"Sittin' round the Pot Belly Stove!"

[O Town]

Well......we are hosting a small group for Thanksgiving. And having a xmas party again this year. If I don't have an incentive, it just doesn't get done!

This area was so outdated - pink and mauve....with feathering. Ugh! Nice 12 years ago but it's been bugging me for about 3 years. Time for a change. I'm pulling out the greens from my dearly departed MIL's couches. Pale green walls in LR, Foyer and above chair rail in DR. Below chair rail, a darker sage type green. Subtle wide stripes in same pale green above, but in satin over flat. Just a look I've been wanting to implement for years now!

Mary

I can't believe you sound just like my mom. She is going through the same thing as we speak.She has the mauve carpet, walls, and verticals in her living room. And an old dinning room set with the mirrored top. Yes very 80's. She has a Christmas Eve shindig, and also Christmas dinner. She is so sick of looking at it as well. lol. She has paintstrip colors hanging on the walls trying to figure out which one to paint. I told her to get rid of those verticals too, she wants to paint them with some special paint. Im like no way, get some curtains. he he. She says if she has to go through the holidays again with the furniture and carpet she will die. I wish she would just do it already, she has been talking about it forever, and they have the money. I said I would come help her paint. I just found it pretty funny that you sounded just like my mom, and are going through the same mauve blues as her.

Well what you have planned sounds really nice, hope it all turns out well and is done by the holidays.

Okay gonna eat one of those blueberry muffins and get to work. Hope everyone has a good day!!!

[Miss Mary]

O Town!!! That's too funny. You see we inherited my dearly departed MIL's formal living room and dining room furniture. God rest her soul (she was a sweetie). Had lovely taste. She chose a floral print for 2 loveseats but they were chosen around the early 90s. Striped coordinating fabric for the 6 DR chair cushions. A lovely jabot type window treatment too, matching the couches. When we were so generously given her furniture (my FIL sold their Cincy condo and has lived full time in their Florida one), our walls were white. I naturally pulled out the colors that were predominant. At the time it turned out so nicely. We chose tan, burgundy and dark green for the back half of our home, the casual areas. Well, this pink color scheme does not go with the back and that is what has bugged me! There are several shades of green in this print I'm intentionally pulling out. No more pink after this......LOL The greens will blend with the back half of our house. So once it done, hopefully the colors will all blend together. But when your house is full of white builders' grade painted walls, you want instant color!

I hear your mom though. Big time.

I went xmas shopping years ago with a close friend. I was just starting my xmas collection and decided upon traditional, red and green. For table top arrangements, ornaments, tree skirt, etc. She had chosen pinks and mauve. Felt committed to that color scheme and still purchased coordinating ornaments and pieces to match. But I could tell, she looked over at my red/green items and sighed. LOL I look at that new light green xmas decorating color that's popular now - in stuffed Santa's, ornaments, decorations and think - now that will go out of style in a few years. Red and green will always be around.

Got off on a tangent there, but your post made me think of my friend with all the pinks/mauve colored ornaments!

Let me know what color scheme your mom goes with.

Mary

[pojo]

I'm over the hump... yes, 2 months down... approx 2 months left! My supervisors are able to track the basics of going home (what day, what plane, who is replacing you, etc by doing a ULN tracking number search. He brought up my ULN and found out an approx day I'm leaving.... about 7 weeks left! I also found out that our deployment orders are being cut 60 days short! So instead of ending in April we are ending in Feb!

Garrett that is awesome news... 2nd place!

[O Town]

Great news pojo! How exciting it must be to know when you are coming home to familar surroundings, friends and family! I can't imagine. I have have a great respect for you and all of our military over there fighting for and representing our country.

Been going trhough the house trying to get rid of things for a yard sale this weekend. The amount of stuff you collect over the years is amazing. LOL. Okay guys, I will put another log on the fire and see you folks tomarrow. Good night!

[wx247]

Shannon... you can do it! We are all proud of your service. Don't forget that!

O Town... yard sales are always interesting. I haven't done one in a couple of years, but I keep forgetting how much stuff I actually one until I try to organize it for a sale or for charity!

