Jane, Man those appetizers look wonderful as does your table. I envy you having a big close knit family surrounding your table with laughter and love. My family is tiny and scattered by states. Glad you got away for the weekend and enjoyed a blogger get together. The Wahsington House Inn sure looks charming and quaint. I too hope one day to meet Carol from Art and Sand I adore her. Jane I'm sorry you're feeling sick again, eat soup, sip tea, cuddle with the pups and Hubs watching movies in comfy PJ's and don't fret over the laundry or the need to dust. I'm finally getting to the point in my life of realization that taking care of yourself and relaxing as the holidays come and go is far more important then being Mrs.Perfection. xoxoxo, Vera
Jane, I hope that you kick this cold to the curb. Some of those Pinterest remedies are very good. Otherwise, hunkering down with a good movie, a hot beverage, some snacks, and a cute barrister will be very pleasant.
What a great time I had joining you in your holiday happenings - via your blog!! I loved every minute and every photo!!! Get out of Dodge is one of Louis Dean's favorite sayings! I can so relate! Since we ate at my sister's for Thanksgiving, we did not cook a turkey for ourselves. So, ALAS, no leftovers!!! We WILL have a turkey for Christmas - LD already bought it and it is safe in our freezer out in the gazebo! We may also have a ham. I absolutely LOVE leftovers!!! Let me say, Merry Christmas, Jane! I do so love being blogging friends with you!!!
Love what you said about Thanksgiving Jane, You are all blessed to have each other indeed! Funny story too about the car and casseroles! LOL! I love the simplicity of your table, I have a few ornate fabric pumpkins but the velvet ones look so lusciously beautiful too! Catching up with old friends is really the best way to end a busy Holiday week, I do adore your room as well and that one-of-a-kind ornament you got from Art & Sand, I made some ornaments for the tree this year with my son and I know, though they are made up of foam and all, I will keep them forever. :-) Feel better, I'm getting over one myself, just glad the baby didn't catch it . Hubs is on his way to the sickness too.
Your Thanksgiving sounds wonderful, Jane! So fun meeting up with friends met through blogging! I have made many friends that I have been able to meet, too! Sorry to hear you aren't feeling well. I feel your pain...this dumb flu/cold just seems to keep coming back...
Hope you feeling better soon....enjoy december love from je Ria x ❤️
December 1, 2015 at 1:59 AM
Anonymous said...
Hi Jane! Looks like you had a wonderful thanksgiving and as usual all the food looks amazing. I ate wayyyyy too much this past weekend and now I'm trying to get back on track. The relationship between you and your friend Cindy sounds like a great friendship. I have a similar story with someone I met through blogging. It's so strange meeting people through the web that you have never met in person before and then growing to become great friends. It's very special I think. I'm so sorry to hear you aren't well again. Get yourself some vitamin c and lots of rest! Hope you get well soon friend. Happy December!! Hugs, Silvana
You certainly look as though you had a full and happy Thanksgiving. Those dishes look delicious! I often wonder what it would be like to meet a fellow blogger, after all, we get to know so much about each other over the years. I hope you get better with the dreaded lurgy! I am suffering with it right now and just hope it disappears before the middle of next week. Take care my lovely xx
I am so sorry that another bug has hit you. At least, though, you got through Thanksgiving and had a good time on your weekend away. The room you stayed in is lovely.
Except for hubby driving away with some of the Thanksgiving food, it sounds like you had a great holiday and a lovely visit with Cindy. I've not yet met a blogger friend in person that I didn't like. :) The Inn looks like a nice, quaint place to stay. Sending healing wishes.
I laughed out loud about your husband driving away with the casseroles in back of his car! I keep food cold in the garage too for holiday dinners, usually on my husband's workbench, covered of course. It makes it interesting for him when he has a project to work on.
I love your trips with your blogging friend. It gave me the idea to meet up with a couple that we are friends with, since the drive wouldn't be but a few hours for each of us. Unfortunately, it would put us in the middle of Colorado's eastern plains. Not a lot to do there!
Oh no ~ another cold? I hope this one is quick and you are on your way to feeling well very soon! Otherwise, it sounds like you had a fabulous fall weekend and Thanksgiving....and Carol is a doll!
Blondie, I love reading your blog. You just take us all along with you.:):) I am so glad your thanksgiving turn out so well. I think every family needs two fridges and two dryers. LOL...When you wrote that the hubby had driven his car..oh my tummy hurt, thinking like you ,that it would be a total mess upon his return. I laugh at good old Milo under that throw. So funny. You cracked me up. So nice that you and your friends had such a great time . This sounds like a great tradition is starting. Blessings to you sweet girl, xoxo,Susie
So sorry to hear that you are sick, Jane. Stress definitely contributes to us catching those nasty bugs. Sounds like you had a wonderful Thanksgiving though. xo Laura
I love that picture of your big family gathered together for Thanksgiving.
When I was a child I loved gathering with my father's huge extended family. Our holidays are usually just Steve and I and our kids/wife/boyfriend. We are all going on a vacation for Christmas. But, I wonder if there will ever be a big crowd gathered!
Thanks for the sweet mention. I love all of the blogging friends I have made. It's funny, but not many of my local friends really care for crafts and handmade things.
