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Divinity Day

My Mema Reid taught me how to make

Divinity

many years ago.

That time with her will forever be in my memory.

Mema’s Divinity recipe is similar to Paula Deen’s recipe.

Mema was of the mind that it is impossible to make divinity on a rainy day and/or without a helper.

For the past few years Amanda has been my helper.

Amanda is a bit of a Star Wars fanatic and apparently Darth Vader likes plaid.That’s a lot of information (and it’s a little weird), but I can deal with it.

Amanda recently asked when we were going to get together for divinity making.  Due to our schedules, this would be the last entry into the Christmas Treat Assortment… and just barely in time for Christmas.

Today we met in my kitchen to engage in the Christmas tradition of

DIVINITY MAKING!

Sadly, our first attempt failed (tears)25 minutes in my smokin’ mixer and STILL it wouldn’t set up!

We gave it our all… but that batch is in the trash.

The failure isn’t surprising with a Florida high of 79° and 83% humidity on Saturday, December 23, 2017.

LB set the thermostat to 60° and Amanda and I tried againSUCCESS!Perfect!

And Delicious!

That sugar high should last through the rest of the holiday season.

 

 

Ingredients:

4 cups sugar

1 cup white corn syrup

3/4 cup cold water

3 egg whites

1 teaspoon pure vanilla

1 cup chopped pecans

Directions:

In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, stir together the sugar, corn syrup, and water until sugar has dissolved. Cook syrup mixture until it reaches 255° F on a candy thermometer, bringing it to a hard ball stage.

While Amanda is cooking the syrup, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Once the sugar mixture reaches 255° F, carefully pour a slow steady stream of syrup into the stiffly beaten egg whites, beating constantly at high speed. Add the vanilla and continue to beat until mixture holds its shape, approximately 7-9 minutes. Stir in pecans.

Using 2 spoons, drop the divinity onto waxed paper, using 1 spoon to push the candy off the other.  You will need to work fast when making this type of candy.  You’re done!  Store the divinity in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

 

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Kim

 

Oh HAPPY Day!

Since September 2021 I have been struggling to manage anger.  My anger management trouble was triggered on August 30th when the rules changed at work.  My 4-person team was awarded the opportunity to handle a new category of complaint for the entire center.  This gave us ownership of the type of issue that is un-resolvable and leaves a customer frustrated and proficient in their ability to express rage.

I understand why the company made the decision to change process and that is because we are the best of the best 😊  but that doesn’t make it any easier.  It has been an exhausting effort.

Due to fried brain syndrome, after I log off in the afternoon, typically I will have a seat on the sofa and fall asleep.

But today management announced another change.  It went something like this:

After data review and much consideration we have decided to pause the *** cases starting close of business today. I will be sending out the notification to others shortly. This means that starting tomorrow we will not accept *** submissions at this time until further review and possible revamp.  The reason… process as it stands is not the initial intention and has slightly morphed leaving you all overwhelmed.

I couldn’t have described “the process as it stands” more beautifully if I tried.

Young Girl Dancing Sticker for iOS & Android | GIPHY

Happy Friday!

I do actually have some favorites for today.  They go back a few weeks, but thats because I have some catching up to do!

Favorite # ONE

Christmas 2021

5 days before Christmas and I am DONE!  [This is a positive not a negative].

I have the house decorated and gifts wrapped.

LB has erected his new GRINCH in the front yard.  I’ve engaged in some crafting of Christmas goodies: Almond Roca, Dark chocolate fudge, Magic cookie bars, and of course, Christmas cookies!  The girls will be over later this week to make divinity.

LB and I have celebrated the SEASON by attending a Christmas event at Promiseland Baptist Church, attending a showing of  Bruce Allen Scudder’s “Christmas Carol” at the Alhambraand spending an evening with the Family decorating Christmas cookies and gingerbread houses.

And that is as far as I got.

I began this Christmas 2021 blog post, but never got around to finishing…   one of 43 unfinished in my Prettyis drafts folder.

~

Favorite # TWO

A Clean Bill of Health

Which came with a $500+ medical bill.

It was just a tiny procedure, but I had never experienced it and did not like the sound of it, or the reason it was necessary.  I waited for the appointment from mid-November until a few days after Christmas.  It was a nerve-racking few weeks.

Fortunately all is well.  Good health is truly a blessing.

