NEW YEARS DOIN'S

We don't go out and celebrate on New Years Eve unless a family member is having a get together. We stay home and I try to stay awake till the ball drops in Time Square. Usually I wake up just before the big count down. This year will be no different, but on New Years day, we will go over to my daughters house and celebrate with family, eat too much and give thanks for another year.

We're all bringing a dish, and as requested by my grandson, Mac - I get to bring Chicken Paprikash. I've started the dumplings and will keep them in a Ziploc bag in the refrigerator, then tomorrow I will make the chicken and paprikash gravy to go with the dumplings. Tomorrow I will also make gluten free dumplings so my other grandson, Jordan can eat some too. Have you ever tried to make a dumpling with out flour? It's quite a challenge! I usually use rice flour for his, and it comes out pretty good.

I've been asked for the recipe, and I will share it, but it's one of
those things that I don't have written down and it changes every time I make it! Sooo.... here goes:

CHICKEN PAPRIKASH:

Dumplings-

(this is the most work!)

3 eggs beaten

3 cups flour

1 Tbs. salt

1/2 cup water

Mix all ingredients together and beat with a spoon (I use my hands). Drop batter by teaspoonful into boiling salted water. Cook about 10 minutes; drain; rinse with cold water. Add to paprikash.

Chicken Paparikash

1 onion chopped

4 Tbs. oil

1 Tbs. Paprika ( I use much more, maybe 6 Tbs)

1/4 tsp black pepper

1 Tbs. salt

1 chicken disjointed (I only use the breast)

1/2 lg. can of chicken broth (add more if desired)

1 pint sour cream ( or more to taste)

Brown onion in shortening, add seasonings and chicken; brown 10 minutes. Add broth; cover a let simmer slowly till tender. Remove chicken; add sour cream to dripping in pan and mix well with whisk. Add dumplings and chicken.

My version is to de-bone the chicken before combining with dumplings. I also add a little garlic. The gravy should be on the thicker side and to achieve this, I usually keep adding sour cream till it gets to the consistency I like. I also keep adding paprika till it gets to be the color of a sunset. I'm sorry, but that's the only description I can think of for the color! This is a recipe that you can tweak to your taste, and really can't hurt it. It's should be like a stew, you just keep adding what you like. If you try it, I hope you enjoy!

Note:

This is not one bit heart healthy or low fat---you can get back to that next week!!

DOWN BUT UP AGAIN !
I've taken an unscheduled break from blogging since Christmas Eve. I say unscheduled because I was suffering from the onset of Fibromyalgia pain, and when that happens, I have no choice but to rest and recover - which I did and I have!
Fibromyalgia is a strange malady. If you're interested in reading more about it, click here. I've had the symptoms for years, but remained undiagnosed for a long time, and in all fairness, it is very difficult to diagnose. It will hit you all of a sudden and then not return, at least in full force for quite a while. I may have over done it with Christmas preparations, and my 3 day baking marathon, but like I said, other times I can even do even more and it won't bother me, you just never know. I was feeling the onset of it on Christmas day, the telltale ache had started, and I noticed I had was is referred to as "Fibro Fog". It becomes a bit more challenging to focus. I tried to make gravy twice and finally had to give it up and throw it out. Mind you I can make gravy with my eyes closed, but I couldn't manage it that day. I have even learned not to drive if it's too bad because my concentration isn't where it should be. The day after Christmas, when I woke up I was in so much pain I could barely move. Everything from my toes to my ear lobes hurt. I knew it wasn't the flu, I now recognize what my body is telling me. With it comes the most incapacitating fatigue. I slept deeply and late into the morning, then upon waking I'd be up for a little while, only to nap most of the day and to wait to go back to bed at night. By the morning of the third day I could tell I was starting to return to normal, and it felt so good!
My husband asked me if I was depressed. I thought about it long and hard but I told him I wasn't, in fact I felt more blessed then ever. I was just tired and in pain, and I knew that sooner or later it would ease up.
It's mostly gone now. The fatigue and fog have lifted and I only have tender areas on my arms which never really leave me. My husband is understanding and helpful, it's really no big deal, I just wanted to share with you so that if you have it or know someone else who does, that we can get through it, it's not life threatening, but more of an inconvenience.
As concerning most things in life.... we will fret not, this too shall pass.

Psalms 36:7

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him....

CHRISTMAS EVE WISHES

This day is filled with memories and wishes. Children are anticipating what will be under the tree on Christmas day. I can remember when my girls were small and the gifts they hoped to find. Then after many Christmas Eve's in our home, our girls married and had their own families. Along came grandchildren and the wonder of it all began fresh and new.

