Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Miscellaneous Christmas Crap

I think this will be the last of the Christmas posts.


Boys are fun aren't they?





















The Christmas table at the old folks home.




































Christmas dinner is always Rouladen. It's a German dish. It takes forever to make and mom always makes it for special meals and always for Christmas. I've already been instructed by the boys that I WILL be taking over this tradition when the peeps are no longer able to make it.






Here Ddunkie is perfecting his mash potato gravy holder. I should have video-d it as it is a beautiful thing to behold. An act of true love.







Beautiful yes?

That's mash potatoes and gravy. Sauerkraut, which I can make as well as my mom but refuse to eat myself. And Rouladen. I know it looks like a turd by it is in fact a Rouladen. And it is yummy!






Unfortunatly mom diced the potatoes (to speed cooking) and then over cooked them. They were watery and barely edible. Sad.

Thursday, January 07, 2010

elf kit

Do you have an elf kit?


Do you have a Christmas Staging area? My loft during 'The Season' becomes Christmas central. Everything I need to get Christmas out the door, hopefully on time.

eeek that's messy!










Some gifts awaiting their final touches.
















Do you just love these stockings? I made them years ago and then forgot all about them. I found them in the bottom of my stash. This year some of my homies got these stuffed with yummies and maybe a fat quarter or two.













Packing material. Look familiar to some of you? When sending things out for Christmas I hot air some popcorn. It makes an eco friendly, and may I say it? green packing material. I really do it so that it can be thrown out for the birds, squirrels or whatever. Doesn't everything deserve a little Christmas spirit?





Hang tags. I enjoy making my own hang tags and every year I get a new idea or new design. This year was small shipping tags. I had a box of them for some other reason and my mom gave me a huge tub of Scribbles and canisters of glitter. No need to run out and buy more craft stash when these are just screaming for a little attention.




I like to keep the tags simple. I've got to be able to make up a hundred, give or take, in a hurry. No matter how many I make I'm always making more at the last minute. Everyone in the house grabs them up. This year I'm going to make 200 tags and put them in a pretty box for my elf kit next Christmas.

I say this every year.

No matter. I present you with this years elf kit.


An elf kit has all the stuff your gonna need to wrap up your presents. That awesome gift wrap cutter that I've decided I cannot live without, a tape dispenser and extra roll of tape. (you know you're gonna need it) Streamers, scissors, tags. I put a pen and paper in there, a Sharpie, sometimes some small gauge floral wire and snips. I keep the things that may come up or be needed during the holidays.



I use this basket all year round for just about everything. Kind of my all year elf kit. I'll line it with Christmas fabric. Around Easter, I'll line it with some spring fabric and keep eggs in there.

I cleaned it out and have already lined it with Easter. I'm planning ahead for Easter. It'll be the next Gnome throwdown.

BRING IT GNOMES!!

Tuesday, January 05, 2010

Whore your loot!! Woot! Woot!

Are you ready to whore your loot?!?!?!



Christmas Morning. Come and share it with me. We don't have a fireplace (what up CA?) but one of our stations showed a yule log burning while they played Christmas music. Not only was the Christmas music bad but our tree is in the other room. No really, the Christmas music was bad. Songs I'd never heard before or played like I'd heard before. NOT good background music.



After 10 minutes we turned it off. The sound. We left the picture on because we thought it was cool.

I got some great great gifts this year. One thing I can say about lean years is that the people in your life, that you love, get really creative in their gift giving.

This comes from one of my oldest and dearest friends.




BH and I at her daughters wedding. When I opened this I couldn't remember where this was taken. I was still pale and a little swollen from all the steroids. Isn't that awful hair? I remember being thrilled to be able to color and comb it.

I don't have a lot of photos of me. Of us. I treasure this.








A Tree pan and handmade dishcloths from Punchy. The dishcloths are so pretty that I wouldn't have thought they were dishcloths. I'm using them now. If you can get ahold of these handmade cloths you really must try them. They are a dream to clean with.

Next year I'm making a giant cookie in this pan. Will make a great centerpiece. Gifts maybe? Hmmmm.








I open Punchy's box and I see this. Hope. Across the miles I'm sent a message. These are tough times. Emotional times. People are hurting and struggling. There is always hope. These times make the good times to come all the sweeter.

I treasure these cards from my puggy friends. Every year they get tucked in the tree. Some stay out all year on my fridge and some hang out in my office. A reminder of dear friends from around the world.










