Pick Up Sticks

Back to reality

Well my much needed long thanksgiving weekend is over.  I didn't get done as much as I would have liked, but is was a fun weekend with family.  I love having Matt home from college...he's a great kid and lots of fun.  We also saw a lot of our oldest son and his wife and their two dogs.  They came back over Sunday morning and stayed part of the day.  My hubby made a huge, greasy breakfast - which I stayed away from - and then we just hung out and watched some TV and gabbed.

But by late afternoon everyone was gone and the house was soooo quiet.  I hate the quiet...I miss my boys!

Hubby and I dragged out the boxes of Christmas dishes and packed away the Fall dishes.  I washed up all the Christmas dishes and all my Christmas linens and set my table in reds and greens.  A few years ago I started keeping my table set all the time - all year long - pretty dishes, placemats, real napkins, glassware and silverware.  It always looks so pretty - I change things up a lot seasonaly and it really deters any clutter from accumulating on the table.  Right now all I need is a Christmas-y centerpiece and it will be done.

Hubby put the lights up outside and I hung my Christmas wreath on the front door.  I still have to hang the fresh pine garland on my new porch posts as well as put up garland and lights around the new french doors on the addition...but the decorating is further along than last year.  I hope to do a little each night this week and then all that is left is the tree.

This year will be just me and hubby cutting down the tree.  The past few years it was the three of us - Matt loves to find just the right tree - but this year he is just too busy at college to get back home for a day to go get the tree.  This just makes me so sad!  But hubby and I will still go out and cut one down and decorate it...we love the smell of a real tree! 

I guess families are always changing - kids grow up and move on with their lives.

Thanksgiving 2009

I have so much to be thankful for in my life...I have a wonderful, caring husband, two great sons, a DIL I adore, a fabulous loving family, good health and so much more.

We are hosting Thanksgiving today...there will be about 10 people for dinner...with our son and DIL stopping in later for dessert as well as a few others for dessert.  I love a houseful of people...and now that we added on to the house we finally have the room for it...our house is still tiny...but I love our little cottage.

We planned dinner so that most of it was done early and we could enjoy our family and friends and not spend the whole day in the kitchen.  Yesterday I made the stuffing, mashed potatoes and a sweet potato casserole.  It is misty and foggy outside.  My hubby had to put up a canopy over the patio so he could set up the smoker.  It is supposed to be sunny and 58 today...we'll see.

Now the turkey is in the oven, a turkey breast is in the smoker...and all I need to do is vacuum and touch up the bathroom.  Then it will be a shower and then I can settle in with some Christmas gift knitting until people start showing up.  The rest of the meal is easy to finish because I worked my butt off yesterday.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Brining and Smoking a Turkey Breast

My husband and his brothers love to smoke...and I don't mean cigarettes!  Three of the 4 brothers...as well as our oldest son...own smokers.  This is something I never really thought I would enjoy...smoked meat...but have been pleasantly surprised with their results over the years.  The men have smoked beef roasts, ribs, sausage, brisket and chicken...at least that is what I have tried.

My husband wanted to smoke a turkey breast for Thanksgiving.  He did some research online - he reads smoking blogs like I read knitting blogs - and found a recipe. Tuesday night he gathered his ingredients and mixed up the brine and began soaking the turkey.  Luckily we now have a second fridge because this took up a lot of room.  My understanding is that brining adds flavor and keeps the turkey very moist.  The only other thing we have brined before smoking was chicken...so maybe it is a poultry thing.

Tonight he will take the turkey out of the brine, pat it dry and apply a rub to the outside.  It will then be wrapped in plastic wrap and put back into the fridge.

Thursday he will be up early to get the charcoal going in the smoker...the coals need to reach a certain temp before the meat is placed inside.  Then the rest is easy...just making sure the coals stay at the proper temp and watching the temp of the turkey...you heat it to about 5-10 degrees below what is considered "done" since it cooks a little more once removed from the smoker.

I took the afternoon off and have spent it roasting sweet potatoes...once they cool I will mix with melted butter, a little brown sugar and OJ and place in a casserole and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.  Then it will be ready for the oven tomorrow.  I love sweet potatoes...but not the sickening sweet candied kind...or ones with marshmallows...yuck!  I made this concoction last year and it is delicious!

I also made the mashed potatoes...tons...because there was a small issue last Christmas at my BIL's where he ran out of mashed potatoes before everyone had some...not happening here!

And I have started on the stuffing...almost done.  All this prep will make tomorrow a breeze...so I can enjoy some sangria!

