Friday, December 21, 2012

Christmas time

I have a list of people
All written in a book -
And every year at Christmas time
I go and take a look.

And that is when I realize
That those names are all a part -
Not of the book they're written in
But of my very heart.



For each name stands for someone
Who has crossed my path some time -
And in that meeting they've become
A treasured friend of mine.



And once you've met some people
the years can not erase -
The mem ory of a pleasant word
Or of a friendly face.


So when I send an email

That is addressed to you -

It's because you're on that 'Special list'

Of folks that I'm indebted to.


And you are one of several folks

In times past that I've met -

And happen to be one of those

I don't want ever to forget.


And whether I have known you

For many years or few -

In some way you have had a part

In shaping things I do.


So this is the Spirit of Christmas

That forever still endures -

May it leave its richest blessing

In the hearts of you and yours.

 

Billie C
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BilliesChristmasCorner/



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Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Hello ... And Good Evening

Hello ... And Good Evening. I forgot to tell Jerry "Happy Birthday" this morning before he left for work. I called him to tell him "Happy Birthday" and he had just gotten off the phone with his twin sister. She's doing fairly well. Nothing tastes good to her any more. Not sure if that will change after she finishes Chemo but the doctor said most likely not. She's still loosing weight.
(12:00)
I've hung up some of the wet clothes and need to go see what's dry and hang up more. I took the dogs out for a long play time
My bedroom looks like a Chinese Laundry now. I strung some clothes line (I got it for a craft) back and forth between two shower rods I have up at each end of the bed area and the line goes between them 4 times. I have the rest of the whites on the line and I hope they dry quickly since I still have at least one more tub to hang up (it's not full but it's enough to fill the lines I think) and I have to put Jerry's jeans up on lines as well.
Outside my door ... (7:30) It's still pre-dawn outside. Still a bit too dark to really see any color outside of what's in the edge of the horizon and I can't see that through the trees here. I'll be so glade when the days start to get longer again.. only a few more days and that will happen.
(12:00) It's SUNNY out!!! and breezy. I have the door open since the breeze is from the south and our door faces north(ish) and I have all the blinds open I didn't need a jacket while I had the dogs out although it was a bit coldish it wasn't un-pleasant. There are a few high clouds in the sky right now and it's suppose to get much cloudier but I'll take this any day. I'll take the shield out of my window when I go back to take care of more laundry. I would tie a rope between the trees but I'm sure I would forget I have stuff outside and then I would have to re-wash.
The Dogs ...(7:30) Rocky slipped his collar last night. Good thing he's not one for running off. Jerry had come home from work just after I took the dogs out and Rocky got excited and wanted to greet him. Jerry waited until I opened the camper door before getting out of the van. Rocky came back to the door for me to slip his collar back on him, then was outside again to meet Jerry.. then all three jumped back in the camper and I had to call them all back out so Jerry could get into the camper, then the dogs jumped back it. Jumping in and out of the camper is part of a game we sometimes play. Rocky sometimes will slip on the step so he's more than willing to jump over that step most of the time.
(12:00)
The dogs had a blast with some play time outside this morning. They got to run, chase each other and play tug of war with a knotted rope toy we have for them. I traded the older two out to play with Barney on longer lines so that Barney would be worn out. The older dogs are now sound asleep on the beds and Barney is still trying to find something to get in to.
The Cats ... (7:30) Are all sleeping on my bed. They spent the night outside last night but were more than willing to come in at 5 am to drink some water, then curl up on my bed and snooze. Fuzzy was insisting that she was suppose to sleep on the couch beside me, but I finally convinced her that I need the space on the couch to put a few things and she's better off with her siblings. Last night, I fed them in a kennel because it was just too damp outside to feed them on the picnic table
(12:00) The cats have learned that, When the dogs play, They may as well find a high place to watch from. They were sitting on the picnic table watching the dogs run amok for a few minutes each.
From the kitchen...(12:00)
Well, I made a version of Mix Fruit Smoothies. I used 1/2 of a banana, about a 1/2 cup of frozen mixed Fruit instead of strawberries and I left out the honey. I need to find a better way to crush ice. I have large chunk of ice in my glass but that's ok.
Mixed fruit smoothies
1/2 medium banana
1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries (unsweetened)
1/4 cup nonfat dry milk powder
1/4 cup apple juice
1 tablespoon honey
1 cup crushed ice
Place all ingredients in blender container. Blend on high until smooth.
(7:30) Yesterday, I crushed up a couple of handfuls of pretzels and put them on a small baking tray, I then covered them with chocolate, red and green chips then sprinkled a few pecans over the top of them, then I mixed them together a bit, and put them in my roasting oven set at 250 for about 7 minutes. Long enough to soften the chips but not to cook them. When I brought them out, I mashed them together a bit more, then put in the freezer to become solid again. I removed from the freezer and broke it up into many smaller pieces, then put into two small containers I picked up over the weekend. They were part of our dessert last night. Today, I have to make a German Chocolate cake for Jerry. It's the one cake he really, really loves, and Jerry loves cake. He had a piece of Red Velvet Cake when we ate out Friday and I had one bite of it. I fixed me to hot dogs for dinner last night. I may have two more for my dinner tonight. I did bring out the hamburger to make meatballs with, once it thaws.
I am hearing...
(12:00)I have Y & R on right now. I'll have to remove it from the DVR after it's finished. I'm all caught up with it, now. I have a few other shows I need to catch up with but only one other is a daily show (Rachel Ray)
(7:30) I am Not watching much of the news shows right now because they are all about Sandy Hook and Gun control. I agree that assault rifles had no place in the average home. Blaming guns for what that young mad did is like blaming cars for drunks driving them. This young man had a problem. No one took care of his problem. Not sure if it was how his mother raised him. but again, that would be placing the blame someplace else than on him for his actions. She is gone and can not defend or speak up about how he was raised. Speculations will continue until something else takes over the news.
I am wearing... (7:30) My house dress that Donna gave me. Not the flannel one but the pastel one. It's so warm that the heaters are not running much.
(12:00) Black Sweat pants and a dark blue top. I'll wear my Christmasy tops this weekend. I have two sweat shirts (I wore one last weekend) A button up shirt. (needs a button on the sleeve) and a red sweat shirt I may decorate up for next year.
I am reading... (7:30) emails and I did my chapter in the Bible
(12:00) Reading more emails
A few plans for today... bake Jerry's cake, hang out the things that didn't get dry when I did the laundry Sunday (hoping they are not smelling) Wrap Jerry's Birthday Gift. Clean the camper, vacuum the floors
 

