Friday, December 19, 2025

117.4 - the holiday eating commences today!

I did make the pot roast yesterday. It came out great and we have 1-2 more meals of it left. I also got my wrapping done yesterday - 15 packages. I made those grape/banana/strawberry/marshmallow Santa skewers to bring today.

We leave at 9:15 to drive to DSD's home (DH's DD). We are taking she and her husband out for lunch, then his other DD and grandchildren arrive for dinner. There will be 4 dogs, including Justice in the house. Two he already knows, but there is a new puppy Shih Tzu to contend with.

Unfortunately the drive will be in pouring rain as it is supposed to be close to 60 and windy/rainy. At least the snow will be gone here afterwards and the salt washed off the roadways. Yesterday we did our full walk with Justice, but he was walking in that road salt, so I gave him a bath when we got back. I didn't want it staying on his paws and belly.

Have a fruitcake Friday!

Our tabletop tree here:

I forgot to do my post yesterday. Oops.

Yesterday I delivered cookies to neighbors and friends to rave reviews. My favorite was a text from my neighbor Jim who wrote:

"OMG. I could write a report on how great these cookies are. Taste -check- Texture -check- stuck in your molars delicious -check. I found the chocolate chip on the bottom. Wow you make a great set of cookies.

Let's talk Frosting and decorative style. Hold it I just found the second Chocolate chip. Pause....

High style points on frosting of the tree and the use of crushed candy canes.

Oops. I was supposed to take a picture for Jodi before sampling. I'm in trouble.

Your cookies are awesome."

And from another:

"To quote my cookie monster husband... these are some seriously good cookies ."

Made my day!

Later I had dinner out with my crazy neighbor. She got me a sparkly Diet Coke can ornament for Christmas. I love it! I also took a nap in there somewhere. The roof banging continues, but I think a short day today, finishing up early next week.

Today I need to drop off those return jeans to the post office. That's $350 I'll get back! Otherwise, not sure what I will do today... ooh, but I need to work on the Christmas trip dinner menus so Claudia can shop.

Have a great one, everybody!

Fabulous reviews!

They looked delicious! If you need more reviews, I'll be a judge!

The final assortment...

This is truly a work of art! Extra kudos for the fact that they taste good! What's the deal with the hidden chocolate chip? ds

There were salted caramel chocolate chip cookies at the bottom of the box!

Oh wow!!!!!

201.2 - Yay! Holiday eating is still a few days off... Admittedly, I have been focused on NOT eating too many extras this week. I think upping the workouts has helped a tiny bit, too. I am happy to be back in my comfort zone.

Sleep has been quite good this week. I was in bed for close to 9 hours last night! Not all asleep, but I'm guessing I got a good 8 hours!

Almost every morning has been approached with leisure, too. Yesterday was an up and at 'em day, but the other mornings have been pretty relaxed and low key. I have fully adapted to the slow morning routine and enjoy it very much. With age comes privilege!

Liz, enjoy the rain and warmer weather.

CC, your cookies look divine! I am sad I am not one of the recipients of the fruit of your new hobby! When do you leave for Michigan?

DD - I see your temps are back in the single digits and low teens again! Is there a lot of snow still on the ground, too?

Diane S. - Hope you are not getting torrential amounts of rain. Funny how our weather has been so opposite lately. I guess a couple hundred miles can make a huge difference!

Paula, when will you head back for Wisconsin? You're gonna have to bundle up!

Not much else today... Same old, same old.