<Golf Clap> Bravo Count Bravo! <Golf Clap> 
Evenin’ Y’all! Revised weather forecast. Rain tomorrow turning into snow flurries durin’ the night with snow stayin’ mostly to the north of where I am now. So, not so much worries over icy roads. YAY!!!
Now on to the evenin’ festivities of beer drinkin’ and movies!
Nitey Nite Y’all!
We made nut roca last night. Since hubby tries to die every time he gets in the same room as an almond, we made macadamia nut and cashew. I also made opera fudge and pecan fudge.
Then we put some of each on paper plates and took it to all of our neighbors, and of course to our neighborhood bar.
I would bring some to each of you if I could.
Happy HO HO!
what is “opera fudge”?
Merry Christmas to all!
Saw a police car yesterday with a cluster of Christmas mini lights in the rear window along with a Santa figure, and clip-on reindeer antlers on the side windows. Everyone’s getting into the spirit of the season.
Just waiting now with a rare rum and coke until stocking stuffing time and then to bed.
MerryChristmas!!!
and happy Saturday to the non Christian and heathen Mumpers.
Survived irk, ate pirogies at my friend’s place.
Welcome Books!
Nice one, Count!
Merry Christmas!
Back from Midnight Mass and soon off to bed. I wonder if Santa’s going to come?
StG
Merry Christmas!
I have some good news to start the day - Simon was taken off the ventilator yesterday afternoon and is breathing on his own. No update on the latest scan but it sounds like some progress has been made. His mother was due to arrive from the US last night, which (given the mess between her, the husband and the second wife) is a drama in itself. I’m hoping that the drama-queen wife can put aside her personal issues and understand that the ex-wife is here for Simon and not to cause ructions in the new marriage.
I am off to my mother’s for the day so that will be fun as the roads are a bit icy out there. Still, we’ve had no more snow for the last couple of days so I think the main roads will be ok for driving.
Good thoughts to the sickies, safe travels to the travellers, hugs, yays, gropes and trout as needed by everyone…and please all have a wonderful day, whoever you’re spending it with and whatever you’re doing!
Traditionally, it’s white fudge with bits of dried apricot, but I use raisins. It’s called “opera fudge”, because it was served at intermission at the opera. White, so ladies opera gloves weren’t stained with chocolate.
Good morning and a Happy Ho Ho Ho to all! The household is still mostly asleep, tho daughter and I have taken our respective mutts out to water the yard… 
Dinner is at 2, so the rest of the clan should arrive before then. Still no idea what MIL has planned for us, despite the hints she offered last night.
After the festivities, daughter is heading to Orlando to hang with some friends for a couple of days. No idea what the rest of our visit will hold.
Happy Day and Safe Travels to all!!!
Merry Christmas to all who celebrate!
**FCM’s ** French toast is in the oven (peach, with a few blueberries added), Christmas tea is brewing (brother and nephew got me fancy tea from Teavanna - yay!), and we’re watching Lord of the Rings, part 3 (part of nephew’s Christmas presents).
Glad Simon is doing a bit better.
Hugs.
GT
Good Mornin’ Y’all! and…
**
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
**
Dindin will be around 12:30 p.m. There’s food all over the place, as in enough to feed at least 50 people with seconds for everybody, and mom is worried there’s not enough. Yep, it’s Christmas at swampmom’s house! In a little while I get to go pick up my uncle (mom’s bro) and bring him over. I love my uncle, really, but the man talks. And talks. And talks. And talks. And talks. And talks. Then he talks some more. Maybe I won’t drive off a bridge with him in twuck with me. Maybe I will. It’s a touch and go situation. However, my oldest niece’s husband will also be here and he talks. And talks. And talks. And talks. And talks. And talks. And talks. Then he talks some more. Maybe they’ll keep each other entertained.
BooFae great news re Simon. I’ll continue to keep him in my thoughts and prayers and may the family drama be minimal.
Have a great day everybody doin’ whatever it is you may be doin’!
Merry Christmas!!!
I have very little left to do today with regards to getting ready for the festivities.
I only need to clean the powder room and then, of course, cook today’s feast.
Prime rib roast, mashed taters, gravy with chanterelle mushrooms, green beans and bacon, croissants. There will be stuff to nosh on of course, and dessert is a choice betweeen tiaramisu and a fruit tart.
My plan was to make sauteed asparagus with prosciuttto, but Safeway was out of asparagus, and I sure as hell did not want to run to yet another store and stand in yet another line yesterday.
For now, I’m the only one up (well, me and my shadow, Polar). I’m going to enjoy some coffee and some peace for the madness begins.
My daughter and her sweetie plan to show up around 9:00 this morning. It’s kind of weird not having her here early Christmas morning, but it something I’ll need to get used to.
I’m so glad Simon is doing better, BooFae.
sounds yummy - would you contribute the recipe to the Mumper’s Blog? Just post it here and it will be added.
**
Good Will Towards Men, Women, Children, Fauna, and Flora**
Morning Mumpers! I’m back from deheathanation. Santa brought me a hockey jersey, my parents sent me bacon, and the dogs got treats and toys.
BooFae, glad Simon is doing a bit better. I’ll keep praying.
Sure. Now, I must warn, this is not for the faint of heart. 
Opera Fudge
2 cups sugar
1 cup heavy cream
1/8 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup diced apricots or raisins
Grease, with butter, an 8" square pan, set aside.
In a 3 qt, heavy sauce pan stir well the sugar, cream and salt.
Over medium heat, stirring constantly, bring mixture to a boil.
Cover pan for 2-3 minutes. (watch it carefully, it and boil over at this point.)
Uncover, wipe down sides with cold water on a pastery brush.
Continue to boil, WITHOUT stirring until it reaches 234°F on a candy thermometer. Or until a small amount dropped into cold water holds a soft ball shape.*
Remove from heat
Place the pan in a shallow cool water bath until the mixture reaches 110°F.
Add apricots or raisins.
Stir until it just begins to lose its gloss, then turn it into the greased pan.
Once cool, cut into squares. Enjoy.
*biginners always use a candy thermometer. Do the soft ball test a few times to see what it feels like.
Opera Fudge has been duly added to the blog.
Cleaning the oven because the French Toast bubbled and spilled over onto the oven floor.
Mid-winter oven cleaning is no fun. The windows and doors have been opened several times now.
Back to general clean-up and watching That 70s Show.
Hugs.
GT
Merry Christmas and/or Happy Saturday!
Merry Christmas! And Happy Saturday! Turkey’s in the oven, we’re cleaning while the kids nap, and I’m waiting for Mr. Lissar to open his Furby! Really loving wives get their husbands Furbies, right?