what are you doing right now?

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Dec 24, 2023 22:06:45 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

Dec 24, 2023 22:01:17 GMT -5 The Walk of the Penguin Mich said:

Refrigerator temp is 40°.  The temp will drop down a few degrees tonight.  

It's 53 here!  First time we've not been able to keep the beer out on the deck for the Christmas Eve party because it was too warm.  Tomorrow is supposed to be even warmer. 

We had frost this morning, I nearly fell on my ass putting bird feed out this morning.  

[NoNamePerson]

Dec 24, 2023 22:06:45 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

Dec 24, 2023 22:01:17 GMT -5 The Walk of the Penguin Mich said:

Refrigerator temp is 40°.  The temp will drop down a few degrees tonight.  

It's 53 here!  First time we've not been able to keep the beer out on the deck for the Christmas Eve party because it was too warm.  Tomorrow is supposed to be even warmer. 

And it’s 64 at 10pm here!   But only gonna make 71. Won’t be leaving anything out to cool

[countrygirl2]

Hubs said in southern Indiana was 64 today, not the norm.

I decided to go ahead and make the mac and cheese and baked beans. Otherwise would be trying to use the oven in the morning for too many different items at different temps. I am going to try and get one of them in the fridge, the other in a cooler on the steps with some ice. It should hold it overnight I think.

Anyone ever made noodles with whole wheat flour? I'm out of white flour, may have to run next door in the morning to get some, I'm leery of making them when I want a good dinner. Would like to try them first for us before doing so on others.

[countrygirl2]

I apparently have a leak under my kitchen sink. I noticed it yesterday, so need to look into that. I'm sure its something I can tighten up and fix, just have to find it first. I'm not asking son as he is sick and noone wants to do stuff if he feels like I have.

Of course, if its really serious I will, but doubt it.

l made room in the fridge for the baked beans, put them in a smaller bowl. Will see if I can do the same with the mac and cheese. I have tasted things and nothing tastes good to me and is dry.  I guess that's what you get when you didn't feel that great, so likely seasoning is off.  I hope the turkey will be good, since its a Butterball I'm hopeful, they are always tasty and juicy and not dry. This oven seems to cook hotter than mine and I don't have a oven temp gauge here, so can't tell if its correct.

Well everything is done I intended to do today so about ready to go to bed. Will hit the alarm for 8 in the morning so I can get the turkey on. I will add the dressing about an hour later. It says for this weight 3 to 4 hours of baking at 325, but will watch it closely to see it doesn't get dried out.  It's 13 pounds so about mid range on that time. Put aluminum foil on it about 3/4's done.

So night all, I'm about ready to hit the sack tonight. Am sure in better shape than last night, that was brutal.

[finnime]

Good morning, frolicking invisipeeps, celebrating the holiday by cooking and riding hoverboards. Welcome to Monday, Christmas Day if you're observant in a traditionally christian way. I hope your day is easy and joyful, and that peace reigns in your home.

Today I need to make the dough for dinner rolls and the mashed sweet potatoes. DD, DH and I will be having blueberry Swedish pancakes and bacon for breakfast, then opening presents later in the morning. Off to DSis's about noon along with Franklin the Dog. Need to make a list of what I'm bringing or I'm sure to forget the drinks or cookies or something.

The Christmas Eve service at the UU church we go to was lovely. We ended with candles lit, singing Silent Night. Before that we went out for Chinese food and opened stockings. DH was charmed by the 7 various flashlights in his. I got Christmas slippers, Jelly Bellies and a needed can opener. Was good.

The morning was so heavily overcast yesterday that it was pitch black 30 minutes before dawn was due. I kept checking the time, thinking it might have been an hour earlier than it was. I took this shot across the water to the city lights gleaming:

[Opti]

Dec 25, 2023 1:07:27 GMT -5 countrygirl2 said:

Hubs said in southern Indiana was 64 today, not the norm.

I decided to go ahead and make the mac and cheese and baked beans. Otherwise would be trying to use the oven in the morning for too many different items at different temps. I am going to try and get one of them in the fridge, the other in a cooler on the steps with some ice. It should hold it overnight I think.

Anyone ever made noodles with whole wheat flour? I'm out of white flour, may have to run next door in the morning to get some, I'm leery of making them when I want a good dinner. Would like to try them first for us before doing so on others.

