OurDailyThread » ODT SUNDAY DECEMBER 21 ~ SAT DECEMBER 27

tricia-anne · 12/02/2025 1:52 am

Happy Christmas everyone

tricia-anne · 12/21/2025 1:51 am

I didn't think I had started the thread for this week, finally found it.

It's been very hot - again - but the temp did drop mid afternoon to high 80s, so a bit better, it was 100+ by noon. it wasn't expected to change so early LOL those forecasters, can't seem to get it right

We went to the mall again today, got there early, and were home by 11, then I went to the local one to get a book for Megan (and me as well LOL ) and picked up milk and evaporated milk and jelly (the powder kind you make into jelly).
I made a sort of dessert, so the Mr is happy, you just make the jelly with 1 cup boiling water and cool till it goes syrupy, then beat the can of (well chilled ) evaporated milk and add the syrupy jelly, keep beating and it turns thick and then set in the fridge. Not bad, except the jelly had already started to set solid, beat it up a bit and it wasn't too bad.

I have started to wrap gifts, not too many this year, I need to get a card for John for his birthday, and I have cash to add to it, with the computer game he wanted as well
I think we went into every mens wear today looking for t-shirts for both boys, finally found one for each of them, they should have come with us, but didn't want to, they are fussy these days, gone are the days when I could buy them 3 shirts each and they were happy
And it was so hot in the mall, I don't think the a/c was on early, the centre usually doesn't open till 10 on Sundays, but was open early today, we noticed it was cooler after 10, maybe it's set automatically, and they don't change it for one day, but it was already so hot outside, we were both feeling it.

We had leftovers tonight, and the dessert, the dishwasher already packed, and the kitchen cleaned.

DEVONNE thanks for the info, I will look it up. I cleaned houses for a bit years ago, one client had tons and tons of ornaments, I was so anxious cleaning that house, they were quite valuable, I didn't want to replace broken ornaments at $400 +

SANDRA good idea on the food, so glad the power wasn't out long. Enjoy your visit with Matt (((hugs)))

HOLLY I will be looking forward to longer nights LOL, as long as they are cooler as well!!

I am so glad the cards are arriving, I was late this year, just a little summer to put on your shelf, hopefully they will all get there before Christmas!

Going back to finish the wrapping, last yoga tomorrow and then training on Tuesday and then a break till Sat. I want to get the sheets done tomorrow, and probably towels, too hot to do it today, I did do a load of clothes, they were dry in less than 40 mins - took longer for the machine wash, and would have taken longer in the dryer.

Missmommy · 12/21/2025 7:03 am

This year was anything but normal. I did not send cards except for money cards to the grands and DD. Please forgive me, I’ll do better next year. 😞
I was working on an applique block yesterday. Some of the pieces are so tiny I don’t know how I will be able to machine applique them….like Birds Eye’s and beaks? Maybe I’ll embroider them? Any thoughts?

Last edited by tricia-anne (12/22/2025 3:33 am)

WA-BJ · 12/21/2025 11:27 am

Good Morning, it is a beautiful day here. The sun is in and out, but that's okay. I really don't have a thing to say this morning and I am ready to take my shower, so will sign off, wishing you all well, BJ.

Last edited by tricia-anne (12/22/2025 3:34 am)

Holly in South Jersey · 12/21/2025 1:49 pm

Janet, maybe the stuff that’s sticky on both sides? Or embroidery, as you said.

We just had lunch with F and C, Mission Barbecue this time. It’s only 5 miles away, and traffic is just ridiculous. It’s windy, and 43 out.

I haven’t been in the sewing room in a few days, just haven’t felt like it. I’ve been reading, and crocheting.

DownSouth · 12/21/2025 3:46 pm

Greg and Carter are on the way...they are coming late just to visit.

Sandra is having computer problems...may not be able to make it here.

I rearranged my living room. I just love it! It looks more cozy.

quiltbea · 12/21/2025 3:50 pm

READER'S DIGEST......
1. AT THE START OF HER KINDERGARTEN CLASS MY FRIEND DTOLD HER STUDENTS, "I THINK WE'LL BE INSIDE AT RECESS TODAY, BECAUSE IT WAS RAINING ON MY WAY TO WORK."
THAT PROMPTED ONE OF HER STUDENTS TO RAISE HIS HAND AND ASK, "WHERE DO YOU WORK?"

