Nov 14

 

*****

 Kolcheys

 

4 cups flour

 

1 cup Crisco

 

3 egg yolks

 

1 egg white

 

pinch salt

 

1 large yeast dissolved in

 

1 cup evaporated milk unheated

 

powdered sugar for dusting - optional

 

Mix flour and Crisco, add eggs, salt, and liquid mix well. Refrigerate 6 hours or longer.

 

Roll out on a surface sprinkled with granulated sugar as you would pie crust, roll thin. Cut into squares approximately 2½ inches or bigger if you desire.

 

Fill diagonally with your choice of filling - cheese, prune, poppyseed, mincemeat or nut filling. Fold the corners over the filling, pinch together (you

 

can dampen a corner with a bit of egg white or water to make it stick better)

 

Bake 350º until done.

 

You can dust with powder sugar if you desire

 

*****

Things to do with kids for Christmas, Buy and donate toys for Toys For Tots. Let each of your kids pick out a toy or two to donate to another child.  It doesn't have to be Toys for Tots. There are also Angel Trees, or toy rides that they can donate a new toy to. 

 

******

Magic Cookie Bars

 

1 stick 1/2 cup butter or margarine

 

1 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs

 

1 (14ounce) can Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk

 

1 6 ounce pkg. semi-sweet chocolate chips

 

1 cup flaked coconut

 

1 cup chopped nuts

 

Preheat oven to 350º (325º for glass dish)

 

In 13 x 9 inch baking pan. Melt butter. Sprinkle crumbs over butter. Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over crumbs. Top evenly with remaining ingredients,

 

and press down gently.

 

Bake 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool thoroughly before cutting.. Store loosely covered, at room temperature.

 

*******

A Boy is Born in Bethlehem
Allelujah! Allelujah!
And joy is in Jerusalem
Allelujah! Allelujah!

And there He lay in manger poor
Allelujah! Allelujah!
Whose reign shall last for evermore
Allelujah! Allelujah!

The ass and ox and all the herd
Allelujah! Allelujah!
Knew well that boy to be the Lord
Allelujah! Allelujah!

And kings from out the east there were
Allelujah! Allelujah!
With gold and frankincense and myrrh
Allelujah! Allelujah!

He lived like us in form and dress
Allelujah! Allelujah!
Without our taint of wickedness
Allelujah! Allelujah!

He came our souls to purify
Allelujah! Allelujah!
And bring us safe to bliss on high
Allelujah! Allelujah!

Therefore let us with one accord
Allelujah! Allelujah!
On this His Birthday praise the Lord
Allelujah! Allelujah!

About this song A Boy Is Born In Bethlehem

"A boy is born in Bethlehem" is based on a 14th century traditional Latin hymn Puer Natus in Bethlehem.

We have many more similar old-fashioned Christmas songs on this site.

 

******

Take a fall day stroll on a park trail. Notice autumn weather signs and color. Make caramel apples when you get home.

 

******

How to Make Glitter Playdough

 

I've experimented with playdough before, but it never came out quite right. But this stuff–this is a hit. & it is currently keeping my girly occupied for about an hour a day which means this mama is getting a LOT done! Especially around dinnertime. ;) So…here's the best recipe for playdough I've come across yet, complete with sparkles! OOH la la!

What you need:

• 1 C Flour
• 1 C Water
• 1/4 C Salt
• 1 TBSP Vegetable Oil
• 2 tsp Cream of Tartar
• Food Coloring (or if you want it to smell yummy, kool-aid)
• Glitter (the bigger flakes, the better)
• pot/pan & spatula
• & an eager little helper :)

Add everything to the pot. Doesn't matter what order.

Stir, stir, stir. until pretty smooth.

You can either make one big batch of the same color, or separate it out before you add the food coloring. I doubled my batch & separated it out into six bowls.

Add food coloring or kool-aid & stir well.

The first time I made this I used regular food coloring & while the color was great, the stuff smelled like…playdough? Not the best smell in the world. I bought kool-aid (for the first time ever!) and while it certainly did add a very yummy scent to the final product, it did make my little one cough when it went POOF into a cloud as it hit the mixture in the bowl. So just be warned. ;)

After the food coloring, add glitter. Add a decent amount–some will definitely stick around on little hands, but that's half the fun, right?!

Your mixture should be pretty runny before you add to your pot.

Heat the pot on MEDIUM & DO NOT STOP STIRRING once you pour in the mixture. This step went extremely fast for me–well under a minute, so stir & don't let it stick to the bottom! This is a mommy job.

The mixture will get clumpy & start to change colors. This is normal. It will eventually all turn a slightly darker shade of the original mixture. I had the best luck flattening mine into a pancake-ish shape & flipping it over. When you think it's done, remove from heat. I just scooped mine onto the counter.

After mine cooled a tad, I kneaded it a little to be sure it was done. If it is a little too gooey, just put it back in the pot & cook a little longer.

& VIOLA! Glitter Playdough!

It's so pretty…& smelled so good…I couldn't help but play with it too!

