OVERWEIGHT

Well here I go again, a new year and I am facing being overweight, the problem is I eat and I like it, I really like it.  All those bad foods for me. They taste so good to me.  I can understand overdoing anything.  I get obsessed with food.  I really think it will be back to weight watchers.  I need it, it is either that or they will have to roll me around.  I am sure I will feel better after a month or so.

I have all my decorations off the tree.  I need to focus more on getting things packed away so we can get on with our remodel.

I just am having a hard time even with my glasses on reading the size  of the print unless I can change it .  This size is better - now I have to remember how I did it.
I don't have a clue where the weekend went.  I messed up and forgot to open the Library Friday, felt stupid but all I could do was sign up for next Saturday since no one else did.  I really need to check my calendar.  I haven't been doing much but just relaxing and lovin it but goofed on Saturday, and then last night I made some ranch munchie and firgot it was in the oven and started it on fire.  Kill me, I am becoming a forgetful person.  I guess.  
New year coming.  Exciting time. Jim just got back from Red Lake with Grandson Andrew who is now taller than Jim and Jim is 6'4" and son John.  They had to get going to get back to Hastings tomorrow for the big hockey game at the XL center, at least I think that is where they play.  Ah ya it's the WILD.  Couldn't remember for awhile.  Well Jim just popped in, he cleaned. 9 walleyes. Yummy.

New Post - Thursday morning.

Been up for awhile. Made some coffee in my new Keurig. I love it.i always make a pot of coffee when I kmow Jim awakes and what I like about it is Jim now get fresh coffee because I don't make a full pot until 6 or 7. It is funny how cold my feet are, poor circulation. What is one to do. I know Skye and I have a deal, I loose weight and she quits smoking totally. I know she doesn't smoke much but she needs to quit. She has only one kidney and she needs to do everything possible to stay healthy. Something will get her in the end but why rush it. I am making a Jimmy Dean Sausage Egg and Cheese Croissant for breakfast. I am glad the print is so hard to read, I don't think I want to know how much fat is in it. Big day today, food sheld day, it is the last time we serve this month. Yesterday was fun, I left early looking for an address south of Remer. I had a winter coat to deliver to a gal I saw at food shelf last week. I picked up a wonder London Fog jacket at Goodwill for $10 and it is in mint condition, washed it up, has a hood and is an extra large, I think it will work out beautifully so I put a bag together of scarves, gloves, headbands and also brought that along. Was fun to do on Christmas morning. The gal was there with her Mother, husband and baby making their Christmas dinner. Such a nice sight. Thr coat was black and I just couldn't believe the good condition. Sometimes you wonder how marvelous clothes get there. People are so giving. Our WELCA will pick up the tab I am sure. I don't know if I mentioned but on Christmas Eve I did two readings. I enjoyed it but our microphones just cut out and squeak too much. We need to do something. And I think I will go to the next council meeting to talk about it. What a nightmare for the Pastor.

