THE CHRISTMAS COLD

The main reason I fell behind in blogging is this wicked cold.

I am so tired and stuffy and crabby, I locked myself in my room yesterday.  All day.  The kids brought in food and liquids but that's it.  I do feel a bit better.  I don't think I caught it from my neighbor's dinner party.  Most likely from being trapped on an airplane with lots of coughing people and a small air supply, twice during the past two weeks.

Hard to believe I'm heading to Maui on Wednesday morning!  I'm gonna miss all of this happy chaos ... but just for a short time.  I'm flying back for Deacon's first birthday (March 5).  Then returning to Maui until May.

Back to bed for me .....

TEETH WHITENING for WIDOWS

I spent my first morning in Oregon at the dentist.  Three hours worth!  Thankfully I had coffee on the way over.

First, I had my teeth cleaned so the whitening would have a good base.  It was so comfortable I almost fell asleep!  Headphones with classical music, a blanket and a neck pillow certainly helped.  

Despite having my mouth open with a dam inserted, it was not the least bit uncomfortable or painful.  As predicted, my teeth were a bit sensitive the rest of that day but then back to normal.

They seem to be about four shades lighter.  Enough for me to notice but for others to simply think I don't drink coffee or red wine.

Now ... if I can do weekly at home sessions, I don't think I would need to invest $200 in another year or two.  But if I don't keep up with it, I think it was really worth it!

Excuse the wild hair and no make up ....

CHRISTMAS DAY

We had to wake Braeden at 10:00 am to open gifts!

And gosh were there gifts to open!  We have our own toy store here.  It was fun to watch the excitement, including simply ripping open the packages (Deacon's favorite thing).

I had made overnight cinnamon rolls and that is all the cooking I did that day.  Jesse baked sweet potatoes, made stuffing with fresh herbs, stuffed the bird with lemon and herbs and carrots and made a fabulous cranberry/blueberry sauce.  Needless to say, I was still in my jammies when his Mom and Grandma came.  

My dinner plans were not until 5:00 pm, with Mary Beth and Gary and their friend Fred, so I nibbled a little with the kidults at lunch.  Very very tasty!  The two Moms had a glass of wine and did a bit of chatting.  I try to keep my distance from her because she is very negative and voices her opinions out loud.  I have opinions on every topic imaginable, of course, especially the kidults and the grands but I would never utter them aloud, in front of company.  Even if asked.

Fade into Christmas Night dinner ... smoked prime rib, scalloped potatoes, salad, oven roasted root vegetables with fennel and lemon, followed by apple galette.  Oh.  My.  Gosh.  We talked, we laughed, we overate.  I felt bad leaving at 9:30!!  I'm liking these new traditions.  Although I wavered a bit when Jesse's Mom didn't let him know until noon that they were coming ....

CHRISTMAS EVE

I know, I know.  I've not been putting this blog as a priority.  Life just happens sometimes.

Every year for the past ten years, Jesse's paternal side of the family has a big get together.  I made plans with neighbors to go over for dinner.  That day I find out that there isn't going to be a Booth get together.  And for some reason, his Mom is being very pouty even though they invited her over on Christmas Eve night.

She texted me to ask if I knew "I" was hosting Christmas Eve AND Christmas Dad (including her Mom).  I said I didn't know about the second one but we were celebrating the day after so the kids are welcome to do whatever.  I was tired of the last minute stuff.  Turns out she had a fight with her oldest son, where everyone goes for Christmas day.

Apparently, that angered her (???) so she threw a little fit with all the drama of "I guess I'll just be alone for Christmas from now on"  despite Jesse inviting both his Mom and his Grandma over for a full fledged turkey dinner.

I headed over to dinner only to be greeted by the hostess flushing with a full on fever and her husband half dead with the same cold.  Two other widows were also invited over and even though we ALL suggested we go home and return in a few days to enjoy the dinner ... she insisted.

Life happens!

MONDAY, December 22, 2014

It's hard to believe just three more nights til Christmas morning.  

As usual, I don't know what Kate and her little family have planned.  I've been invited for dinner on Christmas Eve with a condo friend and her family.  And another invitation for Christmas dinner with condo friend and her boyfriend ... and a long time friend of theirs.

I land about 6:30 pm tonight (9:30 body time ...) and tomorrow I'm giving myself a gift ... teeth whitening!  All that coffee and red wine have done a number on my smile.  I'll be interested to see the difference.  I've asked them to take photos before and after!  (They think I'm nuts).  I wonder how long it will last.  This physical upkeep is getting expensive!  It's time to have my eyebrow tattoos darkened.  Also time for blonde-ing my hair and I'm this close to saying let it go grey and give it some shine.  It needs coloring every month.  Some suggest that I use a semipermanent for grey color at home.  Might be worth a try.  Ugh.

So I have a lot of wrapping to do.  Some groceries to buy for my contributions and hopefully, a warm and cozy day some time this weekend with my kidlets!

4% chance of snow in Portland.  Good thing my sister gave me indoor snowballs!!

TEARS ... AND TALES OF CHRISTMAS

Saturday night all six siblings, and lots of their children, got together for Christmas celebration.   Food, fun, gifts and memories.

We started later than usual so those who work could attend.  But it didn't give me nearly enough time to chat with everyone.  I'm hoping next time we can have a few get togethers ... we didn't get to play any games this time.  Since there are FOUR brothers in the area maybe we could do a progressive weekend!  Food and fun galore.

Janet had to drive me and Tahlia 3.5 hours each way, dropping T off at the Cincinnati airport.  We then had two parties to attend but Dr. J is on call and had to go in.  So we had to miss the first one.  I am kinda melancholy and decided to not attend the winter solstice bonfire.  It's getting a bit harder to keep my tears in check today.

I sure do miss Mr. Ralph during these warm and cozy family times.  Thank goodness for this ....

FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD!

I've led a pretty sheltered life when it comes to food.  Most of my adventures have been led by my sister.  She is a Foodie Extraordinaire.  

Open a kitchen cabinet and you will find a dozen kinds of oil.  More than a dozen kinds of vinegar.  Her cheese drawer has only one commonly noshed cheese ... cheddar which was sent as a gift ... and many others whose names I've only glanced at while walking by the gourmet cheese section.

Mr. Ralph was not a fan of eggplant.  I am becoming a fan.  My first love is baba ganoush, mainly because I can buy it already made.  It is a creamy, smoky flavored concoction that you can use as a spread or a dip.  AND so low calorie!

One day for lunch we went to a Persian restaurant to try Shiraz Eggplant .. a wonderful blend of eggplant, tomato and egg with amazing spices.  Turmeric being the most prominent, I think.  Another eggplant dish that would make a nice dinner.  And guess what?  My next door neighbor is Persian and LOVES to cook so I can get some tips.  We also discovered Persian "Crack" ... a crispy delicious side dish made from the bottoms of the rice pots!  Called Tah Dig it is perfect to dip into ANY of their dishes or just tzatziki (which I also love).

Last night we delved into Indian food.  I'm 62 1/2 and have never had any Indian food, except maybe Naan.  Every dish was good and my two favorites were an eggplant dish called Baingan Bharta and a nice warm gooey spinach dish called Saag Paneer.  And I think I can make them both at home.  May have to buy all the saucy condiments they provided ...

Eggplant is going to be my new best friend.  Goodbye white potato ....

Have I mentioned how much I love my sister?