Happy New Year, Jane! I am leaving with a grin. What blogger is going to describe her 30th wedding anniversary as "chili dogs and heartburn"? =D Happy Anniversary, too!
It is so disappointing when the recipes don't work out. I know, I am spooning divinity fudge because it never set up and tastes a lot like marshmallow fluff. The thought of actually serving it makes me laugh. Wish I could just toss it, but I keep thinking that I can't waste all that sugar!
Your Christmas morning looks lovely to me. That gift giving is what literally keeps this world going, fiscally speaking.
Oh sweet Jane - you just get better and better!!! I loved hearing about the many successes as well as a few failures in your busy Christmas/New Year celebrations. All looked wonderful to me - and hopefully this year we can catch up again and have a few giggles together. Congrats.on that big anniversary - you two are always such fun.
Back home again and still nursing the beastly European cold virus we caught, but, will soon be 'up and at 'em' again! Heading out later today to run some errands, then hope to start planning for the many things requiring attention here around the cottage before traveling later in the Spring! We did have to buy an extra suitcase to get stuff home from this trip. . . . . . never again! Oops, famous last words!
Happy New Year to you, A, and all the family - may it be a blessed, healthy and prosperous one for all. Love from us both XX
Blondie, Even with food flops , it sounds as if your Christmas was a huge success. Just to have so many loved ones near is a true blessing. I really like the photo of all you ladies. We are in for some very cold weather now. Hoping it doesn't hold us in an icy grip too long. Happy new year blessings for you and your family. xoxo, Susie P.S. I sat many mornings with just the tree lights on....remembering Christmases of my past.
Happy New Year Jane! Loved this post so much...my baking often surprises me too (and not in a good way) and I had to smile at the combined recipe making :).....maybe that is why I so enjoy making cupcakes too! I loved that you wrote about the magical, peaceful feeling of sitting quietly in the Christmas tree light or the firelight.......it is always special to read something that I so relate to. Wishing you wonderful times in 2017, and looking forward to visiting you here. Helen xox
I laughed about your 30th anniversary. For our 30th anniversary, Steve was literally half way around the world on a surf trip. When he began planning it 7 months before, we didn't realize our anniversary fell within the window of the trip. All the guys on the trip were teasing him about everything he would have to do to make up for missing such a big anniversary.
Happy New Year, Jane! I love the way you write. Enjoyed your photos and hearing about your Christmas and anniversary. Sorry about the heartburn...sounds like one of our romantic anniversaries...ha! Loved seeing all the nicely wrapped packages. Our tree was much lighter this year because we had already bought our daughter a new sofa and son a new set of tires for part of their Christmas. Good thing because I'd gotten sick and didn't have the energy to do much shopping this year. I still have my 2 trees up because I didn't get them up much before Christmas. Maybe by the weekend, I'll put them away. I hate that job! :) Take care and have a happy, healthy year! ~Cheryl
Morning, Jane. I always love when you post. It makes me feel as if we are sitting together chatting over a cup of coffee. ;-) Great shot of you and the girls. I must say, it's not obvious that you are the mom. You look as young as they do! And I sincerely mean that! Oh, a new baby on the way makes me so happy for you and your family. It must be very special to have all these little ones growing up together. Your DIL is gorgeous! Happy belated anniversary and Happy New Year!
Happy belated New Years Jane and a big thank you for your wonderful post. I never know where to begin because there's so many little things that i react to while i'm reading along. Loved that picture of Deidre, she does exude such maternal joy, it reminds me of how i once felt with my babies. And how lucky you are to have all those girls in your family!! My gosh I'm surrounded by dudes and wistfully dream of the time when my boys will bring home girls like your Abby or Deidre to join our family. Your baking story cracked me up, i notice how dependent i've become on my damn glasses, i actually went to yoga once with my tights inside out and didn't know until was bending over in a pose. hahaha I also had moments by the fire that felt deeply contemplative and joyful this season. It's the best part of having cold weather here at the beach, i love our fires. I will wait to read your post about your ideas for the new year, i always feel such a fond kinship with your probing questions and self reflections. Let's toast to all those adventures that await us in 2017! hugs Leslie ps happy 30th anniversary yours sound a lot like ours-- we always say next year we'll plan better.
Happy New Year! In spite of the recipes that failed, it sounds like you have a sweet and cozy family Christmas. Everyone will probably look back at the things that went wrong and laugh some day, even things that don't work out turn into fond memories when a loving family is involved. Many blessings in to you and yours in 2017!
Despite some cooking disasters, I see an awful lot of smiling faces in these pics. Both trees look beautiful and you certainly had your work cut out for you with all that wrapping. Hope you have a wonderful new year, Jane.
Hi Jane.... I sometimes feel the same way about going to the cottage! Except....mine is def not as luxurious as yours! But...I know the feeling! You must be looking forward to yet another new grandchild...perhaps a boy this time? You sure had a lot of flops in the food department! I am not one for following recipes...stick to what you do best! And that is lots of delicious dishes! You sure take on a lot with breakfast and all...I tell my kids to come around 3 pm....and bring snackies! Hahaha! I usually have the turkey done...and wrapped up to keep it warm...much easier that way! I also deal with the veg heads,,,,vegans....and my daughter with Celiac....! I do make 2 desserts....1 gluten free! Oh dear....I am rambling....gosh.....sorry! Loved your tree....stockings and decor.... Cheers my friend! Linda :o)
OMG, you have your newest family member already! Congratulations to all of you and I am so happy for you all! Love how you described your holidays, and man, your family is just getting bigger and happier! Looking forward to 2017 my dear!
Jane, reading this I feel a bit envious. Our Christmas was very simple, very manageable, and very quiet. While yours may sound like a lot of work to me, it's the seeing of the photos with family and reading how much love you all share that says "It's all worth it." No one will remember the not-so-perfect egg casserole or every room not being decorated. But they'll always remember how much love you gave them. Hugs and best wishes for 2017. Nancy
It took us exactly two hours to travel from NY to Mass. as well, the only difference was we couldn't wait to get there, and come Sunday night hated to leave. I suppose that had a lot to do with the fact that we were working.
I think I've made that casserole, or something very similar, in the past and like you, felt it was a bit runny. These days, I just hand out a box of corn flakes ;).
Your celebrations were festive and full of good things Jane! You're very blessed.
Such a great visit with you tonight! I can relate re the food disasters. I will be posting something soon about a couple of my own. Our 26th was on the22nd, and I can totally relate to "chili dogs and heartburn" I believe the hubs watched football upstairs after supper while I was engrossed in an Aussie soap opera on Hulu.
I am doing less every year vis a vis decorating, and I am still putting it away. I decided that it took me about a week to get it decked out, it could jolly well take a week or whatever to get it picked up again.