CHRISTMAS REVIEW

I love this picture of Jim and I, we just got back from church down in Naples, we look so warm. There is so much to tell about Christmas - I really wanted to say more about Thursday night, how it started out as such a mixed up day. I was rushing around all day, I think this was the day I awoke early and made sugar cookies. We left at 2:15pm from our Food Shelf duties, we work there from 1-3 but the last hour is always slower. We left out home by 2:30pm so we were right on track.i am sure we got to Skye's by 5:30pm Ansley helped us unload the car, the problem was when we got downtown about 6pm and got out of the car we discovered that Jim's sports coat wasn't in the car, between Skye and I we removed it from the car and Jim just didn't notice. What a nightmare for him. His leather jacket was also at Skye's. He had on a black long sleeve cotton turtleneck. No warmth there. We had to forge on. That is one of the reason's we ate at "Fogo de Chao" (Fogo.com) it is a Brazilian Steak House. They offered the meal up two ways, $26.50 for Salad Bar or $49.50 for steak and salad bar. We only had time for the salad bar. I can't believe all I had was a Caesar salad and a few other sides and our bill was $72.00. I wish we would have had time for the whole experience. It would have been fun. We were out of there in plenty of time for a quick dash across the street to see "All is Calm", the Christmas Truce of 1914. The PantGus was right across the street and it is right on the corner of 7th and Hennepin, it's on the West side. It used to be a 7 story bldg. I have no idea why they tor down 5 floors but the structure is only 2 stories now. LOOKING BACK 1916–1965 The Pantages, which now seats 1014, opened in 1916 as a vaudeville house and part of Greek immigrant and impresario Alexander Pantages’ renowned consortia of theatres. It was designed by the Minneapolis firm of Kees and Colburn in an Art Moderne/Beaux Arts style. The Pantages’ first show was a vaudeville lineup that included singers, comedians and a banjo player. In 1922, the Pantages was remodeled by renowned theatre architect Marcus Priteca/RKO and a new stained glass dome was added, which remains among the Pantages' most lovely features. In 1945, Edmond Ruben purchased the Pantages and renovated it by adding bird’s-eye maple. The grand reopening was on April 14, 1946 with a screening of "Gilda." In 1961, Ruben sold the Pantages to Ted Mann, who owned five other downtown Minneapolis theatres including the Orpheum Theatre. Mann renovated the Pantages yet again, and reopened it as a top-notch movie house the Mann Theatre on March 15, 1961 with the movie "Spartacus." That same year, United Artists previewed "West Side Story" at the Mann; and the film went on to win ten Academy Awards. In 1965 director Robert Wise, recalling his success with "West Side Story," decided to preview his new movie, "The Sound of Music," at the Mann. The showing at the Pantages was a terrific success and went on to become the longest running film in Twin Cities history – just under two years. The theatre operated sporadically from 1965 through 1984, continuing to show movies including the Mann’s last Twin Cities premiere of "Annie" in 1982. RENOVATION 1984-PRESENT In 1984, the Mann Theatre closed and remained shuttered until 1996, when current Hennepin Theatre Trust President/CEO Tom Hoch and former Historic Theatre Group President Fred Krohn initiated a five-year effort to save and restore the Pantages Theatre. During the renovation, architectural drawings were found and used to restore much of the theatre’s decorative plasterwork and character. The stained-glass “monitor,” a false skylight in the center of the auditorium’s ceiling, was revealed after layers of paint were removed. In cooperation with the City of Minneapolis, on November 7, 2002 the completely renovated Pantages re-opened at a cost of $9.5 million. Since then, the intimate Pantages has presented music, theatre and dance artists including Mikhail Baryshnikov, Vince Gill, Feist, Todd Rundgren, The Blenders and collaborative productions with Twin Cities’ organizations including the Jungle Theater, the History Theatre, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, Cantus and Theater Latté Da. Hennepin Theatre Trust is now the owner and operator of this magnificent structure. Here is what is really funny. The gal sitting in front of us walked down to view the ceiling because we were sitting under the balcony and from our spot couldn't see it. I forgot to go look at it. It gives me a good excuse to go back. Jim did go and buy me a $4.00 salted nut roll in the lobby. Kill me. Wore my old fur coat for the last time. I did wear it the next day when we went shopping but just to get rid of it. I wish we could have taken a picture of it. I will have to see if I can find one.

CHRISTMAS EVE

What a glorious day, been up since 3am, no idea why but I am always so grateful when I wake up, I don't care when that is. Had a nice day yesterday, all I did was some laundry and a little pick up. When you get back from traveling it is always such a mess" What a wonderful Christmas with my family. Laura is such a wonderful hostess. Love her to death. Skye wouldn't let me take my memory picture of her, Mac and Alexis. Those pictures mean so much to me. I am having LEFSE for breakfast today. YIPEE SKIPEE! What a Christmas, it has been so fun. We need to go to the Rapids today, even if it is 28 below. Northern Minnesota is a very special place indeed. You have to be a Northerner to live here. What a special day, the birth of Jesus. Church. We usher today too. So glad the fire is on but my toes never seem to warm up. The kids are right beside me. Otto under the chair and Makons playing dead in front of me. You should see my new coat, we went to Ribnicks and traded in my fox coat which I dearly loved but it was just too small and wearing out, I got a wonderful reversible mink with buttons and sheared mink on one side and Ranch mink trim. Taffeta on the reverse and it has a hood, about 3/4 length. You should see it. I want you to know, it is warm. We need warm. He is good to me, so very good, I really don't know that I deserve it but it is fun.

SUNDAY MORNING (4th SUNDAY IN ADVENT)

it has been such a busy week, it is 6:30 Sunday morning and I am having a quite moment listening to The Collingsworth Family singing carols. They are wonderful. I need to get ready for our big day, The Wizard od Oz at thr Orday. We have had a wonderful few day with Alexis, Autumn, River, Skye, Mac and Laura and Hope and Hudson. A wonderful dinner last night at Mac's. I really don't know where to start. I spent a lot of time baking before I arrived and it was ever so fun. I made a whole tin of cut out cookies, we decorated some of them at Laura's and they are having Tar and Sandy over on Tue & We with a bunch of little kids and Laura would like to use some of R that. Sounds good to me. Laura made a picture of the most wonderful Sangria, the fruit in it was just wonderful and the flavor superb. I will have to try that for Nancy and Dot. I need to get them up in Feb. isn't it funny to talk about February now with Dec still with us. Skye has been really busy this month and I am so glad because Nov was a slower month.