Don't get me started on those Hallmark movies! I can't stop watching them! Sometimes I switch back and forth between Lifetime and Hallmark since they're both playing sappy Christmas movies on a loop, it seems. Lol! I love a good Christmas movie. :) Sounds like you had a lovely Thanksgiving. We had a nice one too, but I'm looking forward to doing less cooking on Christmas. We go all out for Thanksgiving, but on Christmas we do a brown sugar spiral sliced ham that just needs to be warmed in the oven, and a few sides. We mostly focus on apps and desserts on Christmas. Yum!
Jane I didn't know you met Carol! I'm looking forward to getting together with her after the holidays. We're not very far from each other and she's such a sweetie. I'm so happy to hear about your Thanksgiving dinner--sounds so fun and filled with so much love. That appetizer with the brie and strawberries sounds yummy. I like the idea of having family bring appetizers. And thanks for the kind words on my post, funny how you mentioned those plastic shot cups, I ended up finding those and that's pretty much what I used. Same size, just not called 'shot' cups. I didn't realize you travel out here to California, next time you do I'd love to meet up --maybe with Carol too. Get some rest so you can get healthy again. :) hugs Leslie
What a great recap of what's been happening in your corner of the world. I'm sorry you've come down with the cold/flu thing. Hope it doesn't linger too long. Your time away with a kindred spirit sounds perfect - blogging is a great way to meet people. Take care of yourself and snuggle down with a hot drink, a blanket and a Hallmark movie.
It sounds like a lovely time over the Thanksgiving holiday! I am sorry to hear that you and Alan have colds! Feel better soon. Make some turkey noodle soup!
What a lovely recap of your Thanksgiving and getaway to Cedarburg! But sorry to hear that you and your hubby both have colds - especially you, so soon after you had that last nasty virus! Hope this virus goes way quickly this time.
Oh what a mess that would have been in the back of his car? LOL I'm so glad that no catastrophe befell all that wonderful food and all of your hard work!! :-) You going to share some of the appetizer recipes? They look and sound delicious, as does the Turkey Chili...the hubster thanks you immensely for the recipe, as I will make it for him with our leftovers!! :-) Oh, and I watched All About Christmas Eve...LOL...we should have been plopped on the sofa together....LOL.
I'm so glad you had an awesome Thanksgiving and a wonderful weekend with friends! The room was beautiful, I would have never wanted to leave! You are just so beautiful...so glad you shared a photo! And how sweet of Carol....I love those little handmade gifts also and you are right...looks just like something Gooseberry Patch used to sell! Miss their plethora of gifts! Hope you feel better soon dear friend!! And you need to send me your address, I don't have it! :-) Love and hugs to you!!
Oh no, sorry to hear you aren't feeling well, Jane. It sounds like you have been so busy enjoying yourself. I appreciate the lifetime movie recommendations because I am in desperate need of an afternoon watching movies and tomorrow is supposed to be rainy here. Take care. Courtney
As always, there's so much I want to say I just KNOW I'll forget some things. One thing about some Blogger commenting forms is you can't go back and look at the post to see if you missed anything before hitting 'Publish'. I know not all Blogger blogs are like that though. I guess it's a theme thing?
Anyway, Milo is such a little old man does indeed look like a barista. I just want to kiss his little snout. I trust he's feeling much better?
You did a LOT of cooking! I ended up doing none, and I loved it! I was imagining your thought process thinking about your casseroles in the car. I would have been on pins and needles too.
I love that you've made a 'true' friend through blogging. It's so inspiring, and your room at the Inn looks absolutely charming. What fun!
Wow! Eight years! That's a wonderful friendship you've got there. I'm sorry you're sick. I've had the flu twice. And I've never had a cold. Can you believe. Oh, but I've had enough of everything else to make up for it! Brenda
Your Thanksgiving sounds like it was perfect, I would eat those appetizers in a heartbeat! Your weekend getaway sounds wonderful too. I have found some of the sweetest friends through blogging, remember all those warnings we used to hear about meeting people online? lol I hope you (and hubby)feel better soon. I always get some Chinese hot and sour soup to clear my head. Works like magic and it's sooo good.
Thanksgiving with your sweet family Jane looked wonderful. Glad you can all live close enough to be together for the holidays. Glad you had a great time meeting up with Cindy. Kris
Hi dear Jane - loving reading about your Thanksgiving with the family and A driving off with the mashed potatoes, haha! Looks like you had a great time before coming down with another bad cold - hope you are both better very soon.
Hi Jane, Loved looking at your photos and laughed at your pooch and his noble headgear! ;) I bet he was glad when he could reclaim the house! I love that you met a blogging friend and 8 years later you guys are all best friends now, like you've known each other all along - that was truly meant to be! Your Thanksgiving sounds like it was wonderful and I was getting hungry reading about all the food and the recipe looks delicious...will have to try that for sure! Take good care of yourself and get some rest!! Kimberley
Sounds perfect to me:) I love spending time with my family, nothing better! Yummy recipe! I always enjoy making something from leftovers! Have a blessed day dear friend, HUGS!
Love that stone wall in the bedroom where you stayed. Looks like a good Thanksgiving! I've used the garage as a frig when it's cold enough, but this Thanksgiving it was way too warm. I too made almost everything ahead but found it took longer than I anticipated to reheat in the oven. Probably had too much in the oven!
