[~Christina]

Been a painful day ! I know I could go lay down anytime I need to but I hate to do that staying with friends.

Tomorrow we head further south and will see the kids for Christmas Eve and Day , then we are heading back here to our friends for a few more days.

Altho I enjoy seeing everyone but by next week I will be glad to get back home.

Traveling my daily “ routine “ is all messed up and living out of a suitcase wears on me , whine whine whine lol

Hope everyone is having a good evening

[Nammu]

Originally Posted by spikes

Every other thought is “I can’t do this anymore “

((((((((((((((((Spikes)))))))))))))))))

[Nammu]

Got inspired by all the baking on here and baked peppermint sugar cookies next I'm making some chocolate rolled in powered sugar. That's it...and the fudge mix I have. Just waiting on the butter to soften

[TheSeaCat]

Hi guys it was very much a lazy day for me, after yesterday I just wanted to kick my feet up and do pretty much nothing but treat myself to an at home spa treatment. Did a scalp treatment to my hair; shampooed and conditioned like regular and then finished with a nice hair mask. It still desperately needs to be recolored I hope by Friday the stitches will be mostly dissolved and I can get it done. I only trust one person to color my hair and I hate canceling on him. He does wonders to my hair.

I am currently chilling with a face mask on my face. I really don't want to deal with dad tomorrow he's just going to be so judgmental and I don't want to deal with it. I made fudge for everyone today. Maybe my fudge will keep his judgement to himself.

Yesterday I cleaned my closet and decluttered some clothes; shoes; undergarments that are just old. I also decluttered some of my older makeup that is most certainly expired. I also found a pair of shoes that got lost in my closet and that I love; not to mention they are the most expensive shoes I own. I totally forgot I had them to be honest; I know I wore them to the interview but then somehow forgot about them I guess. I am really glad I found them. All of my boxes are unpacked which means I guess I am officially moved into R's place. Makes my heart happy that everything is now in order.

Hugs to everyone and Happy Holiday's

[Pookyl]

Got through yesterday’s extended family festivities. Managed to somewhat enjoy myself, have no panic attacks and feel/behave ‘normal’.
I don’t usually take Valium but yesterday I preemptively took Valium as advised by my pdoc.
Tomorrow (Christmas day) the kids are coming over. We’ll cook a ham together and have lunch followed by board games.

[BeyondtheRainbow]

Today was a big day here. We made caramel corn, 2 kinds of cookies, cranberry sauce, 2 kinds of cheese ball and did some cleaning. I made candied pecans for the first time which was kind of stressful but turned out well. They go on my cheeseball so I'll know tomorrow night if they were actually good. I was on my feet moving for 8 hours which is a lot compared to my usual activity level. I also did a load of laundry since I got my good jeans filthy falling down a hill in them the other day.

Tomorrow we have Christmas dinner one of 2 and this one is here. Ham, sweet potatoes, scalloped potatoes, baked corn, smashed brushel sprouts and homemade rolls. It will be another busy day.

Right now I'm snuggled up with a heating pad on my sore muscles from my tumble the other day. I forgot it was pill box night so I wound up late taking my meds. I hope to get to sleep really soon. I may take my PRN.

[Nammu]

Kitchen is all cleaned up. Cookies all packed away. Tomorrow afternoon we go to my grandsons Christmas show, then over to their house for dinner and presents. Then on Tuesday I make a green bean casserole to take with us to Christmas dinner at the nephews house where we'll play games and eat. Then Wednesday I can isolate all day................... I look forward to Wednesday!

[wildflowerchild25]

Ran out of time to make my lemon cookies again because I decided to take a short nap instead. RS really liked my lasagna. He gave me the prettiest hat glove and scarf set I’ve ever had. Purple with purple sparkles. Beautiful. We watched the muppet Christmas carol and the nightmare before Christmas. We started watching Christmas with the Kranks but went to go “lay down” instead lol.i love laying with him and cuddling. It makes me feel so safe and cared for. My ex never made me feel as cared for as RS does.

I’m nervous about the Christmas Eve party tomorrow. I was nervous at Dave and busters last night with all the new people and there will be even more new people there tomorrow. But RS’s mom and dad will be there and they’re really nice. My son charmed RS’s mom yesterday at the arcade. There will be other kids there for him to play with tomorrow. So that’ll be good. I’m just nervous.

I better try to sleep.

[pirilin]

Optometrist visit.

