Christmas Eve with Elvis

December 24, 2017

My expectation of the 2017 Christmas Eve was a far cry from what actually took place.

Saturday I noticed that Elvis wasn’t behaving as he normally does. He sleeps at the foot of my bed and will almost always follow me when I get up in the morning. Assuming he was just having a sleepy day, I left him in bed and went about my routine.

Looking back, I wish I had taken him to the vet right then.

By Sunday morning I was convinced he needed medical attention. LB and I took him to the Clay-Duval Pet Emergency Clinic.

He was quickly assessed at the front desk and it was determined that he was not critical

so we waited

And waited

The Clinic was very busy on Christmas Eve Sunday morning and afternoon.

Boots the diabetic cat did not leave the premise with his person. Many people who were visibly distressed were observed leaving without their furry family members. And I found myself crying every time I saw another pet owner exit an examination room in tears. Although it was a sad place to be, LB was making friends and making good use of the Kuerig.

Five hours later we were provided with paperwork and everything was clear.

Sort of.

Assessment:

Mild cardiomegaly
No evidence of congestive heart failure.
Mild diffuse bronchial lung pattern. Differentials include feline asthma (allergic bronchitis), chronic infectious bronchitis, antigenic stimulation due to parasitic infection.
Bronchial thickening and mineralization, right cranial lung lobe.

He was in an oxygen container when we were reunited. At this point he had been medicated and there was no mistaking his displeasure. The recommendation was to hospitalize Elvis, however the staff felt that leaving him would cause such stress that it would be counterproductive to his recovery.

I am happy to report that Elvis is back home He did not go to any of his normal napping spots, but headed to the top of the stairs to keep watch from afar. And although he is still not behaving normally, he is doing much better.

That event put us behind schedule and working to catch up for the rest of the afternoon.

Given his remarkably improved condition, LB and I decided to attend Christmas Eve Service at Christ’s Church.

After the service, there was a kitty prescription to pick up. Elvis was still doing well perched high up in his new lookout.

He would not be “taken” again.

LB and I had previously accepted an invitation to my Mama’s Christmas Eve party. Since Elvis seemed to be stable, we decided to go. With $10 gifts and hot pizza rolls in hand, we showed up fashionably late to the party next door.

Let the Christmas festivities begin!

Elvis the Christmas Kitty Cat

wishes you a very

Merry Christmas!

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

Kim

Divinity Day

December 23, 2017

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

What’s For Dinner

December 20, 2017

Last night it was a three course meal at the

Alhambra Dinner Theater

Our first course choice was a Winter Kale Salad that was consumed so quickly there were no pictures taken!

For the second course…

LB enjoyed the

Holiday Feast

(hand-carved turkey, honey baked ham, cornbread stuffing, sweet potato soufflé, garlic green beans, turkey gravy, apple raisin glaze).

And for me it was the

Beef Bourguignon

with buttermilk mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus.

My usually carbs-free self ate every single bit of those mashed potatoes!

Third course…

Crème Brulée French Toast with whipped cream which LB enjoyed.

I ordered the Peppermint Cake, but it fell over, so the picture was discarded. But the cake was Very Good!

As I’ve mentioned before, one of my favorite new Christmas traditions is go to the Alhambra Dinner Theater to have dinner and enjoy the Christmas production of the season.

This season Bruce Allen Scudder’s version of

A Christmas Carol

returned to the Alhambra.

Everyone loves Charles Dickens’ holiday classic story about Ebenezer Scroogethe ghosts who visit him…

and his miraculous transformation from an old, miserly curmudgeon to a new man bursting with joy and filled with Christmas spirit.

This is My Favorite Alhambra Christmas production!

The show begins with a lively song (POM, POM, POM, POM) that I’ve heard so many times I can sing along with the people of the town. Then enters the star. This year, Tod Booth as Ebenezer Scrooge settles into his work at his counting-house with his clerk Bob Cratchit, shivering close by. After a visit from nephew Fred and two impressive gentlemen collecting for charity, Scrooge returns to his home, where he finds that the evening’s visitations had only just begun.

There are actually four ghosts that follow and all are played by a single actor…

the talented Kenneth Uibel
I have seen this actor fall off of the stage and get back up without missing a line.

First Scrooge receives a visit from the ghost of his dead partner, Jacob Marley. Marley relates his unfortunate story of an afterlife of wandering the Earth weighted down with heavy chains. In an effort to save Scrooge from sharing the same fate, Marley informs Scrooge that three spirits will visit him that night. And as predicted, on that night Scrooge travels with the Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present, and finally with the Ghost of Christmas Future.

I don’t know why am I telling you this… You KNOW this story!

As expected, Scrooge has a soft heart for the endearing Tiny Tim. That and his desire to live brings him to display a miraculous change for all to see.