Jane, it all looks wonderful! It's always the best to get together with family and friends. Always such a treat for me to read about you, and your life, friend. xo Lidy
What a nice very nice write up about your family and Thanksgiving weekend and then how cute to see Milo peeking out from the blanket. So nice you got to meet Carol from blog land and see her nice homemade items
Hi Jane, I loved this post. I feel like I was right there with you and your family. I laughed out loud reading about the casserole dishes in the back seat of hubby's car. Man you have a very patient guy there Jane! I never would have been allowed to do that, for so many reasons. Don't you love the end as much as the beginning? I do. I love when the kitchen is all clean, and the dishwasher is humming away, and I'm finally in my housecoat, and tucked into my favorite spot on the couch watching TV. it's just so cozy and comforting. You're a girl after my own heart. I am sorry to hear you are sick though. i hope someone is able to tuck you in occasionally and bring you hot drinks and water bottles! xx Nancy
Wow --- loved Emily and Deirdre's appetizers, and your turkey chili recipe, too. Can't wait to try them all. My d-i-l has a recipe for chili that she also uses a McCormick chili packet in... but it's made with a jar of pasta sauce, browned ground beef, and a large can of chili beans. Except for the slight "Italian seasoning" flavoring, it's pretty good and very quick. Italian flavoring and chili just doesn't do it for me, though! I think I'll start using a couple of med.sz. cans of tomato sauce instead. And when I have leftover turkey, then I'll try your chili recipe, too. Wish hubby loved chili as much as I, though.
Glad you two met up with Cindy and Dan again and had fun, as always. I just loved that tree by the fireplace at the B&B, and the huge Shaker bed, too! (So many adventures, too little time huh!) Hope to see a new picture of Ellie, and also of your Christmas newspaper article soon. Oh, that reminds me, the picture of you and Cindy was so good, as was the one of the pick-up football folks! What a nice tradition that is.
Oh I thought how sweet it was, imagining Jeff and his dad having a nice chat Thanksgiving night, just the two of them. Fathers and sons of all ages need time for talking together, as do moms and daughters. So much time is spent on everything BUT quiet times with our loved ones.
Sure hope that you and the Hubs quickly get over whatever throat thing that has jumped on you --- Christmas will soon be upon us all--- ready, or like it or not! Love you, kiddo! Trudy xx
Hi there Jane. I am finally back. We have sod and moved since our last visit. We love our new place. Your granddaughter is adorable. I loved the story of the casseroles going to the football game, hah. You are a good host. Meanwhile I think I forgot how to cook. Happy Holidays. Hugs
Jane, Such a lovely, newsy post. I always enjoy reading about the special times in your life. Your family is such a beautiful blessing and you always make the most of your times spent with them! Have a lovely week, xo Jemma
Oh, such a horrible bummer for you to be sick at this time of the year. You pamper yourself and your hubby. Like you said, you will get everything done in time. Snuggle in and watch your movies. :) Kit
December 3, 2015 at 9:52 PM
Anonymous said...
Hi Janie! Sorry you've been sick. I pray you feel better soon! I've enjoyed reading about your Thanksgiving with your family! Love the snaps. Thank you for popping in and your prayers for our little Carter. I really appreciate you. be a sweetie, Shelia ;)
I can't help but giggle about your Thanksgiving meal going for a ride... so funny! I'm glad you had a nice day even though it was stressful in the beginning.. I GET THAT!!! so fun that you had a little get away... and I'm sorry you have a cold. Maybe you can rest up this weekend. Hugs!
I think using your car for an extra fridge is a great idea, Jane. So glad, though, that it didn't go awry. Your turkey chili sounds delicious. We don't have any leftovers, as we were invited to friends for dinner and they did all the cooking. Well, I took a green salad -- easy enough. I'm sorry you're not feeling well -- praying you recover quickly. I love old inns. Especially at Christmas time. Warm hugs ~ Nancy
So creative to keep your extra food in the car; Only in the Midwest! I wanted to say, only in Michigan, but you are a bit further west of where I grew up. My Mom kept her extras on the back porch which was a perfect refrigerator. Sounds like you have had a great get away. Happy holidays to you and Al.
I love your story of your casseroles the backseat of the car! That sounds just like something that could happen around here although ours would have ended up on the floorboard, I'm sure! Love that you have met up with your blog buddies-so special!
I hope you are on the mend! It will all happen in good time.
Your Thanksgiving sounds just perfect. I think it's brilliant to store your casseroles that way. I always wish I had an extra fridge during that holiday.
Hi Jane, so glad you enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving. Meeting with a blog friend is very special and I met up with another yesterday. What a great idea to use the car as an extra fridge. Love your newsy posts filled with joy, laughter and just great fun!! Hope you feel better too. xo
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Thanksgiving table 2015
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, it seems like it was a long, long time ago. It was all a little exhausting but it's a holiday that combines my love of cooking and entertaining with having family all around. And I had that in abundance. Of course I worry that everything will fall into place but at the end of the day when I see everyone laughing and talking in the glow of the candlelight, I know my efforts are worth it, even if they were under that little cloud of stress at the beginning. It makes us strive to do better, be better.