You, my blog family have been a gift I've received all year long, and I thank you for your friendships. I wish you a Christmas gift of joy and peace....there for you every day for you to hold and to cherish. Do not return it or set it aside, but use it daily because joy and peace multiply each time you hold it.

Blessings on all of you as we celebrate the greatest gift of all, the birth of Jesus!

Merry Christmas from our home to all of yours!

CHRISTMAS DANCING!!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

IT'S ALMOST CHRISTMAS!

Are you relaxing, sipping a cup of tea and waiting for Christmas? No? Me either. It seems no matter how much I think I've got done, there are still those small ends that can't be tied up until just a few days before Christmas.

I'm baking today, and my house is filled with the incredible fragrance of the season. I only make my Hungarian Kifliks and Kolach for Christmas and sometimes for our family "Hunky Fest", so it's a very nostalgic aroma for me. Do you have something that you cook that only says "it's Christmas" to you?

I'm having lunch at Macy's on Monday with two of the gals I used to work with, I always look forward to seeing them again. After that, I have a few groceries to get then it's home to wrap my gifts. I've learned that everything doesn't have to be perfect, in fact I think I'm one plate short for dinner...gotta dig up one more plate, even if doesn't match!

I'm looking at the temperature on my screen right now. It says that its 1 degree. When it's that cold, a few degrees either way won't matter, right? I'll just add one more sweater and head out the door....and thank God for His precious Son...the reason for the season.

Celebrate!!

Picture:

Christmas ornament from my Mother In Law

LUKE 2:13 &14

13) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14) Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

DECK THE HALLS....

Since we're digging out from a pretty good snow fall last night, I stayed in took some pictures of how my house looks this Christmas season.

Here you go:

Pictures

Top to bottom or left to right or however this turns out:

Front door.

Gate to back yard.

Kitchen window covered with snow after Hal used the snow blower.

Wreath above fireplace.

Family room fireplace.

Larger tree in family room.

Pretend Amaryllis plant-it never needs care.

Ornament with my girls picture.

Living room smaller tree.

Getting ready to bake.

Back door Della Robbia Wreath, over 40 years old from my Mothers house.

pps -

per my brother request, here's a piture of Hal...once again clearing the snow. Somehow Bob gets a kick out of this while he's living in sunny Florida!

SEVEN THINGS

My Scarf Sista', Connie tageed me to do this "Seven Things" thingy. I'm slow, but I finally got it done. Play along and do your own if you have the notion...it's pretty painless.


Seven things I did before I was a Mom?
1. Worked for an advertisement agency
2. Married my high school sweetheart
3. Lived in Texas while Hal was in the Army
4. Had a convertible
5. Was slim
6. Learned how to cook through trial and error!
7. Got my first job

Seven things I do now that I know Jesus really loves me:
1. Give Him all the praise
2. Share His love with others
3. Know that there is forgiveness in Him
4. Shout for joy
5. Have peace
6. Run, walk, stumble and always seek Him.
7. Pray

Seven things I would like to do!
1. See the Statue of Liberty
2. Take a family vacation with all of the kids and grands
3. Lose weight...aww, forget that one.
4. Visit family in California
5. Get to use the cottage more
6. Have a good hair day
7. Do absolutely nothing

Seven things that still attract me to my husband!
1. He loves the Lord
2. His integrity...an honest man.
3. He's really tall and strong-makes me feel protected.
4. His genuine love and respect for the elderly (including me).
5. His love of family
6. His work ethic.
7. His gentle heart

Seven favorite foods?
1. Stuffed cabbage
2. Fillet Mignon
3. Pistachio ice cream
4. Butter
5. Bacon
6. Big Hunk Candy bar - yes, that's food!
7. Chicken Paprikash

Seven things I say most often:
1. Really?
2. Dinners ready
3. I'm tired
4. why didn't you tell me before I went shopping?
5. Close the door when you play that guitar!
6. I love you
7. Good-night honey

MAILBOX GIFTS


When I opened my mail box the other day, I was greeted by the nicest surprise. First of all, there were no bills in there which in itself makes for a good day, but the sweet surprise was a magazine called Taste of Home. My sister in law, Maggie, bought me a gift subscription for Christmas! I love this magazine, it's full of recipes from healthy to decadent, but all the recipes come from people like you and me and not fancy schmancy chefs...that is unless you are a fancy schmancy chef. The ingredients they use are common in most homes and are easy and delicious. I've already got three pages marked with recipes to try. I have to say that this was in the nick of time. I have run out of creative and easy recipes. I'm sure this will help spark the imagination once again!
I admit I do love magazine, but have not bought any except on a rare occasion. They have become so expensive and I couldn't justify paying for what, in a lot of cases amounted to page after page of advertisements. My favorite magazine is Traditional Home. I can look at those over and over and still find something new in them. The last few of years of her life, my Mother used to buy a subscription for herself and one for me every year, which was really kind of silly because I always took hers home when she finished with them. Maybe that's why she bought me my own! I appreciated the gesture though because she knew how much I enjoyed them. She would read hers and mark up the pages when there was something she admired, cut out an occasional recipe, or note that she had the same piece of furniture in her home. I believe there still may be some bundled up issues in the garage right now, I'll have to ask Sara since she's now the lady of the house.
Tonight, the snow is falling. It looks like tomorrow will be a perfect day to stay in, mark some more recipes to try, and enjoy the blessing that come...even in the mailbox.