Hi Jane, I always appreciate that you keep your posts REAL and HONEST. No, not everything works out the way we think it should. But oh the love and memories of our family and friends!! I know I have shared this with you before, the love of your family just shines! It makes me smile.
I really like what you wrote .... Still, it's not easy to disentangle oneself from our roles in the past. It's definitely an adventure and I think we can all find a bit of truth in the many aspects of resuming, becoming or enhancing our true selves.
SO VERY TRUE! Love you friend, and thank you for sharing your heart with us. Carla
I love your glimpses, touches, taste, style . . . warmth, caring, love . . . It shows in your words, reflecting, photos . . . Like I said . . . the touches . . . Identifying I am, with the hustle, bustle, wanting to remember everyone, making it filled with ease, fun, love. Hoping you are taking some time to put your feet up, sit back, reflect . . . I know I am and have needed some quiet for a few days . . . Happy New Year Jane . . .
I love your glimpses, touches, taste, style . . . warmth, caring, love . . . It shows in your words, reflecting, photos . . . Like I said . . . the touches . . . Identifying I am, with the hustle, bustle, wanting to remember everyone, making it filled with ease, fun, love. Hoping you are taking some time to put your feet up, sit back, reflect . . . I know I am and have needed some quiet for a few days . . . Happy New Year Jane . . .
Happy New Year, Jane! Sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas, although hectic just like us. I am just glad it is over and that we are back into our regular routine. Enjoy your beautiful family. xxx Maria
I'm so glad to hear that we're not the only ones whose in laws are friends! It makes the holidays soooo much easier doesn't it? OK, the fudge, chocolate chip cookie recipe sounds exactly like something I'd do. I use the fudge recipe on the back of the marshmallow cream jar & love it! It's the same recipe my mom always used. You know if I can make it without incident it must be super easy! Also, it's the only recipe on the jar so no getting mixed up. Happy belated anniversary & Happy New Year!
Happy New Year, Jane! And Happy Anniversary! I grinned at the thought of chili dogs and heartburn as a celebration - that's the way it goes sometimes after 30 years together! Your cooking experiences had me grinning, too - love the way you keep it real!
Jane, Happy New Year!! It looks like your Christmas Past was fabulous. I was moving down to the last sand's in the hourglass too...Gee that sounds like a soap opera slogan! We were baking on Christmas morning before the guests arrived andI get the decadence...It is, but it isn't like you said, lots of people, lots of homemade treasures stacked in there, love of love...
Oh my dear all those presents! Whew! I guess that's part of why I can handle all the decorating, company and meal making (not much baking, though!) I do for my big family....we don't buy gifts (only the crazy gift exchange). That's a major job you had right there! But it looked beautiful. Looking forward to what the new year brings, and from your end, hearing more great family stories from the lake house. Love the description of the anniversary. That's real life, baby. And Happy Anniversary to you! That's a wonderful milestone. I hope I can be so lucky. You mentioned the plates you had and Fixer Upper....did you intend to post a picture of those? :) Happy New Year, Jane.
A Happy New Year to you! Naw, you were to busy with your family, a bit of Christmas is all good:). You know, I always wanted to make a breakfast casserole and I think of the movie The Family Stone:). 30 yrs of Happiness and trials, all in a marriage:) Going on 36 yrs here, your end of the evening is kinda like ours too. Just when I think I know him, he surprises me, carved a keepsake box ( learning a new skill ) for me for my bday recently:). You're going to have a wonderful 2017! Kathleen in Az
That casserole sounds like something I was going to attempt... glad I didn't! I have a good egg casserole recipe that never fails, I think it's in the recipes link on my blog - Anderson House Inn Egg Casserole.
Empecemos a disfrutar de las pequeñas cosas, así podremos hacer grandes planes para nuestra vida. ¡Este año 2017 será nuestro. Levantemos nuestra copa y brindemos por los que están, por los que ya se fueron y por los que vendrán a nuestras vidas. FELIZ AÑO A TODOS Dejemos pues que este año se marche, y recibamos el nuevo año con entusiasmo, con tolerancia y sobre todo con mucho amor. Gracias por celebrar-lo un año mas conmigo i que los reyes magos hayas sido generosos con todos vosotros.👑👑👑 elracodeldetall.blogspot.com
Jane, your Christmas was so pretty! I know some of the things you wanted to make/do didn't quite turn out as planned but those are going to be a great part of your family's memories! I love all the pictures of your adventures. It seems like you guys had the best time. Happy Anniversary and may 2017 bring your best year yet! Hugs, CoCo
what a nice Christmas you had with those you love. And, I had some fails on some of our cookie baking...maybe we all try too hard ? Have a wonderful new year...xoxo
Jane, I just love you so much. You make everything so beautiful for everyone around you, including on your blog. Your family is so lucky to have you. My presents were a mess, not as much thought in them this year and of course I can't wrap. We actually have arguments in my house about who is the worst wrapper! Glad you enjoyed your special days.
It's nice to spend more time on Christmas and share our memories. And it's a good time to realize what to change for next year. You sure had a lot of beautiful gifts and I know everyone appreciated your thoughtfulness. I baked cupcakes! lol I like using recipes that are tried and tested for the most part. Although I would like to try some new recipes this year. (I have a new cookbook!) I'm wishing you the very best year sweet lady! Hugs, Diane
As you well know, each year I do less and less of decorating and multiple gift buying per person and my holidays have become richer and calmer. All the little fun things I used to buy to round out my medium sized gifts began to seem a waste so after consulting the kids, who live in "wee" spaces, one or two large gifts were the answer. I have it easier they are thrilled with things they would not be able to splurge on and win win. I also took advantage of free shipping so I barely hit the stores (I went to Home Goods once) except to wander about an hour with the kids over their visit one day after lunch... I've eliminated 75% of my holiday decor and yet it is still festive. It's all about the greens I think. Greens everywhere and lights and it's easy peasy.
And this year I'm selling off my 2 large artificial trees. No longer wish to store and I LOVED my real 4 footer this year $15 so next year 2 live ones!
I had to laugh at your cooking disasters, Jane - I think we have all been there! Sometimes keeping it simple is the complicated way...hahaha! I can relate to the lackluster New Year and Anniversary celebrations, too. Happy Anniversary, though - 30 years is quite a milestone! I am sick of the Hallmark Christmas movies which I have seen over and over and over - I wish they would make more new ones every year, but it sure beats watching most everything else on tv, except Fixer-Upper, of course, but I think I would have to gut my whole house to achieve that look! Love seeing all those presents under the tree and your beautiful family photos. In this busy world it is nice to get everyone together in one place and celebrate that accomplishment. I am with you on finally finding time for oneself. The last couple of years I have actually learned to say No to some things and do only what I can easily achieve, but I still need to work on that. I am a big pushover when it comes to family and they are so used to me doing it all that it doesn't occur to them that they are quite capable, themselves! So I am giving them some gentle nudges.....It's a New Year and new beginning and I hope it is everything wonderful and good for you and all of your loved ones. Sending hugs xo Karen
Jane - Happy New Year! I had a breakfast a few months ago and I fixed 6 casseroles (none of which I had ever tried before) and thank goodness they all came out wonderfully. I was amazed! I need to send you my fudge recipe - it is called Never Fail Fudge and in 48 years, it has never failed. So glad you had a great Christmas.
