paying $2.80 each.  I'm pleased.
(Betsy sent a text-"landed in Boston")

ONE BALL, ONE BIRD, 3 BALL TENDRIL, 5 SPINDLES;  NICE ADDITION!

Bob was waiting for me in the car, as I approached he took a picture of me and added all these features which are in the new camera.

Bob added the arrow,  the hearts and bows to the pic from the camera settings.  Neat!

At home we watch the weather, oh no.  Flights to Chicago from Oklahoma are cancelled.  Called our son for an update on Alex's flight.  He  had to reschedule and fly to Washington, DC - then to Rochester.  Doesn't sound good.  Stupid weather.

LOOKS LIKE SARAH FOUND BETSY! 
 THEY ARE OUT DOING THE CITY! 
HAY, YOU SHOULD BE PACKING. 

We watched some TV while waiting to hear if Alex made it out of Washington, DC.  (love those text messages)    The White House Christmas decorations was on.  What a crew of people doing the work!  And I noticed that they worked from a scaffold.  Now that's an idea; Bob has a small one to wash and wax the motor home.  Next year I'll try that. 

Ha, that reminds me of a story; if your old enough, you have a story about lots of things.  Here goes: When I first retired I was nervous and washed and painted every thing in site.  Then I got the bright idea of painting the house.  Now "God Bless Bob" as he went along with me.  I thought start at the back of the house (2 story) until I learn how to paint right.  Okay, we set up a rented scaffold and I got my paint and brush.  Up I went!  As soon as I walked across the plank, it started to "wiggle/up and down" and with that my belly did a flip flop.  I couldn't take that, so down I came.  Oh, I took a fair share of harassing.  The house got painted but I only worked from the ground.  End of story.
FRIDAY:
We went for groceries, came home had a sandwich, then laid down for a nap!  I slept 3 hours!  Finally catching up on my sleep.  Tonight I'll be wide eyed again.
Little snow coverage tonight.  I need to pay bills and see the damages from Christmas shopping. 
SATURDAY:

CINDERELLA'S FIRST TRIP OUT!

Ground is covered!  The house feels colder with all the wind.  We stayed in all day.  I made a batch of Sarah's & Alex's favorite cookies; peanut butter with Hershey kisses.  So now I have cut outs, balish and these pb cookies.  That's enough.  Otherwise, too many left over and Bob and I constantly pick away at them with each cup of coffee.
In the afternoon, we battled our way thur balancing the checkbook and savings.  I decided to sit with Bob so he wouldn't make any more adjustment that I have to live with !!!!!   Savings was goofed up and we found out that it is not downloading correctly.  Bob swears he is going bank shopping after the holidays. 
We watched TV until Betsy called and then we did Face Time.  She showed us Sarah's apartment.  They did alot of work already. 

The famous "T" train that Sarah will ride to work as she starts her working career downtown Boston.  (If I saved it right)


SUNDAY:
A few things to do yet.  As I finished my shower, I could hear the snow blower running...."the sneak" ran out to do the driveway.  He couldn't wait until Betsy gets home.  Well, it was warmer today so may not be as bad for him. 

PILED UP IN FRONT OF GARAGE.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

I called Betsy; they are on their way home somewhere around Syracuse.  Annalynn is driving from Ogdgensburg too so maybe they will met up on thruway. 

We hope every one's plans work out and a happy time is enjoyed by all.

GOLDEN GRAM

FIREPLACE DECORATIONS AT DEBBIE'S

MONDAY:

We drove to Brockport again for a visit with the foot doctor.  More meds to try and more expensive.  After we went to Lowe's and Bob ran in to pick up another thermostat for the upstairs; now that the new one downstairs is working good.  That 3 wire thingie.  He has been asking and looking for this for years.  We drove to Dunkin Donuts to get coffee and for me to calm down...ahe..caffeine.  While sipping away I reminded Bob that we better look for a gas station next before starting home.   He started to back out and we found out that we were sitting in a Hess gas station.  Well, that was a big laugh as neither of us noticed it as we approached DD which was in the corner of the gas station..  Then @ Wegman's we picked up a few more groceries.  They had a tree made out of all red poinsettia plants.  It was beautiful.  The top plant was white.  So pretty.
Back at the ranch, I started the washing and worked in supper. 


TUESDAY
The washing needed folded and put away.  I paid bills that were due.  After lunch I started a big pot of chicken noodle soup.  
Betsy helped me put an order in on line.  So goes the day.

As we were busy carrying in bags and doing preparation for the holidays, Cinderella got a wif of her favorite bones in a bag.  Boy, she started digging until Betsy gave her one.  She has carried that bone all over the house and outside.  She telling me that she wants to be in the Blog.



I WANT A STOCKING TOO!