And as always, the audience comes to its feet during the closing number… afterward leaving the building with a heart filled with holiday spirit to share with others.

An incredibly fitting way to welcome with open arms the holidays… I highly recommend the producation of A Christmas Carol and Dinner at the Alhambra. We’ll be there!

Merry Christmas from LB and K!

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

Kim

Friday Favorites

December 15, 2017

I don’t know if I’ve ever been happier to see Friday!

It has been a crazy week!

But as always, there are positives to focus on which brings me to my

FRIDAY FAVORITES!

Favorite # ONE

If it isn’t bad enough that I can’t see anything in my closet anymore, I bought another pair of shoes to add to the pile. But they’re just as cute as they can be!

Blue Suede Shoes

Kenneth Cole REACTION Women’s Fridah Fly Ankle Bootie in Navy. They also come in 6 other colors. The stacked 3.5 inch heel is unbelievably comfortable.

And I sound like a commercial.

You can check them out for yourself here.

Favorite # TWO

EBATES

My sweet friend Wendy told me that I needed to start using Ebates when I shop online. I signed up at her suggestion and set the icon on my menu. So, with nothing to lose, I joined in November and began clicking the Ebates link whenever I shopped at my favorite sites. I just received my first Ebates check today.

This check was made payable to me for doing nothing other than clicking Ebates when I shop.

Love it!From what I’ve read it seems LEGIT to me…

I’m getting paid to shop (my dream job)! We can both earn $25 if you join here or if you just want info, check it out for yourself here.

Favorite # THREE

Ms. G’s Jacket

We discuss shopping, MaryKay, shoes, and Brighton jewelry nearly every day. This particular jacket came from a boutique that I am not familiar with, however, I’m always interested in learning about a new boutique. Ms. G tells me that she purchased this cute little jacket at a boutique in San Marco… it is called

Bou’Tique 3:16

Ain’t she fancy?!?

Favorite # FOUR

Exciting news today! I received a text from LB with a picture attached.

The text read:

Delivered!

Yes it is the theater chairs for my TV room!

YaY!

Favorite # FIVE

Saturday Night was date night and LB had purchased ticket for the production of Holiday Pops featuring the Jacksonville Symphony.
It is hard to believe how much I enjoyed this concert, but I’m still thinking about it!

If you haven’t had the opportunity to enjoy a performance by the Jacksonville Symphony, take time to look into seeing one of their performances.

Bonus Friday Fave…

here is one more look at my Tiny Dancer Angel GlamBaby…

OMG

so Cute!

I hope your weekend is as wonderful as mine is going to be!

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

Kim

What’s Up Wednesday

December 13, 2017

Occasionally I will focus on a day of the week and random things that are associated with that day, mostly because I feel like posting something and nothing particular has come to mind. In the past it has mostly been Tuesday. But move over Tuesday, there’s a new day in town!

Today is:

What’s Up Wednesday

And it goes like this:

What We’re Eating This Week

I’ll tell you what we’re eating (one of us anyway). Even as I focus on preparing Christmas Goodies to share, my diet consists of as many vegetables as possible. Whether it is salad, stir fry veggies, cabbage, celery with Dijon mustard or (most important of all)… grape tomatoes!

And then there’s this:And then there’s LB who will remain eternally skinny no matter what he eats.

What I’m Reminiscing About

One of my Favorite Facebook features is “On This Day”

Today my “On This Day” memory was a Christmas picture of my kids taken a long time ago

and it seems like just yesterday.

What I’m Loving

I have stopped everyone to share the video of Lydia performing in her first Ballet Recital. If I knew how to make it post to this site, I’d share it here too! After all… that’s what Glammies do!

What a Precious Tiny Dancer

Here she is with her Mama, getting ready to perform

What We’ve Been Up To

Christmas shopping!

I’ve got my excel spreadsheet for Christmas 2017 setup to remind me (while I’m shopping) what I’ve bought, who it was purchased for, and how much I’ve spent.

What I’m Dreading

I’m not gonna lie, I don’t want to drive to work tomorrow.

I am SO OVER the traffic!

My Mama has always reminded me that “this too shall pass”.

I think about that as I

PASS EVERYONE I CAN

on my way to work!

What I’m Working On

As I mentioned, present buying and candy making. And, of course going to work everyday.

And there’s the weekly East Coast Swing dance class that we (LB, myself, and all four of our left feet) are taking.

No pictures just yet.

What I’m Excited About

Setting up the TV room!

The TV has arrived, the furniture is expected to come this weekend! I’m looking forward to watching movies on the big screen and setting up the Guitar Hero again!