Puggie ornies!!

Are they the cutest?










LOOOOOOK!











Johnboy made me a card. He did a good job. I know he spelled Merry wrong but he got it right on the inside. Let's hope he gets it right this time on the inside.








Some delish lemon cake from DIL that I love. This is so good, especially the next day with coffee. (they patched things up and were here Christmas Eve, what a blessing)











My BFF made this for me. You should see how tiny those stitches are! She's older than me, I don't know how she can see to sew those tiny stitches.








Rachel Ray Tongs!!
Nylon tipped, I'm telling you these tongs are a dream. They were on my wish list as they were a bit pricey but just right for a son's gift.










Carefully wrapped presents from BH.











A Faux Kindle!!

And a much coveted headset. Plantronics. Really really nice headset.












My cousin got the Kindle just before she headed back to Canada. I really liked it except for one thing. It was just a tad big for me. I'd like to be able to throw it in my purse for doctors visits or just plain down time. This ereader is not a lot bigger than, well I don't know. But it's small. So I charge it up, 3 hours, and then try to sync it up. No go. My computer is aged so I tried BH's. Nope. So then I try it at my dad's. Nothin. I have no choice but to return it. (sad pouty face) We leave the day after so you know Best Buy is gonna be crazy with returns. I warn BH. On our way out of town, lets return it. There may be a line though, it may take awhile. We get in the store, hang a quick right and . . . nothing. There is no one waiting in line for returns. No one! The bad news was that they were out of them and no stores locally had them. We head off to AZ and try the Best Buy there. They are out of them as well and it looks like they are out all over AZ. At least until they restock.

While shopping at the super Walmart we found one. ONE. (big smiley face) So I got my reader and it's fab. More on this gem later.



'What's in this bag? Sumthin for me?'













'Are you SERIOUS! Panities! Really? Really?'















'I get no respect.'














I got another special gift from a dear friend. I've no picture of it at the moment, but I will. She gave me a stack of 4" squares. These are squares from every quilt she made this year. This military wife donates just about all her quilts to the boys/girls being deployed to Iraq, or where ever they go. Every square is from a quilt that is loving our precious military kids. And they are just kids. Many of them know they can always spend the holidays with this very special family. I am blessed to call her my friend.

So how was your Christmas blessed this year?







































Monday, January 04, 2010

And again with the Gnomes

The Gnomes! The Gnomes!

One day I'm just gonna snap.

Background: The Gnomes are BH's son, DIL and three grandkids. The oldest grandaughter is 19, lives on her own and we rarely see her. Sadly I forget all about her most times. The two littler ones are boy gnome (9) and girl gnome (8) I think. Mother gnome is obnoxiously late for everything. Like an hour or two late. Like everyone's gone and we're all cleaned up and sometimes in bed late. Papa gnome has a list of irritants as well. To ridicules to list at the moment.

Every year we do Christmas Eve here at the house. I always go to my folks Christmas day so I have dinner the night before and the grandkids can come and open their gifts and play with their cousins and all the big people can get together and chat for awhile.

Last year was an early dinner giving us plenty of time to be together. Five minutes before the appointed time they give us a call and let us know they're leaving now and they'll be visiting his mom before they come. Yes before. The gnomes and his mother both live about an hour, hour and a half away. So they will be here an hour plus whatever visiting time they do late. I pitched a fit. Just a little fit. With much cursing and just a little yelling which prompted BH to call the son and tell him to get his ass here prompto. They did and were only 2 hours late.

The year before? They came around 10 oclock after I'd already gone to bed.

This year. They don't show at all.

Blessing or curse?

Well I'd prepared dinner for 4 extra people. And extra cause you know everyone will want seconds etc. I decided on taco's for Christmas eve. Not festive but easy. Heat up the meat and beans, toppings on the table, buffet style, no muss, no fuss. I'd made 7 lbs of taco meat.

While frying up shells as guests are arriving BH calls papa gnome to see if they are on their way. No they are not. They're just too tired and have decided to stay home.

A mini fit ensues. I've made 7 pounds of taco meat! SEVEN POUNDS! I'd even made a couple of quiches for breakfast as I know they will stay the night as they have in the past. Unplanned this time as they've been strangely uncommunicative this year. The saddest part is that these kids will not have much for Christmas.