Well, it is off to teach I go. I haven't felt well the last two days. Hopefully some Earl Grey and KK's will help make the day better.

[Pburgh]

Nothing like Earl Grey and KK's to get you started for the day. YUMMY

Shannon, start the countdown. YIPPEE

Ok, I have oddles and oddles of work to do here so I'll just stoke the fire and brew a fresh pot of Earl Grey.
Take care my friends
Karan

I could use one of those chocolate chip cookies right now.

[Skywatch_NC]

Good morning, fellow S2K'ers!

Brunota, I've been thinking for a while now about your homemade nog...does your family cook anything at all in the nog-making process? My Mom and I were talking about this a few days ago...because (if not cooked) eggs can carry a risk of salmonella...and also factory-made nog is pasteurized. Not trying to "knock" homemade nog but I think I'll stay with my Southern Comfort store-bought...yes, it's a tad expensive but I don't buy it every week during the holiday season.

Have a Wonderful Wednesday, Everywxone!

Eric

[furluvcats]

Hi guys...I haven't been able to pop in for a few days, as we are trying to finalize plans on our very own pot bellied stove/front porch". We've got an offer in on some Big Bear property in the mountains, and have competeing offers going on at the same time, so we are waiting anxiously to see if our offer was accepted...we offered more than the asking price...only in california...lol, but still are uncertain if we will have to be involved in a bid war to get our dream property. Its at the top of a mountain...backing up to National Forrest land, totally treed. (the Christmas tree kind), gorgeous view of the lake below, and the ski slopes our kids snowboard on across the lake...true paradise, just waiting for us to build our dream log home on...got the designs already...so keep your fingers crossed for us...we really want his place for our vacation home...we want our own pot bellied stove and front porch!!!

Hope all are well...leaving some KK's behind, as I haven't had time to bake in a few days....

Furry >^..^<

[brunota2003]

Good morning, fellow S2K'ers!

Brunota, I've been thinking for a while now about your homemade nog...does your family cook anything at all in the nog-making process? My Mom and I were talking about this a few days ago...because (if not cooked) eggs can carry a risk of salmonella...and also factory-made nog is pasteurized. Not trying to "knock" homemade nog but I think I'll stay with my Southern Comfort store-bought...yes, it's a tad expensive but I don't buy it every week during the holiday season.

Have a Wonderful Wednesday, Everywxone!

Eric

hmmm...i believe we do, yep...so its "safe" for your computer, no viruses to your computer... we havent made the real stuff yet... oh well, we will get around to it before Christmas and if its any good, pass it along... Made more muffins...so enjoy!!!

[Skywatch_NC]

Good morning, fellow S2K'ers!

Brunota, I've been thinking for a while now about your homemade nog...does your family cook anything at all in the nog-making process? My Mom and I were talking about this a few days ago...because (if not cooked) eggs can carry a risk of salmonella...and also factory-made nog is pasteurized. Not trying to "knock" homemade nog but I think I'll stay with my Southern Comfort store-bought...yes, it's a tad expensive but I don't buy it every week during the holiday season.

Have a Wonderful Wednesday, Everywxone!

Eric

hmmm...i believe we do, yep...so its "safe" for your computer, no viruses to your computer... we havent made the real stuff yet... oh well, we will get around to it before Christmas and if its any good, pass it along... Made more muffins...so enjoy!!!

Okay, was just checking, Wxbuddy! You'll have to post the nog recipe at the Community Forum!

[O Town]

Brunota, thanks for the muffins. And I can't wait till you make that nog and pass out the recipe. And I think I will go and see how it is typically made, getting really curious about the whole process. The risk of salmonella from raw eggs in this day and age is slim to none, but I am sure there is some sort of cooking process to the eggs. Like I said I am going to go google it now.

Furluvcats, That is wonderful you guys found some great land for your home. Sound absoultley wonderful. Log cabins are just beautiful. I will defiatley keep my fingers crossed for ya. Nothing like following your dream and having it work out.

So guys what ever happened to finding another animal and naming him? I think we need another pet since I don't hear much of Crouton anymore. And maybe a domestic animal to take care of too.

