|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 22, 2014 18:57:42 GMT
Well, how is everyone doing with their preparations for whatever holiday you celebrate? I'm on Vancouver Island with my Dad, waiting for my husband to join us tomorrow. Yesterday I went to Walmart (!) to buy some warm sheets for my Dad. He said he gets very cold in bed at night (he just turned 81) and in his subtle way, was quizzing me about flannelette sheets, so I went out and found some at the only large store in the Valley that stocks that sort of thing. I hate giving my money to those people, but at least he was warm last night.
Today I met with the head of the maid service that is going to come by once a month and give my Dad's place a good clean. He still vaccuums and scrubs floors, but my brother and I decided to give him a break. He was secretly quite thrilled, I think. We'll see how he feels when he's booted out of the house once a month and everything gets moved around.
I'm heading out now to do some more grocery shopping. The refrigerator is always pitiful when I arrive, so I need to do some stocking up. For me, Christmas is all about the food, but I have to balance that with not wanting to overwhelm my father and leave him with stuff he'll never touch after we're gone. So I'm picking up the goose and cranberries and all the other stuff. We're not much for baked goods, but I have a craving for some mince pies so I'll pick them up from a bakery. I'll make some shortbread. Maybe a pumpkin pie? Then it's off to the German deli to pick up stollen for my husband who is mad about it, and whatever delights remind me of my childhood in the Schwarzwald.
Merry preparations, everyone!
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 22, 2014 19:48:50 GMT
If there is anybody still clueless, there was a poll in France of the least appreciated gifts that you can give:
Women: tools, household appliances, socks
Men: socks, cosmetics, kitchen equipment.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 22, 2014 21:40:56 GMT
One year, my husband bought lots of kitchen things and was delighted with himself. Me, not so much.
I picked out my own gift this year - a ukelele.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 23, 2014 17:29:21 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by htmb on Dec 23, 2014 18:36:02 GMT
If there is anybody still clueless, there was a poll in France of the least appreciated gifts that you can give: Women: tools, household appliances, socks Household appliances were always a BIG hit and a set of tools were given to me for my fiftieth birthday. So thoughtful!  Until about 30 minutes ago I had not gotten out the first Christmas decoration, yet I'm hosting a large group for chili tomorrow night, and an even larger group for dinner on Christmas Day. Somehow most of the preparations will get done. And anything that gets left out will be considered for New Years Day when I host a second Christmas dinner for more family. Honestly, I'm just not too worried about it this year. I was able to think up a couple of special gifts, and I've already received one that was pretty nice, but getting sick threw me off my game. That's my excuse, anyway. |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 23, 2014 18:51:13 GMT
Well, I hope for your sake that everybody brings you socks.  |
|
|
|
Post by htmb on Dec 23, 2014 19:09:05 GMT
 No one else gives me that type of stuff, and the person who used to will re-gift something he received, but doesn't want. Experience tells me it won't be comparable to the bottle of Pineau des Charantes he's getting, but it's the thought that counts, right? Besides, I'm picky about my socks.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 23, 2014 19:13:02 GMT
htmb, that wasn't the same person who caused you to burn your arm on the oven, was it?  |
|
|
|
Post by htmb on Dec 23, 2014 19:14:57 GMT
Thanks for the good laugh, Lizzy. Yep, that would be him.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 23, 2014 19:17:40 GMT
Well, you're a good person to be so kind to your "differently-abled" friend.
|
|
|
|
Post by htmb on Dec 24, 2014 15:09:44 GMT
In wrapping the last of my presents for my grandchildren I see I've been pretty good about sticking to a "theme." For the grandson who spends hours building creative-looking structures with Legos I bought a huge package of Lego people. He never seems to have enough. The grandson who loves to look at photos, and who was interested in my camera, is getting a children's version so he can try taking his own pictures. My granddaughters are all getting drawing, writing, and clay modeling materials since that's what they love to do most with their free time. I went to an office supply store and purchased things like packages of colored paper, tape and a tape dispenser, glue, stickers, pens, markers, and colored pencils, along with a large container for storage.
|
|
|
|
Post by lagatta on Dec 24, 2014 15:36:50 GMT
I bought myself a set of three pairs of merino wool socks. If someone would like to buy me more, I'd be thrilled. They are so comfy.
Lizzy, I knew you were still a kid at heart!
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 29, 2014 17:29:08 GMT
I saw the first Christmas tree dumped out on the street yesterday.
|
|
|
|
Post by rikita on Jan 5, 2015 6:48:38 GMT
not started the preparations yet (for next christmas, that is).
i think my dad and the eldest of my brothers both would like kitchen appliances, if it is the right ones. I think I gave my dad a big spoon and a cutting board from olive wood one year, and he seemed to like it ...
|
|
|
|
Post by htmb on Jan 5, 2015 21:37:34 GMT
I received a pretty nice cookbook which I won't use, and was "regifted" a bottle of champagne that was so cheap I may just toss it out. I can't imagine serving it to anyone, and certainly won't be drinking it. Anyone know if champagne might work okay in some type of marinade?
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 5, 2015 22:00:04 GMT
I know of champagne being used as a marinade for cooking veal testicles, but probably that is not on your immediate menu plans.
But even bad champagne can make a good kir royal, just like inferior whiskey will do for a highball.
|
|
|
|
Post by htmb on Jan 5, 2015 22:19:34 GMT
I've had the first already, though I have no idea if they were marinated before being deep fried. I doubt it, and certainly not in champagne.
I like Kir, so perhaps Kir Royale is something I'll try. However, at $8.99 for the bottle, not to mention the sentiment behind the gift, I also have no problem just pouring it down the drain or christening a boat somewhere.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 5, 2015 22:26:27 GMT
As long as kir is a masculine gender word, it will never be royale, even if that spelling is even sometimes seen in France.
|
|
|
|
Post by htmb on Jan 5, 2015 22:36:02 GMT
royale royale royale   |
|