Shortly after T-day I text mother gnome to get some gift ideas for the grandkids. Only the grandkids. We're not buying for the boys and their wives as money is tight and they've been generously helped all year. I don't hear from her. I text her to let her know what time to come Christmas eve. She lets me know they'll be on the road that day and they'll stop by Christmas day instead. I text her and let her know we'll be at my parents on Christmas day. I don't hear from her. BH, after much calling finds out that they will not be traveling that day and will be here for Christmas Eve. I'm hearing conflicting reports from other DIL, who I love, who says the gnomes are still undecided, yes they'll come, no maybe not. So even though BH assures me they'll be here, I am not so sure. I get a feeling that they either will not come or will otherwise make the holiday unpleasant for us.

And one side note to the whole gift thing. I like to get gift idea from the moms. So I call them up. Doesn't everyone do this? I remember giving little lists or ideas to the grandparents. I usually offered up reasonably priced items as I have 3 boys but they have many grandkids. It's no secret to anyone that we're struggling. Like everyone else. We're in Real Estate and the market has tanked so, yeah, not a lot of extra cash here. My phone often takes a message for me and doesn't let me know about it for a few days. (but I love you Cherry Berry) So I get this belated message, it's from mother gnome. And boy oh boy peeps, she's left me this monstrous message. I get a list of things for boy gome. A list of Xbox games that'd he'd like. He'd also love to have a microscope AND a telescope. Girl gnome would like that doll house that they have at Target. (just over $100 and huge! They live in their 5th wheel trailer remember) For her and hubs, well they'd so love to take the kids to the mountains this year. Maybe a little cabin with a fireplace instead of a hotel room. They'd like the kids to play in the snow.

There's nothing under $50.00 on this list and $50.00 and under was all we'd budgeted for the 6 grandkids. And a vacation! Are you serious! We're going to pay for a weekend in the mountains for them? Really? Really? They never even have gas money to get to our house.

This weekend we headed over there to give the kids their gifts. We'd gotten an Xbox game for the boy and a Gemagic (Bedazzler) plus other jewelry kits for the girl. The Gemagic was a hit by the way. Super duper easy. The whole time we're there mother gnome is talking to me about this vacation in the mountains. Inserting us in this scene now. Won't it be fun, sitting by the fireplace, yada yada yada. We could get snow clothes (because who has them here) and play in the snow. She'd like the kids to make a snowman this year and with all of us we could have a snowball fight. Wont this be all kinds of fun? NO! I say. I do not like the snow. I will not be playing in the snow. Snow is cold. Oh, she laughs. You could stay in the cabin and drink hot cocoa by the fire! You know, I think she'd be willing to put up with me if we paid for her little fantasy.

But I'm better now. After much discussion with BH we've both come to an understanding. He loves his son and grandkids. There is no excuse for their behavior but this is what we have. BH's way is to just let things go. He is not troubled by their quirkiness. He understands that I'm the one making all the plans and such. He gets it. No one can fix this silly family so we just have to make the best of it.

Besides, I kind of enjoy blogging about it.

Thursday, December 31, 2009

New years rez

Happy new year Australia! (because its new years day in oz right now) Many years ago I made a new years rez to never make any more new years resolutions. I'd make goals. I'd write them all out. Short term goals, long term goals, stuff I need to do, stuff I want to do, stuff I should do. And them promptly forget all about it. Right? Who's with me so far?

All good rez were made to be broken so I'm only making resolutions that I know ill be able to keep. You ready? Here we go.

New years resolutions for 2010.

Make those amazing meatballs! There's five different ones and they all look de lish! If I made 1 meatball recipe a month I could knock this rez out in, well, five months.

Replace the trackball in my phone. I need to take care of it soon or it'll freeze altogether rendering my phone practicaly useless.

Get a new phone. It may be the same phone or it may be a different phone but when my contract expires I will get a new phone.

Get new contacts. I've been legally blind for months now, putting off the dreaded optometrist visit for some odd reason. I was going to wait until January but Bh refused to let me drive and I had to take care of this before I left. So one rez taken care of. A positive way to start the new year yes?

Let's see what else, oh yeah, de Christmas my house. I'll start that tomorrow and I should be done by Monday. Another positive for the new year.

Bh is a nagging so were off to California. See ya tomorrow!

Good bye 2009!

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Mesa Wednesday

Did a little shopping yesterday afternoon after lunch at the Kirkland store and a couple of thrift stores looking for lamps (Elvis spotted!) nothing good was found and we came home with no new treasures. This was my 2nd Elvis sighting this trip but I have no way of posting the pictures so you'll have to wait.

