What I'm posting about here is the postponed Christmas get-together my friend and I had yesterday. She came by our house for lunch (and brought dessert!) - after which we sat in the den by the fireplace and drank coffee, talked, and exchanged gifts. Over the years we have started giving each other Christmas gift bags filled with all kinds of little fun items (as well as baked treats we both made).
A few of the items I received were 2 jars of honey from their own bees, a Marshmallow Fireside 3 wick candle, and a jar of "Cookie Butter" from Trader Joe's.
There were other things, but I can't think right now what they were. Some of the things I gave her were a coconut bird house and a turtle mug - both from Hawaii, and a few ceramic bowls I'd made... and of course samples of all my baked goodies. But it's not so much what we exchanged as to the fun we had doing it... and we both realized that it was more enjoyable doing it after Christmas instead of in the middle of all the hoopla.
She also stayed and helped me use my Instant Pot for the first time. It was a Christmas gift and I was hesitant to try it. Years ago I used to use a pressure cooker, but that was a long time ago. Anyway, it was pretty simple and I made a roast with onions, potatoes, carrots, and wine in it in about 60 mins (and nothing blew up!).
But she is also one of two friends who (like myself) read constantly and share our books. I've been reading a cozy mystery on Kindle lately as I've finished all the 'real' books I had (except that one that I'm finding hard to finish - "Educated"). Anyway, my friend brought over 4 new books - ones she hasn't even read yet either - so I'm excited! Here's a pic of the new 4:
 |
| Can't wait to start these... |
DH got a book for Christmas also.
 |
| Bernard Cornwell's Sword of Kings |
OK... that's it for today. Julie's still hanging in there... no noticeable improvement with the new antibiotic, but it's only been 24 hours...
Thanks for visiting. Feel free to comment anytime. I love reading comments (even on other's blogs) as much as the posts themselves.
Hugs,
Rian
* Oh, on my last post I mentioned Rose's ornament and DH upon reading it later told me that I didn't post a pic of Rose's ornament. I said, "Sure I had!"... but guess what? Oops! I hadn't. (Don't you hate it when they're right?)
Here it is:
 |
| Rose's ornament |
I think it's nice to spread out the Christmas spirit a bit over time although it's sad that people having surgery or medical problems was the impetus.
ReplyDeleteI read Educated a while ago. It was like driving by a wreck on the highway. I didn't want to look but I did.
That really was a good analogy, Olga. I've yet to finish it.. but I've been told that I must... so I will continue to go back to it. And it's not a matter of being well written, I think it's just a matter of taste. It's also not a matter of truth vs fiction - as I really like some memoirs and historical fiction (like Mary Pat Kelly's Galway Bay - set around the famine in Ireland). But I most "enjoy" a story that makes me feel good - one that makes me want to move there and live among those characters.
DeleteThey have to be right once in awhile, LOL. Praying for all of your family and friends. Here's to a healthy 2020.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Connie.
DeleteI am interested if you find the Instapot more useful than a slow cooker? differences? I love when gifts hit the spot...especially if I am the giver.
ReplyDeleteTabor, I haven't cooked in it enough to say. Not much difference I would think, but perhaps you can do a little more in the Instant pot ... like saute (for what that's worth). Maybe someone else reading here will have had more experience with it?
DeleteWell you really had a trying end to 2019 but I am glad you and your friend managed to put some smiles on your faces and fun in the day. Sorry Julie hasn't shown dramatic improvement but it is early. Hoping all those dear to you are healing.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Patti. Julie is eating a little more - enough that we've quit worrying so much. Possibly the antibiotic is taking effect... and I read online that in cases like this, it is more a 'support' issue to keep them nourished until the condition rights itself. We sincerely hope this is true.
Deletehope the Christmas health challenges have been resolved all around. Our after- Christmas Christmas was more relaxed, too. You and your friend's Christmas gifting is a lovely tradition!
ReplyDeleteMy friend and I have known each other since 1971 when DH and I moved to Texas. Our husbands worked at the same company back then and she and I had kids the same age... back then she had a 6 year old and twin 3 year olds. I had a 3 year old and an 18 month old. Now the kids are all grown and married, but we've all stayed close.
DeleteYou and your friend had some wonderful sharing together, and then you shared it with me, so I feel quite blessed to have been included. I do hope your back and Julie get better real soon. It sounds like you're going in the right direction. :-)
ReplyDeleteDJan, I wish I could share a real cup of coffee with you one day. Maybe if you're ever in the Dallas area, we will. Who knows?? Julie is a bit improved... eating better. We are feeling a bit more optimistic.
DeleteDespite the reason for the postponement, your time together was obviously special. How wonderful that you've kept up this tradition over the years.
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed that Julie shows some improvement soon.
As for the Instant pot, I purchased one after Christmas. I've used it once for a slow cooker and won't do it again. It simply doesn't do the job. I like it best for the pressure cook and only used the saute the once.
Our time together after Christmas was special, Mae... as her husband had surgery for colon cancer during the holidays and it was the first time we'd been together since I sat with her in the hospital during the surgery. He's doing well.
DeleteThanks for the note on the instant pot. My one experience was fine... but I thought it was easier to just clean one pot (when I cook in my AGA) than to take the instant pot all apart and clean each piece after. But I will try it again for something else.
I agree about the pleasantness of little after Christmas "do's". Such lovely lamps you have collected!
ReplyDeleteIt's one of my eccentricities, Joanne. I find most lamps 'boring'... (I know that's odd), so if I'm going to need a lamp, I want it 'different'.
DeleteKitty isn't getting worse, so that just has to be promising! Such a fun gift exchange post-Christmas.
ReplyDeleteNo, Julie is not getting worse (thank goodness). And she is eating a bit better! So we are hopeful that the worst is over?
Deletei did not see my great nieces for christmas until just recently. the hubs and i offered to babysit for my niece and her husband, give them a long night out, errands, home depot...all the places the girls dislike, and then dinner out!! we had the girls all to ourselves, they opened their presents, we made crafts and the entire 4.5 house was magical, i loved it. we try to babysit as often as we can, but it is not often enough and i liked having them all to myself for opening christmas presents!!
ReplyDeletethose gift bag items sound so fun, i like gifts like that!! i hope julie starts to show some improvements....
and i almost never read the comments on other peeps blog!!!
Debbie, how old are your great nieces? Did you take any pics? Sounds like you had a wonderful after Christmas get-together!
DeleteThe gift bags are fun and I pick up things all year that I see that fit her personality and set them aside for Christmas or her birthday.
And you should read the comments on other posts... some are very interesting!
You received and gave many fine presents. It's so nice to have such a good friend. Sorry to read that your son's wife was in the hospital. Hope she is fine now.
ReplyDeleteShe is doing well, thank you.
Delete