I was about to lose the every-year-insurance "free" glasses again.
I missed 2017. So La Bruja forced me to Samsclub to get 'em on Friday.
The place was empty, and I could get a "full" examination. All the of 5 minutes.

Last examination was at UM and lasted 2 and 1/2 hrs. Three optometrists. 5 instruments. 7 pages of results and recommendations.

So two years later, they can do the same with a red casita, and reading a line of letters twice. Man, that's progress.

They have the ugliest sets of frames ever. Real eyesores.
Thankfully they just have a few.
I managed to find a set of CAT that won't scare me in the morning.
La Bruja approved. Not that I asked. Or cared.
"You look like a man in those". Thank you. I look like a man in any, sweetheart.

Now the lesson.
I'm complaining to the semi-optometrist girl, about losing my good eyesight.
She replied with a life long teaching.
"You have to be brave to be old".
Lesson learned.
Every time my joints hurt, or I'm short of breath, or I do more than I can do, I remember I'm brave.
That was what got me to be 69. And that will carry me the rest of my life.

Good luck. Cheers.

[Miss Laura]

Happy Christmas Eve, guys!

[Unrigged64072835]

Happy Christmas Eve!

I'm going to have my next back nerve block procedure done in about two hours. I'm about halfway recovered from the left side but now have the right side to do. Both sides need to be done or one side will overcompensate for the other. I could've put this off until next year but I want this crap done and they had openings today. Don't have to cook tonight and Christmas dinner will be easy to make tomorrow.

I stayed up late (for me) so I could sleep in but nope, bladder kicked in at o'dark-thirty. So I've been up hungry and thirsty for quite a while. I'm so having cinnamon rolls when I'm done with this procedure.

"C" is for cookies, that's good enough for me! Cookies, cookies, cookies start with "C".

After several days of baking cookies, except the day of and after my root canals, I've finally completed my Christmas cookie baking. My last contribution was less of a cookie, and more of a fancy fudge brown bite. One also with a layer of raspberry jelly, marzipan, and bittersweet chocolate. Here's a photo of the two trays, with descriptions of the cookies following.

Christmas cookies 2018 - Album on Imgur

From left to right:

1. Vanilla Crescent cookies – Buttery shortbread-like cookie with roasted ground hazelnuts in dough, dusted with vanilla confectioner’s sugar.

2. “Pracny” – Walnut-based sweet dough with cocoa, cinnamon, and clove, baked in special forms and then dusted with confectioner’s sugar.

3. Rum balls with Rum-soaked Dried Cherries in the middle – Sweet dough of walnuts, cocoa, and rum wrapped around a rum-soaked dried cherry then rolled in cocoa powder.

4. Walnut Kolache Cookies – Buttery cream cheese sweet dough baked with a sweet walnut paste in the middle.

5. Linzer Tart Cookies – Cut out buttery sandwiched cookies with lemon zest, filled with raspberry or red currant preserves or Nutella.

6. Marzipan Cookies – Marzipan, including rose water, made into a special dough then rolled into balls with half almond decorations.

7. Moroccan Cookies – A sort of almost nougat cooked with almonds, walnuts, and candied orange peel, then baked and later dipped in bittersweet chocolate.

8. Fudge Brownie Marzipan Bites with Raspberry Jam

[Wild Coyote]

Originally Posted by Fharraige

Happy Christmas Eve!

I'm going to have my next back nerve block procedure done in about two hours. I'm about halfway recovered from the left side but now have the right side to do. Both sides need to be done or one side will overcompensate for the other. I could've put this off until next year but I want this crap done and they had openings today. Don't have to cook tonight and Christmas dinner will be easy to make tomorrow.

I stayed up late (for me) so I could sleep in but nope, bladder kicked in at o'dark-thirty. So I've been up hungry and thirsty for quite a while. I'm so having cinnamon rolls when I'm done with this procedure.

I hope the procedure goes well and you get some relief!

WC

[tecomsin]

I am not doing any baking but will make Christmas turkey dinner. My meds helped me sleep until 6:20 am. I wish it was and hour more.

[beauflow]

to all. many well thoughts, hoping all works out for all.
-------
((((Fharraige)))) hoping the nerve blocker helps
-------
(((Bird Dancer))) those cookies look beautifully amazing
___________
(((((Everyone))))) it's really a delight to read so many active and having things to do!!
And for those who are struggling, whether posted or not , many many hugs, well thoughts and just in general healthy wishes [to all r really].
------

Been doing, last night had a tough talk but I am thankful to have my ex..He is a good person, he has flaws as I do.