Today we'll un- decorating and putting everything neatly away for mom.
Note 2 Stella and gunther: oh yes they are amazing meatball recipes and if you can't get your hands on January bon appetit magazine I will be posting the recipes later.http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=24155175&postID=8548939800057057964#

Monday Monday Mesa

I meant to post yesterday and even started a post but we went antiquing (a new piece of, what else, Pyrex and oh what a piece of Pyrex) Then had lunch at Fudruckers which was good , really good but different. The kind of different where you should go with someone who's been there before so they can explain. Fuds is a burger joint. A build it yourself burger joint. It was crazy busy and the cute girl handed us one of those flashy buzzer thingies and we found our own table. After receiving our meal with awesome fries we sat down and realized our burgers were naked and we had to get up again to dress them. After burgers we headed home and all settled in for a long winters nap. Except it was in the 70's and didn't feel very wintery. And then, because it was Monday for the rest of world, we answerd calls of needed repairs and heaters that failed to heat. Evidently it is not in the 70's back in LE.

Today we have plans to play rumicube after we visit Falcon Field to look into a rental plane. A cross country trip is being planned but I'm not sure we'll be able to pull it off.

Talk of de-Christmasing moms house is going on at the moment. Shall we undecorate today or tomorrow? She very much would like to keep them up longer but she is unable to put them away by herself. There isn't much. A delicately ornamented faux tree with a little beaded garland a few bulbs and a gold silk ribbon tied in a bow for a topper. The only personal ornament is a ceramic snowflake with a picture of her first great grandchild. A few green wreaths are on otherwise blank walls. There are outdoor lights that need to come down. All and all it should not take more than an hour to box it up and put it all away.

We've decided to head out for lunch.

TTFN

P

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Mesa madness

We're enjoying the peacefulness that is Mesa. Sister Rose and hubs will head back to Kingman this afternoon after a week long visit and this morning is busy with packing up and changing sheets and taking inventory of depleted food and sundries. While mom is at church Rose briefs us on the health issues affecting mom. Nothing serious at the moment but at 80 something, has potential.

Breakfast was a buffet of blueberry English muffins and crumpets with imported jams. A gift from the Pats. Rose and I got identical gift boxes just prior to leaving so we both thought it would be lovely to share with the family. It was and we're still enjoying the English delicacies.

I've brought more food. Not one but two quiches. These were made for Christmas morning but were not eaten. They were easily warmed up and served with salsa and chopped cilantro. A wonderful lunch. No muss no fuss.

This afternoon has an important itinerary of football games and maybe a little shopping. Diet cokes have been added to the list. If not for the need of this very important beverage we may not leave the comfort of the couch.

Our internal clocks are off as is common when we travel. AZ is an hour ahead and we've not had a normal bedtime in weeks. Compounded this morning by the hotel clock that was set one hour ahead of AZ time. A full two hours ahead of CA time. Tonight we'll stay here at moms as Rose and hubs will be home. I look forward to unpacking, putting my feet up and reading the Bon appetite mag I threw in my bag. Meatballs are on the cover. "5 amazing recipes". I think I'll find out what is so amazing.

TTFN
P

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Merry after Christmas peeps!

I'm blogging on the fly. In about an hour we'll be in Blythe for our about 1/2 way pee stop and leg stretch. We are on our way to the not-inlaws for a holiday visit. So what did Santa bring ya-all? I'm gonna do a Whore your loot when I get back so get ready for some cool shiz. And I wanna see all your cool stuff. Oh and I just cannot wait to tell you what the Gnomes did. Or rather what they didn't do. They really outdid themselves this time. The story promises not to disapoint. I'm still pissed about it so I'll have to share when I'm calmed down some. In the mean time I'm getting a little much needed R&R. Maya B. is with mum. She hates to get left and looks entirely pitiful when we go. Mum walks Charlie dog twice a day and Maya, who never walks, has gotten into the swing of things already. She is fat and lazy and mum makes her walk. While she usually takes a day to adjust this time she ran out to the car on her own. (mom drives to the park to walk them). Oh were in Blythe already. Gotta pee. Be back soon. P

Monday, December 21, 2009

Christmas Shopping Fun

As of today we are still not done with our Christmas shopping. Or house cleaning. Or cookie baking. Or food shopping.