I made everything but the turkey and gravy the day before; the dressing, mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes, some desserts and appetizers. All of these dishes are heated up in the oven an hour before dinner once the turkey comes out. The large casserole dishes take up a lot of room in the fridge so I store these in the back seat of The Husband's car in the garage overnight. I know, sounds crazy and this year I actually wondered if it was such a good idea. It's a ritual for most of our family to get together early Thanksgiving morning for a rousing game of football a few blocks away. I didn't expect The Husband to take his own car (I don't participate, I'm a girly girl!) and when I realized he had, I had visions of casserole dishes slipping and sliding and mashed potatoes splattering on the windows! Everything was fine though. Whew! ;-)
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I didn't fuss a lot with the table, I used the pretty velvet pumpkins I won in the giveaway and even included the leaves that came in the packaging to give an autumn feel. I mixed and matched plates and napkins, and silver candlesticks added a little elegance. I kept it even more relaxed by encouraging everyone to have a seat anywhere they wanted, including the living room. It was nice to have several conversations going on at once (and hearing a few "Mmmmmm's" about the food!!).
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I can always count on my family for bringing appetizers and desserts. Emily made a different sort of snack, crackers with a smear of brie, a strawberry slice and a drizzle of reduced balsamic glaze. It was very, very good. And my daughter in law, Deirdre, made a type of Crostini with bits of sausage, onion and cheese that had a nice Italian bite to it. My sister in law, Megan, made a hot spinach dip that was out of this world and I am going to share that recipe soon. Perfect for cold weather entertaining. I wish I had gotten more pictures of these goodies, we served them before dinner and then right along with the desserts as the evening went on. On the sweet side...blueberry cheesecake, pumpkin cheesecake, cupcakes and cookies.
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We've finished up the last of the leftovers but for a little turkey. The Husband loves his sandwiches piled high with turkey, dressing and cranberry sauce. I have a recipe further along for something I made with some of the leftover turkey. If you don't have any left, perhaps you will after your Christmas dinner (if you make a turkey).
Milo and Layla were exhausted by the end of the evening. There were so many of us it was hard for them to find a spot to curl up in. At one point Milo emerged from under a cozy throw looking like an English barrister! The last guest left by 10:30 p.m. but for son, Jeff, who sat up late with The Husband for some father/son talk. I sneaked off to the den and caught another great Lifetime movie, All About Christmas Eve. Last night I watched A Gift Wrapped Christmas. I really don't know why I am so hooked on these movies this year, the premise is usually the same; a widowed hunky man with a child or children trying to hook them up with a sweet girl who they long will replace their lost parent. But I keep getting sucked up into them. I think right now we need to see happy endings. There has been so much turmoil going on in our world, here in Chicago...well, it's on the news. Very frustrating, very sad. I stay focused, I stay aware, but I also try to find love and hope and peace in the smallest of things, even a sappy movie.
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We went away for the weekend, more on that coming up, and on the two hour drive home I began to think of all of the extra turkey in my fridge. I knew it was now or never to do something with it so I started to consider dishes I make with chicken and I came up with chili. What I did, and encourage you to do, is grab whatever you have in your pantry and refrigerator to really use up all those odds and ends so it's truly a 'leftovers' meal. My recipe consists of what I had.
Leftover Turkey Chili 2 T vegetable oil1 large onion, chopped1 red pepper, chopped1/2 poblano pepper, diced2 cloves garlic, chopped2 packets of McCormick Chili Seasoning***4 cups dark turkey meat, roughly chopped and/or shredded1 28 oz. can diced tomatoes2 cups chicken broth1 15 oz. can black beansS & P to tasteSour cream and chopped scallions for garnish Saute the onion and peppers over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and continue to stir an additional minute. Sprinkle in both packets of seasonings and stir to combine with the veggies. Add the turkey, tomatoes and broth, scraping up the bits off the bottom of the pot. Simmer over low heat, covered for approximately 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the undrained can of beans during the last ten minutes and heat through. Adjust seasonings if necessary and serve in shallow bowls with a dollop of sour cream and a bit if sliced scallions. Serves 6 ***I like individual seasoning packets made by McCormick, Lawry's and the like. They have all of the components you need if your spice cabinet is lacking something. These mixes also contain a little bit of flour which thickens the chili slightly. There are no preservatives and there is not a lot of sodium, in fact, I added about 2 teaspoons of salt. Want to use your own spices? You will need 1/4 cup chili powder, 2 tablespoons ground cumin, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes. Simmer uncovered so that you can let some of the liquid evaporate for a thicker chili.
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Continental breakfast at The Washington House Inn
Saturday morning we got out of Dodge and drove north just past Milwaukee to a little town called Cedarburg where we met old friends, Cindy and Dan. This was the fourth trip to this picturesque little town for The Husband and me. We met up with Cindy and Dan at our favorite little place for lunch, The Anvil, along beautiful Cedar Creek. Great sandwiches, salads and some lively conversation. Afterward Cindy and I took off in the cold for some Christmas shopping at some of the cute little shops in the town. The guys? Well they usually head off to a warm little bar or tavern to chat over a few cold ones and take in the football games on the big screens. This year Cindy and I spent more time walking and talking rather than shopping. It was a brisk 30 degrees and our noses were red but we had so much to catch up on. We finally headed off to the little joint the guys had said they'd be at. But no sign of them. We shrugged off our heavy coats, I ordered Cindy a hot chocolate with a shot of peppermint schnapps and myself a glass of wine and we chatted away until we got a text from The Husband, "Come and meet us at Easy Street!" Apparently they found a better place but we weren't budging. WE were the ones that had just spent the past two hours out in the cold! Eventually we connected and after more merry making we headed off to a place called The Farmstead for dinner. This restaurant is a centuries year old barn, farm implements are the decor with light fixtures fashioned out of old lanterns attached to wagon wheels hanging from the ceiling. The food was outstanding. We got back to the inn pleasantly full and tired and called it a day. Phew!
