Luckynana Posted December 27, 2022 #81726 Share Posted December 27, 2022 4 hours ago, A&L_Ont said: Christmas in our house has been put away. With the cold snap and snow the outside lights will remain out and on until it gets a bit milder. Shrimp with avocado on a slice of cucumber. More shrimp. The shrimp with avocado on cucumber look divine!!! Thank you for sharing all of your food porn! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Momof3gurlz Posted December 27, 2022 #81727 Share Posted December 27, 2022 2 hours ago, HBE4 said: Posting of both Dani and Bella threads. I had posted last week about how this year, my step daughter and I had decided this would be the year of “Christmas Different”, meaning that instead of trying to recreate that special Christmas feeling that my wife could somehow magically and effortless create, we would try to come up with new traditions while holding on to just a few of the precious old ones. Also, I had posted on the Bella thread about losing power last week and somehow the two became intertwined in an unexpected and touching way. Bear with me as I try my best to explain. First off, some background. Growing up, Christmas Eve was the main holiday. Even as little kids, my parents would wake us up in the middle of the night usually around midnight give or take an hour to let us know that Santa has JUST visited and if we hurry we might catch a glimpse of him before he leaves. Of course, we never did but the tray of cookies left by the fireplace would be gone, nothing left but crumbs. And presents under the tree that were not there when we went to bed. We’d spend the rest of the night tearing open presents, snacking on sandwiches and appetizers before finally crashing to sleep shortly before sun rise. As a child, staying up all night as a big deal as it made us feel very adult! And as an adult, this worked out beautifully. My side of the family celebrated Christmas Eve - first at my parents and when they passed away, we hosted – and Christmas Day was always at my in-laws. We were basically going to follow the same schedule until we lost power for roughly 40 hours on Dec 23 and 24th. Outside temps plunged to 2 degrees while temps inside the house fell to the mid-40’s. We spent the night at a friend’s house. With an estimated time to restore power at 11:00 pm in Christmas Eve and not wanting to overstay our welcome, we decided to spend the day doing some last minute shopping at Kohl’s (open until 6:00 pm), followed by dinner at the Applebee’s in the Kohl’s parking lot (open until 8:00 pm) and finish up the night at a local bar (open until 10:00 pm). And if the power was not back on by 11, then back to a friend’s house. Now, I don’t know if this is a guy thing or a me thing, but I’m pretty much a solo shopper. I prefer to go on my own. I can’t remember the last time I shopped with someone else, much less my step daughter. To both of our surprise, it was more enjoyable than expected. So things were really becoming "Christmas Different". Was a new tradition born? Maybe. We’ll wait and see. But it was while dining at Applebee’s that things got interesting. The place was pretty quiet and we sat at the bar, engaging the bartender in small talk. There was a guy at the other end of the bar, by himself and looking kinda down-on-his-luck, kept glancing our way. He approached us, said we looked like nice people and offered us $20 to drive him to his house 5 minutes away. I declined as I didn’t want to be robbed and left for dead on the side of the road on a frigid Christmas Eve. He was persistent and I tried to be dismissive hoping he would get the hint and go away. Finally, I told him I would order him an Uber or Taxi, whichever could get here first. He was thankful, bought us a round of drinks and while waiting we started to talk. Turns out, he was recently separated from his childhood sweetheart and this was the first Christmas he would not be spending without wife and his kids. This of course tugged at my heartstrings for obvious reasons and I immediately regretted being so dismissive earlier. He showed us pictures of his kids and we had the loveliest of conversations. By the time the taxi showed up, he was smiling, looking more upbeat and while not wanting to leave, when he did, he said he felt like we were brought together for a reason. But there’s more. I had gotten a text message from NYSEG (the electric company) that power was restored a few hours early. Knowing that it would take a few hours for the house to warm up, we decided to linger a little while longer when two very exhausted guys, wearing power company vests walked in & sat at the bar. Little Miss HBE4 and I look at each other and in unison said those are the guys that restored our power. Well, maybe not the exact guys but least they are part of the team. Beginning to feel the Christmas spirit, we offer to buy them a round of drinks and engage them in