CG2, I've only used whole wheat flout for bread and cookies. You could try googling whole wheat flour noodles and see what comes up on the Internet. Too much wheat aggravates my body personally, so I don't use it anymore. I used to use whole wheat pastry flour for some things, and I think King Arthur or Red Mill might carry a white pastry flour that includes rice flour. 

[Opti]

Up earlier than expected, but I think I did not hydrate enough yesterday. Many goals for today mostly household stuff like finally make the salmon cakes, more laundry, and needed paperwork. Might even work on Christmas cards or a Christmas letter. Being underfunded I haven't sent Xmas cards regularly in decades so I don't strive to get them out like I used to. Also I find before Halloween through New Years to be exhausting in the jobs I've had in the last two decades. Coverage is crap for the holidays as those who can take time off do so lots of working sick and unhappy. 

Thankfully New Year's is coming but that also means I have to figure out how to visit Dad with my BFF's help. It will be tricky as our office is down to three regulars.

[zibazinski]

Christmas Eve was pleasant enough. Found out DIL had a miscarriage earlier this month so there’s two of us faking happy faces. DS told me while we were walking their dog. DS doesn’t care about having a baby or not so he just picks up the pieces. At least there’s no pressure on her to procreate. I just wish she’d tried when she was ten years younger. 42 is a tough time to decide you want a baby. I’m spending the night then having Christmas morning with them. Then I’ll go home and they’ll go to another gathering. DD is working of course but she gets $2500 for working the holiday weekend instead of the person assigned to work it. So she’s not too unhappy about it.

[daisylu]

Had a wonderful evening with the kids and ILs last night.  Morning will be lake back. DH will work a little on building his tree stand, while I make crab dip for my parents this afternoon. The store did not have any cooked baguettes and the bag does not have baking instructions, so that should be fun. 

Merry Christmas to those who celebrate! 

[daisylu]

Dec 25, 2023 6:54:32 GMT -5 zibazinski said:

Christmas Eve was pleasant enough. Found out DIL had a miscarriage earlier this month so there’s two of us faking happy faces. DS told me while we were walking their dog. DS doesn’t care about having a baby or not so he just picks up the pieces. At least there’s no pressure on her to procreate. I just wish she’d tried when she was ten years younger. 42 is a tough time to decide you want a baby. I’m spending the night then having Christmas morning with them. Then I’ll go home and they’ll go to another gathering. DD is working of course but she gets $2500 for working the holiday weekend instead of the person assigned to work it. So she’s not too unhappy about it.

Sorry for the loss.

[Opti]

Dec 25, 2023 6:54:32 GMT -5 zibazinski said:

Christmas Eve was pleasant enough. Found out DIL had a miscarriage earlier this month so there’s two of us faking happy faces. DS told me while we were walking their dog. DS doesn’t care about having a baby or not so he just picks up the pieces. At least there’s no pressure on her to procreate. I just wish she’d tried when she was ten years younger. 42 is a tough time to decide you want a baby. I’m spending the night then having Christmas morning with them. Then I’ll go home and they’ll go to another gathering. DD is working of course but she gets $2500 for working the holiday weekend instead of the person assigned to work it. So she’s not too unhappy about it.

Sorry for your loss. Will she consider adoption if she really wants a child?  Tough time to have a miscarriage with all the people buying gifts for babies and children. 

[Opti]

On a lighter note, since its now officially winter I need to look into thin base layers. Years ago when WinterSilks was still a viable company I used to buy what I needed at most once a year on sale. Now I do not know who to try. I used to buy ones with stretch lace on the bottom or tapered. Any suggestions of places to look?

[susana1954]

I had my first glimpse at what dementia in myself might look like.  Of course, I won't know when it happens so there's that.

I had taken all my presents to my daughter's and was handing out packages, all the same size except an envelope with money for the oldest.  A couple had two, one large and one small.  So I get to my oldest granddaughter and I panic because there's nothing left in the box I brought them in.  I am holding her small present but where is the large one?  I start apologizing, telling her it must be still at my house but it is . . . I don't know what it is.  It turns out that it is Apple airpods and only Apple airpods so they are in the small present that I am holding.  And I didn't remember because I didn't buy them.  My daughter did, and I just wrote a check for the things she bought.  Everything else had to be put in boxes but this didn't.  I just wrapped it without paying attention to what was in the box.  I knew I had bought her airpods, but it didn't really registered.