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The inn is beautiful and the main floor was decorated for the holidays. A large dining room just off this room serves appetizers and cocktails between 4:00 and 5 p.m. so guests can mingle. And in the morning there is a breakfast spread of hot eggs, sausage, potatoes, fruit, sweet rolls, juice and coffee.
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I get sentimental (or superstitious) about rooms so if we return to a place, I usually request the same room. This time I chose something different on the second floor and I was so enchanted with it. The shaker style bed and wardrobe took up most of the space but I fell in love with the exposed stone wall and the exposed beams. Isn't it awesome? All in all it was a great trip. We have started making plans to head out Cindy and Dan's way in the spring. They live about 4 1/2 hours from Chicago in western Wisconsin. I know we are going to have a great time. It's still hard to believe I have such a soul sister that I met only through blogging and with a leap of faith in getting together one weekend halfway between Chicago and Black River Falls, WI. And we have been getting together for 8 years now! Amazing.
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I met Carol from Art And Sand this past year and at first I fell in love with her bight, colorful, sunny and eclectic home in California just off the ocean. And then I saw how she could change up a table or entire room in a heartbeat with a few pillows or pretty dishes. Finally, I felt that sweet tug on my heartstrings when I saw so many of the handmade treasures that she has the vision, creativity and talent to make, all the homespun crafts and goodies that remind me of the days when I looked at the hand written and illustrated pages of the Gooseberry Patch catalog that came in my mail. I still see crafts like these in shops but it's so gratifying to 'know' the artist. And Carol? Well, I admired this little hand sewn mini pillow and she wrote, "Send me your address." That's Carol and that's so like many of the sweet, talented, thoughtful ladies in the blog world that I'm so happy to be a part of.
I hate to say it, but the head and chest cold arrived last night. How many times can lightning strike? The Husband has it, too. I can hear him coughing and sneezing in the office from where I sit doing the same in the den. I had plans to start do work on some lists and planning and menu's and then this morning I woke up with my head and lungs full, my asthma rearing it's ugly head, feeling totally zapped. I laid in bed listening to the rain on the roof and thought, the heck with the lists, it will get done. The heck with the pressure and all of the other stress we put on ourselves before holidays and events that make us lose sight of the purpose and meaning. Oh sure, I'll be running around like a maniac next week, that's just how I'm wired. But for now, I'm getting well while I silently curse the Flu Gods!
I hope all of YOU are well and doing whatever you feel like doing, whether it's decking the halls or simply sitting back with some hot cocoa and a Hallmark movie. It's all good.
Jane x
posted by Blondie's Journal at 8:56 PM on Nov 30, 2015
"THANKSGIVING RECAP, TURKEY CHILI RECIPE, BLOGGER GETAWAY & THE JOYS OF BLOGGING"
57 Comments -
So sorry you have the flu, that is not fun at all. I do love that pic of you and Cindy, so great and you both look totally fabulous. Gorgeous ladies.
November 30, 2015 at 9:27 PM
Jane,
Man those appetizers look wonderful as does your table. I envy you having a big close knit family surrounding your table with laughter and love. My family is tiny and scattered by states.
Glad you got away for the weekend and enjoyed a blogger get together. The Wahsington House Inn sure looks charming and quaint. I too hope one day to meet Carol from Art and Sand I adore her.
Jane I'm sorry you're feeling sick again, eat soup, sip tea, cuddle with the pups and Hubs watching movies in comfy PJ's and don't fret over the laundry or the need to dust. I'm finally getting to the point in my life of realization that taking care of yourself and relaxing as the holidays come and go is far more important then being Mrs.Perfection.
xoxoxo,
Vera
November 30, 2015 at 10:20 PM
Haha..he does look like a barrister! So cute!
Jane, I hope that you kick this cold to the curb. Some of those Pinterest remedies are very good. Otherwise, hunkering down with a good movie, a hot beverage, some snacks, and a cute barrister will be very pleasant.
It will certainly all get done!
November 30, 2015 at 10:28 PM
What a great time I had joining you in your holiday happenings - via your blog!!
I loved every minute and every photo!!!
Get out of Dodge is one of Louis Dean's favorite sayings! I can so relate!
Since we ate at my sister's for Thanksgiving, we did not cook a turkey for ourselves. So, ALAS, no leftovers!!! We WILL have a turkey for Christmas - LD already bought it and it is safe in our freezer out in the gazebo! We may also have a ham. I absolutely LOVE leftovers!!!
Let me say, Merry Christmas, Jane! I do so love being blogging friends with you!!!
November 30, 2015 at 11:06 PM
Love what you said about Thanksgiving Jane, You are all blessed to have each other indeed! Funny story too about the car and casseroles! LOL! I love the simplicity of your table, I have a few ornate fabric pumpkins but the velvet ones look so lusciously beautiful too! Catching up with old friends is really the best way to end a busy Holiday week, I do adore your room as well and that one-of-a-kind ornament you got from Art & Sand, I made some ornaments for the tree this year with my son and I know, though they are made up of foam and all, I will keep them forever. :-) Feel better, I'm getting over one myself, just glad the baby didn't catch it . Hubs is on his way to the sickness too.