I KNOW I'M LATE TODAY. SORRY. THANK YOU DEVONNE FOR LETTING THEM ALL KNOW. I APPRECIATE IT.
MY SON SHOPPED, WE CHATTED AND ATE LUNCH, THEN DAUGHTER AND GRDAU CAME OVER. ITALIANS SANDWICHES CAME IN HANDY SINCE I WAS NOT EXPECTING MORE COMPAY. BUSY MORNING AND EARLY AFTERNOON.
THEN WHEN I TRIED TO OPEN MY COMPUTER, I HAD TO RESTART THE DARN THING AGAIN. THAT ALONE TAKES 45 MINS.

IT SURE IS NICE TO SEE FAMILY. AND TO GET SOME GOODIES. MY DAU BROUGHT ME XMAS CRACK MADE WITH GRAHAM CRACKERS. TOO MANY FOR JUST ME SO I WILL SHARE WITH OTHERS HERE.

NOTHING MUCH TO REPORT. USUAL DAY FOR ME. GOT MY LAPS IN AND THEN CLEANED MY BATHROOM, JUST IN TIME FOR COMPANY. BOTH WILL BE BACK WITH THEIR KIDS ON XMAS EVE DAY. I HOPE TO HAVE SOME SNOWBALL COOKIES AND MORE BUNDIES MADE BY THEN.

HAVE A GOOD DAY. HUGS, QB S

Last edited by quiltbea (12/21/2025 3:52 pm)

Chlynn1129 · 12/21/2025 4:38 pm

Nothing much to say here either. I did not send out any cards either. Maybe next year...

Dean pulled a muscle in his neck while lifting weights in the gym. He is grumpy. He does not tolerate pain or discomfort well. Now he does not want any supper. OK, I will fix a sandwich and be done.

I made a batch of chocolate peppermint cookies and a batch of toll house chocolate chip. Tomorrow I will make the no-bake cookies and peanut butter fudge. Then Amelia and I will make cut out sugar cookies to decorate. Finally, Christmas Crack, and I will be done with the sweets.

tricia-anne · 12/22/2025 3:28 am

What is the expression "stick a fork in me, I'm done"

My gifts are wrapped, food shopping is done, just need to cook it. House is clean, and linens all washed.

I think I'm ready. Won't take long to do the cooking, just cook the turkey, make salads, and prepare the sweet things.

We will visit with his sister on Christmas morning, she is not happy she isn't coming here, but accepted it. there is an outbreak of covid in the facility, not her wing, but enough concern to make sure all visitors wear N95 masks.

John's birthday tomorrow, he will be 20 YIKES, you all remember when he was born, how did we all get so much older

JANET I understand not being on track this year, I have made efforts to keep on track, some successful others not so much, if you could see my sewing room you would be horrified!!

SANDRA so nice you get to see the family, don't wear yourself out cooking for them, just a small treat, and enjoy the company, I know you like to give to them, but let them give to you too.

DEVONNE enjoy the visit with Greg & Carter, also to you, don't wear yourself out moving furniture!!

CHERYL getting the sweet treats takes time, the weather is against us here, still hot, just not as hot as last few days, they were brutal. So glad to get a bit less heat today, The A/C is still on though, But I will turn it off soon So sorry about Dean, hope he feels better son, they are not the beat patients are they,

the Mr has a sore foot, he thinks plantar faciatis, no Dr of course, but all his bowling friends have solutions, one even suggested support stockings, honestly, it's a foot problem, not swelling or circulation. He needs to rest it, but will he, NOPE, tried to get a Drs appt, but NOPE he wants to play bowls tomorrow - so he's on his own, this has been happening for months on and off.

INDY hope you have a wonderful time with Andrew, you will so enjoy his company, and ML will love having him home. Hope you got the truck fixed

I am tired tonight, didn't get much sleep last night, tuned the air off, and shouldn't have, thought it was just me, but I tossed and turned all night, Megan said she was the same, she was waiting up for John he had gone out and she was to pick him up (around 1am ). Then she had to be up by just after 5am for training. So she is feeling fragile today, she has her training tomorrow at 7am and mine is 9.30, last sessions before the big day!

We sorted out all the gifts we bought, I got her a book she wanted, and also one for me, we got all the other gifts together, turns out we pretty much have equal bills, so no need to sort out finances, we usually do all the shopping, and then we figure out who paid for what, and "balance our books"

This time we were only such a little out we didn't bother, she says I have bought so much food that it makes up the balance

It's only us for dinner tomorrow night, Scott & Cathy have been strange, and cancelled the camping trip with them, they usually come for dinner for birthdays, shame, hopefully they can recover the friendship, but Cathy isn't interested at the moment. All over something so silly that adults shouldn't even worry about.

