aka, diets be darned!
G'evening y'all!
Outside my window?
Just kidding!
This picture was taken from my parent's front porch more than 50 years ago. Little wonder, Winter was my favorite season.
I'm thinking ...
Our new tree doesn't require ornaments.
Love that it changes color every 3-4 seconds... which is perfect for us since Tom prefers the colored bulbs and me the gold.
I'm thankful
To be able to celebrate my son's 50th birthday with he and Lois in person!
Back when Troy was young, my mother began gifting him a can of cashews for his birthday each year. So after she died, I took up the tradition.
Almost looks like I wrapped a roll of toilet paper, doesn't it? Since I ran out of tissue paper, I improvised using this photo of her at one of his childhood parties.
We met at a Japanese steakhouse where the entertainment is nearly as good as their food. When the chef learned someone was celebrating a birthday he split a big old onion 3 ways and set it on fire to resemble a cake!
Oh, my goodness!
I've never tasted 'loaded' grits before. Have you?
One of the gals at Bible study was talking about a new little café nearby called "Grits" (aka, Girls.Raised.In.The.South). Since they're only open 3 days a week, we decided to check it out yesterday morning. Soooo good! The menu description read, "Grits with cheese, sausage, peppers, more sausage and more cheese." Learning that they make their own bread every morning, Tom thoroughly enjoyed his French Toast.
When I wasn't furiously spooning grits in my mouth, I was lusting after these salt and pepper shakers.
Do I need them? Noooo. But I'd sure like them!
I'm looking forward to
Tomorrow morning's Bible study and potluck holiday brunch. Because most of the ladies claim to like spicy food, I'm bringing a crock pot of my Hatch pork stew and perhaps, more cornbread.
Every single time this commercial airs Tom gives me the 'look.' And when, at the end, the waitress chuckles I know she and I are soul sisters.
Makes me smile
More Coosada decor fashioned from bales of hay!
Finally, a favorite thing
Mother bought this for me years and years ago. It's the first thing I put out each holiday.
Let's chat again soon!
Please, stay safe..... and warm!
Hugs, Myra
I love the tree your mom gifted you with. Just beautiful! So that commercial... nice car and spicy soup!! A can of cashews makes an excellent gift!! Yum! I like grits but Joe can't stand them. LOL It looks like lots of fun at that restaurant!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Terri! I can't recall where or when the cashew tradition began, but it was a nice accompaniment to the $ she'd present each year.
DeleteI have never known a tree to change from all gold to colored bulbs. Pretty. Happy birthday Troy - that looked like a fun time by all. We are having our bible study party tomorrow too. I can't say I care much for hot food either. I love the tree your mom gave you. Have a nice week. sandie
ReplyDeleteI didn't know about tree bulbs changing colors either until Tom put ours together! Must confess, I had my eye on a smaller- more affordable - model and wasn't exactly supportive there in the store.
DeleteLove your mom's tree you proudly have on display! Never saw that commercial, too cute! I'm sure your lady friends at Bible study will enjoy your cooking! I love the look on your face at your son when you celebrated his 50th! Also like your new tree; I agree, it doesn't need ornaments!
ReplyDeletebetty
Thanks for agreeing, Betty! I become so cross with myself while trying (and usually failing) to synchronize the ornaments.
DeleteI keep hoping for snow but all we've been getting is rain. Perhaps I have to move farther north??
ReplyDeleteI love your Xmas tree. The gold is lovely, but I'm with Tom - I like the colored lights.
The tree that your Mom gave you is beautiful and unique. On the photo it resembles an ice sculpture.
So - - your son is a December child! December people are very special (I know firsthand...).
I don't think I ever had grits in my entire life. Am I missing something?
I remember my dad becoming almost giddy when - on summer road trips - we'd reach the Deep South where he could find grits on the menu. Back then, they weren't available in restaurants or supermarkets. Not sure I developed a taste for them until I reached middle age. :)
DeletePS - Yes! December babies are very special, indeed!
It's great that you are spending time with the family. It is cold here but no snow yet.
ReplyDeleteI really like your Christmas trees. And the Salt & Pepper shakers too.