November 30, 2015 at 11:24 PM
Your Thanksgiving sounds wonderful, Jane! So fun meeting up with friends met through blogging! I have made many friends that I have been able to meet, too!
Sorry to hear you aren't feeling well. I feel your pain...this dumb flu/cold just seems to keep coming back...
November 30, 2015 at 11:36 PM
Hope you feeling better soon....enjoy december love from je Ria x ❤️
December 1, 2015 at 1:59 AM
Hi Jane! Looks like you had a wonderful thanksgiving and as usual all the food looks amazing. I ate wayyyyy too much this past weekend and now I'm trying to get back on track. The relationship between you and your friend Cindy sounds like a great friendship. I have a similar story with someone I met through blogging. It's so strange meeting people through the web that you have never met in person before and then growing to become great friends. It's very special I think. I'm so sorry to hear you aren't well again. Get yourself some vitamin c and lots of rest! Hope you get well soon friend. Happy December!! Hugs, Silvana
December 1, 2015 at 3:58 AM
You certainly look as though you had a full and happy Thanksgiving. Those dishes look delicious! I often wonder what it would be like to meet a fellow blogger, after all, we get to know so much about each other over the years. I hope you get better with the dreaded lurgy! I am suffering with it right now and just hope it disappears before the middle of next week. Take care my lovely xx
December 1, 2015 at 4:25 AM
I am so sorry that another bug has hit you. At least, though, you got through Thanksgiving and had a good time on your weekend away. The room you stayed in is lovely.
December 1, 2015 at 4:33 AM
Except for hubby driving away with some of the Thanksgiving food, it sounds like you had a great holiday and a lovely visit with Cindy. I've not yet met a blogger friend in person that I didn't like. :) The Inn looks like a nice, quaint place to stay. Sending healing wishes.
December 1, 2015 at 5:19 AM
I laughed out loud about your husband driving away with the casseroles in back of his car! I keep food cold in the garage too for holiday dinners, usually on my husband's workbench, covered of course. It makes it interesting for him when he has a project to work on.
I love your trips with your blogging friend. It gave me the idea to meet up with a couple that we are friends with, since the drive wouldn't be but a few hours for each of us. Unfortunately, it would put us in the middle of Colorado's eastern plains. Not a lot to do there!
December 1, 2015 at 8:20 AM
Oh no ~ another cold? I hope this one is quick and you are on your way to feeling well very soon! Otherwise, it sounds like you had a fabulous fall weekend and Thanksgiving....and Carol is a doll!
December 1, 2015 at 8:30 AM
Blondie, I love reading your blog. You just take us all along with you.:):) I am so glad your thanksgiving turn out so well. I think every family needs two fridges and two dryers. LOL...When you wrote that the hubby had driven his car..oh my tummy hurt, thinking like you ,that it would be a total mess upon his return. I laugh at good old Milo under that throw. So funny. You cracked me up. So nice that you and your friends had such a great time . This sounds like a great tradition is starting. Blessings to you sweet girl, xoxo,Susie
December 1, 2015 at 9:30 AM
So sorry to hear that you are sick, Jane. Stress definitely contributes to us catching those nasty bugs. Sounds like you had a wonderful Thanksgiving though. xo Laura
December 1, 2015 at 9:48 AM
I love that picture of your big family gathered together for Thanksgiving.
When I was a child I loved gathering with my father's huge extended family. Our holidays are usually just Steve and I and our kids/wife/boyfriend. We are all going on a vacation for Christmas. But, I wonder if there will ever be a big crowd gathered!
Thanks for the sweet mention. I love all of the blogging friends I have made. It's funny, but not many of my local friends really care for crafts and handmade things.
December 1, 2015 at 10:29 AM
Don't get me started on those Hallmark movies! I can't stop watching them! Sometimes I switch back and forth between Lifetime and Hallmark since they're both playing sappy Christmas movies on a loop, it seems. Lol! I love a good Christmas movie. :) Sounds like you had a lovely Thanksgiving. We had a nice one too, but I'm looking forward to doing less cooking on Christmas. We go all out for Thanksgiving, but on Christmas we do a brown sugar spiral sliced ham that just needs to be warmed in the oven, and a few sides. We mostly focus on apps and desserts on Christmas. Yum!
December 1, 2015 at 11:17 AM
Jane I didn't know you met Carol! I'm looking forward to getting together with her after the holidays. We're not very far from each other and she's such a sweetie. I'm so happy to hear about your Thanksgiving dinner--sounds so fun and filled with so much love. That appetizer with the brie and strawberries sounds yummy. I like the idea of having family bring appetizers. And thanks for the kind words on my post, funny how you mentioned those plastic shot cups, I ended up finding those and that's pretty much what I used. Same size, just not called 'shot' cups. I didn't realize you travel out here to California, next time you do I'd love to meet up --maybe with Carol too.
Get some rest so you can get healthy again. :)
hugs
Leslie
December 1, 2015 at 11:47 AM
What a great recap of what's been happening in your corner of the world. I'm sorry you've come down with the cold/flu thing. Hope it doesn't linger too long. Your time away with a kindred spirit sounds perfect - blogging is a great way to meet people.
Take care of yourself and snuggle down with a hot drink, a blanket and a Hallmark movie.
