I'm having coffee from Poland this morning, and it's really good! An au-pair friend of mine lives in Poland, and her mother sent her a huge box of goodies, so she shared some with me.
I finally have a day with absolutely nothing planned, but I'm sure that will change, as Cindy probably has a list of errands for me.
We really enjoyed Amber's concert last evening, she plays the violin the orchestra sounded really good! Jake was grateful that it was a short program, though. By the time we got there, it was standing-room only, but we found her other grandparents, so we stood beside them.
My mug is full and I'm glugging it quickly so I can crank up the day. It finally stopped snowing and we are supposed to see the snow. That should make for a pretty day.
I certainly crossed off a bunch of niggles from my list yesterday so today should be good. I have and 8:40 dental appointment for a cleaning and Donna comes this morning. By this afternoon I'll have a clean house and clean teeth. What more could I possibly want? (See attached. ) If the good forecast holds, I may drive my son and DIL's gifts to Kemptville where Wendy's parents live. I won't be seeing Jim and Wendy before Christmas and sure do want Tayler to have her Grandma gifts on The Day!
Right now it's lug the trash time and then a decent breakfast before I fit three months of flossing into 15 minutes.
Cottage - I hope your relaxing day pans out and you enjoy it. Glad to hear the concert was nice. I still remember elementary school concerts that weren't always easy to sit through DD took violin for a year. That's a really fun instrument for the whole family to survive! Hmmm, Polish coffee - is it dark? I love trying new coffees.
Ruth - Are you getting the big storm tomorrow or are you getting a break? I think it's going to be a long winter. Good luck with that flossing!
I have a pre-planned work at home day today. I thought about going in because I've missed so much office time with the weather lately but decided to stick to my plan (like that was a hard decision I'm going to put applesauce cinnamon bread on while working to bring to the office party this afternoon. I'm thinking about trying the 7 layer dip too. My work mates are really good cooks and we always have lots of good, often decadent food so I need to plan well. I'm thinking the 7 layer dip along with a co-workers veggie chili will provide me with filling, healthy food and help me stay away from the goodies (why don't we call them baddies??!!).
We are gearing up for the Christmas Bird Count Saturday. Of course it will be the coldest day of the week and follow a big snow storm. What fun would there be in spending the day driving all over and hopping in an out of the car if the weather was actually not horrible?! I'm planning to bring the crockpot lentil PB stew for that one. This is as busy as the holiday season gets for us.
CYNDI, my coffee is dark and strong, but I like a little skim milk in it. I haven't made those lentil crunchies in ages! Some of those may just keep me away from the "baddies" that have been calling to me.
RUTH, I'll take Mel Gibson in my stocking any day! I hope you have a good time at your SIL's in-laws today.
You all seem to be having cozy mornings! I've been out of the coffee habit for a while, but I might have to start it again. My problem is finding things to put in the coffee that don't have 1000 calories. Do you guys use FF half & half or FF evaporated milk? Any preferences? I'm thinking of trying the new flavored Splenda as well.
Ruth- I can see myself flossing right along with you. I'm usually good about flossing right before and right after my cleaning appointments. The rest of the time isn't so good.
Good luck to everyone avoiding BADDIES. As a teacher I am overwhelmed with baked goods this time of year- classroom parties, staff parties, parents sending in baked goods for presents... I did really well and stayed 100% OP Tuesday, but yesterday wasn't as good. I'm hanging on for today and tomorrow and then I'll be able to eat really clean without distractions. You would think I would have figured out by now that when I eat junk I feel like junk.
Cottage, sounds like a wonderful concert! I'm definitely lusting after your coffee! I bet it's super yummy.
Ruth, I didn't know you had a son and DIL living nearby! Or is it just DIL's parents that are near? How old is your grandbaby? Love your wish for Christmas.
Sounds like you're making great plans for the holidays, Cyndi! I tend to just avoid events with food, but I'm starting to think I need to do more like you are doing. I think you're very strong! What's the Bird Count about?
Murphy, I think it's hardest for teachers and nurses this time of year with SOOO many "baddies" (good one, Cyndi!) hanging about. Here's some for you! I put FF 1/2 n 1/2 or 1% milk in my coffee, depending on how dark it is. The flavored coffee syrups make a big difference (I love DaVinci's B52 or Kahlua), too. But I'm a major tea-freak as well. There are SO many delicious teas out there and many don't even require milk!
Today's bound to be very, very slow here at work. My boss wants to let me go early, but he's afraid that someone might show up after I leave. I have SO much to do at home for tomorrow, so I'm unsure when to go. Guess I'll play it by ear.