SANTA

We had 30 kids and 30 adults at the Library on Saturday. On Sunday I was busy busy busy, I did have help ushering because Jim, John and Jerry all came back Sat instead of Sunday. We have walleye now. Joey could each bring back 4. I made Brownies, Russian Tea Cakes and pecan Pie Thumbprints and also Apple cider. Gwen gave me the recipe and it was yummy, I think I will bring some down for Christmas. Took a nap after church and went to G.R. Shopping but the mall there closed up 15 minutes after I got there. Too funny. I was home by 5:15, not too crazy about driving in the dark but there was a full moon. We had a nice dinner and today, Monday, I made a Christmas Wreath cookie and it seemed to take me most of the day. What a Putsy cookie. Will toss that recipe. We have a Lion's Prime Rib dinner tonight and I have talked Jim in to going. Mi am tickled and had bett put rollers in my hair. Well later. We will see what tomorrow brings.

D.O.S.S. Or The Divine Order of the Sipping Sisters

We had such a nice time, Nancy and Denise Green, Gail, Helen, Darlene, Dee, Georgene, Sue and Susan and Renee and me. I guess we had 11 of us show. Lovely time and fun, I gave Dee's earrings, big hit. We were there from 5:15 to 9:15 so a goodly time. I really did take off Friday, went to play Golf with June and that is about it. I have a busy day today but the thing that puzzles me the most is where oh where is my 2nd jug of Apple cider. I will have to run to town in just a few min so have to run. Santa is coming to the Libary while I am working.

My wonderful kids, from last summer. Alexis Smith, Skye Smith, Mac Smith The SMITH widow's peak

I did it!

I got a picture of Skye and Alexis on my blog, it took me a long time to even find a picture I could post. Jim's boy John is up! enjoy having him here, it is almost 7am and they are getting ready for an ice fishing trip up to Red Lake. They will leave with the 22 foot fish house and leave it there for the winter. He can work with their 500 stores from his computer, he services them somehow and today I am sending a plant to Ali's x husband Jeff to congratulate him on the new jewelry store he took over Dec 1st. Going to rotate the tires on Ali's car for Christmas. I may go see her on Sunday. S many things going on in the old brain bucket.

FRIDAY, FUN FRIDAY

Well here I am up at 4am running around, I purchased a pack of overripe bananas and I will probably get some more today, I don't quite know how to explain what I did but my banana bread will not be as moist as usual. I think this is the best recipe for banana breat I have eve had, it is from allrecipes.com and wonderful. Sour Cream Banana Bread. Anyway I messed up because I forgot to put in the sour cream until 15 minutes after the bread was baking and I tried to put it in the pans, we will see if a patched up effort even works. I hope you can make out what I am trying to say, going back to correct my mistakes I a somewhat of a nightmare. Things don't work the way they should and it is frustrating. Yesterday was a busy busy day and today I should be able to get some baking done. I have a new cookie recipe I want to try. I also want to make cottage cheese crescents, from Linda and they are yummy. Went to Audrey's yesterday for Crafters and then worked Food Shelf from 1-3 and to Linda's by 4pm.jim had to stay a little longer because our Direct Tv guy Jacobson showed up, it turns out he lives only a half a mile from us. They had to go under the house but they fixed it. We had a lovely time over at Linda's and June's. Let's see Geri was there, Bill & patty and her Mother Phyllis. Leon and Judy, Linda Evans and her husband Dan. There were a dozen of us. I can't wait to see if the Banana bread is eatable. Need to warm up my coffee. It is 5:15 am. I have wine club tonight. I was going to hive a bottle of Wine but I am going ford the earrings. I get compliments on them, no offers to buy and I let them know they can get them for $10.