Gonna get back to work around the house and get some more items for that yard sale. Yippy.

~Kelly
P.S. Okay, someone tell me what Earl Grey is? Hot tea?

[brunota2003]

Hmmm...see now you got me interested to...dont no if it is cooked, please let me know if you find out either way...

[Skywatch_NC]

Hmmm...see now you got me interested to...dont no if it is cooked, please let me know if you find out either way...

My family never has made homemade nog. Was curious to read your family's recipe to see if it involves any cooking process.

[therock1811]

P.S. Okay, someone tell me what Earl Grey is? Hot tea?

Earl Grey is tea, yes.

[O Town]

Okay guys this what I found out about the process.

This one is an old fashion recipe, calls for raw eggs. And I guess you could make is without the liquor for plain nog. Sounds very easy.
http://www.post-gazette.com/food/20001214eggnog4a.asp

This one is a little differnt, but still easy and also calls for raw eggs.
http://www.munic.state.ct.us/BURLINGTON ... gg_nog.pdf

This one is one that actually calls for you to heat milk, more milk than cream in this one. I like it thick like TGLee so I would go for the creamer recipes.
http://www.creoleman.com/recipes/eggnog.html

This one actually says this one is safe because the eggs are cooked, this one is for you Skywatch.
http://busycooks.about.com/od/beverager ... eggnog.htm

This one is from Emeril from Food T.V. This is the one I would try because it will probably be the best tasting. Emeril would know whats good.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes ... 38,00.html

Still what to hear your family recipe brunota, those are always the best, tried and true.

[vbhoutex]

Hi guys...I haven't been able to pop in for a few days, as we are trying to finalize plans on our very own pot bellied stove/front porch". We've got an offer in on some Big Bear property in the mountains, and have competeing offers going on at the same time, so we are waiting anxiously to see if our offer was accepted...we offered more than the asking price...only in california...lol, but still are uncertain if we will have to be involved in a bid war to get our dream property. Its at the top of a mountain...backing up to National Forrest land, totally treed. (the Christmas tree kind), gorgeous view of the lake below, and the ski slopes our kids snowboard on across the lake...true paradise, just waiting for us to build our dream log home on...got the designs already...so keep your fingers crossed for us...we really want his place for our vacation home...we want our own pot bellied stove and front porch!!!

Hope all are well...leaving some KK's behind, as I haven't had time to bake in a few days....

Furry >^..^<

Can you say INSANELY JEALOUS? And of course hoping, hoping, hoping your bid is the one they take!!!!! Your description of the lay of the land is like my ideal thought for a place, snow or no snow!!!! I will be visiting on a regular basis once you have the cabin built. How's that for optimism that it is gonna be yours?! I do really hope it works out for you guys!!!!

Interesting thoughts on the nog. I'm not sure if I have ever had homemade or not. I imagine I have since I'm an "old fart". I probably just didn't know it.

Hey here comes Crouton!!! Hey!!! What's that around his mouth? Darn!!! He got th elast chocolate iced KK!!!! come her eyou little runt!!!! Got away again!!! didn't really need it anyway since there are still some cookies and muffins around. Thanks for the goodies everyone.

Now, what kind of domesticated animal are we talking about? Dog? Cat? Snake? fish????? Kelly you are so right about yard sales and the JUNK we accumulate!!! One man's trash is another man's treasure.

Whew!! What a day. Is there any Crown royal around to mix with this nog?

[arkess7]

crown royal over here!!! that reminds me .....I usually buy my dad a bottle of that every year for christmas.....last year i got this pack with a bottle and 2 fancy glasses in it!!!


Pburgh ....I am making a fresh batch of chocolate chip cookies in the morning.......so i will keep them warm on the stove for ya!!!

Had a bad thing happen today.........I was getting out of my car today and looked back at it and there is a huge dent and scratches all down the back side!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I didnt hit anything so obviously some one backed into me!!!!!Ugggggggggg!!! I was so mad!!! but i have calmed down now.......I just bought this car in june.......its a light blue 2005 mustang and its my new baby!!! thats why i was so mad......if it would have happened to my old car......(that i had for 10 years i probably could have cared less) but when you have something BRAND NEW......it really grated my nerves!!! so now i have to call my insurance tomorrow and tell them and get it fixed!!!!! Uggggg oh well what can ya do?