I kept mine in the same containers I used to store my homemade baby food, and my little girl had the most fun playing with both the dough AND the containers. So don't be afraid to let the babes play with it all!

More colors=more fun!

Hours & hours, I tell ya. Took no more than a half hour to make. So easy. So cheap. SO FUN! :)

Happy Playdough making!

 

*****

Things to do at Christmas time, help fill a box for troop care packages. The best way is to find a local church who is sending boxes for a list of what to put in the box or what not to put into a box.  

 if you can't find a Church, check your local VA or VAF.

 

*****

 

******

http://www.military.com/spouse/military-life/military-resources/how-to-support-our-troops.html

 

Looking for ways to support and honor U.S. military service

members and veterans who protect our security and freedom? In years past, you could wrap up a care package and mail it to "Any Service Member" for the holidays, but with increased mail restrictions, the Pentagon is asking people to help through financial contributions, letter-writing and e-mail, purchasing authorized pre-made care packages, or volunteering time through non-profits. ( Please go to the site listed above for more information)

 

Billie C.

Nov 12

Hello, and Good Early Morning. We were up by 4:30 so Jerry could be on his way out the door by 5 for orientation at 7. He needed to make a stop on his way and it's an hours drive, via two lane roads with 45 speed limits. We spent yesterday morning finding places. Breakfast at Golden Corral. When Jerry looked it up, the GPS said 20 miles. I looked it up and got 9. Um... ok... Wal-mart.. he found out was 20 miles. (again) and again I found one closer. I spelled it out, he used a different app on the GPS. But after that, the GPS was spot on for where he had to go this morning and where the job is at, as well.
We did our shopping in the afternoon, after finding the job site. Took the dogs with us all day long, They got to get out several times, but I'm sure they are ready not ride much for the next few days.
We had to make a trip back in to town for some cut wood so we could get camper level. We just lacked a couple of pieces. Because we move often though, I asked for three different size boards to be cut. What we don't need, we can always burn in the fire ring we have at this site.
It's going to take me a while to get through all my emails from the weekend but I will catch up as quickly as I can while I'm putting everything back away and cleaning up.
The cats are not all that happy because they have not been allowed outside, yet.
Today the high is suppose to be 70. After today though the highs will only be in the 50's. maybe some low 60's
It's been very pretty outside. There are still a lot of leaves on the trees despite the wind from Sandy last week. At least, in this area. Beth called my last night, and said they had sleet. The weather said there might be snow if it started early enough but it didn't. So what Kansas City got yesterday I figure we may be getting either late Tuesday or early Wednesday.
I fixed Hot Dogs and mashed potatoes for our dinner last night. For tonight I'm thinking of making up a crockpot meal. Jerry enjoyed it when I cut up a smoked sausage and cooked it with green beans and potatoes so I'll do that for tonight. Its something I won't have to watch too closely. Of course I'll add a salad and I need to make a dessert. I just might make some Buck eyes because he liked them.

I am wearing... The flannel housedress that Donna gave. BTW Donna makes a very great Chili... so great that Jerry ate two large bowls of it and I think he would have eaten more but didn't want to miss out on the Buck eyes. I loved the chilie as well and ate two medium sized bowls of it.
Time to go change clothes. (8:30) going to put on sweatpans and a work top.

I am reading... emails and more emails, trying to get caught up with emails today between cleaning and putting away stuff

I am thinking... I hate unpacking but it gives me a chance to go through stuff and consider if I still want to keep it, ot should I toss it...

I am thankful for... a safe alibet long trip from Niota TN to Danville VA. Not much trouble in getting the camper level this time and a great time with Jerry.

I am hoping... That this job lasts a long, long time. I don't want to have to unpack and repack for a long time.

I am creating... A cosy home for us.. and a clean one, as well.

One of my favorite things... Early morning when the birds start to sing and the world starts to wake up.

 

Billie C.
Celebrate the happiness that friends are
always giving, make every day a holiday
and celebrate just living!
~ Amanda Bradley ~

Nov 8

 

 

 

 Christmas

 

***** 

 

 

Jeweled Fruitcake

 

This yummy fruitcake is packed with colorful dried fruits and rich Brazil nuts.

 

Prep Time: 20 min
Total Time: 2 hours 0 min
Makes: 32 servings

 

2 cups dried apricot halves (11 ounces)
2 cups pitted whole dates (12 ounces)
1 1/2 cups Brazil nuts (8 ounces)
1 cup red and green candied pineapple, chopped (7 ounces)
1 cup red and green whole maraschino cherry, drained (12 ounces)
3/4 cup Gold Medal all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
3 eggs
Light corn syrup, if desired

 

Heat oven to 300F. Line loaf pan, 9x5x3 or 8 1/2x4 1/2x2 1/2 inches, with aluminum foil; grease foil. Mix all the ingredients except corn syurp. Spread in pan.

 

Bake about 1 hour 45 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. If necessary, cover with aluminum foil for last 30 minutes of baking to prevent excessive browning.