Wishing you great happiness always. God bless.
Thank you so much, Victor! Wishing you and yours the same!
DeleteYou got my mouth watering with those grits, Myra! Your Christmas tree is delightful, too. We put up our usual decorations this year, but didn't bother with the tree as Danny's back has not been behaving recently. Hope you enjoy your week, my friend! Blessings!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear of Danny's discomfort! Still, I hope you two are keeping warm and happy at that delightful mountain cabin!
DeleteI love the tradition of cashews. That would be a perfect gift for me.
ReplyDeleteI don't think anyone's too old for his/her own can of cashews!
DeleteAlso, if you reduced the size of that header picture, it would make your blog size correctly on a phone and other small devices.
ReplyDeleteR
I'll try ...
DeleteI have a glass tree like this in my nook, but it doesn't light up.. have not seen the commercial, but get the chuckling waitress.. bet you will chuckle at the party today at the people who say they like hot.
ReplyDeleteI can't eat hot, bob doesn't eat hot, we are non spicy together. the only spices we like are salt and pepper, the type that goes in those shakers you covet... Happy Birthday to your son on his milestone birthday. I love grits and eat it about twice a week for breakfast. mine is easy. Quaker instant in package, dump package, pour in 1/2 cup water, stir a raw egg in, micro nuke for 2 minutes, stir and puts tons of shredded cheese and stir and eat. I have to share with Big. it is legal for me, 280 calories and is carb/fat/protein. I would love to eat in that restaurant. chat soon
Come see me and I'll take you there! :) Meanwhile, I'm going to try your recipe with the egg and cheese!
DeleteYou know...you always make me smile. Happy Birthday to your son and no way are you old enough to be his mom, grin. smiles
ReplyDeleteAwww... you just became my favorite person. (*BIGsmile*)
DeleteI can imagine how happy you are living closer to your son. I have a few that live far away in different states and am of the opinion that people who love each other should never live so far apart. I do like grits but never had loaded ones, they sound wonderful Hope you do have a wonderful time at you Bible study lunch today sounds like it will be warm and welcoming. That tree of your mom's is absolutely beautiful and truly a treasure It is the most wonderful time of the year !
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ma! Every year that little glass tree becomes more precious. She also made a little cloth tree that sits on the dining room hutch --I'll try and remember to share.
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ReplyDeleteOops! So glad I'm not the only one! LOL.
Delete
ReplyDeleteCorrected comment. LOL
I love that little tree from your mom. We are short our decorations this year. Enjoyed the read. I clicked on the commercial, I did smile we had never seen the commercial. I am about a half-hot guy myself. Sherry is gaining ground and seems to like things more spicy lately. I have been a little under the weather so I have been off and on the net.
Love the pictures especially at the 5oth birthday party.
We keep saying we gotta get one of the small trees there the colors merge change...
Love to you and the big guy,
From Central Florida.
Sherry & jack
PS Never heard of loaded grits, but I bet I would like 'em.
ps2: My English was never too good anyway. But I do have a good proof reader. LOL
I'm sorry to hear you're feeling under the weather, Jack. Try and take it easy, won't you? Perhaps Mark can bring you a quart of that wonderful matzo ball soup from Lucky Dill?
DeleteI'm hungry after reading your post. I'd love to try your stew and cornbread. Not a fan of grits, but loaded grits sound intriguing.
ReplyDeleteI know, right? In particular, this time of year even reading about food makes my mouth water!
DeleteHmmm, grits. Thanks for sharing your home and family.
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting, Susan!
Deletei love grits. yummy. yummy. your christmas tree is beautiful. i'm partial to the multi-colored lights. but the gold ones are regal.
ReplyDeleteSo please tell us - what do you put on your grits? Much to my DIL's dismay, son puts sugar on his. LOL.
Deleteps. happy belated birthday to your son.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much … I'll tell him!
DeleteThat's an awesome photo that your parents took. Our tree was up for 3 weeks before I decorated it and it's beautiful all by itself. Birthday celebrations are so much fun! Some good eats and those S&P shakers are so cute. Love the tree your mother gave you.
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