Happy New Year!!

From us, in Dallas, TX, to you, wherever you may be.  We all have a new, clean slate ahead of us - let's fill it up in awesome ways and build memories along our journey.

2017 - A Year in Review

This year holds the end of the 50's for me.  I do have to say this has been one amazing decade in my life.  So many changes and so much love.  I am in a happy place and so, so thankful to all who touched my life.  Here's my recap:

We started out the year in January revamping the office and making a better place to work for my sweetheart.  He is able to work from home a bit now and this will make it all better.  I went to Telluride to help Amanda move as she has lots of changes in her life too.  Matt and his family came to visit and I started the slipper extravaganza.  Some crazy women decided to make a pair of slippers for everyone on their birthday.  She should be medicated.

Valentine's Day, Mister's Birthday, 10 days of retreat plus another 4 days retreating/taking class occupied most of February.

Merry Christmas! The Whole Family is Together.

Merry Christmas!  It's here!  Mister and I have slept in this morning.  Isn't that just the most sure sign that you are getting old and there are not any small people in the house?  Should we have slept in?  Probably not.  We have company arriving in a few hours and for some reason, still have a bit to do.  That means get up and get after it right?  Nope.  Let's open gifts.

It's dang obvious that I am NOT the one holding a camera.  Really?  Robe, pajamas, and crazy hair.  Yep, perfect time for a picture.

We took a trip at the first of the month that is was our gift to each other and then we bought a car.  Mister received a few fun cocktail experiment supplies and that's more than enough for our own fun.  With the kids sending goodies, we have a few more packages to open. 

Cranberry Shiver - A Christmas Tradition

Once upon a time, I was REALLY into Taste of Home magazine.  I went to their cooking schools (yep, even have the apron to prove it) and was a subscriber for many years.  It's that addictive personality of mine.

Well, in 1999 I spotted a recipe for Cranberry Shiver and had decided it was time to switch up my Christmas menu a bit.  The kids were older and more willing to appreciate different things.  I moved to a prime rib that year as well for the main course and in the 18 subsequent years, both of those items have been on my menu - this year being one of them.

I haven't shared it before, but looked it up online and as it is a free recipe now, I think I'm okay.  Are you ready?  It's just so, so good.

Start with one package (12 oz. fresh or frozen cranberries).  I always pick up several at Thanksgiving and just pop them in the freezer.  Place them in a saucepan.

Attempting Italian Bread

Happy Christmas Eve!!  Mister and I are in the kitchen preparing for a family dinner tomorrow and I remember that last year I was in here creating a taste of my past and making Lefse (yes, that is a link that you should definitely click on).  So this year, we're going forward instead of into the past.  I have always wanted to venture out a bit in my bread making arena and today is my chance.

A few weeks ago, I went on a hunt for a cookbook I have had FOREVER.  It had vanished.  Oh, I know it's here somewhere and long after I'm gone my kids will find it and remember me calling each one of them asking if they have it.  It'll be fun giggle for them.  I say this because I gave up the hunt, went on the internet, and ordered another copy of it. Yes, I liked it THAT much.  It's from 1973 and this one is in much better shape than the one I had.  It doesn't have all my wonderful notes in it, but I'm ready to go.  Today, we are going to tackle Italian bread.

It's really kind of funny to me because it shows how much our social wording has changed.  The category that the Italian Bread recipe is found under is "Foreign and Holiday Breads."  Cool, let's bake.

Tuba Christmas in the Tunnels

It's been a few years since we attended a Tuba Christmas and I would like to go today.  Driving downtown on a weekday is never on my list so DART it will be.  My sweetheart is working from home today and decides to take a little longer lunch and join me.

It has been raining all day so the concert has been moved into the tunnels downtown.  I have never been down there so this peaks my interest too.  We arrive a bit early and it's a good thing.  Oh my, there is not a lot of room down here and a LOT of tubas.

On the Way to Pick Up a New, Shiny, Red Gift

Back on 11/25 we checked out several new cars and I came away loving this red Subaru Imprezza.  Nothing happens fast in our house and I think Mister likes the blue Volkswagen better so only time will tell which, if any, one of the two make it home with us.