First Snow of the Season - YIPEE!!!

Sasha had never seen snow. She stood on the porch and stared at it. Then Kara went outside with her


And she got right into the sport of playing in the snow - like any kid would do.



Then we all went inside and had Danish smorgasboard - or open-faced sandwiches for lunch.


It was a wonderful day.

Party or Pajamas

I got up early because I had so many things I wanted to do today.

We did our Christmas cards, ran to the post office to mail a bunch to Denmark, hurried to the grocery store to stock up on supplies just in case we got a snow storm, which has been forecast but hasn't materialized - yet. Then I took a quick shower and got ready for the party and helped my husband get ready too ;-)


Then we went to my office Christmas Party. It was a beautiful setting and beautiful food.

Here's the Baked Alaska my husband had:



And boy-oh-boy was it amazing. I'd never had it before. And, I was only going to take a bite to taste it - until . . . I tasted it and fell in love.

I've always loved ice cream but this delectable dessert was covered in a sugary glazed goodness that I couldn't resist. I was supposed to eat my own beautiful Marionberry Torte


But . . . I ended up eating at least half of my husband's dessert. No wonder I'm so chubby. I know what my New Year's Resolution will be this year - again :(



We had a nice time but then after dinner, when the party went into full swing, I was ready to come home, put on my pajamas and do a little reading and writing.

My husband enjoys the partying but I guess I've always been more of a "homebody". I like to sit and look at my Christmas tree and know that my kids are here. I enjoy being home - always have.

How about you? Party or pajamas?

Gifts Galore - You Can Make These EZ Projects - I PROMISE

Here are a couple examples of the scarves I've made. One is red velvet and green satin, very simple. If you can sew a straight line, wah-lah you've got a gift you'll be proud to give.

And, if you can knit, there's nothing easier than a scarf. I'm always making scarves. I give the best ones away.

Here are a couple other crafts I've made.

I made my son this farm animal stocking when he was about five years old. He still likes it.


I also take old jeans that I've outgrown :( and use them as padding for hot pads and pot holders.




I also take soft cotton fabric and make kitchen towels, which I wrap Christmas presents in at the holidays.

Just a few EZ ideas.

ANSWER to Thought for Thursday - and EARTH FRIENDLY FRIDAY

ANSWER: According to Wikipedia: It is forbidden to make a Menorah like the one in the temple, due to the sanctity of the temple.

EARTH-FRIENDLY FRIDAY: Bella Sister's is a design line of clothing that uses recycled clothing. Visit this photographer's site, Five Petal Design, and see some of the pictures of the cool re-fashioned jackets and blazers made out of worn-out or damaged clothing. What a cool way to be green.

And, if you're looking for a home-remedy for cold and flu season, check out the cold sock treatment here.

THOUGHT FOR THURSDAY

QUESTION: The Menorah's center candle is used to light all the other candles but why is the Menorah eight armed for Hanakkah, as opposed to seven armed as the traditional style of the Menorah in the temple?

MARIO KART LOVE SONG - for Video Gamers

I love this guy's voice and his "Mario" mustache is hilarious.

Cool Sights to See in Portland, Oregon

Here are a few sights to see, if you're in Portland, during December:

This is the Pioneer Place Christmas Tree.
Here are some cool old buildings:

A church in downtown Portland.

This building on 39th and Hawthorne has actual flames shooting up out of the sconces on either side of the front door of Arista. Creepy but cool, in a hot way.

Everything seems prettier during the holiday season.