It is Christmas Day, and I am invited to a local "do".
Third Generation, the restaurant that has the best fried chicken in a town filled with places that cook and serve fried chicken, is hosting a private Christmas dinner today at 2:30 p.m.
Friday at lunch when I was in there to get my weekly serving of catfish, grits and whatnot, I was invited by the owner to join select staff and patrons in said dinner.
I was honored they asked and assured her I would be there if circumstances allowed. As of this minute, I shall go. A lot will depend upon how I feel closer to the dinner time, but I think I will be all right.
Happily, the drama never unfolded although the generator of the drama did show up. She did not eat any of the food we had, but she kept herself quiet and congenial. The drama that did not happen was alleviated by the husband (my cousin Chad) who had spent the afternoon with her and the children at her grandmother's house. She had earlier told him he could not bring his two daughters to Debra's house for dinner. Courtney, his wife, uses her children with him to hurt him whenever she feels like doing so.
Whatever transpired, she behaved herself through the course of the evening and we were all grateful for that.
Good morning, all!
Yesterday was the second day in a week I've had no health issues. After spending most of the morning and afternoon wrestling with litter boxes, litter mats, the vacuum, a mop, and tubs of water-Pine sol, my legs by 4:30 no longer wanted to work. A slow crawl for the bathroom when I needed a mad dash was definitely out of the question.
I don't know about that one, DR elmore3003. Thanks for the heads up.
I think I'd like to read a biography of Dickens.
.
I have started a biography of conductor Thomas Schippers.
I think I'd like to read a biography of Dickens.
It seems there are quite a lot. How to decide?
All of last night's TV programming was of little interest to me except that one channel was airing "Love, Actually" back to back.
I know I saw it when it was first out on home video. I don't remember what I thought of it other than Emma Thompson turning in a splendid performance.
For weeks now, I have been reading FB comments by people who adore the film and could not wait to see it during the holidays. I did not remember it being particularly "holiday-ish", but yes...it does have a Christmas theme to some of it.
Folks seem divided into two camps: Those who adore the film and those who do not. I agree with them.
I watched a couple of hours of it last night (could not stay awake for the ending, but recorded it for later). Some of it came back to me, and I guess I remember the bits I thought were very good and forgot the parts that didn't click for me.
Oddly, it probably resonates better now that I'm some 20 years older. Emma Thompson is still superb. Even the characters that did not impress me initially made more sense to me.
I am not convinced it's one of the great Christmas-themed "must-sees" for me, but it's interesting enough to watch once in a while.
I find it amusing that Hugh Grant, in his "Wonka" interviews, expresses disdain for that film and his part in it as an Oompa Loompa. And he has also chimed in about how much he disliked making "Love, Actually' and the dance he had to do in it. That dance is what most folks remember about his performance, but Grant seems determined to express sardonic disdain for things he should take a bit of pride in.
Singdaw, will you have ginger cats at your gingerbread house?
It is nearly six hours later than when I first posted, and I am happy to report that I was able to use my CPAP and sleep soundly during that time.
Getting ample sleep is of utmost importance, is it not!
I hope that today is better in all ways for MR BK.
Sad to read the articles that DR IRIS posted about Goodreads.
Back in the wild and wooly days of the inner web....there was a site called Epinions that one could join and then posts reviews of movies, DVDs, books, and products.
I think you were paid one penny for each "read" your reviews got. I did a lot of DVD reviews.
I think I earned about $30 total in the first six months or so.
Then I posted a review of the DVD Mae West's last movie Sextette, and I just mentioned that while her personality had still worked in Myra Breckenridge - that here it was sad to watch....
At that point some man joined Epinions specifically to say horrible things about me and my review and then went to ALL my reviews and wrote terrible things and gave me ONE STAR, etc. - the usual actions.
And looking at his profile you could see he wrote NO reviews of his own nor did he comment on any other reviews on the site.
Some people have too much time on their hands.
Elmore, I saw this cat massager story and had to think of your kitties.
https://paradepets.com/cats/head-massager-cat-cafe
Definitely feeling better except for the clogged up pipe thing. May have to get a laxative of some sort tomorrow.
Just finished putting out Santa’s haul for the younglings. Very nervewracking getting everything from garage to tree without any plan for if one of them woke up. Had to also eat cookies and milk for Santa. So that’s all done.
(https://happybirthdayall.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Merry-Christmas-Gif-6-min.gif)
Today, the family and Shelly are going to my sister's. My niece's other grandma and aunt and uncle will be joining. We'll just have some finger foods and desserts, I think. No formal (or even formal-ish) sit down dinner. Just a lot of nothing and chatting.
It is early here in Johnston SC. It is 4:33a.m. and I am up because I cannot use my CPAP.