December 1, 2015 at 12:04 PM
It sounds like a lovely time over the Thanksgiving holiday! I am sorry to hear that you and Alan have colds! Feel better soon. Make some turkey noodle soup!
December 1, 2015 at 12:09 PM
What a lovely recap of your Thanksgiving and getaway to Cedarburg! But sorry to hear that you and your hubby both have colds - especially you, so soon after you had that last nasty virus! Hope this virus goes way quickly this time.
December 1, 2015 at 1:38 PM
Oh what a mess that would have been in the back of his car? LOL I'm so glad that no catastrophe befell all that wonderful food and all of your hard work!! :-) You going to share some of the appetizer recipes? They look and sound delicious, as does the Turkey Chili...the hubster thanks you immensely for the recipe, as I will make it for him with our leftovers!! :-) Oh, and I watched All About Christmas Eve...LOL...we should have been plopped on the sofa together....LOL.
I'm so glad you had an awesome Thanksgiving and a wonderful weekend with friends! The room was beautiful, I would have never wanted to leave! You are just so beautiful...so glad you shared a photo! And how sweet of Carol....I love those little handmade gifts also and you are right...looks just like something Gooseberry Patch used to sell! Miss their plethora of gifts! Hope you feel better soon dear friend!! And you need to send me your address, I don't have it! :-) Love and hugs to you!!
December 1, 2015 at 4:34 PM
It sounds like you had a lovely Thanksgiving. I like your idea about making chili out of the leftovers. Hope you feel better soon!
December 1, 2015 at 4:52 PM
get well soon Jane and thanks for giving us such a great view of your life thru words and photos.. its almost like being there..
big hugs and healing thoughts coming your way.
Sonny
December 1, 2015 at 4:52 PM
Oh no, sorry to hear you aren't feeling well, Jane. It sounds like you have been so busy enjoying yourself. I appreciate the lifetime movie recommendations because I am in desperate need of an afternoon watching movies and tomorrow is supposed to be rainy here. Take care. Courtney
December 1, 2015 at 5:46 PM
As always, there's so much I want to say I just KNOW I'll forget some things. One thing about some Blogger commenting forms is you can't go back and look at the post to see if you missed anything before hitting 'Publish'. I know not all Blogger blogs are like that though. I guess it's a theme thing?
Anyway, Milo is such a little old man does indeed look like a barista. I just want to kiss his little snout. I trust he's feeling much better?
You did a LOT of cooking! I ended up doing none, and I loved it! I was imagining your thought process thinking about your casseroles in the car. I would have been on pins and needles too.
I love that you've made a 'true' friend through blogging. It's so inspiring, and your room at the Inn looks absolutely charming. What fun!
XXX
December 1, 2015 at 6:51 PM
Wow! Eight years! That's a wonderful friendship you've got there. I'm sorry you're sick. I've had the flu twice. And I've never had a cold. Can you believe. Oh, but I've had enough of everything else to make up for it!
Brenda
December 1, 2015 at 6:56 PM
Your Thanksgiving sounds like it was perfect, I would eat those appetizers in a heartbeat! Your weekend getaway sounds wonderful too. I have found some of the sweetest friends through blogging, remember all those warnings we used to hear about meeting people online? lol I hope you (and hubby)feel better soon. I always get some Chinese hot and sour soup to clear my head. Works like magic and it's sooo good.
December 1, 2015 at 7:11 PM
Thanksgiving with your sweet family Jane looked wonderful. Glad you can all live close enough to be together for the holidays.
Glad you had a great time meeting up with Cindy.
Kris
December 1, 2015 at 7:52 PM
Hi dear Jane - loving reading about your Thanksgiving with the family and A driving off with the mashed potatoes, haha!
Looks like you had a great time before coming down with another bad cold - hope you are both better very soon.
Hugs from us -
December 1, 2015 at 9:11 PM
Hi Jane,
Blog buddies are the BEST. :-)
I enjoyed reading your Thanksgiving fun.
Take time to get better.
Carla
December 1, 2015 at 9:18 PM
Hi Jane,
Loved looking at your photos and laughed at your pooch and his noble headgear! ;) I bet he was glad when he could reclaim the house!
I love that you met a blogging friend and 8 years later you guys are all best friends now, like you've known each other all along - that was truly meant to be!
Your Thanksgiving sounds like it was wonderful and I was getting hungry reading about all the food and the recipe looks delicious...will have to try that for sure!
Take good care of yourself and get some rest!!
Kimberley
December 1, 2015 at 10:55 PM
GORGEOUS! Loved seeing a peek into your life
XO Ellen from Ask Away
www.askawayblog.com
December 2, 2015 at 5:25 AM
What a nice long chatty post and I do hope that you two kick your colds quickly!
December 2, 2015 at 5:36 AM
Sounds perfect to me:) I love spending time with my family, nothing better! Yummy recipe! I always enjoy making something from leftovers! Have a blessed day dear friend, HUGS!
December 2, 2015 at 6:35 AM
Your appetizers look yummy and I am glad your family time was fun! The chili sounds good too!
December 2, 2015 at 10:38 AM
Love that stone wall in the bedroom where you stayed. Looks like a good Thanksgiving! I've used the garage as a frig when it's cold enough, but this Thanksgiving it was way too warm. I too made almost everything ahead but found it took longer than I anticipated to reheat in the oven. Probably had too much in the oven!
Hope you get over this bug soon.