 

Remove fruitcake from pan (with foil) to wire rack. For a glossy top, immediately brush with corn syrup. Cool completely before cutting, about 24 hours. Wrap tightly and store in refrigerator no longer than 2 months.

 

Source: Betty Crocker

 

*****

Things to do with kids for Christmas, Sing Christmas Songs.

 

*****

Jolly Snowman Cookies

Makes 3 dozen
Cut and paste! Shoestring licorice turns into a magical snowman's top hat on these sugar cookies. Gather even your littlest helpers because there are tasks even toddlers can do.
 
RECIPE INGREDIENTS
   
1 pouch Betty Crocker® sugar cookie mix   
1/2 cup margarine or butter, melted   
1 egg   
1 tub Betty Crocker® Whipped vanilla ready-to-spread frosting   
Black shoestring licorice   
1/3 cup raisins   
1/4 cup red cinnamon candies   

 

   
RECIPE METHOD
   
Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Stir cookie mix, melted margarine and egg in medium bowl until soft dough forms. Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls 3 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten drops of dough until 1/4 inch thick and 2 inches across.
   
Bake 7 to 9 minutes or until edges are light golden brown. Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
   
Frost and decorate one cookie at a time.. Spread frosting on 1 cookie. Add licorice across top third of cookie for hat, 3 raisins for eyes and nose and 5 candies for mouth. Repeat with remaining cookies.
 

 

*****

Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella

Bring a torch, Jeannette, Isabella
Bring a torch, come swiftly and run
Christ is born, tell the folk of the village,
Jesus is sleeping in His cradle
Ah, ah, beautiful is the Mother;
Ah, ah, beautiful is her Son.

Hasten now, good folk of the village
Hasten now, the Christ-Child to see
You will find him asleep in the manger
Quietly come and whisper softly
Hush, hush, peacefully now He slumbers
Hush, hush, peacefully now He sleeps.

 

*****

 Organizing Checklist, If you are preparing Thanksgiving dinner, make a menu list of all foods you plan to serve. If you are not preparing the meal this year, call the host today and ask what you can bring to the meal, whether food or other items such as extra folding chairs, serving ware, etc.

 

*****

http://www.bhg.com/christmas/crafts/jolly-chenille-snowman/

Jolly Chenille Snowman

This happy snowman adds a friendly feeling to your holiday decor.

Tracing paper

Orange Sculpey polymer clay

1-3/4-inch length of 1/4-inch diameter dowel

Metal baking sheet

Aluminum foil

2 x 4 x 6-inch piece of pine

Scrollsaw

Drill and 3/8-inch drill bit

Medium- and fine-grit sandpaper

Wood sealer

Navy blue acrylic paint

Paintbrush

18-gaue black wire

Two 3/4-inch diameter black buttons

1/2 yard of ivory chenille fabric

Polar fleece: 1/4 yard of navy-and-green plaid

Scrap of burgundy knit fabric

Scrap of burgundy felt

Styrofoam balls: 6-inch diameter for body and 3-1/2-inch diameter for head

Foam glue

Medium-weight polyester quilt batting

Glue gun and hotmelt adhesive

Strong string

2 6-inch lengths of 3/8-inch diamter dowel

Wire hanger

Tan pearl cotton

3 assorted 3/4-inch to 7/8-inch diameter buttons

two 1/2-inch diameter black half-ball button for eyes

Miniature tin birdhouse

2. Knead the orange clay until it is smooth and pliable. Make a cone shaped from the clay about 1-1/2-inch long and 3/4-inch wide at the base. Twist the nose slightly, swirling the clay to resemble a carrot. Insert one end of the 1/4-inch diameter dowel about 1/2-inch into the base of the nose. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to bake the nose.

3. Trace the shoe pattern twice onto the 2 x 4 x 6-inch piece of pine. Cut out the wood shapes with a scrollsaw. Drill a 3/4-inch deep hole at the center top of each shoe. Sand the shoes and apply wood sealer. Sand again with fine-grit sandpaper.

4. Apply two coats of navy blue paint to the shoes. Use fine-grit sandpaper to remove paint from the edges of the shoes.

5. Cut two 6-inch lengths of 18-gauge black wire. Thread the ends of each wire through a 3/4-inch diameter black button. Wrap each wire end around a pencil to form a coil. Hot-glue a button to the center front of each shoe.

6. From the chenille fabric, cut a 22 x 16-inch rectangle for the body/head and a 8 x 18-inch strip for the arms. From the navy-and-green plaid fleece, cut a 3-1/4 x 30-inch strip for the scarf and a 7-1/2 x 15-inch rectangle for the hat. Fringe the short edges of the scarf by making 1-inch long cuts 1/4-inch apart. Fringe one long edge of the hat by making 2-inch long cuts 1/2-inch apart. From the burgundy felt, use the mitten pattern to cut four mittens. From the burgundy knit fabric, cut two 3 x 2-1/2-inch rectangles for the socks.