Ya'll have a nice night!!!!

[breeze]

Crouton!!! You got David's last chocolate-iced KK!!

C'mere, piggy-piggy! (*breeze chases Crouton around the
sofa)...

Sorry, David - I couldn't save it - it's "gulped" for good!

OTown, here's the skinny on Earl Grey tea, my friend -
it's excellent - hope you try some!



--------------------------------------

Earl Grey tea
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Pile of Lipton Finest Earl Grey
Tin of Lipton Finest Earl GreyEarl Grey tea is a
black tea blend, which gets a distinctive flavour
and aroma from bergamot oil. (Bergamot is a
fragrant citrus fruit; bergamot oil comes from
the rind.)

The blend is named after Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey,
who reputedly received a gift, probably a diplomatic
perquisite, of tea flavoured with bergamot oil. The
legend usually involves a grateful Chinese mandarin,
but this blend of tea was first made from fermented
black Indian and "Ceylon" (Sri Lankan) teas, though
over the years many other varieties have been used.

The tea proved so popular in the Prime Minister's
drawing room that his tea merchants, Twinings in
the Strand, were given a sample and asked to
come up with a close match. Twinings sold the
first "Earl Grey's tea" in the British market.
Twinings Earl Grey blend includes China tea,
Indian Darjeeling, Ceylon, and a hint of Lapsang
souchong, a strong, "smoky" black tea.

Twinings also has a similar tea called "Lady Grey"
with Seville orange, lemon and bergamot.

"Earl Green" is a popular name given to Earl Grey-like
green teas, such as the Earl Grey Green flavour
offered by the Bigelow tea company.

Earl Grey tea was the favourite tea of Douglas Adams,
author of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series.
Fictional characters who preferred the tea include
Jean-Luc Picard of Star Trek: The Next Generation,
Sir Leigh Teabing from the Da Vinci Code by Dan
Brown, and James Bond, Agent 007 of MI6.

Jacksons of Piccadilly claim that it was they who
originated Earl Grey's Tea, the Second Earl Grey
having given the recipe to Robert Jackson & Co.
partner George Charlton in 1830; according to
Jacksons the original recipe has been in constant
production and has never left their hands. Theirs
has been based on China tea since the beginning.
This rivalry between the two tea brands continues
despite both being owned by the same parent
company today.

[O Town]

Interesting, thanks breeze. I don't do hot tea, love cold tea. One of my best friends has been drinking alot of hot tea latley, and it has got me thinking, and now this. I may just have to try a cup. I gather you can buy it at any grocery, right?

Sorry to hear about your car arkess. Iwould be a little peeved too, but hey at least your insurance will take care of it for ya. Could have been worse.

About the pets, we all were saying at the beginning of the thread maybe a squirrel or a raccoon, and we would vote on the name, we all through some names out there. But also a domestic pet like a plain ol dog or cat would be nice, something to pet, feed, and love on. A nice pet, not a sneaky lil pig, although I like crouton alot, he adds excitement to the PBS. But a nice animal would be great too. Just a thought.

I heard someone brought some Crown, yum. Been a while but I think I will just take a shot of that staight up to warm the bones.I also brought some Captian Morgan, my drink of choice, so help yourself it tastes great with the eggnog we all have been drinking.

10 minutes till the new episode of LOST. Got to go get the chilins' in bed. Have a great night!

[Miss Mary]

Hey everyone - doing a quick pop in.....heading out of town for a few days, with my 4 sisters-in-law in my husband's family. For an annual pre-xmas shopping trip to downtown Chicago (one sister lives up there). We're going to see a play one night, take in the sights, have a few good meals and get items checked off our lists. My list is definitely in the early draft stage.......it's not even 50% complete. Some years I shop early, one year in February. This year I have only 3 items bought but I've been in no real hurry to get it going. So this weekend will get my arse in gear, so to speak.

Have a nice weekend and I'll check in Sunday or Monday.

Mry