December 2, 2015 at 1:28 PM
Jane, it all looks wonderful! It's always the best to get together with family and friends. Always such a treat for me to read about you, and your life, friend. xo Lidy
December 2, 2015 at 1:51 PM
What a nice very nice write up about your family and Thanksgiving weekend and then how cute to see Milo peeking out from the blanket.
So nice you got to meet Carol from blog land and see her nice homemade items
December 2, 2015 at 2:23 PM
Hi Jane,
I loved this post. I feel like I was right there with you and your family. I laughed out loud reading about the casserole dishes in the back seat of hubby's car. Man you have a very patient guy there Jane! I never would have been allowed to do that, for so many reasons.
Don't you love the end as much as the beginning? I do. I love when the kitchen is all clean, and the dishwasher is humming away, and I'm finally in my housecoat, and tucked into my favorite spot on the couch watching TV. it's just so cozy and comforting. You're a girl after my own heart. I am sorry to hear you are sick though. i hope someone is able to tuck you in occasionally and bring you hot drinks and water bottles! xx Nancy
December 2, 2015 at 11:46 PM
Wow --- loved Emily and Deirdre's appetizers, and your turkey chili recipe, too. Can't wait to try them all. My d-i-l has a recipe for chili that she also uses a McCormick chili packet in... but it's made with a jar of pasta sauce, browned ground beef, and a large can of chili beans. Except for the slight "Italian seasoning" flavoring, it's pretty good and very quick. Italian flavoring and chili just doesn't do it for me, though! I think I'll start using a couple of med.sz. cans of tomato sauce instead. And when I have leftover turkey, then I'll try your chili recipe, too. Wish hubby loved chili as much as I, though.
Glad you two met up with Cindy and Dan again and had fun, as always. I just loved that tree by the fireplace at the B&B, and the huge Shaker bed, too! (So many adventures, too little time huh!)
Hope to see a new picture of Ellie, and also of your Christmas newspaper article soon. Oh, that reminds me, the picture of you and Cindy was so good, as was the one of the pick-up football folks! What a nice tradition that is.
Oh I thought how sweet it was, imagining Jeff and his dad having a nice chat Thanksgiving night, just the two of them. Fathers and sons of all ages need time for talking together, as do moms and daughters. So much time is spent on everything BUT quiet times with our loved ones.
Sure hope that you and the Hubs quickly get over whatever throat thing that has jumped on you --- Christmas will soon be upon us all--- ready, or like it or not!
Love you, kiddo!
Trudy xx
December 3, 2015 at 3:03 AM
wonderful get togethers Jane!
your sweet pup is adorable ♥
December 3, 2015 at 10:51 AM
Hi there Jane. I am finally back. We have sod and moved since our last visit. We love our new place.
Your granddaughter is adorable.
I loved the story of the casseroles going to the football game, hah.
You are a good host. Meanwhile I think I forgot how to cook.
Happy Holidays.
Hugs
December 3, 2015 at 12:51 PM
Jane,
Such a lovely, newsy post. I always enjoy reading about the special times in your life.
Your family is such a beautiful blessing and you always make the most of your times spent with them!
Have a lovely week,
xo
Jemma
December 3, 2015 at 1:42 PM
Oh, such a horrible bummer for you to be sick at this time of the year. You pamper yourself and your hubby. Like you said, you will get everything done in time. Snuggle in and watch your movies. :) Kit
December 3, 2015 at 9:52 PM
Hi Janie! Sorry you've been sick. I pray you feel better soon! I've enjoyed reading about your Thanksgiving with your family! Love the snaps. Thank you for popping in and your prayers for our little Carter. I really appreciate you.
be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
December 4, 2015 at 8:41 AM
I can't help but giggle about your Thanksgiving meal going for a ride... so funny! I'm glad you had a nice day even though it was stressful in the beginning.. I GET THAT!!! so fun that you had a little get away... and I'm sorry you have a cold. Maybe you can rest up this weekend. Hugs!
December 4, 2015 at 9:12 AM
I think using your car for an extra fridge is a great idea, Jane. So glad, though, that it didn't go awry. Your turkey chili sounds delicious. We don't have any leftovers, as we were invited to friends for dinner and they did all the cooking. Well, I took a green salad -- easy enough. I'm sorry you're not feeling well -- praying you recover quickly. I love old inns. Especially at Christmas time. Warm hugs ~ Nancy
December 4, 2015 at 10:57 AM
So creative to keep your extra food in the car; Only in the Midwest! I wanted to say, only in Michigan, but you are a bit further west of where I grew up. My Mom kept her extras on the back porch which was a perfect refrigerator. Sounds like you have had a great get away. Happy holidays to you and Al.
December 4, 2015 at 5:24 PM
I love your story of your casseroles the backseat of the car! That sounds just like something that could happen around here although ours would have ended up on the floorboard, I'm sure! Love that you have met up with your blog buddies-so special!
December 5, 2015 at 7:42 AM
I hope you are on the mend! It will all happen in good time.
Your Thanksgiving sounds just perfect. I think it's brilliant to store your casseroles that way. I always wish I had an extra fridge during that holiday.
December 5, 2015 at 4:41 PM
Hi Jane, so glad you enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving. Meeting with a blog friend is very special and I met up with another yesterday. What a great idea to use the car as an extra fridge. Love your newsy posts filled with joy, laughter and just great fun!!
Hope you feel better too. xo
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