I want to go to bed, but it's still a bit early, I'll find a book and read till it's bed time!

tricia-anne · 12/22/2025 3:33 am

I forgot, JANET I have a similar problem, such a small piece to machine applique, I am practicing doing a tiny straight stitch (1.5 on the Pfaff) and raw edge the piece. It's a tiny circle less than 1/4" diameter. Way too small to do my normal stitch, but if I can keep it on the very edge I am sure it will work out. It has vliesofix on it so should be stable enough to do, and I use tear away on the back of the block to add stability as well.

Missmommy · 12/22/2025 7:51 am

Trish- all good tips. I use SoftFuse…no longer available but I have lots of it for raw edge applique. I’ve decided to embroider the Birds Eye’s. Will practice with the beaks.
Sadly , my favorite Pfaff is being to have old age issues. I have a brand new new Bernina and Pfaff but have never used them…so many “whistles and Bells”. I will probably take my smaller Janome to retreat. Not my first choice but it has been reliable.
DH has been in one of his moods since yesterday morning. You’d think that he would be in a better mood with his new truck sitting out there? He hasn’t been in it since he brought it home. There definitely something wrong with this man. 🤷‍♀️
I’ve told you before, he lives in the land of regret.
Trish my sewing room is a mess as well. I have 3 projects going at the same time. Some has spilled over into the loft just to get it out of the way. Good thing I keep most of my retreat stuff together. I have doubles of most everything set aside for just retreats.

quiltbea · 12/22/2025 9:37 am

READER'S DIGEST........
1. THE LISSER ART MUSEUM IN THE NETHERLANDS DISPLAYED TWO METICULOUSLY PAINTED EMPTY BEER CANS BY FRENCH ARTIST ALEXANDRE LAVET. THE ARTIST'S WEBSITE CALLED IT A TRIBUTE TO A FAMILIAR OBJECT THAT "BRINGS PEOPLE AND FRIENDS TOGETHER." BUT AN ELEVATOR TECHNICIAN DISAGREED. THINKING IT TRASH, HE THREW THE CANS OUT.

ITS SUNNY AND COLD AGAIN TODAY. HAVE TO EXPECT IT FOR DECEMBER. WE MAY GET SNOW XMAS EVE DAY.

I PLAN TO MAKE MYSELF SOME BUNDIES TODAY AND MAYBE EVEN THOSE SNOWBALL COOKIES. OUR SMOKE ALARMS WENT OFF LOUDLY THIS MORNING. I WAS ALREADY UP AND ABOUT SO IT WAS FINE. THEY STOPPED IN A FEW MINUTES. I THINK SOMEONE MUST HAVE BURNED THEIR TOAST. WELL, IT GOT A FEW LATE SLEEPERS OUT AND ABOUT IN A HURRY.
NO BIG PLANS FOR ME TODAY. STAY SAFE AND WARM. HUGS, QB S

Last edited by quiltbea (12/22/2025 9:38 am)

WA-BJ · 12/22/2025 10:49 am

Good Morning to everyone!! No sun today, but the sky is light blue with some white clouds, really quite pretty!! The flag is barely moving, but it is fairly pretty. Really I don't have a thing to say this morning, so will say Good Morning and hope you all have a wonderful day. BJ.

1

WA-BJ · 12/22/2025 10:51 am

Good Morning to everyone, hope you all have a really nice day, BJ.

Holly in South Jersey · 12/22/2025 11:51 am

We checked in as soon as the Haircuttery opened at 9, and headed over there. If the stylists would stop talking, they could get us out of there so much faster! But I got a trim, and he just got it cleaned up around his ears- he’s still growing it out to donate. From there we went across the street to Aldi, I got what I needed to make a Christmas salad and some other things.

It’s sunny but cold, 37. Chance of a flurry tomorrow morning.

Add me to the tornado hit sewing rooms! Semi organized chaos describes it well.

Dinner will be leftovers from Mission Barbecue.

indyanny · 12/22/2025 3:33 pm

Holly, Mission BBQ is where my grandson, Zakk's girlfriend works. As a liaison between Mission and all the vets, firefighters and police they provide food for. She had a much more sophisticated description than that. Anyway it's an interesting job and since she's quite shy, the speaking to them part has brought her out of much of her shyness which she admitted, yesterday.

We had a wonderful time at ML's. We went with a Mexican food menu, skinny tortilla soup, corn casserole, a yummy mixture to eat with tortilla chips and several desserts. I made one: puff pastry squares pressed into a mini muffin tin with pumpin filling and then baked for a short time. They were just okay. A bit bland tasting compared to the other desserts. She didn't do her usual surprise Santa gifts, but instead, we each randomly pulled a yarn string attached to a bow and got the gift with the same color bow on it. Mine was green Tabasco sauce and Howard's was Nutella. The best one was biker pictures of Danny put all over a pr. of sock which corresponded with the bow Zakk's g.f. picked. Pam traded with her and put the socks on. Lots of merry laughs over that! We always have to get together early, never on Christmas Eve or Day because the other in-laws "insistences" have always taken precedence. When David and Rita were part of it, both her mother and Pam's were baracudas about that, so... But, if that's the only thing to complain about, we're blessed. So many folks are dealing with unbearable loss.