some amazing conversation for the next hour. Turns out, one is from Iowa and the other from Missouri and they were brought it to help out the local power crews. They are spending the holidays thousands of miles away from family, working around the clock in frigid temperature, all so we can be warm and cozy for Christmas. And while they assured us they are being well-compensated, they genuinely did appreciate the 2 rounds of drinks we bought from them but declined the offer from us to buy them dinner (they get reimbursed for food). While police, firemen, nurses and military all get the accolades they richly deserve, I asked those guys if they ever feel thankless. Their response was diplomatic but the message was they get more complaints than compliments. After thanking them a few more times, we left to figure out how to rearrange our plans, throw away spoiled food and scramble with last minute gift wrapping and other pre-Christmas chores. I know this might sound like I’m patting myself on the back but that’s not my intent. I think going forward, for me “Christmas Different” will be trying to find a way to either help those in need or finding a way to thank those to give back that those that are helping us. I just need to find a better venue to channel that energy than an Applebee’s bar. 😉 I really can’t say it any better than my fellow posters have. Touching, heartwarming and truly captures the spirit of Christmas. 6 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Momof3gurlz Posted December 27, 2022 #81728 Share Posted December 27, 2022 6 hours ago, h20skibum said: It is 61°, and going up to 69° today. My daughter and her family just landed, so I will pick them up as soon as they get off the plane. Nice that we will now have our kids and grandkids together for the week. I’m very glad your daughter and her family made it there with all the flight issues. Enjoy your week together! @A&L_Ont a great looking feast! 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ocean Boy Posted December 27, 2022 #81729 Share Posted December 27, 2022 1 hour ago, BonTexasNY said: Can you guess what finally popped into my head. ? Make your reservations early. Seats are hard to come by. 2 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbancroft Posted December 27, 2022 #81730 Share Posted December 27, 2022 It is nice to see that Disney cruise line still send luggage tags in the mail! 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BonTexasNY Posted December 28, 2022 #81731 Share Posted December 28, 2022 (edited) 16 minutes ago, Ocean Boy said: Make your reservations early. Seats are hard to come by. That made me giggle. Should we get aisle seats in the back to make a quick getaway? Speaking of Cats, does anyone know where @John&LaLaJohn is? On another cruise? Edited December 28, 2022 by BonTexasNY Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George C Posted December 28, 2022 #81732 Share Posted December 28, 2022 20 minutes ago, BonTexasNY said: That made me giggle. Should we get aisle seats in the back to make a quick getaway? Speaking of Cats, does anyone know where @John&LaLaJohn is? On another cruise? He posted on wine question thread very recently 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare bobmacliberty Posted December 28, 2022 #81733 Share Posted December 28, 2022 We drove halfway home today from Cincinnati to Florida, stopping in Spartanburg, SC. I-95 didn’t look very good on Google Maps today so we plan to leave here tomorrow around 6am to see if we can beat the heavy traffic. Today reminded me of both the best and worst of winter. I love the sunny, bright days with pristine white snow after a storm. Although very cold, it was like that in Cincinnati a couple of days ago. Today though was the gray, overcast, misty kind of day with dirty, slushy snow. Yuck. 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare bobmacliberty Posted December 28, 2022 #81734 Share Posted December 28, 2022 Kitten update from my daughter…Goose still hasn’t fully accepted Roo, but is no longer trying to smack Roo with his paw. They are starting to co-exist, hopefully on their way to being best friends. 27 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaniDanielle Posted December 28, 2022 #81735 Share Posted December 28, 2022 There goes my childhood, sigh 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luckynana Posted December 28, 2022 #81736 Share Posted December 28, 2022 5 hours ago, HBE4 said: Was a new tradition born? I think going forward, for me “Christmas Different” will be trying to find a way to either help those in need or finding a way to thank those to give back that those that are helping us. I just need to find a better venue to channel that energy than an Applebee’s bar. 