Last weekend I fell ill to the piglet flu. Not the full on h12O or whatever it's called, but a little mini version of what the swine flu just might feel like. Mostly I just wanted to sleep. I was able to get out and about and spread some Christmas flu cheer with a crowded mall.

We needed to get something for the grandkids, more on that fiasco later, and something for mom. What do you get an 80 something minimilist? In the past we've gotten her things that she can use. A jacket, faster internet, stuff like that. This year, blank. We got nuthin up our sleeve. With just days to go the pressure is on.

I know! says he, lets go to the Probass Shop. This is an awesome place, it really is. They have this restaurant attached that has huge fish tanks all over and this time of year they've got their fireplaces lit. When ever we head out that way we always stop for a bite or a drink and watch the fish. Really a great place. But the store, the store is awesome too. There are large fish tanks throughout and water falls and little lakes and climbing rocks and stuffed game and things, all kinds of things. If you camp, fish, hike whatever, it's there. I saw the cutest little cami wear for infants. I could spend a day or two just looking at stuff.

Except we're trying to find a gift for mom.

At a glorified Big 5.

I know.

But, you never know I guess. They could just have something during the holiday season, right? Right?

I found this. An edible bowl maker! Is that cool or what? I kind a wanted one of those. And it had this video playing with the Billy Mays wanna b. I could not stop watching.

We didn't get it. Mother S is not baking much these days. I cannot see her (or anyone now that I think about it) ever using an edible bowl maker.

We're still looking for the perfect gift. At this late hour I'll settle for a nice but not so perfect gift.

Four days till Christmas.

I'm just not gonna make it folks. And the gnomes? Somethin is up with them. I FEEL IT!

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Christmas on the inside

In the midst of the newest family disaster I get a letter from my nephew. He is currently serving time in an AZ prison facility.

I'd never really seen his his handwriting before. The letters are tiny and neat. His spelling? It's bad. But not so bad that you can't read it easily.

It's a long letter, two pages. Lots of content. Pleads for photos from the recent anniversary party. I'd promised to send them and in all the Christmas busyness I haven't gotten around to it yet. Some photos are still waiting for me at Costco. I hope to get them out soon. I've sent the Christmas picture of his cousins. I've sent two Christmas cards and I plan on sending a third. I don't think he'll receive many cards this year.

There are questions about a recent event. Concerns because from where he is it looks odd. 'Is Gpa ok?' Gpa didn't mention it in his letters and he begs me for an explanation. He worries about their health. He worries because he can't see them or talk to them. I'll jot him some quick answers in my next letter and hustle it off to the mail. It's important that he not wait too long for some of those answers. You see, Johnboy was raised by my parents from about six months of age. My parents are his parents. My sons are more like brothers than cousins. Emotionally that is how our family operates.

My father has initiated a letter writing campaign. It's important that he not feel abandoned by his family, Gpa says. Money Orders are being sent on a regular schedule. He is organizing that so Johnboy has regular money for the things he'll need or want. Phone calls are very very expensive and money will be sent to pay for those. So we can hear his voice during the holidays. Communication though, with have to be primarily thorugh letters. You cannot imagine how hard this is for my dad. English is his second language and spelling and syntax are diffecult for him. His letters are short because of this but also because my dad doesn't wish to worry him. Johnboy is burdend enough, no need to add to it.

So far it's just me and dad. His own mother struggles with so many things. Drugs, poor health, poverty. She may never write him. His father, my brother, will never write him. And though he lives just minutes from the facility, may never visit. There are some reasons for that, none of them very good.

It's five days till Christmas.

What exactly is Christmas spirit?

Saturday, December 19, 2009

6 days

Six days before Christmas.

Tears are dropping onto my hands as I type.

C: Dad, we're splitting up. E is gone with the girls.

The details are sketchy and to personal to share at the moment. Just last week the girls sat at my table. Making photo ornaments for our trees. Eating cookies freshly baked. Everything seemed fine. Christmas plans were discussed. Hushed 'guess what I got' conversations shared while we looked to see who might be listening.

Magoo writing her name on the back of the ornaments. Swirls and lines that represent the name she is using at the time. "NOT SARAH PALEN!!" she would say. Her new glasses and long dark hair do make her look just a little like Mzz Palen. But just a little.

KK telling stories of her new humiliation. Bra stories. Stories of how she was teased at a recent family birthday by the birthday girl that is not quite ready for a bra. Embarrassment only a nine year old can experience.