OVER THE RIVER....

That old song keeps playing in my mind. Over the river and through the woods to grandmothers house we go. The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh through the white and drifted snow.
I don't know why I'm thinking about it. We have no snow (yet), and I've never ridden a sleigh to grandmothers house. I remember singing this song in elementary school. We lived in California at the time, no grandmothers near...no family at all. I think it must have conjured some sort of little girl wish of how lovely it would be to live that song. The sleigh ride still seems to be a beautiful thing if you don't mind freezing.
Just down the road from our cottage in Northern Michigan is a large resort called Garland. In the summer it's used by golfers, when the snow falls it becomes a winter wonderland. They have what they call Zhivago Nights. You ride a horse drawn sleigh over parts of this 3,000 acre retreat, then you come into the restaurant and sit by the fire and have a 5 course dinner. I have to admit, it does look beautiful.
But I still think of the rest of that song....
Over the river and through the woods, oh how the wind does blow. It stings the toes and bites the nose as over the over the ground we go.
Enjoy your sleigh ride if you are going on one, it's all fun when your with someone you love. The cuddle factor is very important for winter activities!

Pictures:

Top - Garland sleigh ride

Middle - Garland Resort, Lewiston, Mi.

Bottom -Bridge over road to Garland on the way to our Cottage.

LUKE 2: 8, 9 & 10
8) And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.
9) An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
10) But the angel said to them, "Don not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

SATURDAY DOIN'S

1. A steaming hot cup a coffee upon rising

2. Eat a Special K waffle with peanut butter

3. Pick up my new glasses and hope I don't hate them

4. Go to house #2

5. Return wrong purchase to Lowes with Grandson Mac (wrong purchase is heavy!)

6. Search the scriptures and pray for tomorrows post

7. Write a few Christmas cards (shorter list this year)

8. Hopefully fit in a nap, I love to nap!

9. Stay away from Mall

10. Laugh

PS
I picked up my glass and I actually don't hate them this time!
Still waiting on Grandson.

SNOW BABY

I love this old grainy picture of my family. It must be around 33 or 34 years old. Sara, Amy and Daddy are ready to climb the hill once again for another toboggan ride. Amy in the yellow snow suit is bundled to within an inch of her life, and barely able to move, let alone climb that gigantic hill. I think she may have decided one run was plenty for her and it was time to move on to the hot chocolate.
As a teenager I loved climbing those toboggan hills and risking life and limb. Now I've totally eliminated all things freezing and athletic whenever possible and like Amy, I move straight for the hot chocolate.
Temperatures in Siberia, Russia are predicted to hit 81 degrees below zero this week. They claim this Arctic blast will change the weather pattern in Southern California and they too will have record low temps this winter with snow. Wouldn't it be funny if it warmed up in Michigan and people came here to escape the cold?
One could only hope.

TAKING A MOMENT...

It's been a busy week so far. For those who may not know, I will fill you in a little on what it's been like.

My Son In Law, Rob went to have a routine work physical. He was feeling fine, he just wanted to take advantage of his companies insurance that offers to pay for a complete exam. When it was over the Dr. told him that his EKG showed evidence of one and most likely two heart attacks. Since he didn't know he had had a heart attack of course he went to his own physician who performed another EKG and confirmed what the other Dr. had said. He was scheduled for a cardiac catheterization on Monday. I decided to go to the hospital and wait with my daughter Amy, it's always better not to be alone through times like these. We truly believed everything would be fine, in fact they even hinted that the test could have been wrong. After the cath, the Dr. informed Amy that one of his arteries was 100% blocked and a second was 90%. He expressed an urgency to do an angioplasty, so Rob was taken by ambulance to Henry Ford Main Hospital in Detroit immediately. The Dr. was able to clear both blockages and also put a stent in each plus he also cleared a third blockage. Rob is doing better now and is home. He is only 43 years old, does not smoke, drink, and is very physically active. He does not fall into your typical heart attack profile. In hind sight he recalled feeling very ill at work, "like a heart attack" he says. He was working 18 hours a day...he ignored the pain and continued to work. That obviously was the first heart attack. The second one occurred much the same way. Lesson learned...DON'T IGNORE THAT KIND OF FEELING! Amy and I got home around midnight, and like I've said before, there is no longer day then 0ne spent in a hospital waiting room. Thank God, this one turned out OK.