7. Glue the small Styrofoam ball to the large Styrofoam ball with foam glue. Cut a piece of quilt batting wide and long enough to completely cover the assembled balls. Wrap the batting around the balls, overlapping the batting at the center back and hot-gluing in place. Tuck the batting around the bottom of the large ball and hot-glue in place. Tie strong string tightly around the neck of the snowman to define the neck. Pinch the batting together at the top of the small ball. Tightly wrap string around the batting and knot. Trim the excess batting about 1/2 inch above the string.

8. Hot-glue one end of a 3/8-inch dowel into the predrilled hole in each shoe. Push the opposite end of the dowels into the bottom of the large ball about 2 inches apart. Insert the dowels into the ball until the distance between the shoes and the body is about 2-1/2-inches. Remove the legs for now.

 9. Cover the batting with the 22 x 16-inch chenille rectangle in the same way you covered the balls with batting. Make holes in the chenille to correspond with the pre-made holes at the bottom of the body., Insert the top of the leg dowels into the holes at the bottom of the body; hot-glue in place. For the socks, wrap a rectangle of burgundy knit fabric around each leg, overlapping the fabric edges at the back and hot-gluing the overlap.

10. From the wire hanger, cut a 21 inch length. To form the hands, fold back each end of the wire, forming a narrow 1-1/2-inch long oval hand. Wrap batting around the wire between the hands to measure about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap the 8 x 18-inch strip of chenille around the batting-covered wire, overlapping the long edges and hot-gluing the over-lapped edges. With the chenille covering about 1/2 inches of each hand, wrap string tightly around the chenille and batting at the wrist and knot. Buttonhole-stitch the mittens together in pairs with tan pearl cotton, leaving the straight edge open. Slip the mittens over the wire hands, covering the raw edges of the chenille fabric. Hot-glue the mittens in place.

11. Bend the arms into a large C-shape. To attach the arms, wrap 18-gauge wire or strong string around the center of the arms and then around the neck of the snowman.

12. Cut three 6-inch lengths of 18-gauge wire. Referring to the wire and button assembly for the shoes, make three additional wired buttons.

13. To attach the nose, make a hole in the fabric at the center of the face. Insert the dowel through the hole and into the Styrofoam ball; hot-glue in place. Hot-glue the buttons to the face for the eyes.

14. For the mouth, cut an 11-inch length of 18-gauge wire. Shape the center of the wire into a 1-1/4-inch-wide smile, and coil the wire at the top corners of the smile. Trim the wire ends 1-1/4-inches beyond the coils, and bend the ends at a 90-degree angle away from the smile. Position the smile on the face and push the ends into the Styrofoam ball; then secure with hot-glue.

15. Fold the hat rectangle in half, overlapping the 7-1/2-inch edges; hot-glue the overlap. For the cuff, fold up 1-1/2-inch on the edge opposite the fringe; tack in place with hot glue. Tie string around the top of the hat just below the fringe. Hot-glue the hat to the snowman's head and tie the scarf around his neck. Tuck a miniature birdhouse in his arm.

 

 

*****

Things to do at Christmas time, Clean your closets.  Find all the things that are hiding in the back of the closet. Clear out and make room for coats and other winter gear. Put away the summer stuff in a safe place elsewhere. Now your ready for guests and winter time fun on the run.

 

*****

 

*****

http://www.kididdles.com/lyrics/j030.html

 

Jolly Snowman

Words and Music By: Carolyn F. Freeman
Adapted By: Terry Kluytmans
Copyright © 2001 KIDiddles.com

 

 

 

Billie C.

Nov 7

Christmas

 

 

*****

 

Instant Coco Mix

 

8 ounces nonfat dry milk powder

 

3 cups powdered sugar

 

16 ounce Nestle's Quick

 

6 ounce Creamora

 

1 large box of milk chocolate instant pudding

 

Directions:

 

Sift together to completely mix ingredients. Store in an air tight container.

 

Individual serving =

 

4 heaping teaspoons in mug and fill with boiling water.

*****

Things to do with kids for Christmas, Make and decorate gingerbread houses.

*****

Italian Christmas Cookies From Country Woman

 

"A single batch of these mouth-watering cookies is never enough," attests Doris Marshall of Strasburg, Pennsylvania. "I usually make one to give away and two more to keep at home. Adding ricotta cheese to the batter makes the morsels extra moist."

 

1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 carton (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda

 

FROSTING:
1/4 cup butter, softened
3 to 4 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 to 4 tablespoons milk
Colored sprinkles

 

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add the eggs, one at a
time, beating well after each addition. Beat in ricotta and vanilla.
Combine flour, salt and baking soda; gradually add to creamed
mixture.
Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 in. apart onto greased baking
sheets. Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned.
Remove to wire racks to cool.
In a mixing bowl, cream butter, sugar and vanilla. Add enough
milk until frosting reaches spreading consistency. Frost cooled
cookies and immediately decorate with sprinkles. Store in the
refrigerator. Yield: 8-1/2 dozen.

