Monday hits like a brick

Talk about difficult to get out of bed to get ready for work this morning. I was really getting used to sleeping in and staying under the warm covers. Ready or not the day arrived and amazingly I made it through.  I mailed miss Mar's ovals, and I even got my hour of exercise in.  Wow!  Stranger things have happened.

Work will be crazy until the end of the month - working to get everything in order so the books will be ready to close for year end. I will be taking time off at the end of the month to spend with my family during the holidays, so I have to work double hard to get everything done. It will be worth it...I can't wait!

Tonight we went to Ralph's mother's to help put up a few decorations for the holidays. She has some beautiful crèche's out on display. We hung some garland and put up some lights outside. There is a house across the street from her that has gone way overboard with the holiday lights and decorations. Pretty close the Griswolds home in National Lampoons Christmas vacation. I like a tastefully done home, not the overdone - light every inch of our house kind of display.

Well...I can hardly keep my eyes open, it has been a long day.
Ta Ta for now

All I can say is...Wow

“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude to me is more important than facts.... We cannot change our past...we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the string we have, and that is our attitude."
Charles R. Swindoll

Quick comment on yesterdays football game. Congrats to BYU for the Win in overtime. It was a crazy game. I don't think the refs called the game fair. But who does when you lose the game. The real stinger was after the game, Max Hall, the BYU quarterback talked about how the University of Utah, its fans, it's students and everyone associated with the University were "classless".  Unfortunately he has channeled all of his hatred because of a few fan stunts, which by the way weren't very nice, towards everyone associated with the U of U. The thing he didn't think about is that he represents BYU.  He also forgets that several of his church leaders are University of Utah fans. As much as you want to say he was justified because of the way his family was treated and because he is just another athlete - he wasn't.  When he signed on the dotted line to attend BYU he also agreed to their honor code.  His behavior does not exemplify the school he attends or the people who founded it.  I wonder how much the coaches feed into that behavior?  I feel sorry for BYU, Max gives them a bad name when he spouts off like that. I feel sorry for Max - he invites a lot of the negative attention he gets with his comments.   Instead of the focus being on their win, it is now turned to him and his comments.

Today, has been a true mixture of emotions. Ralph was released from his Bishop calling today. I am so glad to have him home with me.   There were a lot of comments about us changing wards.  I don't want to.  Life is so up in the air.  We could be moving.  Last we heard, the new buyer was supposed to close on the loan and purchase tomorrow.  So who knows what could happen from here.  It just feels like everything in life is so unsure right now. 

I'm a mess!  Well, like my brother said...You do all you can and then put the rest in the Lords hands.  Enough said
Ta Ta for now

Let's Get Ready to Rumble!

UTAH vs BYU
Can the Utes pull this one off?  I don't know, but I hope they give it everything they've got.  No Penalty's!!!  Wynn - Keep warm, don't be intimidated.  Defense - Stay tough and Stay open, with a little pressure, Max might pass it to you.  Offensive line - Protect your quarterback!  Ref's keep your eyes open - no dumb calls you could cost us the game!  I am excited - and hopefully we (me) can be good sports about it, no matter which way the outcome goes.

Not a lot to update - Riley was like a 2 year old yesterday.  "Please hold me, please pet me, please hold me, please take me outside, please hold me."  Just gotta love him though.  He had a great little nap yesterday.  Caught a picture of him.  I am not quite sure how he kept his balance, but he was quite comfortable.  It has been cold enough, if no one will hold him, he gravitates towards the heat vents to keep his nose warm.  Funny little dog.

I will finish decorating for Christmas and making my cards.    Have a great day.  Ta Ta for now.

Go Utes!

Thanksgiving Dinner and the aftermath

What a great day we had. Took it easy in the morning, dinner was oh so yummy. I ate way too much. The dessert was very tasty. I think that cranberry raisin pie will be going into the Ralph Curtis repertoire of recipes. I even had some for breakfast this morning. Can't go wrong with fruit pies for breakfast and a big glass of milk.  It was fun to spend time with family.  We don't get together often enough.  Everybody is too busy.  (I will leave that topic for another blog entry.)  We played a round of 5 crowns and watched a little bit of football.  I was hoping to watch a little of the Texas vs Texas A&M game, but I didn't have control of the remote.  Oh well.  We had a good time anyway.