In six days it will be Christmas.

Mer who lives with her mother has not heard the news yet. Her mother is separated from her third husband just this month. Mer's been through this many times in her 18 years. She's managed to grow up to be a beautiful young woman. She recently became baptised in the LDS church. I looked forward to seeing her this Christmas and I wonder if I will.

Our hearts are heavy.

'What should we do?'
'We'll do Christmas as planned. It's to late to change anything now.'

It will be hard. C may come. He may come with Mer. E and the girls are with her parents. I hope things are patched up quickly. I hope they can come for Christmas. As a family.

I snuggle up close to BH.

'Do you worry about us?'

Our life is hard, stressful, overwhelming at times. It's challenging, juggling work and two families. Families with problems. Devestaing problems. Problems that can't be fixed. At least at the moment. In time things will get better. For now we are all consumed with the heaviness of these tough times.

'No, not worry. We're good'

And we are.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Miscellaneous Christmas Crap

Miscellaneous Christmas crap

The new Christmas stamp. . . . . .

Is it me or do these stamps look small? Maybe my old stamps were just big.
I want to paint a Christmas design on my toes. I've laid down the base color, which I like very much. But I'm still undecided as to what to paint. Any ideas?

Hat, gloves, scarf, check.

Baby it's COLD out side!
And rainy. And this will be the day we will try to finish our shopping. After we go into the office. We may or may not get out of the office before I run out of steam.

And of course I am expecting some Christmas drama already. I can't even talk about it right now but I know THEY are planning to bust my chops this year.

Again.

I'm planning on having Hot Buttered Rum for the evening drink.

I have PLENTY of rum.

And I'm not afraid to drink it!

Friday, December 11, 2009

Fallbrook Christmas Parade

Unfortunately I am never able to get decent pictures of our float.
It's always too dark and I can't quite figure out how to take pictures in low light with this little point and shoot.




In the line up. Snoopy's not blown up yet. Last year we had a real little plane. A small plane. Not a toy plane, a little plane that really worked. Or would work, if it worked.













Snoopy fighting the Red Baron, not a good pic but that's what that red stuff is.
















A nearby float. We were all bunched up at some point.












You know, you don't really need a fancy float to be in the Fallbrook Christmas Parade. Kind of reminds me of the Boat Parade. Ifin you can get lights on it, YOU'RE IN!!









Pug spotting!! You can't really tell but she was waving at me!












This gentleman was in charge of that retched Red Baron song that played over and over and over. Last year too! We need a new song guys.









Snoopy fighting the Red Baron












This little dandy had a lit tail! I just couldn't get him fast enough.














Pluto in charge of keeping Snoopy on his rooftop and seeing that the bears don't go off wandering.









Glowing Traffic helpers


















Glow! Very festive!











Our float spotter. Takin care to see that nothing falls off, breaks or is otherwise amiss.










Santa and the Mrs.












Ain't they cute?

Ok so it's not the Rose Bowl but ya know, it's pretty cool. There are always a ton of people and everyone hangs out their window and hoots and hollars.










And afterwards we head off to the local Mexican restaurant. It's horrible food, truly, horrible. We've never had a decent meal there. But, the service is good and we know everyone so I guess it balances out.

Wednesday, December 09, 2009

Fallbrook Christmas Parade

Please to enjoy this little clip from the Fallbrook Christmas parade. Hear that song? Yeah well it played over and over and over for the 45 min or so route.

I just renewed my ear worm listening to it today.


Sunday, December 06, 2009

Tree Trimming


Time for a little Christmas music, courtesy of XM, thank you very much.

I think my tree is pretty right out of the box. Pre lit, just plug it in and it almost doesn't need ornaments.

Almost.













Everything carefully wrapped from last year.

All lined up and ready to go.
















Santa in a plane. The reindeer were feeling sluggish this year.










To remember our troops.

A Marine made by my favorite Military Wife.











A little Victorian for the small tree by the door.










A snack for break time. Limburger cheese from the German store, some smoked salmon and crackers.

Yes, Limburger cheese. The stinkiest cheese in the whole wide world. I guarantee you will have at least one person say 'WHAT THE HELL IS THAT SMELL!!!'

Gauranteeeee. . .




Oh yes. He does know what that smell is and he is wantin some.
















Miss retchedbreath herself will have a little if you please.











Please note: Limburger cheese will stink up your entire house. Also you will find things in your fridge just a little bit fon-kay.