Good Morning

It's very brisk here but it looks like the Wintery weather is back East today. I'm anxious to hear how all you Beachers are faring today on this last weekend before Christmas.

I'm putting one more batch of cookies in the oven this morning so I can get my last box in the mail. Then a quiet day at home before heading to Denver tonight for the Gospel Messiah, conducted by Marin Alsop.

What's everyone up to today? Come sit and chat a bit before you jump into the events of the day.

It is a snowy weekend here, but I have a date with my couch and I'm going to enjoy the storm. I'm glad I was able to get all my shopping finished yesterday!
Jake gave me my Christmas present early, and it's an expresso machine that I've been oogling for months. I'm enjoying a lovely cup of cappuccino right now while watching the snow pile up.

Debbie, thanks for getting us started this morning. Enjoy your day and the concert tonight.

Hi Cottage! Your espresso machine sounds wonderful! What kind is it? Is it possible you don't have anywhere to go today?

It's always sunny and friendly here on The Beach. It's -9ºF and it'll be sunny today. We don't have any snow predicted until after Christmas but they've been wrong before. It never seems as cold when we have lots of snow and sunshine.

Debbie, the concert sounds great. I play the Messiah a lot this time of year.

Cottage, a date with the couch sounds great too. Now that I've been to your house, I can see you all cozied in.

My trip to Waterloo and back was fun. My brother and SIL were very surprised and delighted to see us all. My nieces did a great organizing job. Laura even dug out my SIL's wedding gown and had it there on a mannequin. That was a nice touch as was the Powerpoint presentation of the past 30 years of their life.

Back to reality today. One of my dogs has the runs and I need to take a sample to the vet. Problem is....I don't know which dog.

Aside from that little problem, I'm on top of things although a tad late sending my cards to my small list. I need to do a bit more decking of the halls but all gifts are wrapped and party planning is underway. I'll do a big grocery shop on Wednesday for perishables. Two more batches of baking and some goodie making will complete the prep list.

This afternoon we have the big Build a Food Mountain event down at the grocery store parking lot. We'll be out there all afternoon in Santa hats, ringing our cowbells, and nagging people to donate. Luckily the store is very supportive and brings us out coffee and donuts! Tonight is a birthday party for Eric who turns 8 and always has two parties - one for kids and one for his grown up friends. Spaghetti and birthday cake is on the menu so pray for me!

7:14 and it's just starting to get light out there. Time for a healthy breakfast of oatmeal and getting on with the day.

Happy Wintery Weekend! May your day be merry and bright!

Good morning chicks!!

Lexiss - did you need my address for those cookies . Oh dear no!! I don't need them, but I do enjoy hearing about them!

Cottage - congratulations on the espresso maker!! What's your favorite so far?

Ruth - I was tired just reading your post! Yummm...oatmeal sounds lovely today.

me - the snow has hit, although we're not supposed to get as much as further east (2-4"). I'm sure Ms. Reesie Pup will adore going out for a romp.

I was thinking of going to the Y for one more time this week (the belt on mine broke...found out it was under warranty and FREE!! YAY!!), but the cold my kids have has hit me full force today...so it is a day of rest. Maybe I can sweet talk the DH into carrying the DD somewhere while DS is at a bday party...when am I supposed to wrap christmas presents?!?!

Shhhh...don't tell...Reese is up on the couch with me .

Debbie, I have a Breville Cafe Roma. I'm still experimenting with getting the milk frothed just right, but the coffee's been delicious!

Ruth, it's great that you all were able to keep the party a surprise for your brother and SIL. I'm glad you had a good time. Your afternoon sounds like fun, and I hope you find out which pup has the runs so it can be taken care of!

Twynn, I hope your cold isn't too bad! My expresso machine is the regular kind that just makes expresso, cappuccino, or latte. I can add my own flavored syrups to the milk, but it doesn't use those flavored pods.

The snow is really coming down! I turned on the outside lights and it looks so pretty! We're supposed to get anywhere from 13 - 20" or more. I do feel bad for anyone who was counting on getting out and doing their shopping this weekend, but I'm glad I don't have anywhere to go and can just stay home and enjoy.
We were supposed to go to Carley's birthday party today in NJ, but Monica called Moonbounce yesterday and rescheduled the party for a later date. I hope Carley isn't too disappointed, but I know she'll have fun playing in the snow. Tomorrow is our family Christmas party at my brother's, but we'll just have to wait and see what the road conditions are by then.

GOOD MORNING BEACHERS!!!!!!!!!!

It has finally stopped raining/storming/flooding here and the weather is cold and clear. I am looking forward to my 2 week vacation from kiddos! And after yesterday I now remember WHY I hate classroom Christmas parties. OMG.

It has been a crazy couple of weeks around here. My son's girlfriend's mother passed away this week at age 52. I am so brokenhearted for her. She lost her grandfather 2 weeks ago. So her Dad lost his dad and wife within a couple of weeks. devistating. I can't imagine what they are going through. Girlfriend also has a 12 year old little brother who is now without a mom. Her oldest brother got married a few weeks ago, so at least her Mom was able to see one child married. It is going to be a really rough holiday season for them.
I met her Mom a few weeks ago for the first time. Lovely lady full of life even though suffering so many health problems.

Got my stove ordered this week, but it may not be in till the 8th of Jan!!! I was hoping it would be here sooner. Son's sweet Girlfriend LOVES to bake and I thought we could have a "diversion" afternoon doing some baking together. The funeral is tomorrow. Not the way I wanted to meet her Dad.

