Category: Holidays

Thanksgiving Prep Work

Today Hubby drove me to buy all the fixings for our Thanksgiving meal. It was my first trip out since getting sick. I thought I was ready for it, but by the time we got home an hour and a half later, I was dragging.

But, we did get what we needed, including the freshest turkey that they had. With plump breasts and chubby thighs, our turkey looks like a chefs dream! We also bought the chestnuts for the dressing,  the Yukon Gold Potatoes, some Pearl Onions, and fresh cranberries to make the cranberry relish with. Of course we will be eating our home grown butternut squash and an apple pie made with our own apples.

Oh I shiver in anticipation of our Thanksgiving meal! I’m not sure that anyone loves Thanksgiving as much as I do! It is simply the best. It was the first thing I learned to cook and I do cook it often. Of course you cannot always get the chestnuts. They seem to only be available in November and December.

chestnuts11-3-05-2

When Nat King Cole sang about “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…” he sure knew what he was singing about!

Wednesday we will do as much of the prep work as we can. Hubby is always such a help with peeling and chopping things. I’m so lucky to have him.

***************

In other news, I heard from Calvin’s new family and he is being well loved there. He has settled in and has a blood hound sister looking out for him and playing with him. I love it when my puppy buyers write and let me know how the little ones are doing. The house does seem oddly quiet now and we do miss them.

Preparing For Turkey Day!

Recipes have been read, lists have been made and the planning of our Thanksgiving meal is well underway. I’m still undecided about the pies. I am definitely making an apple pie, but I have been craving a pumpkin pie too, so I may make both!

One thing I am planning is our family’s traditional Chestnut Stuffing! Oh how I live for that! I’m not sure I mentioned that a couple of weeks ago I bought a few chestnuts, roasted them in the oven and just ate them. Oh my, they are so good!

I’m also going to make fresh cranberry relish this year. A friend gave me a recipe and will be making that.

Also on our menu will be mashed Yukon Gold potatoes, mashed candied butternut squash, peas, gravy, bread and butter pickles, and some sort of table bread or rolls.

I love cooking and baking and I’m looking forward to doing all of this. Thanksgiving is my favorite meal of the year!

In fact the family legend is that I was born a week early just so I could get my turkey dinner!

That sure sounds like me!

Tattoos and Ribs!

It was the oddest weather day yet. I woke to our 4th of July to find sunny skies and warm temperatures. I was encouraged that the day would go well. Just let us get through the cook-out without rain and I will be happy, and with skies like this,

July 4 09 There was some sun!

I thought I had a chance.

The first thing that happened was that Carrie, our Assistant Breed Warden came to examine Anneliese and her litter and then tattoo them. Everyone came through well, and they all got their tattoos!

Baron
July 4 09 Baron
Bogart
July 4 09 Bogart
Baerbel
July 4 09 Baerbel
Ali
July 4 09 Ali

There is actually a story behind using the green ink. When we got Greta in Germany she had been tattooed with green ink. When I had her pups done, I continued on with the green ink. And now with Greta’s grandchildren, I think it is only right to continue on using the green ink. Call it tradition!

The pups all did pretty well. The bravest was Baerbel, she hardly made any sound at all when they pressed the tattoo into her ear. The worst, Bogart. He squealed quite a bit. I felt so bad that I put my face right next to his and kissed him over and over until he stopped. The green ink was rubbed in and has stained the pin holes now, and tomorrow I will give them all warm baths to clean off their fur. Makenna says she will help me.

***************

Next the guests arrived for our 4th of July barbecue. I had ribs cooking slowly in the oven and once we settled down from the tattooing, we enjoyed some beer and chips and then the ribs and corn and potato salad as well as a great corn and bean salad that Carole made!

July 4 09 036

The skies darkened several times and we had some rain, but nothing too heavy. We actually got to eat outside for the entire meal.

July 4 09 047

My friend Judy posed for me so you could see what we were eating!

July 4 09 043

The guys chowed down too.

July 4 09 046

The pups were exhausted after the tattooing and just lay down and slept.

July 4 After the tattooing

At the end of the meal the skies darkened and we heard great claps of thunder. No it was not fireworks, but an honest to goodness storm! We all grabbed the coolers, the chairs, and the food and ran inside. The storm quickly dropped 1/2 of an inch of rain as we all stood inside thanking the good Lord for a roof! The storm didn’t last too long, but it sure was exciting and included a brief power outage!

Now the day is done and soon the fireworks will be shot off from a barge in the big lake. We can sit on the screened in porch and watch, that is if I feel like moving from my chair! Let me think…

Happy 4th Of July!