😉 What an amazing and awesome "Christmas Different" that you and Little Miss HBE4 experienced on your Christmas Eve together. You both showed and shared so much kindness and generosity to those three gentlemen. A wonderful memory for all 5 of you! There is no shortage in finding those in need, especially around the holidays as well as all year round. God Bless you both! 💕 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare h20skibum Posted December 28, 2022 #81737 Share Posted December 28, 2022 @HBE4 thanks for sharing your story. What a wonderful thing to do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luckynana Posted December 28, 2022 #81738 Share Posted December 28, 2022 6 minutes ago, DaniDanielle said: There goes my childhood, sigh WHAT??????? I couldn't find it in Shop Rite last week, now I know why! Say it isn't so!!! This is my go-to when I don't feel so great... 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaniDanielle Posted December 28, 2022 #81739 Share Posted December 28, 2022 1 minute ago, Luckynana said: WHAT??????? I couldn't find it in Shop Rite last week, now I know why! Say it isn't so!!! This is my go-to when I don't feel so great... I know, I am so upset. My mom always made pastina for us, sometimes she would throw an egg in!!! Barilla has it but who knows for how long. ShopRite told me it was supply chain issues but I guess not.😢 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luckynana Posted December 28, 2022 #81740 Share Posted December 28, 2022 @jagsfanWhat a wonderful and super busy Christmas with your family! Your great grandchildren are precious. How great that you all got to sing your traditional songs together!🎄 @Ozark_KidThank you for sharing your pictures of Kenzie's Christmas. She sure is one beautiful little love!💕 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaniDanielle Posted December 28, 2022 #81741 Share Posted December 28, 2022 Oh that Kenzie! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lenquixote66 Posted December 28, 2022 #81742 Share Posted December 28, 2022 20 minutes ago, DaniDanielle said: There goes my childhood, sigh Do you remember the Ronzoni song from the 50’s or 60’s ?I am singing it now. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luckynana Posted December 28, 2022 #81743 Share Posted December 28, 2022 1 hour ago, bobmacliberty said: We drove halfway home today from Cincinnati to Florida, stopping in Spartanburg, SC. I-95 didn’t look very good on Google Maps today so we plan to leave here tomorrow around 6am to see if we can beat the heavy traffic. Aaaaaargh!! I guess there's no way to avoid it for Jim and I. 🤨Heading that way on Thursday... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coralc Posted December 28, 2022 #81744 Share Posted December 28, 2022 7 minutes ago, lenquixote66 said: Do you remember the Ronzoni song from the 50’s or 60’s ?I am singing it now. No. 😁 I am now humming Mambo Italiano. 😃 2 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luckynana Posted December 28, 2022 #81745 Share Posted December 28, 2022 1 minute ago, Coralc said: No. 😁 I am now humming Mambo Italiano. 😃 Oh boy...now I am, also😉 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lenquixote66 Posted December 28, 2022 #81746 Share Posted December 28, 2022 3 minutes ago, Coralc said: No. 😁 I am now humming Mambo Italiano. 😃 Me too 😀 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lenquixote66 Posted December 28, 2022 #81747 Share Posted December 28, 2022 15 minutes ago, Coralc said: No. 😁 I am now humming Mambo Italiano. 😃 Mambo Italiano was composed by Bob Merrill who also composed the song How Much Is The Doggie In The Window. I auditioned for the Horn and Hardart’s Children’s Hour on NBC singing that song. 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimbo Posted December 28, 2022 #81748 Share Posted December 28, 2022 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare aussielozzie18 Posted December 28, 2022 #81749 Share Posted December 28, 2022 It’s a beautiful 32C (89f) in Sydney today. Had a family member made a quick visit to our place this morning. He normally comes down in one of his cars. Being on holidays, he decided to ride his motorbike. He is very safety conscious. The 32C today feels like 35C and he rode in full motorcycle leathers. He said Riding through the tunnel was like riding through an oven. I honestly don’t know how motorcyclists who do the right thing for themselves - wear full leathers for protection - do it in our Australian summers. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare John&LaLa Posted December 28, 2022 #81750 Share Posted December 28, 2022 3 hours ago, BonTexasNY said: That made me giggle. Should we get aisle seats in the back to make a quick getaway? Speaking of Cats, does anyone know where @John&LaLaJohn is? On another cruise? Stuck in Atlanta traffic🤣 Headed south tomorrow, then Jewel for NYE cruise. Then back to Atlanta 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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