Thank you all for giving me time to recoup from the last 2 weeks… I have been playing catch up and today was the first day I didn’t have ANYTHING on my list that HAD to be done… so I did a few things that I WANTED to do… it felt wonderful while it lasted!
Rebecca and Karn called last night and they aren’t going to make it here for Christmas… car troubles for his mom and he’s got to to fix her car before they can leave. Apparently it almost caught on fire, and was smoking, so he said there were parts that would have to be ordered most likely. They were all set to be here on Thursday… but now it will be a little longer. Oh well, I guess we’ll celebrate Christmas whenever they get here.
I’ve been trying to get my 2022 Doll Pictures for the year together so I can have another Dolls in Review post soon…
Who is getting ready for the Arctic Blast coming our way Thursday? I can already tell you, I’m not looking forward to it… My hubby was at the church today winterizing a few things and he’s already done it for us… I think it just might be a good day for a big pot of soup or chili and Christmas movies! We watched one the other night that was really good… “A Song for the Season” with Naomi Judd and Gerald McRaney and Allison Pill… I’m telling on my hubby, but we both cried… then we watched it again the next night and cried AGAIN! It was really a sweet movie!
I am in a sorting out mood and want to get my house in order to start the new year off fresh and clean. I’m ready to let go of some more things from my sewing room but I’m going to wait until after the first of the year. I just couldn’t get everything I wanted to sell listed on Ebay, but I was happy that the 3 dolls I did sell went to good homes. Everyone was thrilled… and so was I!
Okay, today we have some pictures from Laura and I bet you know what the subject matter might be.. but you might see a surprise in the mix! :o)
Hi Jeanne,
If you need pictures, I thought I would share my “Little Darlings” with their Christmas gingerbread house and toys. Doyle is licking his paws from the tasty meal of turkey, corn on the cob, peas, and cherry pie while Solo lounges in the gingerbread cottage.
My sweet Truffle showing her pretty self.
Doyle in the midst of all the many Christmas toys. Yes, my kitties are quite spoiled.
My small Christmas doll display. Evangeline Claire with her kitties is decorating her Christmas tree with straw ornaments.
Merry Christmas,, everyone!!🌲🌲🌲🍄
Thank you Laura,
It looks pretty Christmasy and cozy at your house…
Blessings, Jeanne
We are already in the middle of an arctic blast, here in the Seattle area! It started snowing yesterday about mid-afternoon, and we got an inch or so. I was out to the PO and library today, but did cancel my PT appt. as things were getting icy again, and I really didn’t want to be out on the road as late as my appt. was scheduled (4-4:30 or so).
A while ago I looked out, and it’s been snowing again, and we’re up to 2″ or so now!! I know, all you midwesterners are laughing, but when you live in an area that is built on long, steep hills, a couple of inches of snow can bring everything to a screeching halt in very short order!!
Jeanne, I’m glad you had a day to do whatever!! I wonder which of your dolls will be going to new homes?! Hm….
Laura, thanks for sharing your wonderful pictures. Your kitties do seem quite happy and content, and Evangeline Claire has done a nice job of decorating her tree.
Barbara, if your voice is getting tired, try hot lemonade. Just get a container of frozen lemonade and make it with HOT water. It’s very soothing, and really helps! I remember mom making it for our choir between rehearsal and a Christmas concert back when I was probably still in HS. It sounds weird, but it’s actually good, and it does help!
Kathie, I posted the recipe for Cherry-Nut Slices in Saturday’s blog, here: https://idreamofjeannemarie.com/2022/12/saturday-chatterday/ Just scroll to the bottom, and you’ll find it. Enjoy!
Thanks for the hot lemonade idea. I’ll add that to my list of throat maintenance. This sounds easy enough and I can put it in my thermal cup and take it along with me to Chorale rehearsal and to choir on Sunday. Our choir is in a loft so we can have drinks since no one can see us drinking. David takes his coffee up with him. One of the things that helps was suggested by my voice teacher. You beat three eggs until fluffy then add some lemon juice. You take it by spoonfuls every so often during the day – basically until the concoction becomes more liquid than meringue. Problem with that is I have to use my big mixer because my hand mixer is not powerful enough. My big mixer is in a cabinet and heavy … You get the picture. It’s a last resort. I also use the lemon-flavored Throat Coat tea but forgot to do that last Sunday. It’s been so long since we’ve sung with the choir I forgot my routine.
I definitely want to try your Cherry-Nut Slices. They sound so yummy.
Thank you so much, Charlotte! As a midwesterner, yes, we are quite accustomed to driving in snow. I only get concerned when there is ice or ice under snow. Cincinnati, also known as the City of Seven Hills, is full of curvy steep roads and driving in snow on those can be tricky. I rode them as a child and since my grandparents always lived there I drove them as a teen when we visited. Kirby Rd was especially fun to navigate.
