I asked this question on Facebook earlier today…If I had biscotti with my coffee this morning does that mean I had cookies for breakfast?
Dec 31, 2011
YOU DECIDE???
Dec 30, 2011
Dec 24, 2011
WATCH OUT MCDONALDS
Did you ever have an Auntie Mame? You know what I mean. The wild, madcap Aunt. The fun Aunt.
I did.
My darling Aunt Gertie. I hadn't seen her in many, many years but it seems like just last week she had me laughing my head off.
She would make you put on wigs and act silly. She would drive like a maniac down the highway yelling at the top of her lungs "Watch out McDonalds" (taken from an old tv commercial)
She would dress in the most....interesting ways and we always wondered what she would have on when she was coming over.
Her sense of humour was quick and saucy. I can't even repeat here some of the stuff she said on here but I will tell those stories for years to come.
So with a sad heart I say goodbye to my mother's sister more commonly known with love in our family as Dirty Gertie...rest in peace Widow Brown.
Gertrude Champagne -
March 24, 1928 to December 24, 2011
Dec 22, 2011
ME EITHER...HANGING HEAD...
Dec 19, 2011
UPSCALE SANTA
Dec 17, 2011
CHRISTMAS AT ROCKAWAY REST HOME
This poem is the single most searched for item in my stats and has had the most visits of any post. So cute.
'Twas the night before Christmas at Rock-Away Rest,
and all of us seniors were looking our best.
Our glasses, how sparkly, our wrinkles, how merry;
Our punchbowl held prune juice plus three drops of sherry.
A bedsock was taped to each walker, in hope
That Santa would bring us soft candy and soap.
We surely were lucky to be there with friends,
Secure in this residence and in our Depends.
Our grandkids had sent us some Christmasy crafts,
Like angels in snowsuits and penguins on rafts.
The dental assistant had borrowed our teeth,
And from them she'd crafted a holiday wreath.
The bed pans, so shiny, all stood in a row,
Reflecting our candle's magnificent glow.
Our supper so festive -- the joy wouldn't stop --
Was creamy warm oatmeal with sprinkles on top.
Our salad was Jell-O, so jiggly and great,
Then puree of fruitcake was spooned on each plate.
The social director then had us play games,
Like "Where Are You Living?" and "What Are Your Names?"
Old Grandfather Looper was feeling his oats,
Proclaiming that reindeer were nothing but goats.
Our resident wand'rer was tied to her chair,
In hopes that at bedtime she still would be there.
Security lights on the new fallen snow
Made outdoors seem noon to the old folks below.
Then out on the porch there arose quite a clatter
(But we are so deaf that it just didn't matter).
A strange little fellow flew in through the door,
Then tripped on the sill and fell flat on the floor.
'Twas just our director, all togged out in red.
He jiggled and chuckled and patted each head.
We knew from the way that he strutted and jived
Our social- security checks had arrived.
We sang -- how we sang -- in our monotone croak,
Till the clock tinkled out its soft eight-p.m. stroke.
And soon we were snuggling deep in our beds.
While nurses distributed nocturnal meds.
And so ends our Christmas at Rock-Away Rest.
'fore long you'll be with us, We wish you the best!
I tried to find someone to credit for this
fun poem and cartoon. If it is yours I am happy to credit you or remove
it if you wish.
and all of us seniors were looking our best.
Our glasses, how sparkly, our wrinkles, how merry;
Our punchbowl held prune juice plus three drops of sherry.
A bedsock was taped to each walker, in hope
That Santa would bring us soft candy and soap.
We surely were lucky to be there with friends,
Secure in this residence and in our Depends.
Our grandkids had sent us some Christmasy crafts,
Like angels in snowsuits and penguins on rafts.
The dental assistant had borrowed our teeth,
And from them she'd crafted a holiday wreath.
The bed pans, so shiny, all stood in a row,
Reflecting our candle's magnificent glow.
Our supper so festive -- the joy wouldn't stop --
Was creamy warm oatmeal with sprinkles on top.
Our salad was Jell-O, so jiggly and great,
Then puree of fruitcake was spooned on each plate.
The social director then had us play games,
Like "Where Are You Living?" and "What Are Your Names?"
Old Grandfather Looper was feeling his oats,
Proclaiming that reindeer were nothing but goats.
Our resident wand'rer was tied to her chair,
In hopes that at bedtime she still would be there.