 

*****

Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song)

I have traveled many moonless nights
Cold and weary with a babe inside
And I wonder what I've done
Holy Father You have come
And chosen me now to carry your son

I am waiting in a silent prayer
I am frightened by the load I bear
In a world as cold as stone
Must I walk this path alone?
Be with me now
Be with me now

Breath of Heaven
Hold me together
Be forever near me
Breath of Heaven
Breath of Heaven
Lighten my darkness
Pour over me your holiness
For You are holy
Breath of Heaven

Do You wonder as You watch my face
If a wiser one should have had my place
But I offer all I am
For the mercy of your plan
Help me be strong
Help me be
Help me

Breath of Heaven
Hold me together
Be forever near me
Breath of Heaven
Breath of Heaven
Lighten my darkness
Pour over me Your holiness
For You are holy

Breath of Heaven
Hold me together
Be forever near me
Breath of Heaven
Breath of Heaven
Lighten my darkness
Pour over me Your holiness
For You are holy
Breath of Heaven
Breath of Heaven
Breath of Heaven

*****

Clean your car before hard winter weather arrives. Take out all trash and remove clutter. Take out mats and wash, also dust dashboard, clean windows, vacuum floors and seating. Finally, schedule a winterizing appointment for your car.

*****

http://www.craftbits.com/project/tree-ornament-felt-christmas-bell

Tree Ornament - Felt Christmas Bell

 

Felt
Embroidery thread
Needle
Small amount of toy filling or wadding.
Ribbon
Pins

 

 

This free Christmas craft project shows you how to make a quick Christmas tree ornament. For those who do not know how to sew you can use craft glue instead of the needle and thread.

Print off the pattern and cut out all the shapes. Using some sewing pins, pin the paper pattern to your piece of felt and cut out the shape. You need for each Christmas ornament (front and back).

Using the needle and thread sew a blanket stitch around the edges leaving 1-2 inches at the top so you can fill it. Do not remove the thread as you will use it to finish off.

Fill the Christmas ornament with a small amount of toy filling and then sew in the ribbon for hanging the Christmas ornament up. Close up the top of the Ornament with the remaining thread in the same blanket stitch style.

If you do not know how to sew you can glue this project or use a different stitch style.

*****

Things to do at Christmas time, Visit an Arcade. give away your "tickets" to a child.

*****

 

 

*****

http://www.holidayinsights.com/xmas/bells.htm

 

The Bells of Christmas

Why Bells??

Bells announce the coming or arrival of an event, activity, or occasion.

 

*****

Billie C.

BCC 2Peas Dreams

Christmas Corner

 

*******

 

Hot Holiday Punch

 

 

 

3 cups apple juice

 

3 cups orange juice

 

6 cups cranberry juice cocktail

 

3/4 cup maple syrup

 

2 teaspoons powdered sugar

 

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

 

3/4 teaspoon ground cloves

 

3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

 

cinnamon sticks * optional and use as stirrers in mugs of hot punch.

 

Combine all the ingredients in a very large heavy pan, except the cinnamon sticks.

 

Bring to a boil and turn to simmer for few minutes.

 

Put in a crockpot after it has boiled and keep warm over low heat.

 

*******

things to do with kids for Christmas, Make Cinnamon Applesauce and/or Salt Dough ornaments

*******

Hungarian Christmas Biscuits with Poppy Seeds (Makosgubo)

 

1 envelope dry yeast
2 tablespoons lukewarm water
1 teaspoon sugar
3/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup sugar
2 whole eggs, beaten
3 egg yolks, beaten
2 to 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, as needed
1/3 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup sugar, approximately
1/2 cup washed, dried and ground poppy seeds

 

Sprinkle yeast into lukewarm water, add 1 teaspoon sugar and set aside in a
warm place for 5 to 10 minutes, or until mixture is foamy.

 

Scald milk, add salt, butter, 1/4 cup sugar and stir until butter melts.
Cool to lukewarm. Add to yeast mixture along with beaten whole eggs and
yolks.
Stir in 1 cup flour. Mix thoroughly, cover loosely and set to rise in a
draft-free corner for about 30 minutes, or until dough is light and puffy.

 

Beat in as much remaining flour as needed to make dough smooth but soft.
Knead for 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Place in floured bowl,
dust
top of dough with flour, cover loosely and set to rise in a draft-free
corner until double in bulk - about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

 

Punch dough down, knead for 2 or 3 minutes, then cut off pieces slightly
smaller than walnuts. Roll into balls, dredge lightly with flour, dusting
off
excess, and place 1 inch apart on a buttered baking sheet. Let rise for 30
minutes.
Bake
in preheated 300 degrees F. oven for 1 hour, or until pale golden brown
around edges. Place biscuits in a bowl, blanch with boiling water and drain
immediately.
Heat 1/3 cup butter in a large skillet over low heat, add biscuits and stir
gently with a
wooden spoon
to coat with butter. Sprinkle with sugar and ground poppy seeds and serve
while hot.

 

Makes about 4 dozen biscuits. Enjoy.