Andrew and ML are on their way here after some errands in town. He is interested in my antique furniture and we are going to catalog it so he knows where it came from as best I can remember. At some point, if and when we might need to make a house change, this will be done because there is no one else who wants any of it. Both Howard and I are on board with this as we've wondered what will happen to our stuff. They're also picking me up a lb. of hamburger and 2 pork chops at Beef Mart! And another tin of popped popcorn for the large family next door. ML already got me one and I was surprised at how much smaller it is than last year's. There at 9 in that family and while buying two points that up, only one would only be a taste per person. It's a bit awkward but I can't think of anything else. They gave us a pumpkin roll a few weeks ago with a card, same as last year so I hope popcorn, again is okay. The kids tucked right into it (last year) and seemed to love it...

So, I'd better go. The house is truly a mess and I wasn't expecting anyone today. I thought Andrew was staying the whole two weeks he's off work, but he wants to spend next week at his apt. finishing up from moving in and doing some cooking ahead to freeze for busy season, so won't be here then to do this.
Indy

DownSouth · 12/22/2025 7:41 pm

Good luck, ladies, in making those small bird eyes and beaks. I would probably practice first on scrap fabric, lol.

Greg got his first delivery order from Walmart via a drone! Yes, a drone delivery! They tell you if what you are ordering is too heavy. Yesterday, for a trial run, they sent him a free candy cane. Today he ordered drinks and snacks and two drones made the delivery. It's only available at select stores right now... not my store yet.

Tomorrow I will fix my Ritz cracker treats, peanut butter fudge and maybe one more thing. Greg told me he could tell I've lost weight. That's the best compliment ever to someone on a diet, lol. I did have my first gain today...darn it!

I went to Walmart this evening to get groceries and mostly to walk. I ended up getting more gift cards and a gift for E for their new house.

Last edited by DownSouth (12/22/2025 7:42 pm)

tricia-anne · 12/22/2025 11:18 pm

Good grief DEVONNE I have never heard of anything like it, LOL just wait till the first one drops on someone, they must be quite strong, my groceries I can only handle 2 bags at a time, and my order is often 8

SANDRA I do hope you have a happy visit, and the power stays on for you to get your food done. Those darn toasters, most apartments here have signs n to turn on the overhead exhaust fans in the kitchen before using them, guess they have had a few call outs, here it's over $1000 to cal out for something like that.

JANET good luck, I have a few pieces cut out ready to practice on. they are so tiny the machine wats to eat them, have the single needle plate on, and that help

INDY sorry your darling isn't staying longer, but enjoy while you can, the popcorn sounds perfect, you can never go wrong with food and kids.So nice to know your furniture will be loved

Did my training, had my hair trimmed, only been a few weeks, but we had to move things around b because of the cruise time, then it was so early for my Christmas cut, she's away till mid January, so I needed to get a trim, I usually get it cut every 5 weeks or so.

I made the Christmas crack, did it a bit different, realised I had 2 trays that would do 1/2 the mix, then thought I was being adventurous, having to divide the mix between the trays, so soup ladle to the rescue, turns out my soup label is about 3 "dips" LOL

It feels funny to have everything done, out to dinner tonight for John, it will be nice to relax without worrying about 'stuff to do' although I might have to leave the turkey out of the fridge tomorrow for a bit, does't feel thawed enough, but still another day to go

Attaching pics of my 2 trays of Crack, just 6 large Saladas in each tray, whilte chocolate and dark chocolate, instead of the usual 12 Saladas[img] [/img]

Last edited by tricia-anne (12/22/2025 11:19 pm)

tricia-anne · 12/22/2025 11:20 pm

No idea what's wrong but I can't make it bigger, sorry!!
I can this post though, must be something about the pics added

DownSouth · 12/23/2025 10:03 am

Trish, I clicked on your pictures and it enlarges them on my laptop. Looks yummy! I guess Saladas means crackers in Australia. I think it means a salad here in the US.

Sandra said she probably won't make it here today. Like all of us, she has a lot to do.

The weather is still saying 71 on Christmas Day. Definitely not normal temps for this time of the year. It gets colder Sunday, especially the night temps.

I'll be making my goodies later this evening. I don't want them to be here all day to tempt me, lol.