WEDNESDAY:  I had asked Betsy to call me before she went to work...early!  I needed to get dressed and drive to Lockport as Debbie was baking Balish Rolls and she asked me to come help.  I stopped at Subway and bought us a sandwich so we wouldn't have to quit baking and go out for something.   The dough wasn't quite high enough so we prepared the ground walnuts and whipped the egg whites for them.  Then Debbie mixed the poppy seed batch.  This is a 9-5 job, starting with the 5 lb. of flour.  She has two ovens so the baking time was cut in half as compared to doing it at our house.  We had a good time chit chatting.   Her house is just beautiful, there isn't a room with out decos and presents wrapped.



ROCCO FOUND THIS BIG SANTA A COUPLE YEARS AGO.  HE IS THE GUARD AT THE FRONT ENTRY.   HIS SIZE COMPETES WITH ANYTHING FROM TEXAS.

 



THE DISNEY COLOR GUARD!  ABOVE THE ENTRY COAT CLOSET.



TIME TO BAKE, STARTING THE WALNUT ROLLS

NOW THE POPPY SEED  



BAKED, NOW TO ENJOY SOME.

BOB WON A SET OF BRASS JINGLE BELLS AT OUR CAMPER CHRISTMAS PARTY.





BOB JAE, OUR CAMPER FRIEND WHO HELPED WITH MY BLOG.  GUESS I BETTER CALL HIM FOR MORE HELP AS I JUST LOST THURSDAY, FRIDAY, AND SATURDAY TYPING.  I'M FRUSTRATED!

Debbie and Annalynn Shopping in NY City.  Annalynn found a wedding dress!

 

Rockerfeller Tree

 Since nothing is going right tonight I'll close and post.  Thanks for clicking in.  Keep your thoughts and prayers for all the Connecticut families and all our friends with health and medical problems.

 

 

Have a good week. 

 

GOLDEN GRAM

 

We're getting "er" done!

My hall wreath.

MONDAY:
Today is wash day again, and nothing makes it pleasant.  Lots of sweatshirts now.   I work on the computer in between changing loads.  Same room so it's convenient. 
I was preparing a grocery list for tomorrow and I tried to plan all my cookie baking ingredients and Christmas dinner items that would keep.  While at it I started texting the grand kids to see what they wanted to drink...I thought they all liked the exotic drinks (muscle building type) that are out and I was pleasantly surprised when they didn't request any.  I have a biggie list that will probably break the bank.
I did some more scrap booking.  I put together another 2 pages but I'm realizing I'd better hurry up as that series won't be done by Christmas Day.






PRINTS FROM 2011

When the musical special came on with "Blake-The Voice judge"  (what's his name) I watched the whole thing.  I don't usually watch much TV but that was great.  He has a nice voice. 
TUESDAY:
Today we had to go to the Office For The Aging and turn in our choice for insurance coverage for next year.  It was painless!  It wasn't as busy (last day) as we expected so with that done we headed across town to do other errands. 
We picked up a few items in BJ's and then went to Tops grocery store to do as much shopping as possible at 6% off-"Young At Heart" day for seniors. 
After unloading it all at home, Bob realized we didn't buy anything to go with our 4 o"clock coffee.  (Like goodies)  That has to be a first!  
We watched the Victoria Secret special; guess we were to tired to do much else. 

WEDNESDAY:
We had a fun day in Rochester.  After a doctor's appointment; we had lunch and then charged through the stores with all the other shoppers.  That Christmas Tree store looked like a wind storm had hit it.  What a mess.
A. C. Moore is right next door so I buzzed thur there and found a few stocking items.  For me of course!  Just kidding.  By the time we finished in Bed, Bath and Beyond, I was whipped.  Enough already.
 I fixed a nice big supper (chicken-broccoli Parmesan) as Sarah is home due to a death on her father's family side.  I was more than happy to sit afterwards and work on my Christmas cards.  Bob printed address labels for me so that was a big help.  When he asked me what names to put on the return address, and suggested several ideas, I was getting crabby and could have bit his head off.  Do it all but above all, remain normal!   Time for bed!
THURSDAY:
As long as I had to go down town for blood work I talked Bob into going with me.  He can just drive me around town while I pick up the miscellaneous stocking gifts.  (Last year, the adult kids changed the rules for stocking gifts, they would rather have less than to receive junk)  I think I'm slipping as I got all confused and called Betsy..."do we do one $10.00 gift per person from each of us?"  She said, "yes."  Then I got nervous; did I do it right last year?  I'm so used to writing from Grandma and Grandpa , as from the both of us.  OK, so now we are on the pace for 13 gifts-twice.  Good thing it was nice and warm out as we dashed in and out of stores, may not be that way next week.  We had a good old time, laughing at each other as we tried to hold our thoughts together...lol...you'd have thought we were drinking.  I think I have a couple extra gift certificates for Dunkin Donuts as we were more interested in the donut we wanted with our coffee than what we were suppose to concentrate on.
That evening we went to calling hours in Rochester then to dinner at Olive Gardens. 
FRIDAY:
More ripping and tearing around in Rochester during the day. 
We were all home for dinner and no one felt like cooking so Betsy ordered out. 
Bob was digging out all our old cameras to take to the camera store for trade in.  He wants a new flash for his camera.  While digging thur the storage he found a flash that he had purchased long ago for our current  camera..  Okay Bob!  He has a good size box full. 
SATURDAY:
Home alone again!  Wonderful!  Betsy and Sarah went shopping and Bob left for the camera shop.  I decided to do what I wanted to do also so I went to my scrap booking room and I stayed there all day. Low and behold I finished the 2011 Christmas series about 11:00pm.  I can now put it on the coffee table for Christmas day.  I have a some journaling that I could add later. 