Hope 2017 is a great year for you and your loved ones.
Sounds like your holidays were a blast, Jane!! What would we do without family at holiday time? Happy to hear you are able to spend time at your lake house once again. Much love to you, and all the best for 2017!! Debbie xo
Aren't you glad that the holidays are over! I did the same thing with my storage area for the Christmas tubs and boxes. I have so much stuff. I sorted and purged and reorganized and it looks much better. I know the exact breakfast casserole that you write about because it is my best friend's favorite. We had for breakfast Jan. 1. In Fact, I think I fixed it last year. We have a New Year's party every year with the same friends and because we all live so far apart,--two hours away-- we spend the night (none of us drink, either), and Sherry and I both fix this casserole. And yes. It has to bake a really long time which means that you have to get up really early to get it in the oven. There must be a better recipe to feed a crowd. Let me know if you find one.
You are truly making the most of the season and I SO applaud you for that. Enjoy it all! May 2017 be filled with health and many more happy events and memories.
Love the realness of this post, Jane. I know we all have Christmas fiascos of one kind or another, but we tend to leave them out of our blog posts. We put a lot of pressures on ourselves as moms (I know I do, especially at the holidays), but it's great when our families, the people we love the most, still enjoy a wonderful time just being together, in spite of all the things that may not have gone as we had hoped. Mary Alice
Happy New Year! As I get older I have found if I don't put everything out, it still looks just fine. I also now give my girls money, as they have told me, they just do not need another thing in their lives. This way they can buy what they want and need. Also in their sock, I give them their personal items they use and lots of food items. It has made for easier and a lot more fun holidays. And my kids love it! Have a great month! :) Kit
Christmas at your home sounds like a busy, crazy time but I know you must love having all your family around you. I just finished organizing all my Christmas into clear storage boxes…did everything by color. I also labeled the one box of ornaments that goes on the tree each year, no matter what other colors I use with them. Hopefully, it will be easier decorating next year. BTW, a belated happy anniversary, may you have many more healthy and happy ones in the years ahead.
Happy New Year, Jane! Sounds like you had a good Christmas. I can relate to your cooking mishaps; it's happened to me, too and I know how disappointing that can be. Hope the New Year has been going ok for you so far. I know you must be looking forward to the blessing of another grandchild in a month!
Well this comment is very late, but with taking down the tree, traveling up to my son's for Christmas really wore me out.
Congratulations on your anniversary and your New Year's sounds like mine.
Your events sound so much like evryone elses, except they don't tell you what happened with them LOL. I couldn't wrap presents becuase I was flying, so carried another suitecase with gifts in and wrapped when I got up there. By this time I am exhausted and every day there is more to do as my son was hosting a prime rib Christmas eve dinner for 8 people. I helped Kelly make sugar cookies (had to decorate them) fudge and supervised her bundt cake. Plus she was not feeling good, had a terrible cold. Reminded me of Home Alone when everyone was running around getting ready for the shuttle to airport LOL.
Sorry about your fudge, but I have the best fudge recipe EVER. Only two items - this recipe come from the Pioneer Woman's Cookbook. Double boiler, 3 cups of semisweet chocolate chips along with Bordon's Sweeten Condensed Milk. Have your candy sheet ready with foil on top. because it sets up quickly. So put the 2 items in top of double boiler and stire until melted, then pour into your pan, smooth out and put in frigerator for about 20 minutes. Jane, it is the very best I have ever had and I have made so many batches in my 81 years Her cook book is excelent and so many wonderful recipes.
Your new granddughter is beautiful and I know the one on the way will be stunning also.
So my dear your not alone with all your mishaps, we all have them.
Enjoyed the post very much and the mantle and tree are so pretty.
Jane, I am trying to do the same thing in cleaning out Christmas stuff that I haven't used for awhile. Time will tell if I get to it before next Christmas. Your tree and presents all look so pretty together. You must have had some happy giftees! Your little grand and mama are so sweet and you sure have a bunch of pretty women in your family..Happy Thursday..Judy
I wonder where my comment went from 4 days ago!? Hmmmm. I love the pink tints in your tree---it's so beautiful, Jane. And I hardly believe none of your dishes came out that bad. You know though, my MIL made up a chocolate meringue pie recipe. It never failed to set---I made it so many times over the last 50 years and it was perfect. Everyone wanted the recipe. Yet, something has been wrong for the last two years, because it just doesn't work anymore. I don't know if there's a difference in evaporated milk, or sugar, cocoa or what. Just embarrassing! I just stick with lemon meringue, coconut and apple and pumpkin. I loved the news about the grandbabies...it's the best, huh! I couldn't believe that wasn't Emily with blonde in the picture! You looked so young and dewy! Wow, keep on doing whatever you are doing, you look great. Soon it will be Valentine's Day. I am going to try two ingredient fudge Mary posted! Hope you're not snowed in---we had 8" and our area was paralyzed for four days! Insane. Love, Trudy!
It sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas, despite a few hiccups! You are in for a lot of fun Christmases with all those babies popping into the family picture.
Here's to a wonderfully happy and healthy New Year!
I've made the mistake of trying to feed a hungry group on Christmas morning with an untried and untrue recipe, and boy was it a mess! Thank heavens for popping fresh dough in the fridge!
I have a WONDERFUL breakfast casserole that you would LOVE. Here is the link for it:
I watch Hallmark movies all year round. I love them! These ones in January have been great so far, and I also like the Valentine's Day movies, too.
The photo of your Christmas tree and all the presents is so, so pretty. I know everyone enjoyed being together, and it sounds like you had a great Christmas holiday with your family.
Your Christmas share with wonderful photos was awesome. It is such a magical time of the year and being with those we love best is such a bonus!It is wonderful to be here and say hello and happy New Year to you and yours. Have a beautiful weekend and weekdays too! xo
Happy New Year Jane! Your fireplace adorned with all the stockings and presents looked so pretty. I love those kind of breakfast casseroles but my family just likes plain old simple breakfast, so I've only made casseroles for my girlfriends. It figures that when you have a crowd that something wouldn't cook as planned. Grrr ....but sounds like your plan B went well. Hope you are recovering from the holidays!!!