Now I just need to straighten up and do a little cleaning...thank goodness I took the afternoon off! 

25th Anniversary

In December my hubby and I celebrated our 25^th wedding anniversary. He planned a long romantic weekend away to St. Michael’s MD. This is one place I always wanted to go because I had heard nice things about the area.

We stayed in a wonderful bed and breakfast – The Old Brick Inn – who had red roses and a bottle of wine waiting when we got there. Our room was beautiful and had a fireplace – which was greatly needed because the weekend we were there was bitter cold. The town is a historic one on the Eastern shore in Maryland. We were within walking distance of great shops, wonderful restaurants, a winery, a microbrewery and yes – a yarn shop – Frivolous Fibers.

The first day we were there it was pouring and so cold. We braved the cold and browsed the shops – finding lots of sales as it was the weekend before Christmas and most shops close down except for weekends after the holidays. We walked to the local winery and tasted some great wines…hubby did the reds and I tried the whites. We had dinner in a local pub – forgoing the fancier restaurants since we just aren’t fancy dinner people. We had a wonderful hot crab and spinach dip with dinner.

Saturday we had a wonderful breakfast at the inn and headed to a nearby town - Easton - for shopping and browsing. Again it was a freezing day – but thankfully no rain. Despite the fact that we had a huge breakfast we stopped at a local pub and enjoyed some great beer and food. I had a roasted tomato soup that was to die for. Again we found a yarn shop – not quite as nice as Frivolous Fibers. Back in St. Michael’s we stopped in the inn for an afternoon snack – coffee and tea and delicious brownies and scones. Then walked to the brewery and sampled the beer. Not the best in my opinion but we had fun. We needed to walk off all the food and drinks and walked down to the water – drooling over the beautiful old homes.

Dinner was again in a local pub – notice the trend here. There was live music and lots of local flavor…fun times.

This was a great weekend. I would recommend the area and the inn. We will definitely go back – this time during warmer weather. We won’t always get to stay at this particular inn as it was pricey – but perfect for a special celebration.

The biggest surprise of the weekend? A ring from my hubby! When we got married we were so young and poor. HA! I was still in college and hubby had a job in retail – which meant long hours and little pay. We couldn’t afford an engagement ring – something that has bothered my husband for years. Every year he would bring it up – and every year I would say – someday – when the kids are out of college. Over the years he would ask what I liked. I’m not fond of big rings – I thought maybe I wanted an anniversary ring – someday. Well he shocked me! Said some really sweet things that made us both well up. And I ended up with the perfect ring – it is not a typical anniversary ring – but it is gorgeous. I love it!

Back to Reality

Jan. 2, 2009

Well it was a rough morning getting up today and heading back to work.  After a long New Year’s Day, I struggled to get moving.  I hate to have to head off to work when my hubby has the day off – it just seems so unfair!  But he has a busy day planned.  He is heading off to Best Buy to pick up a new 42” TV which was a surprise present for our new room from my parents.  He is also installing a new faucet in the kitchen along with an under-the-sink water filter.  He is going to finish cleaning up after our party…most everything was washed and put away last night before we went to bed except two crusty crockpots which were soaking and some glassware that needs to be put away.

 

The large crusty crockpot held a family favorite – not one I’ve made before but one of my hubby’s Aunt’s recipes – Cottage Potatoes.  Actually for years she has brought it to family gatherings and I have never tasted them…they always get eaten within 15 minutes by everyone else.  My niece often makes them as well and I tasted one small bite at our family’s annual Memorial Day picnic last year.  So I decided to make them for New Year’s and doubled the recipe since they always go so fast.  Believe it or not there was one small bowl left at the end of the day – probably because our youngest son wasn’t there to eat his portion.  The recipe is an interesting mix but surprisingly good – although very fattening.

 

Aunt Barbara’s Cottage Potatoes

6-8 boiled potatoes (cubed)

1 med. onion (diced)

1/2 lb. velvetta cheese (cubed)

3 slices bread (cubed)

1/2 cup melted butter

Parsley

salt and pepper

Toss all ingredients into a greased baking dish.

Top tossed potatoes with 1 Cup milk and sprinkle corn flakes over all.

Cover and bake at 350 for 30-45 mins.

Uncover and bake 5mins or more to brown. 

We usually make this ahead of time and then put in a crockpot for family.  If the potatoes get a little dry you can always add more milk to the mixture.  They are so yummy!