Today is America’s Independence Day! The kind of holiday where we get out the grill, barbecue some hamburgers, hot dogs or ribs, add to that some potato salad, chips and dips, and strawberries over Angel Cake for dessert. (I know, others make chocolaty things, or ice cream things, but I love Angel Food Cake and strawberries so that’s what we shall have.

10 guests are coming to our home for the meal. We’ll sit around watching the puppies play until their big moment.

Yes, the 4th of July will be even more special this year because our Assistant Breed Warden is coming to examine the litter and tattoo the puppies.

Bogart
Bogart
Baron
Baron
Baerbel
Baerbel
Ali
Ali

***************

Now here is my only crazy 4th of July story to share with you all. Let is serve as a warning to you!

Many years ago when I was a young mother I decided my daughter and step daughter should learn how to hold sparklers so that they didn’t get hurt. I’ve never really liked fireworks, but I always felt sparklers were safe.

Anyway, I got the box out, got my lighter and showed them how to hold the sparkler away from you so you don’t get burned as you light it. Suddenly there was a flash and the sparkler blew up in my hand! I ran for cold water and ice, but knew it was pretty bad. So off to the Emergency Room we went where it was cleaned and bandaged.

Ever since that day I refuse to have any fireworks around me. I like to watch the ones in the sky set off by the professionals, but I don’t ever go near sparklers anymore.

So I do hope you all have a Happy 4th of July, and a safe one!

Memorial Day

Memorial Day found me going back to the Craft Fair with Arnie. He did very well. It was funny though because he ignored the small dogs, but when he saw a huge Leonberger he went over and started barking wildly! Yeah, that’s my boy. Find the biggest dog in the area and pick a fight. The Leonberger looked at him and turned away. I mean why waste your time with a little thing like that!

Arnie also saw his first parade and I think he actually enjoyed seeing all the kids with their musical instruments making a joyful noise!

I found the prettiest Tiger Lily for the yard, and  I got Hubby some more Splenda Apple Pie. Fabulous Friend brought some the other day and he loved it.

The afternoon found me playing with pups and doing laundry. I also took out the pups and let them feel the grass under their feet for the first time. They liked it very much!

Another friend came over today and we cooked steaks on the grill, corn on the cob and potato salad! Yum! But I admit that we ate late and probably won’t be up for much of a meal come dinner time. At least I won’t be.

I’ve been watching the “Jon & Kate Plus 8” marathon this weekend and one thing I think Kate should do. Lighten up! She is so critical of Jon and the kids and she needs to remember that she too, is human and full of flaws. I hope these two can work it out for the kids at least.

Have a great week everyone!

Easter

I was amazed at the brightness of the day, and although it was very cold and windy, somehow the sunshine made me feel like spring had really come to New Hampshire.

I was up early, and turned on the coffee. Then I put on my coat and went out to walk the dogs.

I am beginning to think that perhaps some evil household appliance ghost is haunting me, because when I got back, instead of finding a nicely brewed pot of coffee, I found the coffee had jammed the drip area and spilled all over the counter top! A little had made it into the pot, so I took a cup and filter, and poured some into the cup, so that while I cleaned up the coffee mess, I did, at least have a cup of coffee to drink.

Once the coffee mess was cleaned up, I made breakfast. A WW modified version of French Toast/Bananas Foster! It was really good!

Just as I finished cleaning up the kitchen, Anneliese stretched out before me. All of her! Oh my goodness she gets bigger by the second!

April 12 002

She really enjoys sunning herself.

April 12 005_edited-1

Do you see this belly? Amazingly big!!!

April 12 001

Well, we will find out on Friday how many little babies she has inside, and then really it is just two weeks from now until the puppies are due.

Our Easter dinner will be roasted lamb, roasted potatoes, and asparagus! All my favorites.

I hope you all had a blessed Easter or Passover!

Lot’s of Work & Happy Valentines Day!

February 13, 2009

  1. ScorpioScorpio (10/23-11/21)

    If you’re looking for an easy way to get through a busy day, spend part of your morning getting the rest of the day organized. You might not be a morning person, but once you start seeing how things fall into place, your energy level will go through the roof. Nothing is as exciting as new possibilities for you right now, and there will be many in your day. Things are going to get done, deadlines will be met, and your schedule is going to have a lot more room — for a lot more fun.

*********************

This was my horoscope for Friday. It was amazing because this is exactly how my day went. I was up early (5:30 AM!) I was able to get everything done, all deadlines were met, and since Hubby helped me out, it made the day go so much better.

He drove me to Worcester, Massachusetts to see the Federal Veterinarian. He signed my documents and now Anneliese is ready to go. Once again Anneliese was a perfect little traveler, and we actually made the trip in good time.