Billie C
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BilliesChristmasCorner/



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Saturday, December 15, 2012

BOO-LETIN BOARD

 

BOO-LETIN BOARD

well...keeping in the halloweenie spirit...this project will keep you organized and spooky all at the same time!....introducing the boo-letin board!...

boo-letin board


attach some googly eyes to plain 'ol thumbtacks with glue dots...

googly eye push pins

grab a 6 inch by 6 inch cork square...punch some holes and use a little festive ribbon to finish it up!...

boo-lletin board


eye i think it would be perfect for any little ghouls or girls door during the holidays!...
 
 
 
 

Billie C
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BilliesChristmasCorner/


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MISFORTUNE COOKIES

 

MISFORTUNE COOKIES

well...i was trying to decide if i was going to do halloweenie cards or not...then realized...i stink at making cards...lol...so...ended up doing a twist on my paper fortune cookies!...oh...you don't remember those?...you know why?...'cause i never showed them on the crafterole...but that's all about to change!...

so here you go!...my eek-citing misfortune cookies!...

misfortune cookies

package 'em up all up in a take out box...or just do singles...witch which ever way you like!...but make sure to top off with a boo-tiful mangled bow...

misfortune cookies

by taking some patterned paper and using THIS tutorial....you can whip these up in no time!...grab some spooky sentiment stamps for the fortunes...or just print out your own!...

misfortune cookies

i think they turned out pretty terror-ific!...what do you think?...can't wait to give these to zom-body special!...wow...could i use anymore bad puns?...
 