Well, I guess you can say the Christmas season has officially started.  I haven't actually played any Christmas music on the stereo, but I do have three loaves of German Stollen on the stove raising.  Nothing says Christmas to me more than this bread.  Mom has always made it, since I can remember and it has become a staple in my home.  A nice soft bread with raisins, currents almonds and other goodies. 
The Thanksgiving decorations are down - my hope is by the end of the week (that would be tomorrow) most of the decorations for Christmas will be up.  We will going to visit my mother for the holidays, so Ralph and I have been debating on whether to spend the money for a tree.  The jury is still out, no decisions yet.   I have been working on Christmas cards today.  The main image should be finished by the end of today.  I should have the rest put together by Sunday evening.  Hopefully get them in the mail next week.  I haven't been able to get that job done on time for several years, so it is good to be ahead of the game.

Well, off to do more "stuff"  I will leave you with the recipe
Cranberry Raisin Pie
Pie pastry for a double crust - 9-inch
2 1/2 Cups fresh cranberries (1 12 oz bag worked)
1 1/2 C golden raisins
1 apple peeled, cored and diced
3/4 C sugar
1 tsp maple emulsion or 1/2 C sugar and 1/4 C pure maple syrup
1 tbls orange zest
juice of one orange
1 tsp brandy extract
3 tbls flour
1 tsp salt

Pour filling into 9-in rolled out pie crust - dot with butter.  Place pie pastry on top.  Seal and brush with cream, sprinkle with sugar.  Bake at 375 for 50-55 minutes.

Ta Ta for now.

I am thankful for...

Don't these pies look yummy? The lattice topped pie is a cranberry raisin and the fully covered in an apple.

I hope they taste as good as they look.  We are now in the process of peeling potatoes and prepping the brussel sprouts.  I have also started stamping my Christmas cards.  Once the potatoes are on to boil, I will run upstairs and get ready to go.  Sometimes I wish it was ok to wear my jammies all day, but Thanksgiving dinner wouldn't feel right or as special.

I have discovered there are many things I have that I could not live with out... well, life would be dramatically different with out them! I am so blessed to have:

A sweet friend to spend forever with

A testimony

Book of Mormon

My health
Puppy kisses and snuggles

A loving and supportive family

Terrific friends
Tender Mercies
My talents

My freedoms

A computer

Google

A job

Health Insurance

A car

Lots of books to read

A dish washer

A washing machine and dryer

Great Music to listen to

A warm home to live in

Hand sanitizer

The smell of rain

Mountains

Frosty leaves, meadows trees etc.

Daisy's - they are such a happy flower.
laughter

Rubber stamps and ink...

the list could go on and on and I will probably check back in to add more, but I truly feel blessed (such a mormon word)  I hope everyone takes time out to really think about those things that they are thankful for.

GOBBLE TIL YOU WOBBLE!

Thanksgiving Meme

My boss let me go 45 minutes early today.  Yay!
So I am home with my sweety and my dog fully looking forward to my time I get to spend with them.  On the eve of my favorite holiday I will be baking a couple of pies and contemplating the weekend.  Maybe even papercrafting a bit.