We took the back roads home. These were roads that Hubby and I had once driven frequently. It was as if we were in a time warp. Nothing had changed!

We were back in time for lunch and then my real work began. There was vacuuming, dusting, bed making and laundry to do, plus I repacked my suitcase in a vain attempt to make my clothes smaller or the suitcase bigger. In the end I took out an extra pair of jeans and those will be left behind.

I  paid bills, ran to the Post Office, picked up the dry cleaning, and went to the bank. Upon my return I started dinner and finally sat down to rest! Once I finish up with the dinner dishes I plan to get into my pajamas and do nothing!

So now here we are, Valentines Day and I am going to post this little video to my dear family and friends. I love you all and wish you a very Happy Valentines Day!

Happy New Year 2009!

Okay, someone want to tell me where 2008 went? It feels like just the other day we were toasting the New Year and bam, here we are ready to do it again! Looking back 2008 has been a great year, but it’s time to look forward and plan out the year ahead.

So, what will be this years New Years Resolutions?

I’ve thought long and hard about this and come up with two.

1. To continue to go to Weight Watchers and maintain my weight. I’ve never had trouble losing it, but keeping it off? Well, let’s just say, I’ve never been able to do that very well! So, to class I go!

2. Two years ago I started knitting a scarf. A Harry Potter scarf. I’d only gotten a few rows done and then I put it down. However, Amber over at Serenity Days kept mentioning her knitting, and it got me thinking about that darn scarf and I pulled out my knitting bag. I have all of about 8 inches done. I know, pathetic, really, so I am going to attempt to get this done in 2009!

Aside from that I don’t have much else planned. I mean, I do hope for the usual. I’d like Greta and Anneliese to have puppies, I’d love it if Arnie could get a girlfriend and sire a litter of pups and for them all to remain healthy.

I’d love to have Hubby remain in great condition and ski as much as he possibly can, and perhaps for us to sneak off for a quiet vacation just us two, but if that doesn’t happen that is okay.

Health, happiness and peace. It’s what I wish for my family and for all of you too!

dec 31 022

Happy New Year!

Holidays

Yay!

Today Emily came for a visit! It’s Christmas break for the schools here and so she is on vacation. I picked her up this morning at her parent’s place in southern New Hampshire and first we went shopping before heading back to my place in central New Hampshire. A little bit of a drive, but oh, what fun we had!

The doggies were so happy to see Em that they went nearly insane!

dec 29 031

Jacque lives here and she came over to enjoy the evening with Em and Hubby and me. We started off with a fondue dinner.

dec 29 008

Since I was away when the puppies had their birthday we also decided to have a small party to celebrate their 2nd birthday, complete with candles and a cake!!!

dec 29 009

dec 29 010

dec 29 011

Watching “Mama Mia”.

dec 29 030

It was an entirely dog friendly cake (no chocolate), and the doggies ate most, leaving small bits for Hubby and the girls. I abstained. Then we opened Christmas gifts and watched my Christmas gift of “Mama Mia”, which I could watch over and over, if for not other reason than to sing to the soundtrack!

dec 29 018

Did someone say, “open presents?”


Emily with her Arnie.

dec 29 027

The evening ended with Em and Arnie snuggled up together. They are both crazy about each other and it was terrific that they got to spend time together.

I love holidays!

The Day After

I woke this morning with that groggy, achy, “been up too late the night before”, feeling. I tried pulling the covers over my head in the hopes that the dogs and Hubby would ignore me and let me sleep, but between Hubby preparing to go skiing, and the dogs jumping up and down on the bed, I finally gave up and got up.

It was cold this morning and I quickly put my big, fluffy bathrobe on and my warm slippers. I staggered to the kitchen in search of coffee, and after pouring it in the cup and adding some splenda and cream (fat free of course!), I sat down in the family room feeling ready to go back to sleep.

Hubby was rushing about, acting 20 years my junior, rather than 20 years my senior, as he gathered all the things he needed for skiing. With a kiss and a wave he was off, and I sat here looking at 4 forlorn faces (the pups) and decided that we needed something energetic to bring us all around.

I put on my Christmas present copy of “Mama Mia”, and though I didn’t really watch the entire thing (I actually started moving, doing some cleaning), I listened to it and sang to it.

I stopped working in the late morning, long enough to go and get the mail and pay our taxes (Merry Christmas, ho ho ho!!!), before returning and finishing up.

Hubby was home shortly after noon and we had the leftover appetizers for our lunch.

The day was rather anticlimactical after all the preparation for the “big” day. Still it was a nice day as I looked back at a wonderful Christmas day with Hubby, Mandy and M.