So it wasn't dementia at all.  But I now know what that absolute bewilderment feels like when people ask you questions that you feel like you ought to know the answer to, but you just don't.  

It was actually scary for that minute.

[gacpa]

Opti,

Look at a brand called "Cuddle Duds".  Also look at Land's End or that other winter gear store whose name escapes me at the moment.  Oh yeah, L. L. Bean.

[giramomma]

Dec 25, 2023 6:54:32 GMT -5 zibazinski said:

Christmas Eve was pleasant enough. Found out DIL had a miscarriage earlier this month so there’s two of us faking happy faces. DS told me while we were walking their dog. DS doesn’t care about having a baby or not so he just picks up the pieces. At least there’s no pressure on her to procreate. I just wish she’d tried when she was ten years younger. 42 is a tough time to decide you want a baby. I’m spending the night then having Christmas morning with them. Then I’ll go home and they’ll go to another gathering. DD is working of course but she gets $2500 for working the holiday weekend instead of the person assigned to work it. So she’s not too unhappy about it.

Fertility is so  random at that age.

One of the things I felt badly about is SIL's eggs were done, and they had to use donor eggs with IVF. Meanwhile, I already had three kids and I got knocked up (easily) with the missy.

[NoNamePerson]

Dec 25, 2023 8:38:27 GMT -5 gacpa said:

Opti,

Look at a brand called "Cuddle Duds".  Also look at Land's End or that other winter gear store whose name escapes me at the moment.  Oh yeah, L. L. Bean.

I was going to recommend Cuddle Duds too. I bought some for a planned trip to South Dakota on the off chance I might need them. No need for them in my neck of the woods. I referred to them as my Dakota Duds but they did the job as it turned cold a few day before we were to leave and started to snow.

[jerseygirl]

Down to DGS and me for Christmas. Rest are sick. Little DGD woke up really sick so that family can’t come also
So we’re going to try for MLK weekend Christmas
DGS and I made chocolate chip cookies last night - breakfast!!

[NoNamePerson]

Dec 25, 2023 8:59:42 GMT -5 giramomma said:

Dec 25, 2023 6:54:32 GMT -5 zibazinski said:

Christmas Eve was pleasant enough. Found out DIL had a miscarriage earlier this month so there’s two of us faking happy faces. DS told me while we were walking their dog. DS doesn’t care about having a baby or not so he just picks up the pieces. At least there’s no pressure on her to procreate. I just wish she’d tried when she was ten years younger. 42 is a tough time to decide you want a baby. I’m spending the night then having Christmas morning with them. Then I’ll go home and they’ll go to another gathering. DD is working of course but she gets $2500 for working the holiday weekend instead of the person assigned to work it. So she’s not too unhappy about it.

Fertility is so  random at that age.

One of the things I felt badly about is SIL's eggs were done, and they had to use donor eggs with IVF. Meanwhile, I already had three kids and I got knocked up (easily) with the missy.

My DIL's sister didn't think she could get pg. Well, she gave birth at 43 to the only grandchild between the sisters since my son and DIL decided they were not going to have children. But boy are they the uber aunt and uncle and I'm the faux grandmother.  No other siblings on either side to fill in with grands.  Not like we haven't spoiled her

Lord she will be 16 in January. 

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

We got snow. Not a lot and it's a sleet mix but there is white stuff on the ground.

It counts.

[cooper88]

I'm really wishing I had prepped some cinnamon rolls last night. It's okay, though. I'm thinking waffles with cinnamon will hit the spot.

[jerseygirl]

Only DGS and I here for Christmas. We’re going to try for Christmas on MLK weekend.
Anyone know how long a ham will last in frig? It’s 12 lbs
Also have 4 dozen pierogis, think I can freeze some
NOT a holly jolly Christmas this year


Just looked at ham, good till Feb 15 2024 So good for a MLK Christmas

[giramomma]

Dec 25, 2023 10:07:08 GMT -5 cooper88 said:

I'm really wishing I had prepped some cinnamon rolls last night. It's okay, though. I'm thinking waffles with cinnamon will hit the spot.

If you were closer, I would have shared.

[giramomma]

Dec 25, 2023 8:24:53 GMT -5 susana1954 said:

I had my first glimpse at what dementia in myself might look like.  Of course, I won't know when it happens so there's that.