Jane, I love your decorations for Christmas. Your house looked so cozy and that tree, loved it!! It sounded like your recipes you cooked were a challenge but most of them turned out! I know what you mean about recipes. I made one year gingerbread cookies but read the recipe on the box wrong. It was the recipe for gingerbread cake. So, back to the store I drove never to make that mistake again. Your family girl photo is just perfect. Another grandchild on the way, how exciting. Thanks for always sharing your family stories. They're so much fun to read! Happy Sunday! Hugs, Jody ♥
Love your decorations and all those gifts...I know your friends and family cherish everything you do for the. It seems that no matter how much we plan and prepare, things will turn out the way they are going to turn out. Some times we are disappointed, must mostly just pleasantly surprised. I totally agree with practicing a recipe before you try it on someone. It takes a little of the pressure off. Then again, some recipes that I have used for year flop at the most inopportune time! Hope your year is off to a great start! Love and hugs!
Looks like you have been very busy! Have a great weekend!
January 26, 2017 at 3:59 PM
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Well, now that Christmas is a distant memory for most of us, here comes Jane. I'll try to keep it brief.
I was late in the game shopping, decorating and baking. Rather than run around like a crazed woman, I pedaled slower. When the hour glass was down to a few grains of sand, I called it a day. I was happy that I hand picked my favorite decorations and didn't try to jazz up every room. I'm actually pretty happy to have had a festive mantel and pretty table. I got a few laughs when I mentioned I had gone very light with the mantel. But I felt good with this. You can see some of my Christmas decor in this post. I'm hoping to get my storage room cleaned up and organized so it's easier to pick out what I want to use next year without hauling up every box and bin.
The baking. Gawd, what a disaster. I only do it to have something to bring to some of the parties and I've also gotten into making little gift packages for my children's in laws, we are all good friends. I would start to make something and find I was missing an ingredient. A recipe for a bar cookie that had me really excited to make had to be passed on when I ran out of time. The biggest fiasco was the evening I was making fudge. I was using the basic recipe on the back of the Nestle Toll House chocolate chip bag. Everything was going along so well and after I mixed everything up I read, "Drop by spoonful on a prepared baking sheet and bake at..." What? That doesn't make sense. Fudge is in a pan and it's definitely not baked. Quick look at the recipe on the bag. Oh, yeah. I was simultaneously making the chocolate chip cookie recipe and the fudge. No, no, no. Luckily I was able to start over but I must admit, the fudge was dry and tasteless. I know it must have been me. Maybe I need to stick to cupcakes.
Finally, the gift wrap. I couldn't just wrap, slap on a bow and a sticker with a name on it. No...nothing themed with fabric ribbon and velvet bows...just a few personal touches. But man, I would wrap my little brains out in the morning and in the afternoon UPS or Fed Ex would appear again.
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Okay, I lied. I did a few things in the main bath. But I was discreet.
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I apologize for the lighting, terrible. And I apologize for a picture of clear decadence. I'm all about making people feel good. One of those packages may hold a much needed pair of boots and another may have a framed picture of the recipients dog. Eleven people I hold close to my heart. Christmas morning is always wild...paper flying, whoops and hollers, mimosa's getting knocked back. And big smiles.
My breakfast casserole was a total disaster. It was a recipe that involved eggs, ham and frozen hash brown potatoes. One of those easy overnight recipes. It just wouldn't seem to set when I baked it, the egg was oozing on to the surface. Everyone was getting very hungry so I took it out of the oven and instead whipped up scrambled eggs. That with sausage and fruit was great. But wait~~suddenly the casserole started to behave itself. Seemed it just needed to come out of the oven to firm up. Still, it was a bland mish mash that was dominated by the potatoes that now resembled week old bread. Live and learn. Practice a recipe before you try it out on your people.
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The Christmas festivities started on the 23rd. My sister in law Megan, and hubby Declan had a huge crowd for dinner with a gift swap. Above you can see my daughter in law, Deirdre (Jeff's wife), cradling little Madelyn. Deirdre is expecting in mid February. She looks like a natural, doesn't she? We just love her and can't wait for another grandchild. :-D
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Here's my yearly shot of most of us ladies. Clockwise: Abby, Gwen, Deirdre, Megan, Me, Lizzie & Grace.
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Christmas Eve was a celebration with The Husband's side of the family at son Jeff's house. Again, so much fun. He had a deep fried turkey catered in and then homemade side dishes. Deirdre and her mother, Maeve, are really wonderful cooks. The appetizers alone were substantial, and the desserts overflowed. When we got home all I had to do was make the "what would be" terrible overnight egg casserole. I was in bed at a reasonable hour, 1 a.m.
Jumping ahead now, we had a great weekend at the lake just a few days ago. We celebrated New Years Eve with a bottle of champagne chilling in the fridge, The Husband snoring upstairs, and me totally involved in a murder mystery book. I didn't realize it had struck midnight until I heard the fireworks around the bay. That was the one and only highlight. We'll have to save that champagne for Valentine's Day. And with romance in mind, I have to share that on December 14th, The Husband and I celebrated 30 years of marriage. We really didn't celebrate...sort of sounds like a pattern. I actually made chili dogs, and after he retreated to watch MSNBC in one room and I to the den to watch yet another Hallmark movie. And by the way, I don't want to see another Hallmark Christmas movie for at least another year. Sounds very unromantic but I think it's a testimony to marriages that have seen the ups and downs, good times and bad. There will be huge anniversary celebrations and quiet ones. This one was chili dogs and heartburn.
So, we settled in for a three day weekend at the lake, Swiffered as per usually (dry wall dust still in abundance), kept that fireplace burning some great three year old wood, and splurged on frozen pizza, potato skins, chicken wings and McDonalds. We still haven't quite stocked up but to my credit, I went to the little grocery store in town to get the makings for a proper dinner for Saturday night. I made a nice boiled meal of corned beef, carrots, Brussels sprouts and potatoes, as well as rye bread with butter. We had cinnamon rolls one morning when I was actually out of bed before 10:00 a.m. Funny, as I am typing this I had Fixxer Upper on and lo and behold, Joanna Gaines styled the table of the old farmhouse they featured with these same plates. I found them at Anthropology. I guess they make the grade!
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It's sort of odd. On Friday nights I drag my feet in leaving the comfort of my home here in the city to make that two hour drive to Michigan. And then once I get there and all cozied in, I hate to come back. I guess that this is a sure sign that both places are definitively my Home Sweet Home. What was missing at the lakehouse was my Christmas tree which has not so much as shed one needle. In the days leading up to Christmas, I would sit in the living room with all of the lights off but the ones on the tree and just relax and let my thoughts flow. And I did that again last night when we got home. Cold and rainy and just glad to get in warm PJ's, pour a glass of wine and sit. What is it about this sort of atmosphere that makes us get so truly introspective? I do this when we have a fire going, too. I stare at the flames and go deep inside of myself. There's a truth there that is totally unencumbered by outside noise. Something to really grab onto.
