I say yes, you say no, OR People are Strange

Well I'm finally getting into the season. I'm making my scotch shortbread cookies today, then off to the mall for some shopping. Last year all was bought on line. I'm so glad I have the energy to do the shopping this year.

Blue - Hope you're getting good news about your Mom - glad you found the dress (I'm sure it'll be perfect).

Big Hug, Sandy

Blue - sorry to hear about your Mum - I hope she's OK. Great news about the dress.

Kira - why bake your own shortbread - I got some homemade from the supermarket in the shape of Xmas trees and some choc chip - all made by their bakery. I'm into convenience seeing I have to work until Thursday.

Going to call the doc when I get to work - still having urinary tract issues - ouch. I also have a hair colouring appt this afternoon, so will try to get a doc appt an hour before that and leave work early.

Steve was in heaven last night - the roast lamb was fantastic - luckily it wasn't a hot day, I don't usually do roasts in Summer.

Time to get ready for work.

((((((((((((Blue)))))))))))))

Feeling a little down today. Remember my story a few pages back about my daughter being involved with an abusive guy, and her going to jail in the middle of it all? Well, that was about 4 years ago, and when it happened, a lot of people at our church put her on their prayer list. She found out that people were praying for her, got embarrassed, and has refused to set foot in our church again. And of course it was all my fault because I asked for those prayers in the first place. 

Flash forward to today. I'm still very active in my church, especially the choir, and today was our Christmas program/concert. Just once, I wish my daughter would come to church again and see me and her dad sing in the choir. But she won't. Not even at Christmas. It just makes me sad.

Blue-I hope things are OK with your mom. I'm glad you were able to get a better price on the dream dress.

I have a lucky pickle on my tree!

Mary 

Kira - wow - genuine Scottish shortbread - yumm. I just don't have the time for baking these days.

Got an appt with the doc - if you call bang on 7:30am you can usually get what time you want. Got 3:50 - perfect for the hair thing at 5. Will have to leave work at 3, but no problem with my team leader - this is just the best place to work.

Can't wait to get my blonde streaks done!!!

Sue

Blue so glad your mom is home and in good spirits. I know how tiring caring for a sick elderly family member can be. That being said I would never change the last few weeks I had with my dad last year at Christmas. Just remember to get the rest you need during this time.

(((((Blue)))))  Thanks so much for letting us know.

Got my genetic results today - negative!!!!!

Also went to the doc and I do have a urinary tract infection - got some pills - hope that fixes it. Funny though - he had me down as being allergic to them, but I've never heard of them before and can't remember ever having an infection before. I guess I'll find out if I break out in hives. I figure they've made a mistake in transposing the hand written records to the computer. I do remember having hives when I was pregnant with Annie but that was from penicillin.

Went to the hairdresser and she had me down to do the colour today but we switched and did the cut - colour tomorrow. I've decided to try growing it seeing cutting doesn't get rid of the chemo curls - hopefully the added weight will drag them out. So that was a quick visit, just a light trim at the bottom - didn't get her to dry it - no point seeing I'm not going out.

Home made pizza tonight - yumm!!!

Curly Susie

Susie, I am also having problems with the chemo curls. For a week or so after a cut I can control them, but then they just sort of do their own thing. I'm beginning to think my hair will never be the same.

Thanks....

Hope everyone else is feeling more productive than I!

Blue - so glad to hear your Mom is home and doing better - she's a trooper just like her daughter.  Hope you're getting some good rest.

I haven't made shortbread for a few years, but my dear SIL told me a secret -- substitute regular sugar for icing (confectioner's) sugar and they'll melt in your mouth!  And my mother always said to handle the dough as little as possible, or else they'll be tough.

But I'm sure you all know that already!

I'm going to try a new recipe this year:  Gooey Chocolate Cranberry Squares...

1.  Line a 9"x13" metal baking pan with foil, leaving a 2" overhang at either end, and lightly butter the foil.

2  For the crust:  Combine 1 1/2 cups unbleached flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 cup softened butter in a food processor.  Blend slowly until mixture begins to clump.  Add 1/4 cup milk and pulse until a soft dough is formed.

3.  Press the dough gently into the pan and spread it evenly with your fingers, and 1/4 inch up the sides.

4.  Bake at 350 for about 15 minutes.  Keep an eye on it.  You want the edges golden and the top firm.

5.  Topping:  Whisk together 1 2/3 cups sugar, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, and 2 tbsp flour.  Gradually whisk in 1 cup milk.  Whisk together 3 eggs, then whisk them, along with 1/4 cup melted butter and 2 tsp vanilla (or very strong espresso coffee) into the mixture.  Then stir in 1 cup dried cranberries.

6.  Pour the topping over the hot crust, spreading evenly.

7.  Bake for about 30 minutes, until the topping is evenly puffed and the centre juggles just slightly when the pan is removed from the oven.

8.  Let cool completely in the pan.

9.  Use the foil "handles" to remove from the pan and transfer to a cutting board for cutting into squares.

P.S.  I don't know why the recipe specifies a metal baking pan, but it may have something to do with the foil.  I'm wondering if I could substitute with a pyrex pan and use parchment paper instead? 

Good thing there is a time limit for getting Christmas ready or it would go on forever. As it is, however much time I have is how much time it takes. Doing my baking at the grocery store shortens the job significantly.

Mary

You might just ask your daughter to make a "special" visit - just for you & DH.  Reminding her that  forgiveness is at the CENTER of all of what we're celebrating.  She has nothing to be embarassed about, and I'll bet once all the people who know & love you see her, and GREET HER WARMLY, she'll feel good....hoping that's what happens - certainly is the right time of year to "give it a try." All good wishes...sun