Hey chickies. Yesterday I spent hours sorting and wrapping gifts. I need to run out at lunch today and pick up a few last minute items, but otherwise I'm in pretty good shape. I sent DH out yesterday with the electronics list, but there were a couple of things he couldn't find. Hopefully I will have better luck. Otherwise DS's pile is going to look pretty shrimpy.
DS has his dental appt this afternoon, and DD and I have the Girl Scouts meeting/Christmas party tonight.
My friend that was in the hospital last week with the heart problem is seeing a kidney specialist today as they found a mass in her kidney on the MRI. I will be waiting to hear from her all day. Trying to think of ways I can help - I am going to bake cookies for her and make some dinners for her freezer this weekend, but I can't do what I really want to, which is make this go away. Cookies certainly won't help much. I'm afraid she'll end up spending Christmas in the hospital.
Bring on the coffee, the stronger the better. We are supposed to get ice again early tonight but then warm up overnight. Hopefully it will be gone by morning.
Cottage glad to hear the program was enjoyable (and short). Christmas programs just aren't what they used to be anymore with everyone trying to be PC.
Ruth You can have Mel Gibson I want Kenny Chesney in mine!
Cyndi Dust to you to avoid the "baddies" today!
Murpydoodle shame on us parents for giving such tempting items to teachers!
Me I won't bore you with the details but can you all say a little prayer for some strength for me? I have issues going on at home that I just don't know how to handle and think I have reached a crossroads where I need to make some decisions. UGH why can't life be full of rainbows and kitties!
ETA: Beach hope you get to go home early today.
Schmoodle prayers for your friend.
Last edited by Pacergal29; 12-18-2008 at 09:04 AM.
Schmoodle: Meals for the freezer are a wonderful gift. I know it would be better if you could make this all go away, but at least with this your friend will know that her family is well fed.
Cyndi: I've been meaning to ask- Does a lifetime bird list mean that you will be planning vacations around places where you can see birds that you haven't seen, or is your list just for your local area?
Pacer- One of my favorite movie lines is from Horton Hears a Who. "In my world everyone is a pony and we eat rainbows and poop butterflies." On a more serious note, you will be in my prayers. It's unfortunate that we have to go through these situations, but we're stronger in the end!
Cottage, your coffee sounds good. Hope you have a relaxing day.
Ruth, you can have Mel. He used to be my favorite, but I like George Clooney now.
Cyndi, that breads sounds good. Is the recipe listed?
murphy, I used the flavored splenda in my coffee occasionally. I like the hazelnut, but have french vanilla too.
beachgal, hope you get to go home early.
Smoodle, prayers for your friend.
Stephanie, prayers that you find the strength you need. We have rain, rain, rain. Foggy and damp but suppose to get near 60 tomorrow (with more rain).
Me: I've been working on a quilt for my grandson. I won't get it done for Christmas and his birthday is in January. Not sure I'll get it done for that either. It's queen size, split rail, and lots of quilting. I always hand quilt and it takes so much time to complete one, but worth it in the end.
Cottage - Polish coffee, I guess they have a different way of processing it. I know my friend really enjoys her Swedish coffee.
Ruth - Love your attach. and good luck on finding Mel in your stocking. Are you dreaming of Nanaimo Bars.
Cyndi - I know you will be strong and will avoid the BADDIES
Murphydoddles - my children are long out of school but when they were there was a rule put into place no gifts or goodies for teachers.
Laurie - enjoy your slow day.
Schmoodles - prayers for your friend, I remember you saying she has young children. So sad for them.
Stephanie - you are in my thoughts too.
Me - I have made my grocery list and will go shopping today. Hopefully, all I will have to pick up is milk between Christmas and New Year. We are expecting a hugh snowstorm tomorrow and another one on Sunday. Looks like its going to be a long winter.
Sophie
Thursday's Beach Chat
By the time we got there, it was standing-room only, but we found her other grandparents, so we stood beside them. 
Which reminds me, can you post the lentil crunchies you mentioned the other day. Enjoy your day at home.
I haven't made those lentil crunchies in ages! Some of those may just keep me away from the "baddies" that have been calling to me. 
I hope you have a good time at your SIL's in-laws today.
for you! I put FF 1/2 n 1/2 or 1% milk in my coffee, depending on how dark it is. The flavored coffee syrups make a big difference (I love DaVinci's B52 or Kahlua), too. But I'm a major tea-freak as well. There are SO many delicious teas out there and many don't even require milk! 