My sinuses are clogged with whatever this recent development is that feels like the onset of a cold but has been onsetting for three days.
I feel a tad blah, but not outright sick.
I hope it passes soon.
Meanwhile, I did sleep from around midnight to 4 a.m. I have dry mouth lozenges for the severe dry mouth I develop when mouth breathing. I've done three already since midnight and have finally decided to sit up for a while.
I may nap in my chair a bit later.
It is Christmas Day, and I am invited to a local "do".
Third Generation, the restaurant that has the best fried chicken in a town filled with places that cook and serve fried chicken, is hosting a private Christmas dinner today at 2:30 p.m.
Friday at lunch when I was in there to get my weekly serving of catfish, grits and whatnot, I was invited by the owner to join select staff and patrons in said dinner.
I was honored they asked and assured her I would be there if circumstances allowed. As of this minute, I shall go. A lot will depend upon how I feel closer to the dinner time, but I think I will be all right.
Yesterday, I went to my cousin Debra's way earlier than I had planned on going.
I had texted her about whether there might be some family drama during the evening, and she said she did not know, but she hoped not. She then told me she was going to be home alone all day and that I could come over whenever I liked.
I got there around 3 p.m., and she wasn't in her house. I called her cell and she was nearby on her Kawasaki Mule (a high-powered ranger-type vehicle she takes for rides around the dense woods that surround her home). These woods are owned by her late husband's family and they hunt deer and turkey there during the seasons of same. (Debra's husband Rob died Dec. 30th of last year, and we all remembered how his last Christmas Eve had been and how much he had enjoyed it).
Debra pulled into her driveway five minutes later and told me to hop in.
For the next hour or so, we rode along trails (some very bumpy, and some very muddy) and explored said woods...I saw some beautiful countryside, and I very much enjoyed the change of pace. Debra knows how to handle herself and that vehicle, and I'm glad because she's my favorite cousin.
Happily, the drama never unfolded although the generator of the drama did show up. She did not eat any of the food we had, but she kept herself quiet and congenial. The drama that did not happen was alleviated by the husband (my cousin Chad) who had spent the afternoon with her and the children at her grandmother's house. She had earlier told him he could not bring his two daughters to Debra's house for dinner. Courtney, his wife, uses her children with him to hurt him whenever she feels like doing so.
Whatever transpired, she behaved herself through the course of the evening and we were all grateful for that.
.
Today I plan to watch some television, make hot chocolate sauce, and build a gingerbread house.
.
.
It is nearly six hours later than when I first posted, and I am happy to report that I was able to use my CPAP and sleep soundly during that time.
Getting ample sleep is of utmost importance, is it not!
It is nearly six hours later than when I first posted, and I am happy to report that I was able to use my CPAP and sleep soundly during that time.
Getting ample sleep is of utmost importance, is it not!
It is. Congratulations!
My mask has been too loose lately. Adjusted it last night and slept much better.
Sad to read the articles that DR IRIS posted about Goodreads.
Back in the wild and wooly days of the inner web....there was a site called Epinions that one could join and then posts reviews of movies, DVDs, books, and products.
I think you were paid one penny for each "read" your reviews got. I did a lot of DVD reviews.
I think I earned about $30 total in the first six months or so.
Then I posted a review of the DVD Mae West's last movie Sextette, and I just mentioned that while her personality had still worked in Myra Breckenridge - that here it was sad to watch....
At that point some man joined Epinions specifically to say horrible things about me and my review and then went to ALL my reviews and wrote terrible things and gave me ONE STAR, etc. - the usual actions.
And looking at his profile you could see he wrote NO reviews of his own nor did he comment on any other reviews on the site.
Some people have too much time on their hands.
Prunes are not doing the job. I've reported them to the Prune People.
I did not go to the Christmas Dinner.
It's raining cats and dogs, and I'm feeling rather blah.
I think it best to refrain from being around people until I feel less blah.
In-laws came out for Christmas Eve. Wife’s brother brought them. Very difficult even getting them into our house. But we had a good feast, and the kids had a good time.
Yes, Do over is January 1.
I will admit to having several meltdowns this evening.
People can read and review books because they get Advance Reader Copies...as long as they actually read the books and review the actual books.
DR elmore3003, loved The Man Who Invented Christmas!
.
Been saving them up for weeks.
Still have no wi-fi, so everything is on my iPhone. Slow and tedious.
I tried to watch a movie last night on the iPhone, but apparently I’m behind at least one version and cannot load the app. I can’t update my phone without wi-fi.
Still have no wi-fi, so everything is on my iPhone. Slow and tedious.
I tried to watch a movie last night on the iPhone, but apparently I’m behind at least one version and cannot load the app. I can’t update my phone without wi-fi.