Billie C
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BilliesChristmasCorner/


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BRAIN FOOD

 

BRAIN FOOD

well...more like brain candy...lol...ended up making this spook-tacular treat that would be perfect for any zombie...just took some candy melts...microwaved per directions...tinted with a little red food coloring...and poured into brain shaped molds...

candy brain

see...how great these turned out?...

candy brain

yeah...there's a couple bubbles in there...maybe i could've tapped the mold a little bit to get the air out...note to self for next time....

candy brain

decided to package 'em up to look like specimens in the laboratory...perhaps from young frankenstein's?....lol...

candy brain

of course...chocolate can be used too!...but since i had the vanilla on hand...it was a no brainer to use that...insert evil laugh here....
 

Billie C
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BilliesChristmasCorner/


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Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Good Morning 12 12 12

 
Hello ... And Good Morning.  I'm doing well.  Stayed up after Jerry left for work and did a few things on my computer. I've done a little housework as well.  I've gotten my breakfast (Oatmeal with fruit in it) and my first cup of coffee.
 
Outside my door ... It is cool and Gray.  I don't need my coat just a jacket to take the dogs out. But that's because we are not outside for very long. I hope to play ball with Barney this afternoon for a bit.
I opened a can of Beef Stew and had that for dinner last night.  It's a store brand from when we were in Clarksville and I got it at the Hilltop grocery store. It's nothing to brag about but it did fill me up. Just seemed a bit too bland for me.
We had two cats sleep in the house last night (Strips and Fuzzybutt) I haven't seen Tupelo since I fed the cats last night. I put some dry catfood out this morning for the cats. I'm sure she'll show up sometime soon for her share of it.
 
From the kitchen... I have some All-Beef Hot dogs that I'll fix for my dinner tonight.  That and a salad will most likely be all I have.
 
I am hearing... Local news on Channel 7. The heater fans are going well.
Someone is blowing a car hom in the other section. Just a beep or two but that makes Rocky bark and it took me threating him to get him to stop barking. Now he's asleep on his pillow again.
 
I am wearing... Black Sweat Pant and my black Spirit Horse shirt. I will be looking for more lighter colored Tops next time I get to do some shopping.
 
I am reading... Exodus 9.
 
I am hoping... That Jerry gets 4 days off for Christmas. I found out that some of the fellow's are Requestiong days off at Christmas and the rumor is that if enough ask for it then everyone will get it. I did tell Jerry I would love to visit Williamsburg If he does get 4 days off. According to mapquest it's only a 3 hour drive.  We can do that.
I am creating... I didn't have enough store bought Christmas cards last week for everyone. I found the ones I cut out back in October and I am decorating up a few of those to send off to some of the people who were not on my card exchange lists.
 
One of my favorite things... Sitting with my Hubby on the couch after he gets home from work.
 
A few plans for the day... Put the window clings on the window by the door.
 I'm going to put them on the outside and see if they will stay on with this weather. If not, then I'm move them to the inside of the window behind the couch.
make the bed, wash the dishes, vacumn the floors and so on.. daily house chores that I've been neglecting.
 

Billie C
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BilliesChristmasCorner/

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

good afternoon

Hello ...  and good afternoon. I got Jerry off to work on time and went back to bed. I was surprised that the dogs leet me sleep until 9am.  I must have needed the rest. I feel good though and have gotten a bit done on my daily list.  dishes done, bathroom straightened up and the laundry is  folded up.

Oh man.  we have some idiots here in the campground. There is a list of rules. and one that is in bold print is Not discharging of Firearms.  three days now, I have heard a gun going off not that far away. And it's funny how it happens before the men working on the pipeline get home around 3 pm.  A couple of times after, but then again only the two trucks are in the area when I hear the gun.. Macon shakes for at least 15 minutes each time.  This time, I called the office about it. I don't want to call the law, just a quiet word should suffice. at least for now.

I had mail today so I took Rocky with me this time to go pick it up. The cats followed me, of course. The boys at the office got a kick out of how they always follow me to the office then follow me back home again, as well. 
 
