SHOPPING THE SALES, FESTIVAL LIGHTS AND A NEW YEAR'S LUNCH!

Hello Loves...

Happy New Year's Eve!

Have you shopped the after Christmas sales yet?

I was not really going to make a point of this,

however, I did pick up a few really cute and fun bargains!

The first item was this darling, darling little Scottie Tin 

of Walkers Shortbread cookies!

Of course, everything was 50% to 70% on sale!

Whoop!

Then I spied these PRECIOUS little note cards

on the dollar isle...simply adore them!

Love the woolen plaid scarf which I may wear

or

use as a table runner next year!

It was only $7.00!

I am always on the look out for plaid wrapping paper

and when I came across these...oh yes....I needed wrapping paper!

This most likely will determine my decorating theme for next year!

Now how sweet is this little sugar and creamer?

$12.00 at Joss and Main!

Hey..let's drop in on Atlanta and catch a glimpse

of their festivities to end the season!

It was a cold, blustery night,

but perfect to pay a visit to the

Chinese Lantern Festival!

You know kiddos...constant motion.....

I think Miss Irma, Luke's Ohio Grandma

has had the time of her life this visit!

Aw...love this of Miss M and her sweet little boy!

Rob was able to come home for the New Year's weekend

to celebrate a best friend turning the big 3-Ohhhhhh!

Since he has parties to attend,

we reserved a little time with him for lunch on the Square!

This is one of our favorite dining spots...

always crowded...a sure sign of yummy food!

A Pinot for lunch?

Don't mind if I do......

after all....we are celebrating right?

Divine as always.....

Well. that's a wrap for 2016 lovies!

Today we are golden...

Happy 2017....stay safe and Be HappY!

OUR NEW NORMAL WITH MAE MOBLEY

It was an ordeal.

You know what I'm thankful for?

I am thankful that we have access to such an amazing

Veterinary Hospital that features many specialists in

the world of animal medical diseases.
We have a final diagnosis of Idiopathic Epilepsy.

We packed Mae up on Wednesday, December 28th, 2016

for her visit with the Neurologist in Lewisville.

Who was more nervous and stressed???

I probably win #1 on that one.

Mae passed her Neurological evaluation just fine.

Our doctor, was caring, gentle and was

impressive in the manner in which she examined our Mae girl.

After much discussion,

we opted to proceed with further diagnostic studies

to include an MRI, blood work, and spinal tap.

Mae was transported by a technician

to a nearby MRI diagnostic facility

which provides this testing to both small and large animals,

including horses.

The staff at the hospital were attentive and kind.

They gave us a tour of the hospital to

make us feel comfortable leaving her overnight.

I believe, we could not have asked for better.

I felt awful leaving her....we both did.

Yes, it was emotionally draining for all of us.

Once she was back from her MRI and spinal tap, the

nurse called us about 8:45 PM to inform us

that she tolerated her anesthesia and tests very well.

A flood of relief was felt by both of us...

which was followed by not so great dreams....

Mae's neurologist called us this morning

to inform us all of her tests were NORMAL!

They were ruling out

a stroke, meningitis and brain tumor.

Her blood work values were also quite good.

So, her treatment plan will be to continue

her current medications.
Her blood work was sent off to
Auburn for special testing
for levels of Zonisamide
and
this will continue to be monitored every 4-6 months.

It is the best outcome we could have prayed for.

The neurologist did state fragrances and
food types and flavors played little or no part in pet seizures.
If the animal was sensitive to things such as this,
it would most likely occur only once.

We did learn how little is invested in CATS
health as opposed to dogs.
There just are not enough studies to get
clear absolute information on drug reactions
and disease prevention and care.

So, this leaves us all with our NEW NORMAL.....

loving her each day

and

hopefully, keeping her free of seizures,

which may happen from time to time.

For this, I am truly thankful!
We are also thankful that her primary veterinarians
are very proactive with EASTERN medicine,
combined with western medicine and
their continuing education on whole food nutrition.
All we can say is, that once we added
the Chinese herbal supplement in the evening,
she has been seizure free.