You must be desparate to watch a movie on your phone, but then I expect it is a larger one than my mini. I am sorry you still don't have wifi.
Still have no wi-fi, so everything is on my iPhone. Slow and tedious.
I tried to watch a movie last night on the iPhone, but apparently I’m behind at least one version and cannot load the app. I can’t update my phone without wi-fi.
You must be desparate to watch a movie on your phone, but then I expect it is a larger one than my mini. I am sorry you still don't have wifi.
My SE is only a smidge larger than your mini. I prefer a small phone and rarely use it thismuch! So much today depends on wi-fi.
Tech vibes for Jeanne!
I’m not big into Christmas. I exchange a few gifts with friends, and a few cards, but not a lot. So many have passed on or we’ve lost touch.
Thanks for all the tech vibes. Bruce had an excellent idea that I will pursue once the world reopens.
Has anyone read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society? I see it's been made into a movie. I love the title.
Has anyone read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society? I see it's been made into a movie. I love the title.
Read it years ago. I remember it being nice, not much more.
Blah-free vibes for DR Ron.
I hate when this happens - my late friend Joanna Erdos, who I've known for fifty years, was always here at the Do, all my shows, donated to everything, always at book signings - all her signed copies of my books are on eBay now.
Had a small Christmas gift - the prunes started working. I'd drink water but I've been out for over a week.
The fridge water I can't drink because the filter is a year old and it wasn't working properly.
For presents to open this morning each of them got a library tote bag (from my stash of ALA swag) containing a book-themed gift.
Play Dirty.
Enjoyed The Holly and the Ivy.
(https://soldierscharityshop.org/cdn/shop/products/five-gold-rings-christmas-card-pack-of-10-273613.jpg?v=1604954101&width=713)
Today Gram and Grandad were the first ones up, but the girls and their parents soon followed and Santa lived up fully to Charlotte’s expectations. They gave us an “experiential” gift, too, complete with the matching tote bag - a Costco membership.
Christmas evening greetings! We have had 3 very busy days with Charlotte and Hannah and their parents. It took Hannah until Saturday morning to decide Richard and I were OK.
Christmas with young children is definitely the most fun.
On Saturday Rob, Charlotte, and I went “shopping” for our family gift to them. You see, because they live outside the city limits they have to pay a prorated fee (based on the value of their home) for public library privileges. We went to the library where I paid their annual fee and Charlotte checked out one book. For presents to open this morning each of them got a library tote bag (from my stash of ALA swag) containing a book-themed gift.
Yesterday, I stayed home while everyone else went to early morning church and we all went to the Christmas Eve service at 4pm. In between we put the orMaments on the tree, some of which are breakaFUL. I love Charlotte-speak.
Today Gram and Grandad were the first ones up, but the girls and their parents soon followed and Santa lived up fully to Charlotte’s expectations. They gave us an “experiential” gift, too, complete with the matching tote bag - a Costco membership.
Jane - Loved the 5 golden rings for page 5!
I have read online about various schemes to quicken up the softening of butter.
Today Gram and Grandad were the first ones up, but the girls and their parents soon followed and Santa lived up fully to Charlotte’s expectations. They gave us an “experiential” gift, too, complete with the matching tote bag - a Costco membership.
Great gift. Are you close to a Costco?
That last one seems it may incorporate Channukah as well.
The chocolate sauce got made and was a great success.
The gingerbread houses will have to wait until tomorrow.
Had a nice video Zoom with mom and her sister.
Today Gram and Grandad were the first ones up, but the girls and their parents soon followed and Santa lived up fully to Charlotte’s expectations. They gave us an “experiential” gift, too, complete with the matching tote bag - a Costco membership.
Great gift. Are you close to a Costco?
Yes, a new one opened about a year ago and we’re 6 miles closer to it than before we moved.
Today Gram and Grandad were the first ones up, but the girls and their parents soon followed and Santa lived up fully to Charlotte’s expectations. They gave us an “experiential” gift, too, complete with the matching tote bag - a Costco membership.
Great gift. Are you close to a Costco?
Yes, a new one opened about a year ago and we’re 6 miles closer to it than before we moved.
Have fun shopping and be careful not to buy more than you can eat.
I’ve heard that cutting up butter helps.
Today Gram and Grandad were the first ones up, but the girls and their parents soon followed and Santa lived up fully to Charlotte’s expectations. They gave us an “experiential” gift, too, complete with the matching tote bag - a Costco membership.
Great gift. Are you close to a Costco?
Yes, a new one opened about a year ago and we’re 6 miles closer to it than before we moved.
Have fun shopping and be careful not to buy more than you can eat.
The bigger challenge will be not buying more than we can STORE. Space for that is quite limited in our new house.