Security lights on the new fallen snow
Made outdoors seem noon to the old folks below.
Then out on the porch there arose quite a clatter
(But we are so deaf that it just didn't matter).
A strange little fellow flew in through the door,
Then tripped on the sill and fell flat on the floor.
'Twas just our director, all togged out in red.
He jiggled and chuckled and patted each head.
We knew from the way that he strutted and jived
Our social- security checks had arrived.
We sang -- how we sang -- in our monotone croak,
Till the clock tinkled out its soft eight-p.m. stroke.
And soon we were snuggling deep in our beds.
While nurses distributed nocturnal meds.
And so ends our Christmas at Rock-Away Rest.
'fore long you'll be with us, We wish you the best!
Labels:
CHRISTMAS,
POEM,
ROCKAWAY REST HOME
Dec 11, 2011
THERE ARE CASUALTIES
This has been a pretty rough year. Usually I get through the season with maybe a broken Christmas tree bulb.
Not this year. I don’t know what has happened but they are dropping like flies around here. Well they are dropping anyways.
First of all I pulled out a box with some lovely Carollers that were a gift from one of my sisters several years ago.
I have no idea what happened to them. Three of them have been decapitated and one has been hobbled.
What is even more strange is that there are only 2 heads. That is just weird. I don’t know when they fell or where.
Next when my eldest son stopped in for a visit he bumped my NOEL figurines that were on the window ledge.
Now we are pretty much waiting for Jodie Foster to show up and tell us about “a tay inna wan”. (movie reference..remember Nel(l) 
Lastly, at least I hope it is lastly, my poor little reindeer took a tumble when my younger son opened the kitchen window.
I know they shed their antlers but this is a bad time for this to happen being Christmas and all.
This is the kind of stuff you expect when you have toddlers in the house not when everyone is all grown up.
Fingers crossed we will have no more casualties this year. And Jodie Foster…if you are reading this….I loved your movie Nel(l).
Not this year. I don’t know what has happened but they are dropping like flies around here. Well they are dropping anyways.
First of all I pulled out a box with some lovely Carollers that were a gift from one of my sisters several years ago.
I have no idea what happened to them. Three of them have been decapitated and one has been hobbled.
What is even more strange is that there are only 2 heads. That is just weird. I don’t know when they fell or where.
Next when my eldest son stopped in for a visit he bumped my NOEL figurines that were on the window ledge.
Now we are pretty much waiting for Jodie Foster to show up and tell us about “a tay inna wan”. (movie reference..remember Nel(l) 
Lastly, at least I hope it is lastly, my poor little reindeer took a tumble when my younger son opened the kitchen window.
I know they shed their antlers but this is a bad time for this to happen being Christmas and all.
This is the kind of stuff you expect when you have toddlers in the house not when everyone is all grown up. Fingers crossed we will have no more casualties this year. And Jodie Foster…if you are reading this….I loved your movie Nel(l).
Dec 9, 2011
A TENDER (LOIN) GIFT
Do you want a great hostess gift idea? Or a great no fuss dinner you can pull out on a busy morning to have that night?
This is so easy and makes an unusual hostess gift. Much more useful than a box of chocolates.
Pork Tenderloin En Croute
1 package puff pastry, thawed
1 pork tenderloin
1/2 onion, chopped
1 1/2 cups mushrooms of any type sliced
2 slices of bacon, chopped
1 teaspoons herbs de Provence
3 tablespoons grainy mustard
1 egg
salt and pepper
- Put chopped bacon, onions and mushrooms into a frying pan and cook down until soft and browned adding the herbs de Provence in towards the last 5 minutes.
- Place in a colander over a bowl and allow to cool and drain, stirring several times.
- Trim all fat and silverskin from pork.
- Roll out half the package of puff pastry on a lightly floured board so that it is about 10-12 inches long and about 7 inches wide. It will be very thin. Place this on a piece of parchment paper.
- Spread half the mustard down the center of the pastry leaving an inch around the edges clean. Pretend you don’t see that piece that is trying to escape.
- Spread the mushroom mixture on top of the mustard.
- Tuck the narrow end of the tenderloin under and place this on top of the mushrooms.
- Spread remaining mustard over top of pork.
- Roll out second half of puff pastry the same size as the bottom and ease this over your meat.
