WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR DECEMBER 2017

LisaInAR

Morning all, our daughter's up and gone to work, she's on half days for three days. I'm actually off until the 2nd. Hope and plan to get quite a bit of writing done. Christmas was lovely, relaxed, the kids were great. Loved watching them open their gifts, and the sheer excitement of our grandson was fun. Our granddaughter, who won't be three until March, was pretty much overwhelmed, but kept it together. Got a mom ring, which made me very happy. My daughter asked me what I wanted, and I told her "anything that celebrates me being a mom." She went overboard, but the mom ring made me tear up, as well as her. Pics below... Christmas dinner wasn't traditional - my husband made a pork roast in the crockpot, with homemade au gratin potatoes, which were awesome. He's an amazing cook.

My mom ring, with birthstones for both my kids and both my grandkids:



Tyler, in one of the pictures that I thought best illustrated the day:



My daughter with the three photos I took before her husband left, and then had put on canvas for her for Christmas. They're already up in her room:



My husband, Corey and granddaughter Haley. I think he was having as much fun as they were:

margaretturk

Enjoyed Christmas. It was low key just the way I like it. I also got a bonus Christmas gift of eight hours of solid sleep. I went to bed at 9 and work up at 5:30. YES!!!

One fun memory from this year was discussing with a friends husband how to make caramels. He was going to make some after not making them for ten years. I had just tried to make them. Mine came out too hard. His tip was to drop some of the cooking caramel into cold water to see if they are the right consistency. My tip was to use parchment paper in the pan you use to make it easier to get them out of the pan. I wrote these tips on my recipe. I am not sure when I will get up the motivation to make them again. It was a three year break for me.

My word for this year is Kindness.

Margaret

langman22

Hi all you beautiful ladies,

I’m back at work and it is quiet here which is nice. Going to be a slow day I think. I’m planning to take Friday and next Tuesday off. Friday for putting on the new snow tires and getting the washer fixed and Tuesday FOR ME! As I read the posts it sounds like everyone had a nice Christmas. It was nice to hear.

Machka, what is in that yummy looking dessert?

Pip, love the earring.

Thanks to everyone who posted pictures. It was great seeing as well as reading about your day.

Here is my favorite gift. DD gave her and I a beautiful necklace to share. It is a “generation “ necklace with 3 intertwined circles representing grandmother, daughter and granddaughter. She thought it was something we could share. She really is a very thoughtful daughter.

Love and hugs to all coming from Terry in freezing VT

langman22

Machka9

langman22 wrote: »

Machka, what is in that yummy looking dessert?

It's a pavlova.

You can make the base from scratch, or use a Pav Egg (Magic Egg) mix, or buy one pre-made. Then you top it with whipped cream and fruit.

The base is basically a meringue (more like the cookie, not the topping on a lemon pie) ... it's more or less egg white and lots of sugar, whipped stiff and then baked for an hour and then left in the oven to cool for an hour. When you take it out, it is really hard on the outside, although a little softer inside.

Mine collapsed slightly when I put the whipped cream on, but that's OK.

It is melt in your mouth sweet and delicious ... my favourite Christmas dessert.


Oh, and I made mine with the Pav Egg mix, not from scratch. I've never tried to do it from scratch.


Machka in Oz

langman22

Machka, sounds like our meringue cookies. I don't put the chocolate chips in mine. Never thought to put fruit on it. I'll have to try that.

Meringue Cookies

Ingredients
2 egg whites
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup white sugar
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions
1Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). To prevent burning you can bake on an air cushion baking sheet or put parchment paper on a regular cookie sheet.
2Beat egg whites, salt, cream of tartar, and vanilla until very firm. Gradually add sugar and mix. Fold in chocolate chips.
3Drop by teaspoonfuls on pan. Bake 300 degrees for 25 minutes. They should only be lightly browned.

KetoneKaren

Olivia





Karen in Virginia

Machka9

langman22 wrote: »

Machka, sounds like our meringue cookies. I don't put the chocolate chips in mine. Never thought to put fruit on it. I'll have to try that.

Sort of ... except the meringue cookies I'm familiar with are rock hard almost all the way through.

These are a bunch of pavlova recipes ...

http://www.taste.com.au/search-recipes/?q=pavlova


The one I made, and most I've seen, are the size of a dinner plate but they can come in small individual sizes too.

langman22

Machka9 wrote: »

langman22 wrote: »

Machka, sounds like our meringue cookies. I don't put the chocolate chips in mine. Never thought to put fruit on it. I'll have to try that.

Sort of ... except the meringue cookies I'm familiar with are rock hard almost all the way through.

These are a bunch of pavlova recipes ...

http://www.taste.com.au/search-recipes/?q=pavlova


The one I made, and most I've seen, are the size of a dinner plate but they can come in small individual sizes too.

Thanks, I'll save this for next year.