PICS OF COOKIES MADE LAST YEAR, WE ARE NOT MAKING THAT MANY THIS YEAR!

 

THE FIRST PAGE FOR 2011, ALL FACES ON WREATH.

Bob came home about mid day.  The man buying cameras made fast work of Bob's box full.  Mostly too old and he didn't want them.  He did buy two and gave Bob $100.00 for them.  Bob then picked out a slim little camera that is 16 pixels and all that important stuff.   I don't know how he bargained but it only ended up costing him $39.00. 
Bob spent the evening loading the camera software and studying all it's components.
SUNDAY:
I didn't get up  to early so my morning was a wash out.  Everybody else was in full gear doing whatever.   
Bob played with the new camera most of the day.  I wrapped stocking gifts.
Sarah and Betsy were washing clothes and packing them for Sarah's return trip to Providence. 

DOING MY BLOG.

CINDER HAS HER EYE ON YOU BOB!

SARAH PATIENTLY WAITING FOR BOB TO TAKE THE PICTURE.

SARAH TIRED OF GPA'S IDEAS.
SHE'S GETTING READY TO GO TO AIRPORT.

These last photos are kinda pink.  Wonder what setting he used. 

Enough for this week which has passed so quickly.  Just keep plugging along everyone, we will make it. 

Hope you all have a good week.  Thanks for clicking in.

GOLDEN GRAM 

CHRISTMAS FIXINGS

This week has really gone by quickly.  Like everyone else we are trying to keep our appointments and start managing Christmas fixings.  There has been an increased amount of mail; catalogs with coupons that need cutting out.  All screaming for our purchases.  The TV ads are going strong for children's toys and telling us to buy from the Small Businesses.  (A direct hit against the big box stores)

A couple of the grand kids have sent their Christmas lists out.   They have to be quite explicit for Gram and Gramps, as we try to keep up with the latest products!  Ha.  Some times the lists will include pictures of the item or the web site address.  That helps.

Bob and I have to make a list.  We spent a good deal of time in Lowe's yesterday looking around for ideas to put down on our lists.   My, they have beautiful outdoor decorations but how do you store all those things?  Our storage is at capacity!

At Lowe's, I rode around in one of their handicap carts (electric) as we had just left my dermatologist, who decided to do a biopsy of the skin on one foot.  (I guess Doc. Leena is flustered and doesn't know what to try next on the creeping crud)  She cut out a deep "plug" to send in to the lab.  I have stitches but no idea how many as they wouldn't let me watch.  The needle for Novocaine was the worst pain; and she did it twice.  Yepps! 





MY FOOT.  BOB WANTED TO SEE MY STITCHES, HA, IT'S ALL WRAPPED.  HARD UP FOR PICTURES, I'D SAY. 

Once we were back home, Cinder (our dog) was still limping.  She looked miserable; lifting her front right foot.  I can't stand an animal suffering so I begged Bob to take her to the vet.  He did and Cinder got a shot and pills.

Bob says, "all my girls are having problems" as Betsy went back to Dr's for another sore throat, she told us at supper time.   I don't know why he excluded himself as he had an  eye check up on Monday and had to go back on Tuesday for laser surgery of the right eye.  Some "thingy" or film grew over his implant lenses.   Same as last year with his left eye.  That's was when I sat in the waiting room so long that I wondered if they sent him to hospital and didn't tell me.  Then I heard his laugh.  You can't mistake that laugh!

I just finished decorating my glass ornament tree in the dining room.   I started yesterday and worked several hours,  I only got the purple lights, multi-color ribbon, purple star garland, and purple beads on it and my back was aching.    Oh, and I had unwrapped all the ornaments.  Today I put on the ornaments and icicles.  It's beautiful.  I do not use a tree topper; instead I put 3 large bows at the top with purple glitter branches sticking out. 







ORNAMENTS




JUST GETTING STARTED






IT'S DONE!

 

This video is for a little laugh from my camera man.  Short but sweet.

 

 

I finished with the tree clean up just in time to watch the Steeler's game.   My favorite, Troy, played a little bit.   The last field goal  won the game for them. 

 

 



Well, since we didn't win the power ball lottery, I guess we won't be making any changes and I will have to continue with the work to help Santa. 

 

I hope you all have a good, productive week as we count down the days till Christmas.

 

Thanks for clicking in. 

 

GOLDEN GRAM