I had notes all set for a post about change and getting our homes and heads together. About resolutions and intentions and some of the things I'm trying to do to get my act together. But I got lost in sharing all of the Christmas blather with you but I will do this post. I have so much more to say...I have to post more often and touch on the myriad of 'stuff' going through my head as opposed to my day to day life. Thoughts on life and family and goals and fears and getting older and challenges and, and, and...
We have a whole new year ahead of us, a brand new clear highway (or old back road) that we can travel, windows down and our hair blowing. We can travel alone or not, but we need to be in the driver's seat. I'm finally enjoying life after taking care of everyone but me. Still, it's not easy to disentangle oneself from our roles in the past. It's definitely an adventure and I think we can all find a bit of truth in the many aspects of resuming, becoming or enhancing our true selves.
So, I'll see you soon. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and now that we are into January, all the best in making this the most wonderful year!
Jane x
posted by Blondie's Journal at 1:09 AM on Jan 4, 2017
"THE GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS PAST (AS IN 10 DAYS AGO)"
63 Comments -
Happy New Year, Jane! I am leaving with a grin. What blogger is going to describe her 30th wedding anniversary as "chili dogs and heartburn"? =D Happy Anniversary, too!
It is so disappointing when the recipes don't work out. I know, I am spooning divinity fudge because it never set up and tastes a lot like marshmallow fluff. The thought of actually serving it makes me laugh. Wish I could just toss it, but I keep thinking that I can't waste all that sugar!
Your Christmas morning looks lovely to me. That gift giving is what literally keeps this world going, fiscally speaking.
Enjoy January wherever you are...
January 4, 2017 at 6:37 AM
I love how you write about both failures and successes. This is real life, and the things we can all identify with.
January 4, 2017 at 7:16 AM
Oh sweet Jane - you just get better and better!!! I loved hearing about the many successes as well as a few failures in your busy Christmas/New Year celebrations. All looked wonderful to me - and hopefully this year we can catch up again and have a few giggles together. Congrats.on that big anniversary - you two are always such fun.
Back home again and still nursing the beastly European cold virus we caught, but, will soon be 'up and at 'em' again! Heading out later today to run some errands, then hope to start planning for the many things requiring attention here around the cottage before traveling later in the Spring! We did have to buy an extra suitcase to get stuff home from this trip. . . . . . never again! Oops, famous last words!
Happy New Year to you, A, and all the family - may it be a blessed, healthy and prosperous one for all.
Love from us both XX
January 4, 2017 at 8:24 AM
Blondie, Even with food flops , it sounds as if your Christmas was a huge success. Just to have so many loved ones near is a true blessing. I really like the photo of all you ladies. We are in for some very cold weather now. Hoping it doesn't hold us in an icy grip too long. Happy new year blessings for you and your family. xoxo, Susie
P.S. I sat many mornings with just the tree lights on....remembering Christmases of my past.
January 4, 2017 at 8:57 AM
Happy New Year Jane! I am glad you are able to enjoy your lake house again. Christmas looks like it was wonderful with you and your family.
January 4, 2017 at 9:03 AM
Happy New Year Jane! Loved this post so much...my baking often surprises me too (and not in a good way) and I had to smile at the combined recipe making :).....maybe that is why I so enjoy making cupcakes too! I loved that you wrote about the magical, peaceful feeling of sitting quietly in the Christmas tree light or the firelight.......it is always special to read something that I so relate to. Wishing you wonderful times in 2017, and looking forward to visiting you here.
Helen xox
January 4, 2017 at 9:40 AM
I laughed about your 30th anniversary. For our 30th anniversary, Steve was literally half way around the world on a surf trip. When he began planning it 7 months before, we didn't realize our anniversary fell within the window of the trip. All the guys on the trip were teasing him about everything he would have to do to make up for missing such a big anniversary.
Have a great 2017.
January 4, 2017 at 10:58 AM
Happy New Year, Jane! I love the way you write. Enjoyed your photos and hearing about your Christmas and anniversary. Sorry about the heartburn...sounds like one of our romantic anniversaries...ha! Loved seeing all the nicely wrapped packages. Our tree was much lighter this year because we had already bought our daughter a new sofa and son a new set of tires for part of their Christmas. Good thing because I'd gotten sick and didn't have the energy to do much shopping this year. I still have my 2 trees up because I didn't get them up much before Christmas. Maybe by the weekend, I'll put them away. I hate that job! :) Take care and have a happy, healthy year! ~Cheryl
January 4, 2017 at 11:01 AM
Morning, Jane. I always love when you post. It makes me feel as if we are sitting together chatting over a cup of coffee. ;-)
Great shot of you and the girls. I must say, it's not obvious that you are the mom. You look as young as they do! And I sincerely mean that!
Oh, a new baby on the way makes me so happy for you and your family. It must be very special to have all these little ones growing up together. Your DIL is gorgeous!
Happy belated anniversary and Happy New Year!
January 4, 2017 at 11:08 AM
Happy belated New Years Jane and a big thank you for your wonderful post. I never know where to begin because there's so many little things that i react to while i'm reading along. Loved that picture of Deidre, she does exude such maternal joy, it reminds me of how i once felt with my babies. And how lucky you are to have all those girls in your family!! My gosh I'm surrounded by dudes and wistfully dream of the time when my boys will bring home girls like your Abby or Deidre to join our family. Your baking story cracked me up, i notice how dependent i've become on my damn glasses, i actually went to yoga once with my tights inside out and didn't know until was bending over in a pose. hahaha
I also had moments by the fire that felt deeply contemplative and joyful this season. It's the best part of having cold weather here at the beach, i love our fires. I will wait to read your post about your ideas for the new year, i always feel such a fond kinship with your probing questions and self reflections. Let's toast to all those adventures that await us in 2017!
hugs
Leslie
ps happy 30th anniversary yours sound a lot like ours-- we always say next year we'll plan better.
January 4, 2017 at 11:38 AM
Happy New Year! In spite of the recipes that failed, it sounds like you have a sweet and cozy family Christmas. Everyone will probably look back at the things that went wrong and laugh some day, even things that don't work out turn into fond memories when a loving family is involved. Many blessings in to you and yours in 2017!
January 4, 2017 at 12:06 PM
Despite some cooking disasters, I see an awful lot of smiling faces in these pics. Both trees look beautiful and you certainly had your work cut out for you with all that wrapping. Hope you have a wonderful new year, Jane.