 

*******

Boogie Woogie Santa Claus

Well look here Jack
There's something down the track
He's got rhythm in his feet
But nothing in the sack
The boogie woogie Santa Claus
Boogie woogie Santa Claus
Boogie woogie Santa
Comes to town every Christmas day

Well he lives up in a mountain
Like a hermit in the cave
He never had a haircut
He never took a shave
The boogie woogie Santa Claus
Boogie woogie Santa Claus
Boogie woogie Santa
Comes this time every Christmas day

Well it's rock rock rock Mr. Santa
Jump jump jump Mr. Santa
Well the boogie woogie Santa
Will boogie all your blues away

Got no presents for your tree
No Candy for your socks
When he starts to boogie
The whole town rocks

Mama get your hat
Put your best dress on
We're gonna jump for joy
On the Christmas morn
The boogie woogie Santa Claus
Boogie woogie Santa Claus
Boogie woogie Santa
Boogie all your blues away

Well it's rock rock rock Mr. Santa
Jump jump jump Mr. Santa Claus
Well the boogie woogie Santa
Will boogie all your blues away

 

*******

 Today is a good day to take out of storage any storm doors and windows. Clean them before installing.

 

 

*******

http://www.craftideas.info/html/door_wreath.html

 

Christmas Door Wreath

You can get more into the spirit of the season by making decorations yourself. When guest come, greet them at the the front door a this fresh smelling and naturally decorated wreath. Because the cold temperatures outside preserve the greenery, this wreath can even be left on the door long after Christmas is over.

 

For this project you will need: - basic straw wreath in any size - florist wire - various evergreens - nuts - cinnamon sticks - dried apple and orange slices - pinecones, etc.... - hot glue gun - gold spray paint for pinecones if desired\\ Wreath making tutorial

How to Make Natural Green Wreaths Experiment using one or more different types of greenery on the same wreath for added effect.
	1. Knot the florist wire on the back side of the wreath and secure ends.
	2. Knot the wire around the wreath and hold it in front of the wreath.
	3. Prepare a few 6 inch bunches of greenery. It looks attractive when more than one type of greenery gets used.
	4. Place the first bunch the straw wreath. Bring the wire from the top, wrap around to the inside, around the backside und come up from the bottom and then over the greenery, securing it.The wire will again be in front of your wreath each time you finish. You will always be turning the wreath clockwise when working. The wire will always be wrapped after each new layer.
	5. Layer the next group of greenery on top of the first bunch, making sure to cover the wire holding the first bunch tight. Wrap the wire around this 2nd bunch as you did the first time and come back up in front of the wreath as seen in the picture.
	6. Continue adding new layers. Each time you follow the instructions in step 2. Make sure that the outside and inside rim of the wreath are also getting covered so that the wreath looks uniform.
	7. As you continue, you will be slowly reaching the beginning point. Continue working until there is hardly any more of the wreath showing. Keep adding greenery as before and...
	8. ... you will reach a point when it seems you cannot add any more. You will want to tuck the ends of the last layer you added under the top ends of the first layer. You will sort of be lifting the first layers over this last layer. The wire is never to be seen in this process. Therefore, at the end, try to hide the wire under the first batch of greenery while wrapping it around the last bunch and you may have to add a few more pieces of greenery until the beginning and end match in thickness.
Illustrated Craft Tutorial - How to Make a Simple Bow This bow can be made with all widths of ribbon. 1. Decide on the size of your bow. This will be the length of the loops and the size of the tails. This particular ribbon measures 4 cm x 52 cm. 2. Cut a "v" into both ends of the ribbon. 3. Lay the ribbon flat on the table with the bottom side up. 4. Bring the right end over the middle and hold in place. The right side of the ribbon is facing up. 5. Now bring the left side over and also hold in place as you did on the right. Decide where the exact middle and center and adjust the loops on the left and right side. 6. Once the middle is adjusted gather the 2 ends and also the bottom side as seen in this picture. Pinch all the layers between your thumb and index finger. 7. Take a thin piece of wire and wrap it around the front of the ribbon and bring it to the backside. 8. Twist the wire closed on the backside. Leave the ends hanging. You can then use these to tie it to your decoration. 9. This is the finished bow. Use it to decorate packages, wreaths, floral decorations or what ever needs to be decorated. By changing the width of the ribbon, you can create many different looks to match your decorating needs. You can also add embellishments to a ribbon while securing the ribbon with the wire. Experiment!	9. When completed, the wreath is ready for decorating for the table or for the door. You cannot see where the beginning or the end is.

 

We received this tip from one of our crafty readers for drying orange or apple slices. "If you have a gas stove with a pilot light, you can leave your items in the oven to dry. This method is a little faster than the radiator method but not as fast as the microwave."

This is a second example of a door wreath.

 

*******

Things to do at Christmas time, Buy a special treat for your pets (dog bones, cat treats)

 

 

*******

 

*******

http://www.holidaydecorations.com/Christmas-Wreath.html\\

 

Christmas Wreath

Its Meaning, History and Types

One of the most popular holiday decorations is the Christmas Wreath. You will see Christmas Wreaths used in many different ways and in many different settings.

 

*******

 

Billie C.