Today will be an odd day for me, need to work a few hours; then set up myself at my friend's to watch doggies ((hoping this round goes better)). Cook some things and yep.. the feasting.. I always had hoped that I'd have friends or family but I have my ex. And I am ok with that right now, as I can't change this right now -- and it does take others to assist with relationships too... though, I wish I didn't get such anxiety with people... but meh

Be well all, and many well thoughts.

-------
May ever day be filled with some happiness, and while inevitable sadness and struggles will come, in Hope that those moments assist with growth and strength.

Can't appreciate the rainbows with out a little rain and sunshine

Originally Posted by BeyondtheRainbow

Ham, sweet potatoes, scalloped potatoes, baked corn, smashed brushel sprouts and homemade rolls.

Oooh, THAT'S the one! Yum (not into brussel sprouts, but other than that...)! What time should I come over?

[tecomsin]

For some reason i am thinking of all the holidays I have spent alone. This xmas is with my son. I am not sociable enough to have other people over and my best friend, such as it is, is in the hospital. I want to reach out to all the people who are going to be alone for christmas and say I am thinking of you too.

[Blue_Bird]

Wow BirdDancer, those cookies look fantastic!!

I'm just relaxing till it's time to go to dinner tonight. Very excited!

[Wild Coyote]

BirdDancer, thanks for posting a picture of your cookies along with names and descriptions! Very interesting and they look absolutely yummy!


WC

[Wild Coyote]

Awakened to the big D. Getting slapped in the face with it upon awakening.
Am doing my best to push through it even though I feel like I am ready to hibernate for the winter.

Just finishing up on chores. Company will be here in a couple of hours and will be staying 2-3 nights.

I don't know when I will be able to check in again because it's going to be so busy! I am thinking of all and am wishing all a fun holiday!

Love to All!


WC

[Blueberrybook]

BirdDancer, those cookies look great! I am not much of a cook.

Nothing really going on with me. We had an extended family Christmas at my parents' house on Saturday, saw my 2 sisters & nieces & nephews, grandmother, some aunts & uncles. It was mostly chaos with the kids opening gifts, stuff & people everywhere, a bit crowded actually, but it was nice outside though it was windy, and my mom put up 3 tree swings for the kids.

Yesterday, I finally did the Christmas wrapping. I hadn't wrapped a thing. I can't seem to get myself into a holiday spirit at all. H finished the Christmas shopping for our daughter. I made a mistake and got the Christmas ham and some food today. All the stores were packed. I also had to get some food for the rest of the week. We just finished eating lunch at 2 PM.

It's been warm here, even for this area of Texas. The predicted high tomorrow is 69F. We have not had a Christmas this warm for years, but it happens sometimes. Maybe the warmth is why I can't really get into it this year. I always have a hard time for the holidays, but this year is especially hard, and I don't know why. Maybe because H has a new job and how his schedule is going to work is up in the air. Not to mention the medical, dental, and vision insurance will change. It will be better insurance it looks like but how long to take effect? H goes for orientation Jan. 3 and will learn more then.

[Scooter9]

I updated my avatar photo with a more detailed image of the galaxy. It's the same image that I dedicated to my sister but I've gotten better at processing images so this one has more detail and color.

Taking a photo of something in the sky involves more work than pointing a telescope and shooting a photo because there's a lot less light than when taking a photo of a person or landscape for example. So you compensate by taking the same photo over and over to collect more light. But all those photos introduce noise from the camera, plus conditions vary between photos.

So I post process photos to remove noise, improve contrast, balance colors and other things. Takes a fair bit of skill and time.

I'm just glad that I'm able to stick with this hobby for now. Hoping it will pull me out of this long depression.

Wishing everyone a happy holiday and hope it's the best it can be for you!

[Tucson]

Another day in the life of Tucson. I am back into coffee drinking, after a years absense. I am trying out this coffee from Peru. Not as nice as good Columbian coffee, but good and more subtle. I find that if the coffee is really good and brewed successfully, I can drink it black. I just thought I would never be saying this until now. Now my drug habit.

[Unrigged64072835]

Been home on ice packs and painkillers, binge watching TV shows. Helped my husband make dinner and he didn’t kick me out of the kitchen. So far so good. Hope to sleep okay and enjoy tomorrow.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

[liveforsummer]

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to each and everyone!!
Everyone’s posts of baking and cooking all sounds and looks absolutely delicious.
Thank you to all for this past year of the support we each give and receive.
Peace