Nothing going on much here today. Going to take a drive to another town later that has a major pet store. Going to try a new dog food without wheat or gluten for my pup with the awful allergies. It's salmon and sweet potato. Anything to help him quit itching and us get a good night's sleep!

Good morning chicks, we woke up to about 10 inches of snow on the ground and it's supposed to keep snowing all day. They're predicting up to another foot or so. Hope my ancient roof can handle it! No where to go today anyway, so we can relax and enjoy it. It will be a day of playing in the snow, baking cookies, and cleaning house. Still lots to do before the big day!

Oh, I love the Messiah, Lexxis. We used to go every year to hear the Naval Academy Choir perfoem when we were in Annapolis. I miss it. I'll have to pop in the CD later. Enjoy!
Ruth, nothing makes the season more special than helping others. Have fun and stay warm!
cottage, enjoy the espresso machine. You should be very productive the next couple of days!
femme, nice to hear from you. Sorry about the sadness. It's expecially hard to lose someone at Christmas.

Have a good Saturday all!

Hi Ladies!
I missed the heck out of you all! Work has kept me quite psycho but only 1 more day till 2 weeks off!
Diane/Schmoo Your day sounds so cozy!
Cat a Big hug for you and your sons GF it always seems that tragedy comes in bunches you're such a good lady to be there for her!
Linda that stinks about Carley's Birthday but Playing in the snow is definitely a good trade! Pass the Cappuccino!
Tammy I want Puppy snow pics!
Ruth The anniversary party sounds lovely good luck this afternoon at the supermarket. . .Perhaps the Birthday party will have Meatballs?
Debbie I can smell your cookies from Here I love the Messiah we saw an Operatic performance at Carnegie hall it was so amazing and inspiring

I'm still in my robe haven't had coffee yet! christmas party last night so I'm rehydrating. James is hopefully on his way home from a Firecall then quick breakfast Shower and hitting the mall!
I have to do my sister 1 thing for Mom 1/2 things for Joe (My dad-type-person) and somethign for James if he'll let me (he already got his big gift)
I'm looking forward to getting back on the beach
having less stress!
and an awesome Christmas!
Kierie

Good morning chicks

Debbie - sounds like you sent off quite a few wonderful cookie boxes, lucky recipients. Enjoy your concert tonight.

Cottage - enjoy your expresso machine. CNN is full of news about your snowstorm.

Femme - Sorry you hear about the sadness during this holiday season. I know you will do whatever is possible to comfort the family. So did you get the stove you were looking at. A friend of mine got an aga stove and had to have a concrete floor built underneath it and extra beams put in the basement for support. Its quite a stove.

Twynn - a puppy in snow is so much fun to watch. Good luck on gift wrapping today.

Schmoodles - enjoy your time at home.

Ko - Brave of you to fight the crowds today.

Me - starting to feel better. DS is home and will be staying with us till mid January. I am happy. Starting to feel better and hopefully will get lots done today. Got to make my masterlist for the next two weeks. I usually just stay away from the malls and stores until the New Year.
take care
Sophie

Good Morning!

We are ready for the birthday party -- again. No throwing up this week! Hooray!!! We got LOTS of rain yesterday, so the ground is pretty wet. But, it's in the mid 40s and the plan is to play outside. I didn't bother to mop again. A little mud never hurt anyone.

Debbie, I love the Messiah. I've actually sung in it several times.

Cat, I'm so sorry for your family's loss.

Everyone else, Happy Saturday!

Good morning Had to get in here while it's still morning I'm on my second pot already, don't tell. Woke up stupid early yet again. Blah

Debbie - The storm seems to be missing us too. Apparently we have enough snow already
Sounds like a lovely evening.

Cottage - There are worse things than being snowed in with a new espresso maker and some good books!

Ruth - Sounds like a wonderful visit and party. Good luck with all the nibbles today

Cat - Sorry to hear about the losses. How sad for her. I hope the baking afternoon is therapeutic for her.

Schmoodle - Enjoy your snowed in day

KO - you're crazy woman! Good luck at the mall.

Sophie - I'm so glad you're feeling better. Sure hope it sticks for awhile!

Chelby - Happy partying I have this great handout about playing in mud that I always give new child care providers. I'm pretty sure they think I'm insane

It's a quiet day here - just some cooking and chores. I have the Monday and Tuesday to get extra things done so I'm taking it a little easy today. I might even nap because I am exhausted.

Yay! I found the proper legs for the tree stand before I decorated the replacement one. It'll go outside and my Bling Tree will rule the parlour! We will now sing three verses of Tradition from Fiddler!

I am baking a Sherry Cake for Church tomorrow and it smells really Christmassy in here. The recipe is food porn, of course.

Ruth - Sorry I missed you this morning, I didn't mean to snub you. You think you reply to everyone and then after the message is sent oops, missed someone. By the way, I love the replacement for your avatar.
I too am making food porn right now.
take care
Sophie

Hello all,

Today took DD to Ortho appointment, went to Target for essentials and then came home cleaned house, steamed cleaned the carpets and have been baking up a storm. Got cookies made for all of the neighbors and for work for Monday for our Christmas gift exchange.

Eastern chicks may you stay snug in your houses or playing in the snow

Tonight taking DD2 to see Princess and the Frog, since she was so nice and and her and I went to see Blind Side last night. It was really good.

Have a good evening.