Here is a little Meme about Thanksgiving.  Feel free to copy the questions and answer them yourself - post them to your blog.
1. Do you cook all or part of the meal? If it was going to be at my house, yes I would, but we find ourselves at one in-laws or the other.  I always help out in one way or another.
2.  How much do you spend buying groceries for the meal? I haven't had to buy the whole thing, but I can imagine it gets pretty pricey.  Then again, you do get to have leftovers to eat for a few days.  Yum!  Makes it worth it, I think.
3.  Do you eat at home or go to someone else’s? As mentioned above, usually at another family members home.  I think my preference is with my family, because I like Moms dinner.  Not that it is better than anyone elses (I could argue that, but I won't)  but it is home.
4.  Describe your perfect bite? Mashed potatoes, stuffing, tiny bit of turkey, with a dot of moms cranberry sauce. Aaaaaaaaaahhhhh!
5.  White meat or dark? Yes.
6.  Stuffing with giblets or without? Without.  Sausage in the stuffing and giblets to help flavor the gravy.
7.  Anything you won’t eat at the Thanksgiving meal? I really don't care for brussell sprouts.  I tried last year to be accomodating but they were so overcooked YUCK!  This year we get to prepare them.  We are cooking them with bacon and onions.  Can't go wrong with bacon.
8.  Carve Mr. Gobble at the table or serve on a platter? On a platter.  We cook him upsidedown for most of the cooking time so he isn't that pretty, but the white meat stays juicy.  Plus, I can't stay away from the crispy skin before it gets to the table.
9.  Favorite pie? I love most all pies.  I would have to choose Pecan as my favorite with whipped cream.
10.  Formal table or Chinet? I love a formal table setting, name tags, favors goblets etc.
11.  Your menu:  (Don't know, but these would are some of my favorites)
An appetizer with fish - like crab cheesecake, or a shrimp cocktail or seviche.
Relish tray with a nice variety of veggies and dip.  Don't forget the olives.
Pickle tray - home made pickles
Tomato Aspic
Turkey
Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
Baked sweet potatoes with brown sugar, cinnamon butter.
Homemade Rolls with Butter and homemade freezer jam
Peas, corn, carrots
Homemade Stuffing with mushrooms and sausage
Frozen fruit cocktail salad
Cranberry Sauce or salsa
Fizzy fruity drink

Pumpkin Pie
Marionberry Pie
Pecan Pie
Mincemeat Pie
12.  Favorite leftover? All of it.  Don't usually get any at the SLC family dinner, but the GV dinner I enjoy it all.
13.  Extended family, friends, both or just the immediate family for dinner? Family and anyone else who needs a place to go.  
14.  After dinner, do you go to the latest movie or watch football on TV or just a turkey induced snooze?  All of the above!  Watch football, play games watch a good DVD, and nap.
15.  Do you watch the Macy’s Parade? I love to watch the parade.  I have great memories of sitting in the living room with my Dad and watching the parade with him.
16. Christmas decorations up before or after? usually the day after.
17.  Black Friday shopping or sleep in? It could be fun, but my pillow always wins out.  Too many crowds and never enough money to spend to make it worth braving the mobs.
18.  Any special Thanksgiving tradition? Not really anything special.  Just hanging out with family. 
19.  Favorite thing about Thanksgiving? It’s such a casual day and usually surrounded by family and loved ones!  I love the food and relaxation
20.  Favorite Thanksgiving memory? I seriously don’t have one. I love the years that we’ve had guests, family and friends. I love the traditions, the official "Let the holidays begin" feeling. Every Thanksgiving is my favorite Thanksgiving.
21.  Share your favorite Thanksgiving recipe:
"My" Pecan Pie
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup dark brown sugar
1/3 cup melted butter
1 1/2 cups pecans - coursely broken
3 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 tsp vanilla
pinch salt
1 unbaked 9-inch pie shell

Preheat oven to 350
Mix together all the ingredients in the order in which they are listed, and blend well.  Pour into the unbaked pie shell and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the filling is firm.  Cool on rack.  Serve with whipped cream.

Don't overwork and have a great evening.  Ta Ta for now.

Just another day

Only one more day until Thanksgiving. Time is just flying!  I have been compiling a Thankful for...list - can't wait to debut it.

Just in case you haven't noticed, it has been kinda cold.  Comes with the season, I know.  One of my favorite things about the cold is...frost. When the light, whether it comes from a street light or from the sun, reflects on the ice crystals it just sparkles. Just like diamonds or glitter. I love sparkly things.  Another thing I like about frost is that if there is enough moisture in the air, then trees and fences are covered with enough frost they look like someone flocked them. So pretty.  Frost patterns on windows can be really cool to look at as well, except when you have to scrape them off of your car so you can see.

One more day of work to make it through before I get a break. Here are ten things I am truly looking forward to this weekend:

1. Sleeping In
2. Turkey Dinner = Food Coma - love it!
3. Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
4. Ralph gets released from his Bishop calling
5. Football...including the great rivalry game between Utah and BYU
6. Decorating for Christmas/Christmas Music.
7. Watching movies with my sweetheart and Riley B.
8. Spending time with Ralph's family.  Yes, I do like them.
9. Making Christmas cards to send to family.
10. Chex Mix!


I hope you have list of things you are looking forward to, tell me about them.
Well I am off to bed, lots to do tomorrow. Ta Ta for now.