We end 2016 with a rather heavy heart.
Mae went from being a healthy six year old cat
to one that will need medication
for the rest of her life.
We have lost so many extremely talented
people this year...but that's all part
of life isn't it?
It reminds us to live in the moment
and
celebrate each day as our gift!
Hugs and blessings to you all.....

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

SHRIMP AND CRAB CAJUN DIP

This is the one new recipe I added to our 

Christmas Eve Buffet which was given

"two thumbs up" by everyone.

It is not the most beautiful photo 

however it is an amazing recipe and I know

you will love it for your New Year's gathering!

This dip can also be made in one baking skillet

and it is chocked full of shrimp, crab and veggies!

SHRIMP AND CRAB CAJUN DIP

1/2 pound of frozen shrimp, defrosted

4 ounces of lump crab meat

2 T. butter

1/2 cup onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup green pepper, finely chopped

1/3 cup celery, diced

1 fresh Jalapeno, minced

1/2 cup fresh chopped spinach

3 cloves garlic, mined

1 t. Old Bay seasoning

4 ounces of cream cheese

2 cups freshly grated Gouda cheese

1/2 cup Gruyere cheese

1 t. red pepper flakes

chopped fresh parsley

Paprika....about 1 t. 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Defrost shrimp and set aside.

Chop all vegetables.

Heat a skillet on stove top with butter.

Saute the onion, pepper, celery and jalapeno until tender.

Next add spinach, garlic and Old Bay.

Stir well.

Next add shrimp and crab.

Cook 3 minutes until shrimp turn pink.

Remove from heat.

Stir in cream cheese, Gouda and Gruyere.

Sprinkle with Paprika and place

skillet in oven.

Bake about 15-20 minutes until cheese has melted.

Serve with a hot, crusty baguette. 

OUR JOLLY, HAPPY CHRISTMAS OF 2016

Yes!

It was a wonderful Christmas!

I don't know about y'all,

but I'm pooped!

The baking, the cooking, the decorating

and

all the festivities....indeed a great time had with family!

I started baking the cookies, I think on Wednesday!

First up....Peanut Butter cookies!

Then, the Chocolate Crackle Cookies....

On  Thursday, I made the Lasagna

along with Mother's Dilly Bread....

oh heavenly days...divine!

Christmas Eve festivities were held on Friday evening...

all my boys...home for the holidays!

Santa delivered a
"big boy toy" a bit early......

My poor youngest, Rob,

was a tad under the weather with a bad cold....

Christmas dinner was held on Saturday which

was actually Christmas Eve....

Greg's smoked turkey was amazing.....

Mmmmmm......delish!

Cornbread dressing, roasted carrots, lemon pepper green beans,

scalloped potatoes, cranberry sauce and yeast rolls.

followed by

my best cheesecake ever....

topped with whipped cream and a drizzle

of salted caramel sauce!

I am pretty much ready for bed at this point.....

We drew names this year

and

this was my gift from Nick....

HOW PERFECT!!!!

I LOVE IT, I LOVE IT!

There is nothing better than curling up with a soft blanket

and watching our favorite Christmas movies....

We had Christmas morning brunch

before Rob had to head back to Austin!

Another blessed Christmas day...

thankful and grateful for this holy day!

Over in Atlanta,

it was a most beautiful Christmas Eve night!

Miss M is now making it a tradition

for the Christmas crackers....

Miss Maepole continues to be seizure free...

this was the best gift of all....our prayers have been heard.

We visit the Neurologist on the 28th....

I hope we are able to get some answers.

I so hope you all had a happy and healthy Christmas Day.

A DIVINE HOLIDAY DESSERT...LEMON LOVE and SNIPPETS OF CHRISTMAS CHEER !

I knew when I saw the recipe from PLAIN CHICKEN

that I was going to have to try it!

What do you end up with when

you combine Chess Pie with Cheesecake?

Heaven.....the best the South offers! 