Thank you for your kind comment on my kitties and Evangeline.
Jeanne, while you might be disappointed that Rebecca and Karn won’t be here for the actual Christmas Day, and you will have to reschedule to make it later, who wouldn’t want extra time to get things done and ready? I sure could use a couple of extra days! I spent all afternoon baking cookies, and only got to the tip of the iceberg on that! We too, are getting ready for the arctic blast, trying to get all our last minute running around done by Wednesday, which is tomorrow, eek! I’m trying to get together a plate of pretty cookies and candy to take up to our parish rectory and office, so today is THE day to get it done!
Laura, your kitties are certainly spoiled! And talk about neat, mine never did let me pose them with toys all around and not get into them! My kitties never cared for kitty toys very much, but liked to play with things around the house they were not supposed to get into! I have a sweet little burlap angel ornament I got when we went to Hawaii the first year we were married, and it doesn’t quite look the same as when I bought it, thanks to our kitty at the time, Stacy!
I see Evangeline Claire looks so cute in Samantha’s Meet outfit! Actually, isnt that really Samantha? I love those straw ornaments, and have a few myself on our family tree. Thank you so much for sending your pictures to Jeanne, and to Jeanne for showing them.
Charlotte, please don’t go out in dangerous weather! You might want to schedule your PT appointments earlier in the day. I actually don’t drive after 4:30 anymore, since it is dark by then, or close.We need you here to start us out everyday!
Thank you so much, Linda! My kitties love playing with their large variety of toys, but will usually lie still for a photo or two in between. I just am patient.
Yes, Evangeline Claire was Samantha and has Samantha’s collection of clothing and accessories. I’ve renamed all of my dolls (new first and last names plus a couple of middle) except Felicity because I loved her original first and last name. Evangeline always wears Samantha’s meet dress for Christmas because I never cared for her Christmas dress. Maybe one of these days I can make a Christmas dress I like for her. I appreciate your kind comments.
That tree with the straw ornaments is lovely, and the kitties seem to be very happy at your house!
Here on the GA coast we are expecting weather in the low 20’s on Friday and continued freezing weather for a few more days. I have LOADS of delicate pot plants that will fill much of my living room for those days. Just more added “decorating” I didn’t count on!
Stay warm all of you!
Thank you so much, Sissy!
That’s great you were able to catch up on things. I feel like I’ve been trying to do that here, too. Today I got to write on Christmas cards. Last night the girls were putting together a huge snowflake by joining together smaller ones. Rose had learned how to make the smaller kind at school. Laura’s red and white one looks similar to them. I really like those little cats under the tree with Evangeline Claire. They look very nice
Thanks for sharing! It was fun to see Sally’s dolls and their lovely dresses from yesterday, too. It’s been cold here, in the 20’s. Not sure when it will snow. Take care y’all! Oh, Marion has to turn in her diorama today of Louis and Clark. She had to make everything by hand. J gave her some foam to carve mountains out of. Cotton was used for the clouds… I need to get up the kids…
I guess it’s too late to take a picture of Marion’s diorama. I love seeing children’s projects. Here’s wishing her a good grade for her efforts. One for you too.
Thank you, Barbara! I sent Jeanne a picture of it, so maybe she will share it. She got a good grade on it, so that’s great.
Thank you so much, Karen! The snowflake is red and natural colored willow like what is used for basket making. I bought it off of Etsy. The little kitties are faux fur Christmas tree ornaments. Our local garden store/ gift shop had them the past few years. I also have some woodland themed ones (deer, fox, squirrel etc.) I just cut the hanging string off and use them as doll pets or scene decor. Marion’s diorama sounds lovely.
Thanks, Laura! Your animals sound very nice!
Sorry to hear of the delay in seeing Rebecca and Karn, but at least they still plan to come at some point. With the weather expected, probably good that they are delayed.
Loved seeing Laura’s kitties and that gingerbread house is so cute. It might make a home for some elf dolls as well. 🙂 Evangeline Claire has been busy decorating the tree so beautifully. And those kitty pets are adorable. That last pic of the tree, lights, and shadows is lovely. Merry Christmas. 🙂
A huge 6.4 earthquake this morning to the north. 70,000 people without power and injuries. Interesting as it was centered near Ferndale, almost exactly where other person’s family homesteaded in the 1870’s. Guess we’ll be seeing some photos as the sun is coming up now. Going to be a mess up there.
Stay safe and keep warm.
Did you feel the earthquake? That is a big one. I’ll have to check it out on the news. I’ll be saying prayers for those involved.
Hmm, my comment didn’t post. Let’s try again…
Thank you so much, Joy! Merry Christmas! The gingerbread house is a pop up cat tent. My kitties love those! I appreciate the kind comments. I’m glad you like the last pic. We always take a photo of the Christmas tree with just the lights on as it is so pretty.
Wow, that was quite a earthquake. So sad right before Christmas. hope their were no serious injuries.