January 4, 2017 at 12:54 PM
Happy New Year!!! I couldn't believe how many presents you had ready for the big day! I thought I was bad. Have a wonderful 2017 gorgeous. Chel xx
January 4, 2017 at 1:29 PM
Happy New Year Jane!
January 4, 2017 at 1:48 PM
Hi Jane....
I sometimes feel the same way about going to the cottage! Except....mine is def not as luxurious as yours! But...I know the feeling!
You must be looking forward to yet another new grandchild...perhaps a boy this time?
You sure had a lot of flops in the food department! I am not one for following recipes...stick to what you do best! And that is lots of delicious dishes! You sure take on a lot with breakfast and all...I tell my kids to come around 3 pm....and bring snackies! Hahaha!
I usually have the turkey done...and wrapped up to keep it warm...much easier that way! I also deal with the veg heads,,,,vegans....and my daughter with Celiac....! I do make 2 desserts....1 gluten free!
Oh dear....I am rambling....gosh.....sorry!
Loved your tree....stockings and decor....
Cheers my friend!
Linda :o)
January 4, 2017 at 3:21 PM
Happy New Year Jane! Your festivities sound like they were just perfect. :)
January 4, 2017 at 4:37 PM
OMG, you have your newest family member already! Congratulations to all of you and I am so happy for you all! Love how you described your holidays, and man, your family is just getting bigger and happier! Looking forward to 2017 my dear!
January 4, 2017 at 4:42 PM
Jane, reading this I feel a bit envious. Our Christmas was very simple, very manageable, and very quiet. While yours may sound like a lot of work to me, it's the seeing of the photos with family and reading how much love you all share that says "It's all worth it." No one will remember the not-so-perfect egg casserole or every room not being decorated. But they'll always remember how much love you gave them. Hugs and best wishes for 2017. Nancy
January 4, 2017 at 6:36 PM
It took us exactly two hours to travel from NY to Mass. as well, the only difference was we couldn't wait to get there, and come Sunday night hated to leave. I suppose that had a lot to do with the fact that we were working.
I think I've made that casserole, or something very similar, in the past and like you, felt it was a bit runny. These days, I just hand out a box of corn flakes ;).
Your celebrations were festive and full of good things Jane! You're very blessed.
xxx
January 4, 2017 at 7:25 PM
Such a great visit with you tonight! I can relate re the food disasters. I will be posting something soon about a couple of my own. Our 26th was on the22nd, and I can totally relate to "chili dogs and heartburn" I believe the hubs watched football upstairs after supper while I was engrossed in an Aussie soap opera on Hulu.
I am doing less every year vis a vis decorating, and I am still putting it away. I decided that it took me about a week to get it decked out, it could jolly well take a week or whatever to get it picked up again.
Happy New Year --
January 4, 2017 at 8:53 PM
Hi Jane,
I always appreciate that you keep your posts REAL and HONEST. No, not everything works out the way we think it should. But oh the love and memories of our family and friends!! I know I have shared this with you before, the love of your family just shines! It makes me smile.
I really like what you wrote .... Still, it's not easy to disentangle oneself from our roles in the past. It's definitely an adventure and I think we can all find a bit of truth in the many aspects of resuming, becoming or enhancing our true selves.
SO VERY TRUE!
Love you friend, and thank you for sharing your heart with us.
Carla
January 4, 2017 at 9:07 PM
I love your glimpses, touches, taste, style . . . warmth, caring, love . . .
It shows in your words, reflecting, photos . . .
Like I said . . . the touches . . .
Identifying I am, with the hustle, bustle, wanting to remember everyone,
making it filled with ease, fun, love.
Hoping you are taking some time to put your feet up,
sit back, reflect . . . I know I am and have needed some quiet for a few days . . .
Happy New Year Jane . . .
January 4, 2017 at 9:34 PM
I love your glimpses, touches, taste, style . . . warmth, caring, love . . .
It shows in your words, reflecting, photos . . .
Like I said . . . the touches . . .
Identifying I am, with the hustle, bustle, wanting to remember everyone,
making it filled with ease, fun, love.
Hoping you are taking some time to put your feet up,
sit back, reflect . . . I know I am and have needed some quiet for a few days . . .
Happy New Year Jane . . .
January 4, 2017 at 9:37 PM
Happy New Year, Jane! Sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas, although hectic just like us. I am just glad it is over and that we are back into our regular routine. Enjoy your beautiful family. xxx Maria
January 5, 2017 at 6:50 AM
Happy Anniversary and oh Jane, your fudge story!!!! :)
January 5, 2017 at 6:56 AM
I'm so glad to hear that we're not the only ones whose in laws are friends! It makes the holidays soooo much easier doesn't it? OK, the fudge, chocolate chip cookie recipe sounds exactly like something I'd do. I use the fudge recipe on the back of the marshmallow cream jar & love it! It's the same recipe my mom always used. You know if I can make it without incident it must be super easy! Also, it's the only recipe on the jar so no getting mixed up. Happy belated anniversary & Happy New Year!
January 5, 2017 at 8:14 AM
Happy New Year, Jane! And Happy Anniversary! I grinned at the thought of chili dogs and heartburn as a celebration - that's the way it goes sometimes after 30 years together! Your cooking experiences had me grinning, too - love the way you keep it real!
January 5, 2017 at 11:03 AM
Jane, Happy New Year!! It looks like your Christmas Past was fabulous. I was moving down to the last sand's in the hourglass too...Gee that sounds like a soap opera slogan! We were baking on Christmas morning before the guests arrived andI get the decadence...It is, but it isn't like you said, lots of people, lots of homemade treasures stacked in there, love of love...
January 5, 2017 at 12:59 PM
Oh my dear all those presents! Whew! I guess that's part of why I can handle all the decorating, company and meal making (not much baking, though!) I do for my big family....we don't buy gifts (only the crazy gift exchange). That's a major job you had right there! But it looked beautiful.
Looking forward to what the new year brings, and from your end, hearing more great family stories from the lake house.
Love the description of the anniversary. That's real life, baby. And Happy Anniversary to you! That's a wonderful milestone. I hope I can be so lucky.
You mentioned the plates you had and Fixer Upper....did you intend to post a picture of those? :)
Happy New Year, Jane.
January 5, 2017 at 1:04 PM
A Happy New Year to you! Naw, you were to busy with your family, a bit of Christmas is all good:). You know, I always wanted to make a breakfast casserole and I think of the movie The Family Stone:). 30 yrs of Happiness and trials, all in a marriage:) Going on 36 yrs here, your end of the evening is kinda like ours too. Just when I think I know him, he surprises me, carved a keepsake box ( learning a new skill ) for me for my bday recently:). You're going to have a wonderful 2017! Kathleen in Az
January 5, 2017 at 1:28 PM
Your christmas decor is STUNNING! Love it...
