Flu, Schmu!

The Spaghetti Cook-off was Called-off due to a mysterious flu reportedly afflicting a main contender.

The word on the streets is, the competition was too daunting*.

;-)

*daunting: (adjective) seeming difficult to deal with in anticipation; intimidating.

My Patriotic ExPatriate

What do they say?

"You can take the boy out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the boy."

It's our JOB to spoil him!!

Uncle Dan showing Caleb one of Papa Rick's blender lamps.

Breakfast this morning. Bacon, scrambled eggs, and his mom's homemade pancakes.

He doesn't know it's not Christmas yet ;-)

Is it Ramadan or Hanukkah or Christmas?

I'm don't mind "Happy Holidays" when it's wished in a general sense, and you're not sure which holiday someone celebrates.

But, this nonsense goes too far when it's December 18th, and Hanukkah and Ramadan are now behind us.

I received emails this morning from Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Borders, ToysRUs, etc., letting me know that if I order TODAY, I can get my delivery "in time for the Holidays". So, why don't they just say, "in time for Christmas"? Are there people that actually order ahead in December 2007 for Ramadan and Hanukkah 2008?

And, are the post office and your bank closed for the "Holiday"? Or are they closed for "Christmas"?

Why is everyone afraid to say, "Merry Christmas!!"?

A Christmas Essay

This essay was written by an acquaintance whom I greatly admire, Pamela LaChapell. She has inspired me as a stepmother and as a Christian. I invite you to read it. I've started the article here, and continued it in the comment section...

What Do You Want For Christmas?

Have you ever poured your heart and soul into a gift? Perhaps you searched and searched for just the right gift for a special person. Or maybe you spent hours creating it yourself, adding lots of TLC along the way. Your mind conjured up images of the delight on the recipient’s face as she would unwrap your labor of love. The moment you have been anxiously waiting for finally arrives. Your camera is fixed on her face, so determined are you to capture the grand moment on film. But wait... something’s wrong. Her reaction is not at all what you anticipated. Perhaps she doesn’t appreciate the immense effort you put into this gift, or the price you paid, or maybe she just didn’t grasp the significance of your gift to her. You feel dejected at her indifference. (continued in comment section)

ATWIEJB

And The Winner Is Elizabeth Joy B----------

The final vote for winner in the Word Verification Game was Lori (1), Jessica (2), Rebecca (5) and Elizabeth (7). I've got the $10 Starbucks gift card all ready to present to her.

TWALOF (That was a lot of fun!)

Brevity

I am embarrassed to admit that I am old enough to remember WESTERN UNION telegrams. In fact, for a short time, I worked for a company that sent and received telegrams.

Telegrams were paid for by the word. The trick was to make your telegram say what you wanted it to say in as few words as possible.

Today, while text messaging (on my cell phone, for those who might not actually be functioning in the 21st century) back and forth with my niece and later my daughter, it struck me that things haven't changed all that much in 30 years. True, we don't pay for text messaging by the word, but it's still a challenge to say what you want it to say in as few words as possible!

"ruok? i'm gr8. cu l8tr"

TTFN! ;-)

Exercise Your Right to VOTE!

Take time to review the entries in the Word Verification Game. Then, please vote (at the left) for the Most Creative Person. The winner on December 15th will receive a $10 Starbucks card!


You don't have to have played to vote; the more voters the better! But, no "stuffin' the ballot box"! One vote per person, please... Oh, and you can vote for yourself. No one will know.

=D

It's OFFICIAL!

The people have spoken.



69% is the majority. If you want to play the Exchange Game at the C****/T**** Reunion, bring a WRAPPED, UNTAGGED (neither "to" nor "from") REAL (not gag) gift worth about $15.00.

Christmas Brunch Preview

Every year for many years, our tradition has been to have Christmas Breakfast. I make nutmeg muffins from scratch (with FRESH nutmeg), scrambled eggs, premium bacon, and orange juice.

This year, we are so excited that Caleb, Dave, Debbie and their twin sons Charlie and Greg will join us, as well as Caleb, Mom, Harry and Aunt Lynn, and of course Caleb, Elizabeth, Daniel, Josh, Rebecca and Caleb, and hopefully Parker (did I mention Caleb?).

And, in place of the scrambled eggs and bacon, I'm trying a new recipe! Actually, I had it many years ago at an office party. I remember it was fabulous. What appeals to me is that you make it ahead, freeze it, and bake it when you need it. This frees me up for Christmas morning, since I plan to play with Caleb and his new toys from Gram and Papa! =D

Here it is...

CHARLOTTE'S* BAKED EGGS

6 bread slices, cut in cubes
2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese (Hilmar Cheese is the best!)
1 cup smoked, cubed ham
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
6 eggs
3 cups milk

Mix bread, cheese, ham, peppers and onion. Spread in a 13X9 baking dish, treated with Pam. Whisk eggs and milk, pour over the top. Cover with foil and freeze.

To prepare: Thaw and bake uncovered in a pre-heated 375 degree oven for 45 mins. Serve topped with a dollop of sour cream, if desired.

Makes 8-10 servings.

Variations:
French bread; cooked, crumbled bacon or Canadian bacon.

*in memory of Charlotte Boyd, the amazing lady who hosted a Christmas breakfast for our whole office of about 30 people, and passed away shortly thereafter from breast cancer. Rest in peace with Jesus, Charlotte!