HERE IT IS THURSDAY AGAIN

I can't believe how fast the time goes by, I have a really busy day today but Thursday's usually are when Bethany is up for Food Shelf. We do it 3 times a year, Aug, Dec and April I think. I will be here this year.with Duane and Teresa moving to Brainerd they needed someone to pitch in. I have helped before so they are comfortable with me and you have to be very confidential about who yo use there. I left the house for the first time yesterday, we needed to do some shopping. We took my new car, a 2008 Buick Lucerne that is so loaded the steering wheel is even heated. It has remote start. Heated seats and back. Pretty Dark brown. Tan leather interior. Mine mine all mine but I really haven't driven it yet. Just the test drive. I have been busy, I think on Sun I visited June and Linda and on Tue I baked all day, Russian Teacakes, I use whole wheat flour, kind of a twist, I think most people use white flour but they are so much better with whole wheat flavor wise. Also made pecan Pie Thumbprints but we ate 1/2 of them, will try again, I just didn't have the hole the wight size for the pecan centers. Really tasty and I want them to look as good as they taste. I also need to make two more kinds before Sunday. Staying at home is fun in this 27 below weather. I know we are nuts for moving up North but Jim has so much fun here. Just listening to him talk on the phone about fishing is kind of exciting. T them and now it's ice fishing time and there is lots of perpetration - they have so much fun planning. A flyway I get a big kick out of it and I love the fact he is so happy about all of it. I love our life. I am sending out some Christmas cards and we did the traditional Picture. I will have to get some of the mistakes and post them. What a hoot. I am having too much fun preparing, we have a neighborhood party today and I am bringing that wonderful sausage dip, it is so easy and yummy, a roll of Jimmy Dean Sausage fried up and drained, throw on a pack 8 oz of cream cheese and a can of rotells detained tomatoes and WALLA you have a yummy dip for company, serve with festive red and green tortilla chips. I also make my sister Heidi Dill dip for the veggie try I am bringing. She said it was much better than the dip that comes with the tray, I wonder what happened to the dip that came with it, it must still be in the veggie tray, I have to remember to toss it. I wish you could have seen us do our annual Christmas photo, what a riot. The tree is the same in every one and I am sure people are bored to death by it but I am predictable. We did find out Jim need some new sweaters. We got hom one but he needs something more festive.

18 BELOW THIS MORNING BUT WHO'S counting

. Well, welcome to our world. When you talk about being up north you have to include the bitter cold and we are in the grips of it. December usually is in the upper 20ies but not this year.

Now the cold comes- Burrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

I was out shoveling ar 5am so thr dogs could go out to do their business, let me tell you it is at least 10 to 20 below windchill so welcome to my world. Jim's back is better and I am so greaetful because it is just too cold out there. We got a ton more of snow, I found only one of my snowmobile gloves. Where oh where are you other glove. I have the fireplace and boy oh boy do we need it. Again thank you Heidi for my Emu slippers.

Here it is Wednesday and it's Snowing, Snowing, Snowing, the Old Man is Snoring

Well let me tell you we are enjoying the snow. I need to get the snow shoes on, I here it is going to be really cold so I need to get out before it's below zero, it is going to be 18 below by Friday and that is soon. I really need to learn the new snow blower. Jim's back is out and hurting. I brought him in a walker and back brace from the pole building. I found my Dad's electric mattress pad but have to get the right extension. I have been up since 4am and I am about ready for a nap, it is 8am. Jim is starting a new book, I ran a bunch of errand's and I had Jim take my carpet cleaning machine, it's for the church carpet and put it in the basement. I just need to buy shampoo. That will be a big job. I shampooed 1/2 of the basement before, I probably should do the runner upstairs too. Here it is 10am on Wednesday, I think maybe Bible study will be cancelled today, it is still coming down like crazy, I pulled the snow thrower in to the shop and turned the heat on. I know I need to make some Christmas cookies. I guess I had better take out butter for whole wheat Russian Teacakes. My favorite and Jim's is Thumbprints. I think I will fill them with dates this year. Yummy. I had best get on doing some Church business, I put $1000 from checking in to savings. I couldn't believe when they wanted me to write out a check, I suggested they just move it around and she finally came up with a piece of transfer they use for a phone transfer, it did have a box for other. Hello, I just sometimes wonder why it't not their first idea to make doing business with customers easier, why do we have to suggest it. Here I am venting, silly me, I sometimes forget what work was like sometimes, at least the frustrating part, and that's a good thing. I don't know if I will be going down to the South end of the cities this weekend. Lots of snow for them too and getting across the cities isn't for the light of heart. I had my accident about 6 years ago when I wrecked the Mercury and fractured my sternum. I took Skye to the Chanhassen Dinner Theater with Dot and Holly. Well off to Church work. End of year is coming and I need to get my WELCA checkbook in order. Do an end of year financial too. Yuck. Put a pork roast in the oven in my new Dutch Oven. I sure like it. Maybe those wonderful hash browns with cream. Have to go look up Heidi's recipe.