That casserole sounds like something I was going to attempt... glad I didn't! I have a good egg casserole recipe that never fails, I think it's in the recipes link on my blog - Anderson House Inn Egg Casserole.
January 5, 2017 at 3:40 PM
Happy New Year, Jane!
Sounds like the holidays were full of fun and festive celebrating with lots of cooking, eating, drinking and merriment! Lovely pics of your family.
Happy 30th anniversary; all the best!
Poppy
January 5, 2017 at 5:53 PM
Empecemos a disfrutar de las pequeñas cosas, así podremos hacer grandes planes para nuestra vida. ¡Este año 2017 será nuestro. Levantemos nuestra copa y brindemos por los que están, por los que ya se fueron y por los que vendrán a nuestras vidas. FELIZ AÑO A TODOS Dejemos pues que este año se marche, y recibamos el nuevo año con entusiasmo, con tolerancia y sobre todo con mucho amor. Gracias por celebrar-lo un año mas conmigo i que los reyes magos hayas sido generosos con todos vosotros.👑👑👑 elracodeldetall.blogspot.com
January 6, 2017 at 4:39 AM
Jane, your Christmas was so pretty! I know some of the things you wanted to make/do didn't quite turn out as planned but those are going to be a great part of your family's memories! I love all the pictures of your adventures. It seems like you guys had the best time. Happy Anniversary and may 2017 bring your best year yet! Hugs, CoCo
January 6, 2017 at 5:08 AM
what a nice Christmas you had with those you love. And, I had some fails on some of our cookie baking...maybe we all try too hard ? Have a wonderful new year...xoxo
January 6, 2017 at 6:07 AM
Jane, I just love you so much. You make everything so beautiful for everyone around you, including on your blog. Your family is so lucky to have you. My presents were a mess, not as much thought in them this year and of course I can't wrap. We actually have arguments in my house about who is the worst wrapper! Glad you enjoyed your special days.
January 6, 2017 at 6:38 AM
Sweet friend Jane...happy happy new year.....love from me Ria ❤️❤️❤️
January 6, 2017 at 3:08 PM
It's nice to spend more time on Christmas and share our memories. And it's a good time to realize what to change for next year. You sure had a lot of beautiful gifts and I know everyone appreciated your thoughtfulness. I baked cupcakes! lol I like using recipes that are tried and tested for the most part. Although I would like to try some new recipes this year. (I have a new cookbook!) I'm wishing you the very best year sweet lady! Hugs, Diane
January 6, 2017 at 3:56 PM
Beautiful photos! Have a great 2017!
January 6, 2017 at 3:56 PM
As you well know, each year I do less and less of decorating and multiple gift buying per person and my holidays have become richer and calmer. All the little fun things I used to buy to round out my medium sized gifts began to seem a waste so after consulting the kids, who live in "wee" spaces, one or two large gifts were the answer. I have it easier they are thrilled with things they would not be able to splurge on and win win. I also took advantage of free shipping so I barely hit the stores (I went to Home Goods once) except to wander about an hour with the kids over their visit one day after lunch... I've eliminated 75% of my holiday decor and yet it is still festive. It's all about the greens I think. Greens everywhere and lights and it's easy peasy.
And this year I'm selling off my 2 large artificial trees. No longer wish to store and I LOVED my real 4 footer this year $15 so next year 2 live ones!
oh what we learn as we age... and age and age lol
Happy New Year!
January 6, 2017 at 3:58 PM
I had to laugh at your cooking disasters, Jane - I think we have all been there! Sometimes keeping it simple is the complicated way...hahaha! I can relate to the lackluster New Year and Anniversary celebrations, too. Happy Anniversary, though - 30 years is quite a milestone! I am sick of the Hallmark Christmas movies which I have seen over and over and over - I wish they would make more new ones every year, but it sure beats watching most everything else on tv, except Fixer-Upper, of course, but I think I would have to gut my whole house to achieve that look! Love seeing all those presents under the tree and your beautiful family photos. In this busy world it is nice to get everyone together in one place and celebrate that accomplishment. I am with you on finally finding time for oneself. The last couple of years I have actually learned to say No to some things and do only what I can easily achieve, but I still need to work on that. I am a big pushover when it comes to family and they are so used to me doing it all that it doesn't occur to them that they are quite capable, themselves! So I am giving them some gentle nudges.....It's a New Year and new beginning and I hope it is everything wonderful and good for you and all of your loved ones. Sending hugs xo Karen
January 6, 2017 at 4:04 PM
Jane - Happy New Year! I had a breakfast a few months ago and I fixed 6 casseroles (none of which I had ever tried before) and thank goodness they all came out wonderfully. I was amazed! I need to send you my fudge recipe - it is called Never Fail Fudge and in 48 years, it has never failed. So glad you had a great Christmas.
Hope 2017 is a great year for you and your loved ones.
Judy
January 6, 2017 at 6:10 PM
Sounds like your holidays were a blast, Jane!! What would we do without family at holiday time?
Happy to hear you are able to spend time at your lake house once again.
Much love to you, and all the best for 2017!!
Debbie
xo
January 7, 2017 at 2:58 PM
Aren't you glad that the holidays are over! I did the same thing with my storage area for the Christmas tubs and boxes. I have so much stuff. I sorted and purged and reorganized and it looks much better. I know the exact breakfast casserole that you write about because it is my best friend's favorite. We had for breakfast Jan. 1. In Fact, I think I fixed it last year. We have a New Year's party every year with the same friends and because we all live so far apart,--two hours away-- we spend the night (none of us drink, either), and Sherry and I both fix this casserole. And yes. It has to bake a really long time which means that you have to get up really early to get it in the oven. There must be a better recipe to feed a crowd. Let me know if you find one.
Happy New Year, Jane.
January 7, 2017 at 9:26 PM
You are truly making the most of the season and I SO applaud you for that. Enjoy it all! May 2017 be filled with health and many more happy events and memories.
January 8, 2017 at 9:52 AM
Love the realness of this post, Jane. I know we all have Christmas fiascos of one kind or another, but we tend to leave them out of our blog posts. We put a lot of pressures on ourselves as moms (I know I do, especially at the holidays), but it's great when our families, the people we love the most, still enjoy a wonderful time just being together, in spite of all the things that may not have gone as we had hoped.
Mary Alice
January 8, 2017 at 1:47 PM
Happy New Year! As I get older I have found if I don't put everything out, it still looks just fine. I also now give my girls money, as they have told me, they just do not need another thing in their lives. This way they can buy what they want and need. Also in their sock, I give them their personal items they use and lots of food items. It has made for easier and a lot more fun holidays. And my kids love it! Have a great month! :) Kit
January 8, 2017 at 5:45 PM
Christmas at your home sounds like a busy, crazy time but I know you must love having all your family around you. I just finished organizing all my Christmas into clear storage boxes…did everything by color. I also labeled the one box of ornaments that goes on the tree each year, no matter what other colors I use with them. Hopefully, it will be easier decorating next year. BTW, a belated happy anniversary, may you have many more healthy and happy ones in the years ahead.