I had taken all my presents to my daughter's and was handing out packages, all the same size except an envelope with money for the oldest.  A couple had two, one large and one small.  So I get to my oldest granddaughter and I panic because there's nothing left in the box I brought them in.  I am holding her small present but where is the large one?  I start apologizing, telling her it must be still at my house but it is . . . I don't know what it is.  It turns out that it is Apple airpods and only Apple airpods so they are in the small present that I am holding.  And I didn't remember because I didn't buy them.  My daughter did, and I just wrote a check for the things she bought.  Everything else had to be put in boxes but this didn't.  I just wrapped it without paying attention to what was in the box.  I knew I had bought her airpods, but it didn't really registered.

So it wasn't dementia at all.  But I now know what that absolute bewilderment feels like when people ask you questions that you feel like you ought to know the answer to, but you just don't.  

It was actually scary for that minute.

I can see how that would be scary. And so frustrating.  

[giramomma]

It is 9:30, and Christmas is done. Presents opened, food consumed. Now, just waiting until dinner. 

[andi9899]

Getting ready to start cooking soon. Currently watching DWTS. I kinda spaced it and am catching up. I need to go to the ATM and get the cash for my parents for Christmas. I sent everyone else's through venmo or cashapp.

[busymom]

Merry Christmas Everyone!  We set a heat record here yesterday of 54 degrees, and had rain instead of snow with it.  We're expecting more rain today.  I don't miss shoveling, but now I'm mopping the kitchen floor daily, as both dogs are dragging dirt into the house.  It's always something...  


At our house we open gifts Christmas Eve, and hand out the stockings on Christmas Day.  It's been so busy here that we didn't even open any gifts last night.  But, we'll do it as soon as DS finishes his breakfast.

[Opti]

Dec 24, 2023 22:06:45 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

Dec 24, 2023 22:01:17 GMT -5 The Walk of the Penguin Mich said:

Refrigerator temp is 40°.  The temp will drop down a few degrees tonight.  

It's 53 here!  First time we've not been able to keep the beer out on the deck for the Christmas Eve party because it was too warm.  Tomorrow is supposed to be even warmer. 

Its warm here too for the highs. Had no idea MN was getting that warm. Glad its no rain expected for today. Might trim back the garden beds especially the bushes. We had a moist year, I wonder if any of the trees will make into next year. There is even moss on the tree in the garden bed which really should go. Too big and its roots are probably attacking the foundation. My fave Maple looks like it needs a lot of trimming and might need to come down in the next year or two. 

The joys of more water than average and I guess less freezing?

[wvugurl26]

I wanted to have cinnamon rolls this morning but I didn't get the dough made yesterday before we went to DH's parents. Turns out I barely had enough bread flour for a double batch of rolls for today's dinner so it worked out.

Green beans are cooking. I need to whip up a small batch of lemon cupcakes. It's my BIL's birthday today.

Debating on macarons for my niece but that might be pushing it too far.

I wish my brother would come to dinner but probably not happening.

At least it's over after today. I'd like to come up with our own stuff but no room for that when we have to go to DH's parents two days in a row.

[lurkyloo]

Merry Christmas to all who celebrate, and a most extraordinary Monday to those who don’t  

Spent Saturday in a frenzy of baking, cleaning and wrapping, and Sunday finishing up those efforts.  Five batches of cookies (chocolate chip-oatmeal, rolled/cut-out, whoopie pies, jam logs and Linzer cookies), pretzel rolls and yeasted cinnamon rolls.  Presents are opened with a later round set for Grandma and Grandpa’s, turkey is brining, lasagna in the oven for lunch and about to start a round of cranberry jelly.  There will be an additional frenzy of cooking toward late afternoon.  I tapped out of baking a dessert and went with a chocolate bumpy cake, to general acclaim.

I have a sneaking suspicion the in laws would mostly prefer a prime rib as per their family tradition but when you assign holiday dinner catering duties to the vegetarian and the 10 yo you get what you get and you don’t get upset.    

[lurkyloo]

Dec 25, 2023 10:07:08 GMT -5 cooper88 said:

I'm really wishing I had prepped some cinnamon rolls last night. It's okay, though. I'm thinking waffles with cinnamon will hit the spot.

Come on over, we have extras   And super strong coffee!