If you are looking forward to

adding a special sweet ending to

your holiday table, then you will probably love this one!

Lemon Chess Cheesecake Pie

1 (9-inch) deep dish frozen pie crust

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened

1-1/4 cup sugar, divided

3 eggs, divided

2 T. butter, melted

2 T. milk

2 t. grated lemon rind

2 T.  fresh lemon juice

11/2 t. all-purpose flour

11/2 t. cornstarch

1/8 t. salt

Preheat oven to 350ºF.

Beat together cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 egg at low speed of an electric mixer until smooth. Spread cream cheese mixture in bottom of pie crust.

Whisk together 1 cup sugar, 2 eggs, butter, milk, lemon rind, lemon juice, flour, cornstarch and salt. Pour over cream cheese mixture.

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until set. Remove from oven and cool completely on wire rack.

Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Estelle's Sweet Tip~

I sprinkled nutmeg on top

before baking....all

Chess pies need nutmeg!

Then dusted with powdered sugar

when cooled.

Here is the original recipe from

Plain Chicken

Lemon Chess Cheesecake Pie

The doggie presents arrived from Atlanta...

but, SOMEONE saw them first!

Merry, Merry!

Miss M spent the morning making
Cranberry Bread for the sweet friends on her list
who help out daily with Luke and school.
What a festive gift from the heart!

Luke's school bus driver, teachers and coaches to name a few!

Festive Candy Canes.....

Do you love Danish Butter cookies...
We certainly do!

Even store bought cookies are divine.....

My little winter snowman and ice tree arrived just in 

time for Christmas!

How darling!

I love little Charlie Brown trees, don't you?

SNOWMEN!
I think I love them......

My sweet Sister-in-Law
sent us some delicious Mississippi favorites
for our Christmas Eve buffet!
This made me homesick......



Mae continues to do well.
I say nightly prayers for her
and
for all those who are in need of a prayer.
I am so very blessed to have
YOU as a blogging friend!
I am grateful our paths have crossed.
I hope the true meaning of Christmas Day
is in your heart
and
that you enjoy each moment of Christmas.
The family is scheduled to arrive
and
the baking has begun.
Stay warm, Stay happy and Be Kind!
Merry Christmas Loves!

THE CHRISTMAS EVE LASAGNA

When the shopping has come to an end

and

the gifts are all wrapped

and

placed under the tree.....

And....

you are tucked away inside

to begin the celebration with family...

it's time for a casual dinner of

The Christmas Eve Lasagna!

Presenting....

THE GARLIC WHITE LASAGNA

1 1/2 lbs. of hot Italian Sausage

4 large cloves of garlic, chopped

1 medium onion, chopped

12 ounce jar of roasted red pepper, drained and chopped

1/2 cup white wine

10 ounce package of frozen chopped spinach

1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese

1 t. salt

1 t. pepper

1 egg, slightly beaten

2 (16 ounce) jars of creamy Alfredo sauce

12 lasagna noodles

1 (6 ounce) packages of sliced Mozzarella cheese

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Remove and discard sausage casings.

Brown sausage in large skillet.

Drain the sausage, reserving 1 T. of drippings

Cook garlic and onion in the drippings until tender.

Stir in sausage, red pepper and wine.

Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, uncovered

until most of liquid had evaporated.

Meanwhile, cook spinach according to the package.

Drain and squeeze dry.

Combine the spinach, ricotta cheese and next 3 ingredients. 

Spread one cup of Alfredo sauce in a greased

13 " x 9" baking dish.

Top with uncooked lasagna noodles.

Top with half of spinach mixture and 

then half of sausage mixture.

Place 4 slices of Mozzarella over this.

Repeat the layers.

Top with remaining noodles and Mozzarella slices.

Spread remaining Alfredo sauce over all.

Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese.

Cover and bake at 350 degrees F.

for one hour. 

Uncover last 15 minutes of baking.

Let stand 15 minutes before serving.

I hope this Christmas Eve 

brings for you the gifts of 

happiness, good health and joy!