We should all listen to the signals our bodies are sending us. Me included. Just because they go away does not mean we don't take them seriously. Denial is not just a river in Egypt.

Picture: The Nile River in Egypt ;-)

LUKE 16:10

Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.....

IT'S HERE!

My area rug arrived from Overstock.com and I'm so pleased! I held my breath till it arrived because pictures often show a different color than what you hope for, just like my red wall in this picture, it's really a deeper red, but this rug was exactly what I was looking for.

I will not hesitate to use them again, it sure beats having to pick it up ourselves or paying for shipping, and the savings compared to buying it directly from a retailer was more then half off.

My only regret is buying a 9X12 instead of a larger size, I have a lot of wood floor left around the rug, but for the two of us it will be just fine. So, that's my consumer recommendation for today, I give Overstock.Com two thumbs up!

MAALOX,
RUGS
AND UPS DELIVERY
I'm home today waiting for a delivery from UPS and taking Maalox. I think I've seriously eaten too much Wendy's chili lately. Beans...whew! That's probably more information then you needed or wanted to know about my digestive system, so I'll say no more.
I ordered an area rug for my family room from Overstock.com and I'm waiting for UPS to deliver it today. We tore out the old carpeting and I've been on the fence as whether to re-carpet or go to an area rug. Right now it has the bare oak parquet floors which are hard and a bit cold on the toes. I decided to go with the area rug for a change, I hope it was the right decision. I've shopped online and in the stores for a rug till I couldn't stand to look at one more design. I decided to go with Overstock because there is no shipping charge and having it delivered was far more appealing then picking it up, and I also really like the rug. The same rug at Macy's is almost twice the price, so I'm confident it was a good deal.
I can't wait till it comes, I hope I really like it...if not, returning it will be a big headache!

EYE EXAM

I went today for my eye exam. It had been a little over two years since my last exam, but that's not why I went. I went because I'm tired of my glasses which I never liked that much anyway. The assistant takes me in for some preliminary questions and asks my age. I tell her 61 to which she replies...WOWWWWW. After the look of shock on my face, she says, " I meant that in a good way". Right.
I don't mind the examination, there really is nothing to it till it comes to the most dreaded question:
Which is better, number one or number two?
Over and over again till I can't tell the difference between number one and number two. At that point, the Doctor adds number three and number four. Geeezzzzz! We finally got past all that and the exam in now complete. My almost blind eyes are just a tiny wee bit worse, nothing to be concerned about she says. Easy for her to say, she isn't wearing coke bottles on her face. Everything else is good, no cataracts, no glaucoma.
Now the real test....picking out frames. This is hard for some one who can actually see without their glasses, so for me this becomes a real challenge. I also have something in mind which I seem to be unable to find. You know I love those Sarah Palin glasses, but I can't have them, my prescription is too thick. So after trying on almost every pair in the place and getting conflicting opinions on which pair suit me, guess what? I went with the second pair I tried on.
There is a 60 day guarantee, so if I get them and they are hideous - I get to go back and start all over again!

ONWARD
at my own pace

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, mine was filled with great food and wonderful family. Who could ask for anything better? Now it's time to move onward to the next holiday...CHRISTMAS!
Today finds me with lots of thoughts dancing in my brain...kind of like visions of sugar plums. I haven't gotten my trees up yet, I hope to in the next couple of days. My major decorating today was to put my garland on my fireplace mantle. I bought a wreath that was on clearance last year for my front door, and I find I don't like it there, it's too small...but I think it will be perfect over the fireplace. Now I just need to figure out a way to suspend it over the mirror that hangs there. I'm getting excited about decorating, it's been a while since I've felt this way. Last year my Mother had just passed away, and the year before I was so exhausted from work, that unfortunately I looked for shortcuts and did the minimum. This year, I want to enjoy each and every ornament and ribbon, and have that cup of tea in front of the beautiful Christmas tree with it's lights glowing.
For now, I have fall decorations mixed with a few Christmas things...it's a unique look. But, I will move onward and I will do it at a pace that suits me, and not one that pressures me. I will celebrate the birth of Jesus with each ornament I hang and each cookie that is baked, even if I still have a Thanksgiving Pilgrim salt and pepper shaker still left on the table on Christmas day. Maybe it's a look that will catch on!