Rocky was a very good dog.  When we got back, I sat on the step into the camper a few minutes, and the fellow down the way came out of his camper and his dog came out (without a lead on) and did what a dog has to do. Rocky saw her, but he stayed at a "sit" for me.  He didn't move until his friend whistled for the dog. Rocky thought it was for him. But he didn't pull very hard when I told him it wasn't for him. He came back and sat at me feet, looking for his treat he knew I had in my pocket for him.

When I woke up this morning it was drizzly and damp but now (3pm) it's sunny and I have the door open and it's warm enough that I didn't even need a light jacket to walk to the office. I'm thinking, if I have mail tomorrow I'll ask her to make me a burger from their restaurant and have that as another reason to walk over there.
 

Billie C

<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BilliesChristmasCorner/

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Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Good Afternoon

 
Hello ...  I slept in this morning. Rocky woke us up at 3:30 and I went back to bed after walking all three, When the alarm went off at 4:20, I didn't want to get up and asked Jerry if he would buy breakfast on his way to work today. He said he could do that. I slept until 8 am. I at least feel rested now. 
I've been busy this morning. After Breakfast, getting dressed and walking the dogs, I've been cleaning the back of the camper.  I know, it's is a small space but when I clean, a lot of small things add up quickly.
I made the beds, washed up the few dishes, made a pot of coffee, made up a bottle of flavored water for this morning. rinsed out the bathtub and scrubbed the toilet. Brushed my hair and watered and cared for my plantes that are in the back window.
 I moved the cat litter tub so I could vacumn that space. That's where I also store the vacumn cleaner. I pre-sweep the floor as well as sprinkled some carpet fresh. I've only vacumned the back half so far. It raises the dust so much I have to empty the canistar and let the dust settle. I'll have to dust everything in the camper after I get the rest of the floors done.
I packed up into a box the blanket that I tied for my Grand daughter. It's ready to have the address put on it, Then I'll have Hubby take me to the main post office in Danville to ship it off. I did find out what my Grand son wants for his Christmas Gift and I'll be able to pick that up this next weekend. He wants a remote controled car.  I know I can get one at Hobby Lobby if we can get there before they close. If not there, then I'll try Target or Sears before going to Wal-mart.  At 5 I want to get him a good one.  I know his daddy will play with it as well. I may get two of them so they can have races. That would be fun. I will get one that can be run outside as well as inside.
I still haven't looked to see what I want to send to my younger Grand Child. Her Mom has a wish list on Wal-mart and I may pick up a couple of things from there. 
I went through my Christmas CD's and found I have two repeats. I left a message to my youngest daughter to see if she would like  to have them. One in Mannheim Steamroller and I know her 1 year old loves Mannheim Steamroller. She's wiggle and dance when she hears any of their music.
 
Outside my door ... It's another wonderful day here in MIddle Virginia.. Yes, yesterday I wrote Tennessee instead of Virginia.Guess my mind was elsewhere.  The more we think about it, the more we would like to have a small place in Tennessee to retire to.
 

The Dogs ...  Besides needing out 1/2 an hour earlier than usual, are doing well.  When I took them out at 10, after doing what they are out to do, They wanted to play and didn't want to come back inside.
 
The Cats ... are wondering why I don't want them inside, then realise its too nice to be inside. I have the back window open and it has lost it's screen long ago so they are using that to come in and go out. I also have the door open but closed the port so they couldn't just jump in that way. Every time one would jump in, Barney would check out who it was and not let them come right in.  Then Macon would come to see what Barney was checking out. 
 
From the kitchen... I bought some large Chicken legs to fix for a couple of meals for me this week. It's hard enough to cook for two, now I'm cooking for one 4 days of the week.  Last nights stir fry was ok, but if I do that again, I'll change the vegetable for it.
 
I am hearing... Noon news and weather is on right this minutes.. 72 61 52 56 61. Not bad considering it's the first full week of December.  I'll have to find something to fix in the oven for dinner on Thursday when it's only going to be 52, the coldest day of the next few days.
 
I am wearing... brown sweat pants and my Jazz Band T-shirt from when Beth was in School.  I can honestly say I miss not having a kid in school or home schooling one.  Being around kids can help keep a person young.
 
I am reading... emails. I'll be filling in some Christmas cards this afternoon and will be reading addresses then

Billie C

<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BilliesChristmasCorner/

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