~

Favorite # THREE

New Year Mini Vacay

I was one of the lucky few who were able to be off New Years Eve.  LB and I left home and headed for Jekyll Island (one of LB’s favorite places).  We stayed in a new hotel and attended an event at the Jekyll Island Club Resort.  There was a band and many people took to the dance floor (not me).  There was A LOT of food and quite a few guests.  I didn’t make it to midnight; We went back to the hotel and watched Andy Cohen’s excellent rant to bring in the new year.  It was great.  I’d love to link it, but I can’t find a good recording.  Also I don’t want to promote liberals.

I do, however, want to promote conservatives.

This is what our favorite President said today on Telegram:

~

Favorite # FOUR

A Message from Donald J. Trump

What we witnessed yesterday was the last gasps of a corrupt and discredited left-wing political and media establishment that has, for decades, driven our country into the ground—shipping away our jobs, surrendering our strength, sacrificing our sovereignty, attacking our history and values, and trying to turn America into a country that our people can barely recognize.

These radical leftists in Washington care NOTHING for American Democracy. All they care about is control over you, and wealth and riches for themselves.

But they are failing. No one believes them anymore. And the day is quicky coming when they will be overwhelmingly voted out of power.

Joe Biden’s voice is now the voice of desperation and despair.

His handlers gave him that speech to read yesterday because they know the unprecedented failures of his presidency and the left-wing extremism of the Pelosi-Schumer Congress have destroyed the Democrat Party.

Part of their panic is motivated by the realization that, just like the Russia Collusion Hoax, they cannot sustain the preposterous fabrications about January 6 much longer. The truth is coming out.

But for them, the worst part of it all is the knowledge that the American People are seeing right through their phony media event—which despicably compared a Pelosi-led security failure at the Capitol to the darkest days in American history and the deaths of 3,000 Americans.

The people see right through that sham. They see a cynical politician who ran for office promising unity who is now doing the most divisive thing possible—slandering his political opponents as domestic terrorists, just like insecure dictators do in communist countries.

The American People also see that January 6 has become the Democrats’ excuse and pretext for the most chilling assault on the civil liberties of American citizens in generations. It is being used to justify outrageous attacks on free speech, widespread censorship, de-platforming, calls for increased domestic surveillance, appalling abuse of political prisoners, labeling opponents of COVID lockdowns and mandates as national security threats, and even ordering the FBI to target parents who object to the radical indoctrination of their children in school. And this week, January 6 is also the Democrats’ excuse for trying to pass a radical Federal takeover of state election law. They are trying to BAN voter ID and other basic measures that can ensure the sacred integrity of the vote.

The reason the Democrats are doing all of this is not because they believe they will win a fair and honest election. It’s because they know they will overwhelmingly LOSE one.

Remember, I am not the one trying to undermine American Democracy—I am the one trying to SAVE American Democracy.

Today, I am more confident than ever in the strength and common sense of the American People. They are counting the days until we will no longer have to be constantly lectured, lied to, and dictated to by corrupt politicians and their media partners. When we will no longer have to put up with this broken establishment’s hoaxes and its manufactured media narratives—And as Biden and his radical handlers know, that day is coming fast. Because in the months and years ahead, the American People are going to speak up, take action, and VOTE in massive numbers, and we are going to TAKE BACK OUR COUNTRY.

From the very beginning, all that Americans have wanted is great jobs, safe neighborhoods, strong borders, good schools, a proud nation, and a government that LISTENS to the American People. That is what our movement has always been about—and that is what we are focused on to this day.

Joe Biden and the Radical Democrats have failed on every front. But do not lose hope. America WILL be Great Again.

~

Favorite # FIVE

~

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Friday Favorites: Christmas Edition

Christmas time is here
Happiness and cheer
Fun for all that children call
Their favorite time of year.
Speaking of Favorite…

Favorite # ONE

Making Memories

On Monday Lydia and Rory came to Glammy’s house with Aunt Amanda for baking and candy making.

Lydia had the opportunity to practice her egg cracking and decorating skills.Also

in contrast to our divinity ventures of the past, Amanda and I managed to pull this one off on our first attempt.  Batch # 1 was a success and no redo was necessary.

~

Favorite # TWO

Ugly Sweaters and Suits

Christmas Eve Merriment is typically held at Mama’s house.

This year there was an ugly Christmas sweater contest honoring the ugly, uglier, and ugliest outfits.Although he protested that his jacket didn’t qualify as an ugly Christmas sweater, it was unanimous that LB should win.

~

Favorite # THREE

A roomful of wrapping paper and some of my favorite people.

I

LOVE

Having My kids all to MYSELF

and watching them open presents.