January 10, 2017 at 3:23 PM
Happy new year.. it's quiet a story..:) love to read it..
Please visit: http://from-a-girls-mind.blogspot.com
January 10, 2017 at 9:53 PM
Oh Jane, I always love your posts, you say so much by just describing your daily life. thanks so much for sharing it with all of us. xoxo Deb
January 10, 2017 at 9:53 PM
I'm glad your holidays were nice and you were able to spend time with everyone you love. Wishing you and your family a very Happy New Year!!!!
~Des
January 11, 2017 at 10:56 AM
Happy New Year, Jane! Sounds like you had a good Christmas. I can relate to your cooking mishaps; it's happened to me, too and I know how disappointing that can be. Hope the New Year has been going ok for you so far. I know you must be looking forward to the blessing of another grandchild in a month!
January 11, 2017 at 6:43 PM
Oh how nice, another baby coming! You might catch up to me soon. Happy New Year, Janie! Love your photos!....Christine
January 11, 2017 at 7:28 PM
Well this comment is very late, but with taking down the tree, traveling up to my son's for Christmas really wore me out.
Congratulations on your anniversary and your New Year's sounds like mine.
Your events sound so much like evryone elses, except they don't tell you what happened with them LOL. I couldn't wrap presents becuase I was flying, so carried another suitecase with gifts in and wrapped when I got up there. By this time I am exhausted and every day there is more to do as my son was hosting a prime rib Christmas eve dinner for 8 people. I helped Kelly make sugar cookies (had to decorate them) fudge and supervised her bundt cake. Plus she was not feeling good, had a terrible cold. Reminded me of Home Alone when everyone was running around getting ready for the shuttle to airport LOL.
Sorry about your fudge, but I have the best fudge recipe EVER. Only two items - this recipe come from the Pioneer Woman's Cookbook. Double boiler, 3 cups of semisweet chocolate chips
along with Bordon's Sweeten Condensed Milk. Have your candy sheet ready with foil on top. because it sets up quickly. So put the 2 items in top of double boiler and stire until melted, then pour into your pan, smooth out and put in frigerator for about 20 minutes. Jane, it is the very best I have ever had and I have made so many batches in my 81 years Her cook book is excelent and so many wonderful recipes.
Your new granddughter is beautiful and I know the one on the way will be stunning also.
So my dear your not alone with all your mishaps, we all have them.
Enjoyed the post very much and the mantle and tree are so pretty.
Hugs,
Mary
January 12, 2017 at 2:04 PM
Jane, I am trying to do the same thing in cleaning out Christmas stuff that I haven't used for awhile. Time will tell if I get to it before next Christmas. Your tree and presents all look so pretty together. You must have had some happy giftees! Your little grand and mama are so sweet and you sure have a bunch of pretty women in your family..Happy Thursday..Judy
January 12, 2017 at 7:04 PM
I wonder where my comment went from 4 days ago!? Hmmmm.
I love the pink tints in your tree---it's so beautiful, Jane. And I hardly believe none of your dishes came out that bad. You know though, my MIL made up a chocolate meringue pie recipe. It never failed to set---I made it so many times over the last 50 years and it was perfect. Everyone wanted the recipe.
Yet, something has been wrong for the last two years, because it just doesn't work anymore. I don't know if there's a difference in evaporated milk, or sugar, cocoa or what. Just embarrassing! I just stick with lemon meringue, coconut and apple and pumpkin.
I loved the news about the grandbabies...it's the best, huh!
I couldn't believe that wasn't Emily with blonde in the picture! You looked so young and dewy! Wow, keep on doing whatever you are doing, you look great.
Soon it will be Valentine's Day. I am going to try two ingredient fudge Mary posted!
Hope you're not snowed in---we had 8" and our area was paralyzed for four days! Insane.
Love, Trudy!
January 13, 2017 at 2:28 AM
It sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas, despite a few hiccups! You are in for a lot of fun Christmases with all those babies popping into the family picture.
Here's to a wonderfully happy and healthy New Year!
Warm hugs,
Carol
January 13, 2017 at 3:24 PM
I've made the mistake of trying to feed a hungry group on Christmas morning with an untried and untrue recipe, and boy was it a mess! Thank heavens for popping fresh dough in the fridge!
I have a WONDERFUL breakfast casserole that you would LOVE. Here is the link for it:
http://www.ricki-treleaven.com/2011/01/my-husbands-favorite-breakfast.html
I watch Hallmark movies all year round. I love them! These ones in January have been great so far, and I also like the Valentine's Day movies, too.
The photo of your Christmas tree and all the presents is so, so pretty. I know everyone enjoyed being together, and it sounds like you had a great Christmas holiday with your family.
Happy 2017!
xo,
Ricki Jill
January 14, 2017 at 3:43 PM
Your Christmas share with wonderful photos was awesome. It is such a magical time of the year and being with those we love best is such a bonus!It is wonderful to be here and say hello and happy New Year to you and yours. Have a beautiful weekend and weekdays too! xo
January 14, 2017 at 10:22 PM
Happy New Year Jane! Your fireplace adorned with all the stockings and presents looked so pretty. I love those kind of breakfast casseroles but my family just likes plain old simple breakfast, so I've only made casseroles for my girlfriends. It figures that when you have a crowd that something wouldn't cook as planned. Grrr ....but sounds like your plan B went well. Hope you are recovering from the holidays!!!
January 15, 2017 at 8:33 AM
Jane, I love your decorations for Christmas. Your house looked so cozy and that tree, loved it!! It sounded like your recipes you cooked were a challenge but most of them turned out! I know what you mean about recipes. I made one year gingerbread cookies but read the recipe on the box wrong. It was the recipe for gingerbread cake. So, back to the store I drove never to make that mistake again. Your family girl photo is just perfect. Another grandchild on the way, how exciting. Thanks for always sharing your family stories. They're so much fun to read! Happy Sunday! Hugs, Jody ♥
January 15, 2017 at 10:27 AM
Love your decorations and all those gifts...I know your friends and family cherish everything you do for the. It seems that no matter how much we plan and prepare, things will turn out the way they are going to turn out. Some times we are disappointed, must mostly just pleasantly surprised. I totally agree with practicing a recipe before you try it on someone. It takes a little of the pressure off. Then again, some recipes that I have used for year flop at the most inopportune time! Hope your year is off to a great start! Love and hugs!
January 17, 2017 at 9:18 PM
Looks like you have been very busy! Have a great weekend!
January 26, 2017 at 3:59 PM