Hello, for today Nov 4

Hello ... And good Morning (9am)  We were up early, even for time change. I went to bed late and got up early. About 6 hours after going to bed. I got up, dressed in the dark and took the dogs out even though they were not "asking" to go out. Then Jerry turned on a light. (agh)  We went to "The Dinner Bell" for our Sunday Morning breakfast.  We won't really have to eat until we want an early dinner.
We have to go to Wal-mart later as I need more strips for my Sugar checker.
(11pm) I'm watching the Mentelist while I type this up. We got to Wal-mart. I picked up the strips, and a few other things. By the time we left we had spent just over $70.  Jerry got new shoes, I picked up pet food for both the dogs and the cats. (don't want to run out) I picked out two more nail polishes (don't need them, but wanted them so much)  Some Felt.. Jerry's cigars. and I forgot what else.   I tried to cut the felt with my cricut and it failed. The felt is too thin, and even with ironing the freezer paper to one side, it still didn't turn out like I wanted it to. I spent about an hour cutting freezer paper to iron onto felt and I'll cut around that with scissors. (Hey, I didn't have to use spell check to spell Scissors) Jerry had on a football game when Beth called. We talked about 45 minutes.
Another Air Stream moved in across from us. It's only a year older than our but we can see several things differt just from the outside. Jerry and he talked a bit and they moved the bath to the middle and changed the bed from twins to a single in the back.
Outside my door ... It's very dark. (it is 11 pm) Today was nice though. I sat outside for a bit with just a thin t-shirt on. (Of course I was wearing pants as well)  I just took the dogs out for last call a bit ago. I could see a lot of stars so it's not cloudy any more. I read an email that we are under a frost warning.  There are only a few leaves left on the trees. I can see a lot more bare branckes

 

The Dogs ... I have had to squirt Rocky and Barney several times this morning to make them stop rough housing. It's not that they are playing, they are shaking the camper with how rough they are playing. I'm glade to see Rocky play with Barney though. Rocky usuall just lays around all day long.

 

The Cats ...  were more than willing to come inside when I took the dogs out for their last call. I'll be putting all three into a kennel to sleep, tonight. Right now they are all in the bedroom with Jerry., Rocky and Macon. Barney is in his kennel for the night already.   The time change has us all confused.  The cats were ready for their canned food before 2pm. I don't usually feed them until close to 4 but they know if they all three come to the camper around 3 I might go ahead and feed them. I didn't feed them until 5 which was 6 before time change.  There is another black cat in the area. He (or she) Is a bit larger than ours. It comes over to eat once our cats have finished up. It doesn't run when Jerry talks to it but still runs when I open the door.

 

From the kitchen... Salad, Hot Dogs, Remain Soup, and popcorn for desert.

 

I am hearing... The mentalest on the tv. Jerry is in the bedroom watching something else. 

 

I am wearing... splattered t-shirt and black sweat pants.

 

I am reading... emails, emails and more email.

 

I am hoping...  That Jerry hears from a job this week. I'm starting to get worried. It usually doesn't take this long for him to find another job.  We know we may not hear anything until after the elections on Tuesday but we are not giving up hope just yet. It's just stressful not knowing if we are going to find a job here or if we are going to have to move.

 

I am creating... I love the post it notes program. I realized I just totally forget what I really should be working on. So I filled out a few with the different crafts I should be working on. 
My plan is to do things on the computer until Jerry wakes up, if I'm up before him. Clean house in the mornings, the work on a craft in the afternoon each day I have some "post it's" with things like sewing or make jewerly but they don't have details of what I need to work on. These I set up today are for each porject.
One of my favorite things... 

 

A few plans for the rest of the week...  food shopping. If we spent at least $50 at a time at Engles between the middle of October and the week of Thanksgiving 6 times we will get a free 12 to 14 pound turkey.  We are half way there already.  We don't know yet, where we will be spending Thanksgiving.  We will have to do laundry soon, as well. When we do, I'll take the covers and pillows off the couch this time, they need a good washing.

 

Billie C.
Celebrate the happiness that friends are
always giving, make every day a holiday
and celebrate just living!
~ Amanda Bradley ~

Nov 4

 

*******

HOLIDAY SUGAR COOKIES

 

 

INGREDIENTS:
3/4 cup solid shortening (butter flavored preferred)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

 

DIRECTIONS:
Cream shortening, sugar, eggs and vanilla in large mixer bowl
at medium speed of electric mixer until light and creamy.
Cmbine flour, baking powder and salt. Add to creamed mixture,
mixing on low speed until well blended. Cover dough and chill
1 hour, if desired, for easy rolling. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Roll half of dough at a time. Roll out dough on lightly floured
surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Using a cookie cutter, cut in
desired shapes. Place on ungreased baking sheets. Roll leftover
pieces. Sprinkle with coloured decorations or leave plain to
decorate when cool. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes,
or until edges are light brown. (Time will vary with cookie
size.) Cool slightly, then remove to cooling rack. Cool
completely before decorating.