 

The other crusty crockpot was my Little Dipper.  I had never used this before but saw a recipe for a Pizza Fondue/Dip that sounded interesting and was so easy.  I used 1 cup of chunky tomato sauce, 1 cup of shredded cheese (I used a mix of mozzarella, parmesan and sharp cheddar) and about 15 slices of pepperoni – diced.  You just put this in a small crockpot and let everything melt together and then serve with whatever you want to dip…the recipe said crackers, breadsticks or tortilla chips.  I sliced up a crusty baguette and people loved it...I actually made 3 or 4 batches of it through out the day – heating it up in the microwave because it was faster – and then adding it to the crockpot.  By halftime of the game we were out of baguette slices and I cut up some of the crusty rolls and people used those.  It was a hit and so super easy and adaptable to your tastes – whatever kind of sauce or cheeses you like or had on hand.

 

We have lots of fun family gatherings as my hubby’s family is large – 4 boys and 10 grandkids –also known as the “cousins” – 9 boys and 1 beautiful young lady – although the boys are quite a nice looking bunch as well.  They range in ages from 30 down to 19 – the youngest being our youngest son.  They are a great group of kids and all get along very well and are very close – which is so nice.  Now there is a mix of wives and girlfriends - and one boyfriend -  and they get along as well.  They are a protective group and look out for one another even though they are spread out across the country – from PA to OH to CA. 

 

Love being a part of this family!

A New Year

Jan 1, 2009

The New Year was brought in quietly by just my hubby and me.  We went out to dinner – braving the bitter cold and high winds – and then settled in for a silly movie and a quiet evening.  Our youngest son was in NY visiting his girlfriend and he called after midnight to wish us a happy new year.

 

New Year’s Day had us up early cooking and getting ready for a houseful of family and friends for the Rose Bowl.  The game didn’t start until around 5 pm but people started coming around noon.  Lots of good food – hubby smoked 2 roasts and some sausage (which was delicious!), my sister-in-law brought her famous wings, and my brother-in-law brought the pork and sauerkraut.  We munched away all day and had so much fun – good times!  We even used our new room – in it’s unfinished stages with only subfloor and minus some moldings and siding.  But despite the extra room people still congregated in my tiny kitchen!  Sbove is a picture of the die hards - those of us who stayed until the bitter end of the Penn State game.  We are in our new room - notice the lovely floor and other unfinished bits!

 

My plan for the day was to put out the food and then curl up on the couch and relax, visit and knit.  Needless to say I didn’t sit all day!  There were too many people to visit with – moving from room to room – drinks to fill and hugs to give and receive.  We are a hugging bunch of people – even all of the cousins – who are mostly boys and now all but one in their 20’s (our youngest is the baby of them all at 19).

 

It was also a time to reflect for our family – one nephew wasn’t there as he is in the PA National Guard and will be deployed very soon so is in Ft Dix.  One young man at our gathering is in the Air Force and learned he will be deployed to Afghanistan in March.  He dates one of my nieces and we really have enjoyed getting to know him.  My nephew Chris is in the Marines and was home for the first time in years this Christmas – with his new wife.  Another nephew is in the Navy.  So much to be thankful for that they are all safe right now – and we pray for those leaving soon – for their safety and safe return – and an end to this war.

So a great start to our new year.

Christmas

I can't believe Christmas has come and gone.  This year has just flown by.

We had a lovely Christmas - two actually.  One on Christmas at home with the rest of the day spent at my hubby's brother's house where there was lots of good food, great company and lots to drink.  I never really had a drink of my own other than a glass of wine with dinner...but I did spend the day tasting everyone's microbrews with my favorite being Mad Elf from Troeg's a local brewery.

 

 

Then on Saturday my parents were visiting from NC and we spent the day at our son and DIL's new house where we celebrated Christmas.  It was a fun relaxing day spent in front of the fire.  I knit lots of Christmas presents this year.  My niece Lauren always requests handknits for Christmas.  This year she asked for mittens - which of course I made along with a gathered scarf which turned out so pretty if I do say so myself...no pictures to show totally forgot.  She is coming for a Rose Bowl party on Jan 1 - go PENN STATE - so maybe we'll get pictures then.  My DIL is so fun to knit for - she received a felted bucket hat and matching mittens.  The hat is still a little big so I will refelt it this weekend.  But doesn't she look great in it?  (See their dog Cody in the background of the picture?  their new house has a big picture window and her curls up there in the deep window sill.  He is not a small dog - he's part lab/part beagle but curls up in the window like he's a cat!)