Afterward we took a walk to Mema’s house for MY

Favorite # FOUR

The Christmas Morning

Gift Exchange

Instead of our usual massive gift exchange, my extended family decided to draw names.  Each person was randomly delegated as Secret Santa to one other, using this app drawnames.com – a Secret Santa generator!

On Christmas morning, the secret Santa revealed himself/herself to the person whose name had been drawn.  Beginning with the eldest recipient, we took turns opening our gifts and taking time to share what we received.It was a great idea and all the credit goes to Amanda for directing the event!

~

Favorite # FIVE

The

Holiday Treasure Hunt

it was an unexpected Christmas surprise and you can read about it here! 

I hope you will!

And if you were there, please feel free to comment and add any details that I may have neglected to include.

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Once upon a time there was a little boy

…who called me Ma

His little hands stole my heart, and his little feet ran away with it.

My sweet baby boy.And although he is no longer a baby, he is still the baby of the family.

Richard

came into the world 30 years ago today.  At the time we had been blessed with little girls, so to have a baby boy join the circle was an exciting event.

Those little girls weren’t completely excited about that event Although they changed their tune when they discovered it was fun to dress him up like a princess with a purseThey soon learned that they love him dearlyToday they are inseparable.

~

Richard had no interest in playing the part of the princess, but instead preferred to play the part of Batman

And still likes to play the part of Batman.

~

He had a handful of special friends as a little boy

Who continued to be friends through the years, and remain good friends to this day.

After he became part of the High School Ministry at First Baptist Jacksonville, Rich had the opportunity to participate in a few mission trips, including a trip Nicaragua to help minister to a small community and church there.  As the years passed his focus continued to be spiritual.

 After graduating from high school he earned a degree from Liberty University.  He then began working on a Master of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, while he served as a Collegiate Missionary at Campus Church UNF Today he is living in South Carolina, managing a Maple Street Biscuit Company or two.

~

He is married to a beautiful young lady; His own Mama, couldn’t have chosen a more perfect mate for him. And now he has babies of his own.

Happy Birthday to My Baby!

I’ll Love You Forever.

I’ll Like You For Always.

As Long As I’m Living…

My Baby You’ll Be.

~

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

National Grandparents Day

My Although it is not a federal holiday, congress passed legislation in 1977 proclaiming the first Sunday after Labor Day as

Grandparents Day

In 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed the proclamation.

Grandparents Day was initiated in 1970 by Marian Lucille Herndon McQuade to:

  1. Honor grandparents.

  2. Give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children’s children.

  3. Help children become aware of the strength, information and guidance older people can offer (source).

My own Grandparents were a huge part of my life.

And today is

National Grandparents Day

Three of my Grandparent have moved on to Heaven and I know one day I’ll see them again.  I’ve included them in blog posts before, and because they were and are such an important part of my life, I’ll include them again today.

~

Papa [Duck] went to be with Jesus in the spring of 1996.

He was a strong and serious man but always managed to break a somber mood with his Donald Duck impression.  He had a distinct whistle that he used as a way to call us.  Papa had his own chair in the living room; after a hard day in the garden he could be found snoring in that corner chair. Papa sang bass in the choir for as long as he was able to attend church.  He would stand on the end of the back row, turned slightly sideways towards the rest of the bass section. He had a larger than life personality that demanded respect, while also emanating humbleness.

~

Mema [Reid] went to be with Jesus in autumn 2007.

Mema had a larger than life personality x2.  She is the one with whom I spent the most time.   Mema always had Juicy Fruit gum in her purse that she would share with me during church.  She was also known to remove her jewelry and give it to me during a sermon.  I still have rings that she slipped on my hand on two separate occasions.  Mema was the one I would call to come get me if I didn’t feel like staying at school.  She taught me to bake and make divinity at Christmastime.  She taught me that I am important.

~

Mema [Duck] went to be with Jesus in the winter of 2010.

Papa and Mema Duck were my neighbors from the time I was about 4 until I moved out of my parent’s house at age 18.  Mema was always within walking distance.  When I rode the bus home from school I would stop at her house before heading to mine.  Mema and I shared an interest in soap operas.  By the time I reached her house in the afternoon, it was time for The Guiding Light.  She would make us a snack and we would watch together.

According to Mama, it was Mema Duck who initiated the “pretty is as pretty does” mindset.

~

My Grandpa Reid is alive and well.  He will be 95 in December.

It wasn’t until I was 30 years old that I learned that Grandpa adopted my Daddy.

Grandpa was in the army and spent time overseas during World War II; he fought in The Battle of the Bulge.