KJLaMore

Good morning, all! Happy day after Christmas! It has been a pleasant two days. I always enjoy these days; regardless of where we are celebrating (at home or at family home) or how many of our kids can join us. DH is a bit more of a grump because he is missing the small kids and the excitement that they bring. Although, when they were small, he was grumpy about how much Christmas was costing us. He is a very Humbug-y type at this time of year. BUT...I don't let it get me down. Christmas Eve brought a LOT of snow our way. We already have a good two foot base, but Christmas Eve brought another four or five inches. That kept our DOS in town (he usually spends these days with this mom and her family); so he and his girlfriend came over (Surprise!) and watched movies and had some snacks. We drove around and looked at the Christmas lights and when we got home, DD called us on viber so that we could watch Joaquin open his presents. THAT was wonderful. He was just as thrilled with the paper and boxes as he was with the gifts. They got him some good "manipulative" toys, like stacking rings and boxes, a shape cube, a couple of musical instruments, and these nifty little cars that have ball grippers for little ones. His dad also got a remote control truck going and we watched Joaquin crawl like a madman to get that thing! Anyway, the session ended with Joaquin sitting in DD's lap and you could see his eyes track everyone on the screen that was watching him. Eyes tracking past his uncles, the girlfriend, lingering a bit on grandpa, but his whole face lit up when he saw me. He pulled the phone in close and ran his hand over my face and said "Mamamamama!" Then he gave the phone a big open mouth licky kiss! He is getting so big! He has four teeth now and is eating table foods. He also has a four or five word repertoire. Mama, Dada, buh-buh (that's what he calls the dog, Chappie, mostly referred to as "brother"), ccckkkkkk (cracker), and now Mamamama (me, grandma). I am so excited for the trip. Now only four days away!
That was Christmas Eve. Christmas Day we figured we wouldn't see DOS at all. But I made a Christmas brunch of quiche, cinnamon rolls, sausages, and salad. DOS and gf came over again! It was a nice brunch, then everyone kind of went their own ways to do their own thing. DH headed into GR to see his mom. I offered to go with; but he said he would rather visit her alone. That was also fine with me. DOS and GF headed out to walk some trails and get some pics of the big lake and beach. We found out later that THAT didn't go well as it was -11 with the high wind! Waves were huge; but couldn't stand in the wind to get a good pic. DYS and I shoveled the driveway, then came in and lounged around until dinner time. DOS and GF came back and we all headed out to see a movie. We saw The Last Jedi (again for me and DYS). He usually sees his Star Wars movies more than once, but DOS and GF had not seen it yet, so it was fun to watch it again and see them enjoy it.
We stopped at the Speedway (no restaurants open in our town) and got paninis and wraps for a late dinner and went back to the house and ate, drank and were merry. DH was actually pretty happy this Christmas because we had at least two of our kids with us. SO...all in all, it was a very good Christmas.
So wonderful to read how you all enjoyed yours by celebrating with family, friends, or just treating yourself to some quiet time.
Marcelyn - Holy cow! 22 stockings! I am thinking you probably didn't have time to take any pics; but if you did, please post! That must have been a HUGE party! That is what Christmas was like in my childhood home.
BArbie- Wow! You have some awesome knitting (or is that crochet?) skills! Enjoy wearing them!
Kim- Your gnomes turned out so cute! You are very talented!
Heather- Love the pics of the family! Your roulade looks like the Yule log (cake) that I make every year. (Okay, I just looked up roulade and it explains that it is a rolled dish and can be savory (like a meat) or sweet pastry dish).
Allie-Sorry your family celebrations were uncomfortable. I have been to a few of those. I think you took the wiser course of action. Leaving was much more merciful to yourself. So glad you have a furry guy to greet you and love you when you get home!

It is still snowing here today, although it may be more blowing than snowing. I just hope it stops before I have to fly out on Friday!

Sending love and hugs to all! ttfn xoxoxo KJ (Kelly)

KJLaMore

Karen VA- Olivia! She looks so happy!

grandmallie

Well I am debating to leave Alfie out of crate...have the living room gated off. But not that confident yet..

pipcd34

no workout yesterday or today (gym closed)

pipcd34

exermom wrote: »

pip - love that wine stopper. Where can I get one?

Karen in VA - how sweet!

Giving Jess LOTS of leftovers. Well, the fact is that I'll have to make another dinner when Denise and Pete come here. But it won't be as big. As a matter of fact, I have some crab cakes in the freezer that I was going to make for them, but we have enough from our Christmas that I'm just going to give them the leftovers.

Got lots of Lowes gift cards which is what I asked for. Jess and Colby got me knives (Jess keeps complaining that I don't have good knives), a book about cake decorating, some cat coasters, holiday earrings, just a few little things. All in all, very nice. It was nice of Colby to go out of his way to come here. But then again, if he didn't he'd probably be alone. But we love having him. He needs to be at work on Wed so he and Jess are planning to leave tomorrow

Just found out that Jess' interview is the 3rd. I was planning to use my laptop the Thurs. before to do a Body Pump DVD, but I guess I'll just do something at home. Not a big deal.

Vince wants to go see "The Last Jedi" either tomorrow or Wed before Denise gets here. I'll need to straighten up the house, but that won't take all that long. Not sure when we'll be going.

How I can't wait to get back to healthy eating tomorrow. Then I'll probably go somewhat off when Denise and Pete get here, but not as much as I have during the holiday.