What I’m Watching/Reading

I’m not reading much of anything except other blogs. As far as watching, I am enjoying Fixer Upper, The Kitchen, and the fourth hour of the Today Show with Hoda and Kathie Lee… usually while on the treadmill. This week as I relax in the family room at the end of the day, I’ve been flipping channels looking for the movie Scrooged (with Bill Murray). It would be nice to see some Christmas classics during the holiday season.

What I’m Listening To

Right now I am listening to Christmas music courtesy of Alexa

“Here’s a station you might like”

It works out occasionally, but I will typically have to yell at her to stop!

Right now she is playing

“Santa Claus is Back in Town” by Straight no Chaser

What I’m Wearing

This week I’m wearing something warm everyday. LB likes to document my daily outfits.

Unless he has to leave the house before me, LB will walk with me out to the garage each morning and snap a picture of me as I’m walking to my car.I’m usually in a bad mood, but he will always put a smile on my face

If for some reason LB is away, I will occasionally try to capture the OOTD myselfit isn’t as easy as it looks!

What I’m Doing this Weekend

Well there’s this concert featuring the Trans-Siberian Orchestra… that should be pretty awesome!

What I’m Looking Forward to Next Month

LB’s birthday is next month… AND I have that day off! WOO HOO!

What Else is New?

I think that pretty much sums it all up!

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

Kim

Christmas Candy Crush

December 12, 2017

This

Candy Crush

has nothing to do with the sweet adventure of Tiffi and Mr. Toffee through the wonderful Candy Kingdom. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

My candy crush involves an activity I love… creating my annual assortment of Christmas treats. Typically I will include about five kinds of goodies, mostly candies, and will without fail involve divinity, dark chocolate fudge and sugar cookies.

I expected to begin on Saturday.

This was my plan:

For my first installment, I attempted to make

Peanut Butter Pinwheels

They are supposed to look like this

Sadly, the consistency of what was supposed to be “like pie crust dough”, was not. (Love how LB catches every moment)

It baffled me because I am accustomed to having success with this recipe.

Although I may appear to not have a clue, I have made peanut butter pinwheels in the past with no trouble at all. LB suggested that I start over. Being stubborn as I typically am, I wasn’t about to throw 2 pounds of confectioner’s sugar away, so I improvised. Since the ingredients are basically the same ingredients used to make Buckeyes,
each “pinwheel” was lovingly rolled into a little peanut butter ball and placed on a cookie sheet in the refrigerator.

These are currently being stored in the freezer, until I have time to dip them in chocolate.

Although that turned into a royal pain, I am confident it will turn out to be a tasty treat.

One of my favorite Christmas traditions is making

Divinity

My Mema Reid taught me how to make divinity many years ago.

That time with her and her recipe will forever be in my memory.

However it would be wonderful if I had it in her own handwriting, like this recipeIsn’t that sweet?

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.

She recently asked when we were going to get together for divinity making, but due to our schedules, this will be my last entry into the assortment, and just barely in time for Christmas.
The sugar cookies will also have to be scheduled for late in the holiday season, as I will be needing Stephanie to help with the frosting/decorating.

LB is looking forward to that day, as he is the official beater licker.

My recipe for

Dark Chocolate Fudge

is the easiest recipe for fudge that I’ve come across yet. Thanks to Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk and a little book of recipes that I found in 1988.

It is so easy, as a matter of fact, I’m going to make it right now.

Done!

For the rest of my collection of goodies, I’ll be making

Magic Cookie Bars

(also an eagle brand recipe found years ago)

because Wendy mentioned that she likes these (not that she’ll actually eat any).

and last but not least

Rum Balls

because they smell good.

Now that I have a definite Christmas Goodie Plan…

time to embrace the fat kid within!

Amanda

December 9, 2017

History was made on December 9, 1986 when a sweet baby girl came into the world!

She is my second born and I loved her the second I saw her…

Amanda Kristine Starling

arrived on a Tuesday at 6:06 PM weighing in at 8 pounds, 15 ounces and measuring 21 inches long.

It was in this stocking that I brought my Christmas baby home with me on the following day.

Her sister, Stephanie took to her right away…

mostly.

And they have been best friends ever since.

Amanda is my “middle child” whom I recognized in the post National Middle Child Day. And as mentioned in that post, SHE IS an adventurer.

With each passing year, there was something new she wanted to try.

For example…

there was dance

then tee ball

baton

basketball

then piano lessons,

and running

traveling

Although Amanda has an extremely easy going personality, rarely showing excitement, she has always taken advantage of every opportunity to try something new.

She has just about done it all!

Amanda is a smart girl and one of the most self-motivated people I know.

It was Amanda that encouraged our homeschooling experience and accelerated into ninth grade school work with her older sister, so her teacher, aka Mom, would only need to manage one grade level.