Later, he worked driving a fuel truck for Texaco for many years.  Grandpa is tall, skinny, and strong.  If you stand in front of him long enough, he will give you a most excellent shoulder massage.  He is sweet and soft-spoken and rarely calls me by name, but uses pet names such as Doll and Sweet’eart.

Grandpa [like Papa] also sang bass in the choir, and will still add his bass harmony to any song he hears, whether he knows the words or not.

My sweet brother-in-law Stuart and nephew Clay always make sure Grandpa comes to be with the family at holiday and birthday gatherings.

~

In 2015 I became a grandparent (a Glammy to be precise) when Lydia was born.

I hope I will mean as much to these two as my Grandparents have meant to me!

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Friday Favorites

Today is a FAVORITE Friday because I have the day off!  I LOVE my days off!  Even though I spent most of it getting organized for Christmas and doing laundry, I am Not Complaining! 

Although this week has been a short one, it has presented me with several memorable experiences worth sharing. 

Starting with…

Favorite # ONE

Wendy

and I exchanged Christmas gifts at work this week this week. 

(Trivia Question: How many times has WENDY been one of my favorites?)

She presented me with the PERFECT coffee cup…

I love it!

Thank you Wendy!

 

Favorite # TWO

As I sat in my car yesterday morning before work,

A Special Lady

walked over and knocked on the window. 

I opened the door and she said “Hi Honey… Merry Christmas” and handed me this…

A Tory Burch Mini Ella Patent Nylon Tote

which she thought would go nicely with the Tory Burch Miller Platform Wedge Slides

that I acquired earlier this year and shared in this post.

Thank you Juenic!

Favorite # THREE

On Wednesday night, my nephew left me a hint in our

Family Group Text

With that, Amanda and I proceeded to meet today for our annual Divinity fiasco.

Favorite # FOUR

Although it has been advocated by the Talking Heads, I enjoy

Not burning down the house

Even though we set fire to the stove.

Luckily LB has a fire extinguisher stashed under the kitchen sink. 

It came in handy today.

 

Favorite # FIVE

Divinity

Amanda declared it to be a Christmas Miracle!

Even though the first batch caught on fire, the second and third batches were successful! 

@clayridgdon there will be divinity at Mema’s on Christmas Eve! 

Along with

Diabeetus.

Diabeetus GIF

Just kidding! 

I hope you have a Very Merry Christmas!

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Friday Favorites Feeling Like Fall

It is feeling like fall and my

Friday Favorites

are dedicated to this fall feeling!

During fall vacation week my favorites begin with the shopping trip the week before…

Favorite # ONE

Little Debbie Pumpkin Delights

Although I love to bake my own desserts, Little Debbie snack cakes are fun to have in the cookie jar for the occasional Little Debbie snack attack.

I was hoping to sneak these into our shopping cart.

But LB caught me!I guess I’ll have to go back to the store while he’s busy!

Favorite # TWO

Classy Crossroads Boutique

A trip to the mountains would not be complete without a stop at Classy Crossroads in Macclenny, FL while heading out of town.

I enjoyed our stop at Classy Crossroads and came away with a bag full of goodies!

Favorite # THREE

Another stop along the way is

Magnolia Plantation

Magnolia Plantation is a place where you can find homemade jellies, jams, pecan divinity, fudge, peanut brittle, pecan rolls, toasted macaroons, pecan pralines,

pork rinds (a low carb lovers’ crunchy dream)by Mutt & Jeffand

Old Fashioned Claxton Fruit Cakes It is WORLD FAMOUS!

and an LB favorite (which he will find in his Christmas stocking).

Favorite # FOUR

Fall Décor

I haven’t even purchased a pumpkin yet, but I love seeing the decorations of fall every where.

This lovely display is at the Hampton Inn hotel in Franklin, North Carolina.I’m slightly bothered that the coffee table isn’t centered with the fireplace, but that is just my OCD.

Lately I’m obsessed with antique trucks that transport pumpkins.  I caught sight of the back of one holding a candle on the mantle at the same hotel.and another in a window display in Highlands, NC.Love the pumpkin truck!

This display is just inside the front door of a shop in Dahlonega Square in Dahlonega, Georgia.Complete with pilgrims… very cute.

And there was this scary little spider plaque that reminded me of Wendy (she is scared of spiders).

Also found in Dahlonega Square at the General Store.

I’ll need to get my fall decorations down as soon as I get back home!

Favorite # FIVE

The Pumpkin Truck

I’ll be going back to get it!

 

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

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