Michele in NC

i'll ask kirby, was for christmas :0)

pipcd34

christmas was bearable, i had my moments of emotion but was mainly by myself or when i heard a certain song, it just triggered memories. it helped alot that kirby was off on the 24th and 25th. we didn't have a meal on the 25th at all, we just did something different and had appetizer kind of stuff. i probably ate like 2000 calories and no workout cuz the gym was closed. i didn't sweat it because i know i will i will eventually burn it off.

we didn't give each other much for christmas, we have all we need. he got us the airstream earrings one for each of us. he's been wearing his bicycle earring for years and just put the other one in the same hole. i was really excited about one gift and i'm anxious to see how good they work. waterproof socks! since i have to run 1/2 mi to work, sometimes its really wet and i have to air dry my socks or take an extra pair. i won't be able to wear my vibrams (5 finger running shoes) but i can wear my merrils (made by vibram). we'll see how they work. if they are good, kirby will get himself some.

coastalgosgal

Today's the drive from the coast to Vancouver/Portland area. It's going to be scary, but my husband will be driving and I shall be the best non-screaming support system I can be....
Becca
Oregon

pipcd34

old pic (before yogi came into the pic.

cityjaneLondon

KJ - The roulade recipe I use is a flour free chocolate meringue which you then roll around whipped cream. Yum! It freezes beautifully and I was able to transport it frozen and defrost it there. I used a Mary Berry recipe, but no sugar/honey in the cream. It's great if you have gluten free guests. The perfect make ahead dessert.

Back home now. Relaxing. DH upstairs watching football and I am about to take a nap on the sofa. Nothing much to do for tomorrow 's guests, but make a couple of beds. I need to know when they intend to arrive in the pm as I have a cake in the freezer I will ice if it's earlier. Otherwise we have Indian snacks with dips as an appetiser before the restaurant. So glad I booked it. For the following morning we have croissants and fresh fruit salad. Don't know if they are staying on for lunch, but I have homemade soup in the freezer and rolls, ham, cheese stuff and grilled artichokes.
Tonight will most likely be just scrambled eggs as we had a big lunch in Hove, eating up the leftovers. Including roulade!

Bea had a temperature today and a runny nose and was not at her best. So we will definitely catch it and be ill for New Year. Good job we haven’t got any commitments. We always catch something when we go down there!

Much love, Heather UK xxxxxxx

auntiebk

Is it correct to wish all a "Happy Boxing Day"?

Katla so happy for your dog's good progress! Your crocheted snowflake sounds like those a friend sent me decades ago, along with a crochete treetopping angel. The years (and pets) have taken their toll and the angel, though slightly off centered, is all that remains. Loved hearing about the uncommon pleasantness and niceness. 'tis the season!
Marcleyn 22?!? Glad cooking is shared duty, but cleanup? Ah they're in practice from every Sunday at Grandma's. You are blessed indeed.
Michele, doesn't Vince know about who-women-in-one-kitchen by now? Your solution to let her do the cooking was wisdom indeed Working out on less than 3 hrs sleep?
Kim love the variety in your gnomes. Sneaky Santa !
Lisa Love the surprise in Santa's face but the cat really makes it. Smart daughter, lucky grandchild.
Carol Surely those grandkids aren't as sweet and innocent as they look? :} Hoverboards? Really? Did you take video?
Barbie walking in the quiet of fresh snowfall is one of my favorite winter memories. If only it didn't turn to that treacherous ice!
Lenora "DDnL lost her temper and slapped at" your grandchild? For a breach of tact? Inexcusable. Sorry can't remember if you tried FB tech support, but believe FB accounts get hacked all the time, sending out false posts and friend requests. Same can happen to email accounts. I'd leave all other computers off until the problems are resolved, otherwise likely the problem will spread. Maybe a chronological list of when and on which device each symptom began would help communication with tech support? They can be soooo linear ;}
Margaret Love the Advent calendar, felt ornaments and the Nativity. Pink poinsettias, wow!
pip, love DH's ear ornaments, especially the trailer
Heather shirt sharing??? Or do you each have your own?
Becca love the "No I haven't seen any..."
Joyce I never watched the Hallmark Yule Log long enough to see the pig. Will next year. How nice of Charlie to record it for you!
Karen in VA "contribute to the grandchildren's college funds instead of buying a bunch of gifts" brilliant! And sometimes the token gift can be the best fun.
What a special moment. Stilton and port I can understand, but chocolate? It must have been an excellent port 20 years ago to be so delicious now. Good taste in wine and sons.
NYKaren so glad your travels were easy. lots of veg, no bread, sweets or wine and still had fun? Well done!
DJ " gotten over even trying to find him the perfect gift" good for you! I'm still struggling to give without expecting any recompense ;}

one more page to go, but it's time to break fast and get ready. Joe's taking the dogs and me to the beach. Hope it's not windy, 46F is a little cool for me... after all those years of December hights in the 20's hahahahahahahHAH!

Hugs to all,
Barbara, the Southern Oregon Coastie AHMOD.

pipcd34

..