I put the butter in the mixer, then let it run for a while. That softens it faster.
ONLY 364 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!
Have you heard about the lesser-known Little Cowbell Boy?
365. Next year is a Leap Year.
Is the tart for an event tomorrow, DR John G.?
The office is open tomorrow, but I have a vacation day.
Has anyone read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society? I see it's been made into a movie. I love the title.
Listening to A Carol Christmas. Most enjoyable.
Saturday night we took Bill for hibachi and had filet mignon and scallops and shrimp along with hibachi fried rice, vegetables, and green onion soup.
Listening to A Carol Christmas. Most enjoyable.
Which version?
In completely unrelated news, tomorrow I must attend work wearing a duvet as inexplicably all my clothes have shrunk ( no doubt something to do with the drop in temperature)
Listening to A Carol Christmas. Most enjoyable.
Which version?
A Carol Christmas. BK’s version.
Listening to A Carol Christmas. Most enjoyable.
Which version?
A Carol Christmas. BK’s version.
I transposed the words and read Christmas Carol!
Today was fresh baked blueberry muffins and tea for breakfast.
Cold shrimp with cocktail sauce, chips and dip, Turkey, stuffing with cranberries, mashed potatoes, grilled sweet potatoes, corn, green bean casserole, chocolate pudding, Christmas cookies
Play Dirty is humorless and poorly directed.
This was on CBS Saturday morning. I know both John Tamez and Diana Barrios Trevino. Nice to see them get some recognition.
https://www.cbs.com/shows/video/B5yeWsBtl8h57XNzSEtkhtOHPq_mhaBf/
365. Next year is a Leap Year.
Celebrate with a Hugh Grant "Love Actually" dance to the Pointer Sisters' "Jump"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUm2K6eDuMU
Today, the family and Shelly are going to my sister's. My niece's other grandma and aunt and uncle will be joining. We'll just have some finger foods and desserts, I think. No formal (or even formal-ish) sit down dinner. Just a lot of nothing and chatting.
A Room with a View rules.
.
(http://www.haineshisway.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7456.0;attach=20186)
Good night, all.
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(http://www.haineshisway.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7456.0;attach=20187)
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(http://www.haineshisway.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7456.0;attach=20192)
And, not to let our dog lovers be left out...
(http://www.haineshisway.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7456.0;attach=20194)
Alice Parker, dean of American choral music, died yesterday at 98. She was closely associated with Robert Shaw in the early days.
My DH just spoke to her about a week ago.
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(http://www.haineshisway.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7456.0;attach=20197)
Ray Faiola, of Chelsea-Rialto studio which has preserved many classic film scores, offered this wonderful Christmas suite conducted by Max Steiner with the Warner Brothers Orchestra.
http://www.chelsearialtostudios.com/merry_maxmas.mp3
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
(http://www.haineshisway.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7456.0;attach=20199)
Today, the family and Shelly are going to my sister's. My niece's other grandma and aunt and uncle will be joining. We'll just have some finger foods and desserts, I think. No formal (or even formal-ish) sit down dinner. Just a lot of nothing and chatting.
It sounds like a relaxing way to spend the day.
Today would have been the 96th birthday of Keith's uncle who passed away in April. This is the husband of the aunt who we just lost.
From DR George:QuotePeople can read and review books because they get Advance Reader Copies...as long as they actually read the books and review the actual books.
Yes, and those reviews state the fact that they received an advance copy. It is those that obviously haven't read the book that should have their reviews removed, or at least their ratings.
Nice family gathering photo from DR George last night.
singdaw - Lovely cat Christmas drawings!
Remember the fun of a Magic Ball? Now they look like this.
https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=593651714&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS886US886&sxsrf=AM9HkKme72uZStzelTHA-NLdkB4CkWB5EA:1703546331111&q=magic+fortune+friends+waterball+squishy+toy&tbm=vid&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi4j7LP3KuDAxWsHTQIHer7AJgQ0pQJegQICxAB&biw=1395&bih=617&dpr=1.38#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:c74e1ed5,vid:Os0Bx7V81ow,st:0
J.B. Is very happy. He got some turkey!
It’s turkey lurkey time!
(http://www.haineshisway.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7456.0;attach=20215)
I hate when this happens - my late friend Joanna Erdos, who I've known for fifty years, was always here at the Do, all my shows, donated to everything, always at book signings - all her signed copies of my books are on eBay now.
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(http://www.haineshisway.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7456.0;attach=20217)
More sweet animal Christmas art :)
The chocolate sauce got made and was a great success.
I have also, initially, done a few seconds in the microwave. You have to be very careful when doing that.
Have you heard about the lesser-known Little Cowbell Boy?
ONLY 364 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!