I also knit my mother a wrap in Sterling and Silk - it was so pretty and again I didn't get a picture of it. I so want to make one for me.  The yarn was a dream to knit with.

I also knit my two SIL's neckwarmers - I think they liked them - hard to tell...if not I'd love them back as I thought they turned out so pretty.  I also knit my son's girlfriend a hat and mittens - well I finished the hat and one mitten so the hat will be gifted and the mittens will go back to college with him to give to her later.  More on this present later.

Today is back to work - yuck!  Actually it's not so bad because it's very quiet here - most people take off but since I'm fairly new here I don't have lots of time to use yet.  Guess I should get back to work!

Easter

We had a glorious day for our Easter celebration.  The day was sunny and fairly warm.  The only sad part of the weekend was that my parents didn't make the trip from NC as dad had the flu.  I was disappointed as I haven't seen them since December.

We still had 12 for dinner and had a great day of good food and drinks! We baked a ham, made 2 roasts on the smoker, roasted fingerling potatoes and grilled asparagus and had a huge salad. YUM!

Since my youngest son's birthday fell on Easter this year we had birthday cake for dessert. He requested a chocolate chip bundt cake which is a cake I have been making for years.  Made the cake Friday...when I took it out of the pan the whole top half stayed in the pan!  I scraped it out and hoped that the glaze would cover the cracks...but it looked horrible!  My son still ate the cake - it tasted delicious but wasn't presentable to be served on Easter.  So Saturday we bought an Oreo ice cream cake...which was a hit.

I got teaes a lot on Sunday because every time someone commented about something I made I said I got it at Costco....the spiral cut ham, the fingerling potatoes, the gorgeous fresh asparagus...all from Costco.  Not precooked mind you...I did do all the cooking myself. 

Even the gorgeous tulips I used for a centerpiece...from Costco.  And it was funny because I bought red tulips with frilly yellow edges....my son and daughter-in-law brought me a pot of mums in the same color - red with bright yellow centers...they matched perfectly!

Christmas Pictures

I thought I'd post some pictures from Christmas - from home and at my BIL's.

This picture is fom my BIL's house in VA.  It is my parents with their grandkids.  My two sons are in the middle and on the right along with my DIL.  The two on the left are my sister's children.

Next is a picture of our tree.  This is my favorite Christmas tree we've ever had.  It is a Frasier and fits perfectly in our tiny living room. I bought a new tree skirt this year and really like it.  It is very simple - red felt with a white scalloped border and appliqued snowflakes.  You'll also notice a stuffed elephant under the tree.  Our dog kept putting this raggedy toy under the tree.

Our dog also helped open every present on Christmas day as well as all his own.  His favorite toy was a stuffed santa which he sleeps on like a pillow.

The cutie pie is my hubby!

Dallas the dog opening presents.

It was a quiet Christmas morning since only three of us were home - our first without our oldest son.  Here is our youngest opening his presents. He's wrapped in his favorite present from his girlfriend - a University of DE fleece blanket she made.

Merry Christmas

We have always celebrated Christmas with my family either a little before Christmas or a little after.  For me, it's not about the day as much as it is spending time with family.  Today was our day to celebrate Christmas.

We all met up in VA at the home of my brother-in-law. My parents drove up from NC and we came from PA - all of us my hubby youngest son older son and daughter-in-law.  And celebrate Christmas we did - with love and hugs and presents and laughs.  It was great to be together - as we don't all get together often enough.  My niece and nephew were there - they've grown so much since the summer - so tall.

And after our celebration we all drove to the cemetery.  Today was the day of another celebration - the celebration of my sister Lynn's life.  This is the first Christmas without her.  She passed away Jan.31.  We held a memorial service at that time.  But her ashes were not placed in the cemetery until today.  It took this long to get everything settled.  So after our morning of family celebration we met in the cemetery and held a small family service.  It was bittersweet - to say good bye again on a day of celebration.  At first I was upset that we would combine these two events into one day - they seemed at such odds to one another.  But as my brother-in-law said - she would want us to continue to grow as a family and continue our traditions.  So we met in the rain and held one another and cried one more time - for our loss - my beautiful sister who lost her battle with lung cancer at 41.

I will always remember today - seeing my 18 year old son racked with emotion and laying a kiss on the tiny plaque with her name - devoted mother, wife, daughter and sister - and whispering good bye - I love you Aunt Lynn.  Almost too much for me to handle.

So goodbye once more - Merry Christmas Lynn - we love you and miss you!

(This picture was taken 3 years ago - the last Christmas that my sister was healthy.  She is with her children - Jon and Allie)