 

Yield: about 36 cookies: varies with cookie size
Categories: Cookies, Desserts, Holiday

 

FROSTING RECIPE FOR COOKIE DECORATING:

 

1 pound powdered sugar
2 egg whites (or 5 tablespoons meringue powder if available)

 

Combine powdered sugar and egg whites or meringue powder
in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle
attachment. Set on low speed. Add 1/2 cup water drop by drop.
For a thinner consistency, usually used as foundation, add
more water. A thicker consistency is generally used for
further embellishing. Beat until the mixture holds a
ribbonlike trail on the surface for five seconds when you
raise the paddle.
Makes 6 cups

 

 

*******

things to do with kids for Christmas, Bake cookies. Kids love to help in the kitchen and baking cookies is a wonderful way to spend time together. just keep an eye on them.  Once, while helping a friend and her daughter I caught the daughter Licking the frosting spoon then wanting to use that spoon to frost the next cookie. I think I blew it when I said "stop". when I explained why though everyone got a good laugh from it.

 

 

**********

HOLIDAY WREATHS -
Cherry Christmas Wreaths

 

1 pkg. Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe Devil's Food Cake Mix
2 16-oz. containers Duncan Hines Cream Cheese Frosting
green food coloring
1 20-oz. can light cherry pie filling
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. almond extract

 

1. Heat oven to 350º.
2. Grease and flour a 10" tube pan.
3. Prepare, bake and cool cake as package directs for a bundt pan.
4. Split cooled cake into 2 layers. Place each layer on a plate (cut side up) and brush off loose crumbs.
5. Reserve 1 cup frosting. Spread remaining frosting on tops and sides of both cakes.
6. Add food coloring to reserved frosting to tint deep green.
7. Decorate cakes around edges of top (including center top edge) and bottom edges using decorating bag and desired tip.
8. In medium bowl, combine pie filling, cinnamon and extract. Spoon half of cherry mixture on top of each cake between green rings.

 

 

********

Blue Christmas

I'll have a blue Christmas without you
I'll be so blue just thinking about you
Decorations of red on a green Christmas tree
Won't be the same dear
if you're not here with me

And when those blue snowflakes start fallin'
That's when those blue memories start callin'
You'll be doing all right
with your Christmas of white,
but I'll have a blue, blue, blue, blue Christmas

You'll be doing all right
with your Christmas of white,
but I'll have a blue, blue, blue, blue Christmas    

http://www.carolingcorner.com/blue.html

 

*******

http://www.bhg.com/christmas/crafts/tabletop-christmas-tree/

 

Craft a Blue-and-Silver Christmas Tabletop Tree

Make this pretty Christmas tabletop tree from a variety of blue and silver crafts supplies.
What You Need:

• 3 7/8 X 8 7/8-inch foam cone
• Package of 100 long pearl-head straight pins
• Multicolor glitter crafts paint; paintbrush
• 5 silver glittered leaf florist's picks
• 1 teal-color grape cluster florist's pick
• Assorted teal, blue, and silver sequins
• White and teal snowflake-shape foam stickers
• Crafts glue; scissors
• Iridescent star topper
• Clear glass votive cup

How to Make It:

1. Paint the cone with the crafts paint and let dry. Cut silver metallic leaves from florist's picks and separate into large, medium, and small sizes. Insert a pearl-head pin into a single large leaf and attach it to the cone at the bottom, placing at a diagonal.
2. Continue to place single leaves at an angle to make a row around the bottom of the cone. Arrange subsequent leaves in groups of three, poking a pearl-head pin through each group of three and fanning out to cover as much area on the cone as possible. Use larger groups of leaves at the bottom of the cone, medium-size ones at the center, and the smallest ones toward the top.
3. Cut beads from the grape cluster florist's pick. Leave about 1 inch of wire extending from each bead. Insert beads into the cone near the leaf clusters. Continue to fill in spaces
4. Glue additional pieces of silver foliage from the florist's picks to fill in any gaps. Insert the star topper into the top of the cone using wire from topper, or glue in place with crafts glue.
5. Turn the clear glass votive upside down, spread a thick layer of crafts glue on the bottom, and adhere the decorated tree on top. Let the tree dry.

 

 

*****

Things to do at Christmas time, Get your pets fresh new collars, name tags and leashes. I may have posted this already, but I know my pets love new collars and leashes. Oh. I saw a 5ft leash at Wal-mart today that lights up. A great thing to have if your walking your dog in the dark.. 5 foot is a bit too short for me. especially when walking three dogs but if I only had one dog, it would be great.

*****

 

*******

 

http://www.history.org/Foundation/journal/Holiday06/wassail.cfm

 

Wassailing through History

by Robert Doares

Rings of orange and lemon afloat, the wassail bowl filled with spiced wine or ale is a tradition that goes back a thousand years and more.

As traditional and familiar as most any English Christmas carol, the song is among the season's more anachronistic, an evocation of a holiday custom that pretty much puzzles modern celebrants: wassailing.

 

********

 

 

Billie C.

 

Celebrate the happiness that friends are
always giving, make every day a holiday
and celebrate just living!
~ Amanda Bradley ~