December calendar

Fist comes


Trimming my tree...
BSF leader friends from way back
   

After being a leader for a few years, I decided I would reach out and try to get to know some of the other ladies a little better.  So, I picked the cream of the crop and invited them to a Christmas luncheon.   Darrell had put the tree up and I had scattered decorations around and made lunch.
One thing was missing the tree ornaments. So, when the ladies arrived I asked them to help and that is what has happened every year since.   I now call it my Trim My Tree Party.

Each year seems a little different.
This year was a smaller group, several had other commitments
  also, a new friend was added ( she makes great scones )

These two are Ole Favorites
one is just a little more weary than usual 

So, December celebrations can begin...

Deck the halls

really,   Deck my tree
or Trim my Tree, as I have called it for years.

It started when I wanted to get to know a few ladies from BSF better....remarkable ladies...
So, I planned a luncheon in December with the Christmas theme.
Hubby got the tree up, food was prepared, the house was decked, but no ornaments on the tree. Ran out of time.
So, Plan B...have the ladies trim my tree.
And they did
And they come very year now and do that job for me.

                                                                 2018 

The tree is up and ready 

The table is set and ready

The treasures.....

Photo credit:  hubby...caught in the mirror 
OH, and you can see the finished decorated tree

A job well done ! 

years past...

This was a great year.
A few friends that have since..moved on...

Only memory photo for  this year
Proof they did their job
and looked cute...very cute 

Going back in time...  

                Two of the first years... ↓  ↑  Some things don't change....still cherished friends 

So the memories linger.   
I am so blessed to have these woman in my circle of friends,
if only in my heart.
I will always miss and remember Liz,  she was a treasure to us all.   



I live an exciting life 

After the party is over

 and, the party is over,
                  and many memories made.

                            

           First ....which napkins.....


          Then, which recipes to try.     Old friends, new oven, new recipes, here I come

                                

First decision,..easy....my little man picked the one with red berries.  Nice.

  Chapter two.

I seldom serve appetizers.  They just spoil your appetite for the main meal. But I had some brie cheese and a recipe suggestion from my daughter, so I went for it.

Who or what can  I blame for a burnt to a crisp, quite sweet brie ?    Paul Deen  or my new stove. ( Or the timer that did not set itself).
OK, I don't like to serve appetizers anyway.   

Chapter three

Little man is ready for his nap, so he did not stay for lunch. ( slipped right between Shirley's legs so fast no one noticed...hardly..well it was pretty cute )  After placing all the stuffed animals in the living room, under the tree, he gave hugs to all the ladies, twice and went home.

We all sat down to the table.....what?   where is the food?      Pea salad and fresh fruit   ( thank you  Liz and  Sally ) will not fill us up.
Three hot dishes were still in the kitchen.  Chicken in the oven.  Beets on the stove and rolls waiting to be warmed.  
Let's just say the hostess was distracted by her little man.
And thankfully, two guest jumped up, after prayer, and helped served up the hot dishes.
Sorry to say the chicken dish was so piping hot that one guest burned her hand.
( I have Sulfadiazine  handy,these things happen )

Chapter four

Dessert. That's easy.  Easy recipe. quick bake. make ahead. 
        What?  Why is there so much extra filling?   Twice as much as I need for these little phyllo  pie tarts.  Good thing I have an extra box.  But why?  No Who?  Who changed the recipe from tablespoons to teaspoons !   At least 4 T. of brown sugar instead of 4 t. is not changing the flavor. And no one complained.  ( No one knew ) 

Chapter five.

Little man has another Grandma who sent this great tea towel.

Also  gifted with chocolates in a fun red dish , poinsettia, sparkling cider, Christmas CD,

 gingerbread mat, holly soap and a fluffy red bird ornament .

I live an exciting life

I am blessed