- Brush the outer edge of the pastry dough with the beaten egg mixed with a teaspoon of water. Fold this up over the top piece pinching and sealing as you go. Fold the corners in a second time and use a floured fork to crimp all the edges.
- Cut two slits in the top and decorate with puff pastry cut outs if you have any extra.
- Brush the top with egg wash too.
- Lift onto a piece of tin foil an close slightly and place in the freezer. When frozen you can wrap it down tightly.
- Decorate foil and add baking instructions.
(Thaw in fridge. Must be cold when you put it in the oven. Bake 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until golden. Let rest for 10 minutes. Slice and serve)
Dec 6, 2011
I’M GETTING THERE
Bit by bit I am getting there. Getting all my Christmas decorations out. Getting the house ready for Christmas.
As usual the Santa figures are taking over the house. Too many? I don’t care. I love them all. They will get moved around as the days go on. I still have more that have not been put on the hutch yet. It is a process…lol.
Dec 3, 2011
SATURDAY SNICKER
70 above: Texans turn on the heat and unpack the thermal underwear.
People in Canada go swimming in the Lakes.
60 above: North Carolinians try to turn on the heat.
People in Canada plant gardens.
50 above: Californians shiver uncontrollably.
People in Canada sunbathe.
40 above: Italian & English cars won't start
People in Canada drive with the windows down.
32 above: Distilled water freezes
In Canada Lake Superior's water gets thicker.
20 above: Floridians don coats, thermal underwear, gloves, and wooly hats
People in Canada throw on a flannel shirt.
15 above: Philadelphia landlords finally turn up the heat.
People in Canada have the last cookout before it gets cold.
0 degrees: People in Miami all die...
Canadians lick the flagpole.
20 below: Californians fly away to Mexico.
People in Canada get out their winter coats.
40 below: Hollywood disintegrates.
The Girl Scouts in Canada are selling cookies door to door.
60 below: Polar bears begin to evacuate the Arctic.
Canadian Boy Scouts postpone "Winter Survival" classes until it gets cold enough.
80 below: Mt. St. Helens freezes.
Canadians feel a chill.
100 below: Santa Claus abandons the North Pole.
Canadians get frustrated because they can't thaw the keg.
297 below: Microbial life no longer survives on dairy products.
Cows in Canada complain about farmers with cold hands.
460 below: ALL atomic motion stops (absolute zero in the Kelvin scale).
People in Canada start saying, "Cold 'nuff for ya, eh?"
500 below: Hell freezes over.
The Vancouver Canucks win the Stanley Cup.
Dec 2, 2011
I WILL BE READY
This year I will be ready for Christmas without all the stress of last year.
I had been at home for the past 25 years or so and have always gone all out for Christmas. We also do a Boxing Day (Dec. 26 for those who don’t know) open house for as many people as show up. Food is a main part of this day.
I had a lot of time to prepare, bake, decorate and shop. I started early and went full speed ahead with a smile on my face and heart.
I went back to work full time about 2 years ago and last year I was the first time I was completely strapped for time and energy for my Christmas preparations.
I didn’t prepare the kinds of foods that I normally would and although it is more about the friends and family who come by this was not okay with me. The guests always offer to bring food too but that is not what I want. Any other time of the year sure but Christmas is different.
I also didn’t finish decorating the house the way I usually do either.
NO. NO. NO. Not this year.
I have taken a week holiday from work starting on Monday so I can get things done. Many people would think I am crazy but it makes me happy to get ready for Christmas. I would rather do this than go away for a week. Really.
When I was a child Christmas was not a happy time since my mother had little money and we were often relying on the generosity of others for gifts. The food hamper was the only way we had a traditional turkey dinner.
It is important to me to have things in my home the way I want for Christmas. It is not that I want perfection. It isn’t about a spotless house because I assure you that will never happen. It is about setting the stage. It is about setting the tone, the feeling.
And this year I will have it back again. Now I have to get ready for my last day of work…… for now.
Labels:
BOXING DAY,
CHRISTMAS,
DECORATING,
WORK
Dec 1, 2011
IT IS COMING, IT IS COMING
Those of you who “know” me know that I love Christmas. My favourite celebration.
You also know that I collect old fashioned Father Christmas pieces. Not the jolly Coca Cola types but the St. Nicholas types. I have about 130+ in my collection.
The one above is one that I have painted myself and is one of my favourites.
Labels:
CHRISTMAS,
SANTA,
TOLE PAINTING
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