I know this is highly unusual but we are preparing here in southeast Texas for the arctic blast also. Although we really don’t have much to do after we had several hard freezes a few years ago and the water spigots on our property (we have several) sprung leaks and our property looked like a splash pad. Not too big a problem in the summer but being out in the cold and repairing water leaks was not fun for the guys. The pipes were winterized at the time. The previous owners had used pvc pipe above the ground and every one of them broke. Can’t imagine why they even thought that was a good idea. I stayed inside making coffee and hot chocolate. Fortunately my washer and dryer are now in my new laundry room which is climate controlled, and the pipes are in the wall, unlike previously where the pipes were outside the house and the pipes to my washer would freeze if we didn’t use the heat lamp.
Laura I love your kitty pictures. They do love to pose don’t they. No question they are a bit spoiled. And Evangaline Claire looks so lovely as she decorates the tree with the straw ornaments with the help of her kitties. The second picture makes everything look so cozy.
Jeanne, I guess Rebecca and Karn will come during the holidays just not for Christmas. That’s one of the downsides of kids leaving home. Them often having other plans or situations occur. When I mentioned going to Sean and Dionne’s for Christmas Dionne gave me a really funny look. She said I thought you came for your birthday (the day after). She had forgotten that we used to do that so she could spend Christmas with her family. Her grandfather passed away a year ago and the rest of the family usually goes their own way so we’ve gone back to Christmas at their house. When they lived next door to us they would spend Christmas morning with us and the afternoon with her family. Once they moved that became logistically difficult and I loved having everyone help celebrate my birthday so it was a great compromise.
Thank you so much, Barbara! I’m glad you enjoyed seeing my kitties yet again. I was hoping the sofa sisters don’t mind seeing them with their “toys of each season”. Yes, they are well, well loved.
I appreciate the kind comments on Evangeline as well.
Laura, the kitty pictures are adorable and seeing the pictures of Solo, Doyle and Truffle are a treat. Beautiful kitties, indeed.
The Christmas pictures of Evangeline Claire are really nice and with beautiful coltedgul tree. And it’s perfect that Evangeline has her kitties helping her decorate too. Is the black kitty, Inkpot? I think that’s the name of Caroline’s kitty? The other two little kitties are cute too/ are they AMG?
It’s the perfect picture for Christmas -decorating the tree! 🎄☃️ Thank you Laura and Jeanne for sharing.
Jeanne, glad you got time to do things for yourself!! Enjoy. The soup sounds perfect!
I’m thinking pf Karn having to get parts for the car- good luck. Our car was hit a second time by others if you can imagine that. This last time we have waited weeks and weeks for the parts to come in so the dealership can fix our car door. Fortunately, we are able to open the car door and at least drive it.
Everyone – stay warm and cozy inside.
Thank you so much, Paula! I’m so glad you enjoy seeing the furbabies.
No, none of the kitties are AG. They are faux fur Christmas tree ornaments made by Kurt Adler and various other names. Our garden store/ gift shop carried kitties, not these, but others I bought as well as woodland animals which I bought on the right before Christmas 70% off sale a few years ago. I got a little carried away with the squirrels, foxes, raccoons, deer etc.
The large black and white kitties are from JoAnn ( I added the tuft of white to the black one) and the little one is a Kurt Adler.
So sorry Rebecca and Karn are going to be late for Christmas, Jeanne. I’m sure you’ll have a lovely time once they do arrive.
Getting ready for the Arctic Blast is why I’m here later today. I’ve been making extra outdoor kitty shelters and my plastic boxes to line with mylar packing sheets stuff with straw arrived this morning so I was and am going to be doing those between today and tomorrow. I decided plastic was easier than trying to cover cardboard with plastic.
Yes, it’s time for the doll dresses year in review and voting for a favorite. That will be fun.
One more thing before I start replying to individual sofa sisters, Jeanne.Ihad to laugh at your comment of the subject matter. I figured, having shown my German wooden decor and Hummels etc. a couple years running I would switch to the furbabiesand show off my “furry” decor. LOL
Oops- misspelled Christmas pretty bad- good grief – how that got spelled that way, who knows! I’m always hitting the wrong letters.
Hi, everyone.
Our internet has been out most of the day so that is why I am so late.
First, Jeanne, even if you are very disappointed Rebecca and Karn will not be with you on “the” day, there are so many of us who have learned that a lovely time need not be on the specific calendar day. You, George, and Reuben will have a marvelous celebration when they get there.
Laura, the kitty lady! I will be the first to admit that I am not a cat person. We have had three. The two nicest ones met bad ends, but the ‘hell cat’ lasted for 13. Zipper. One tough customer. YOUR kitties look like gems so glad to be living the good life with you. So cute and so glad you sent furbaby pictures as well as your dear Evangeline and the very, very pretty tree. A real treat for us gals, and thanks ever so much.