He came, he came, in a snow storm no less.

Well, that's done, I even got Jim to put my huge clumsy microwave in the butler pantry on the hall wall and it fit like a glove. Now where have I heard that. I can still see OJ hold his hand up with that stupid glove on. Well you can see he got his just reward but certainly not the way he expected. Just a minute, I have to slip on my Emu slippers, oh Heidi if you only knew what a blessing they have been. Blood just doesn't pump to those little darlings like it used too. AND I am having tiny lights put under the cabinets just like June has. Kenny can somehow put in an electrical switch in the pantry for my microwave. He came and measured and he actually will be making them. He said it only takes about 2 weeks so come January I may start to get things going here. Went over to play cards with June and Linda across the street. They play Golf for quarters. Can't wait. Maybe today. Or probably next week. They have to get ready for the Crafters Luncheon. It was just fun walking in the snow. I need to get the old snow shoes out, we are supposed to get another 8-12 inches on Wednesday. Yahoo, I knitted on a scarf after dinner, I sure felt like my Mom. I wonder if my mom had some of the same feelings on long winter nights! I bet she did. They are such a comfort. We ran some errand's in town, I have to start my new book for book club. "The End of Your Life Book Club" by Will Schwalbe.

THE TEMPLATE MAN IS COMING - THE TEMPLATE MAN IS COMING

I have to deliver fish to two individuals, Audrey and Charlie. Jim caught fish yesterday and is willing to share fresh caught sunnies. I also need to run to church and the library but I had better do it early. Won't miss my guy coming over from Bemidji. This will be short, we are low on Gigs until the 6th. It sure goes fast. Church as always was good, Paul preached and did a super job. Pastor was on vacation. I had a really low key day, I did nothing.

Sunday Morning but events from Saturday

Well, something new today, I bought 12 pack of Jimmy Dean sausage, egg, cheese croissant's to just heat up and gulp down. I eat so badly in the morning I thought I would give it a try, it said to heat it up in the microwave but in all honesty I like using the oven for warming things up. They are really good. The sausage is on the skimpy side bur rather good. At our Clark gas station they had a little kitchen and served sandwiches and pizza and breakfast sandwiches. They made these and it is not as good as the ones that they made but good enough. I will make one for Jim when he wakes up if he wants. He was so wonderful yesterday. When he got back from fishing he washed my floors for me while I went to G.R. Had a good trip but after a couple of hours you just want it over with. I had fun stopping at the car dealership. I took a Buick 2008 out for a spin and liked it very much, it has what you call 3/4 bucket seats. Don't like those but I could live with it. What is so amazing is how clean it is. It is just like new and it has 69,000 miles on it. They want 13,500 but we will see what Loren comes up with. I and Jim just have to be patient. Not a strong trait for either one of us I think. The best thing about the car it has the same 6 cylinder motor that my car has and boy oh boy it gives me pickup when I need it. Enough about the car already. I stopped at the Hill City Thrift store, it's the same one I use for our Kids for Coats drive. I poke d around and what is so funny about the store is they have so much new stuff from Macie's it is just funny. I found a bran d new pink one size fits all robe for $6.00, it washed up beautifully and of course I found a couple pair of silver earrings for $2 & $3 each, both from Macies. I don't even know how to spell Macies. Went on my way to G.R. Stopped at Target. We have a beautiful Target store. It is funny but the customers at Target usually look pretty good and the customers at Waalmart, not so svelt. Is that a word. I purchased new trays for my coffee table. They are the same metallic red but they are oval. They look wonderful, also found a red long sleeve draped neck tshirt on sale. Off to Cub. Needed to get suet for the birds. Some other stuff and off to Wal-mart. Finished up my shopping but I did spend some time looking at their flowers. A poinsettia With such brute shiny red leaves. I should have purchased one but I will after I get back from next weekend. Off to home. Had a 4 oz. Steak, huge salad and wine for dinner. Really yummy and I am staying away from sweets for the time being. We will see if it helps, can't hurt. I sure was tired, went to bed exceptionally early and only work up twice and able to get back to sleep right away. Once at 2:30 to let the dogs out, Makons just wolfs at you and then once I get up he does the same thing to Otto, he has to have Otto go outside with him. Save me from myself. Well have to get ready for church, it is The First Sunday of Advent today so they will be lighting the first Christmas candle. I love the Sundays in December. I will have to either go to church with Nancy on Sunday or take Skye. We will see how the week goes.