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Thursday, January 7, 2016

WHERE DID CHRISTMAS GO TO?





I have be so busy taking down the Christmas decorations.  When you get older, it takes you more time.


The 20th of November some of the people I used to work with got together for our little Christmas Dinner.  I decided to have some give away's and everyone had a treat at each place setting.  We all had such a wonderful time.  I guess because I was a Meeting Planner and Director of Sales, I get the honor to always put our dinners together.  We have been doing this for over 10 years.

I was finished with my Christmas decorations before Thanksgiving.  I spent Thanksgiving with my best friends daughter and we had such a grand time.  Lots of wonderful friends and such yummy food.  They bought a older home that was built in 1955 and it's in Riverside, in a very lovely older neighborhood. Have remodeled the entire house.  Everything was so pretty and the table was lovely.

Now we are into December and I am still doing a little tweaking with my decorations.  I thought that this would probably be my last year for the big Christmas in my home of 35 years, so I went all out.



December 13th I had 5 of the women that I used to work with over the years in the hotel industry for some wine and munchies.  The house sparkled with the  Christmas tree all a glow, candles, Christmas Carols and outdoor fireplace crackling.  I baked for days - cookies and the Pioneer Woman's fudge recipe.  Let me tell you I have been making fudge  for 50 years and this is the very best recipe that I have ever used.  Even my granddaughter said "grandma this is the best ever".  I made a Spice Cake with Cream Cheese frosting - we all had a little to much wine and lots of goodies and remembered all the fun times we had in the hotel industry.  LOL  All had lots of coffee before they left for home.





The following week I took a friend to USC Medical Center Hospital for testing to see if he was a good candidate for a lung replacement.  We left at 4:00 a.m. and I didn't get home until 7 p.m.  What an exhausting day that was.  Needless to say I wasn't worth much the next day.  But the hospital was decorated so pretty and everyone was so nice, I was very impressed.




The next Saturday  the 20th my son, granddaughter and granddog came for Christmas, as her mother had Kelly for Christmas.  Kelly and I had such a fun time decorating sugar cookies in the form of Ugly Christmas Sweaters.  We had icing all over the place, laughing and making wonderful memories. They took me out to dinner at my favorite Italian Restaurant, more fun times. Then we celebrated Christmas on Sunday, opening up presents.  Kelly has a horse that she is leasing and taking riding lessons and her name is Bell.  I had my friend paint a picture of Bell and Kelly loved it. It was a big hit.


Shaun always cooks a Prime Rib Dinner on Christmas and let me tell you, it was terrific.  They left on Monday at different times.  Skittles (Kelly's dog) stayed until Christmas Eve and she had a grand time with Waldo and Lili.  Skittles is a Westie Terrior and I really hated to see her leave.


Christmas Eve my best friend had a Christmas Brunch and everyone had to wear a UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER.  Prizes were given for the ugliest, I won the prize. We really had a lot of fun and let me tell you they were really ugly LOL. We also had a game to name that Christmas Carol and there was a prize for who got the most.  She served a very lovely brunch and we were able to eat out on the patio.  This time I baked a Italian Cream Cake, I must say I out did myself.

Christmas Day I went with another friend to her family's home for Dinner.  Out came UNO cards for some very unusual games LOL.

I really had a great Holiday, but I am still tired and are in the mist of taking down my Christmas decorations.  I always hate to take them down as the house always looks nakeeeeeeeed.  Boxes are ever where.  I will have a friends son come over and take them to the garage and he can also organize the garage.

I really out did myself baking and making candy but, the most fun is making the ugly Christmas Sweater Sugar cookies.  You can get the cookie cutters at Amazon.  I found already made sugar cookies in the shape of sweaters and all the decorations at Walmart.  16 cookies in the package.

I don't know if you have been reading about our weather, still in drought and are restricted to watering. Now the temperatures are in the 30's.  When I get up in the morning there is frost on the roofs.  My poor little Hummers.  I have to fill 2 big feeders everyday as they are drinking that up really fast.  It must help keep them warm.  Those of you back east had warmer weather than we did, go figure.

Some pictures of my Christmas Decorations.








So my dear blogging friends, I wish all of you a most blessed New Year.  Sorry to be so tardy in posting a blog, but I do read all of yours.

Now we are having terrible rain storms, but we really need the rain.

Thank you all so much for your comments and I do try and answer all of them.

PS the dogs had a really good Christmas Holiday too.

Mary, Waldo and Lili


Dwellings ~ Amaze Me Monday
      The Dedicated House ~ Make it Pretty Monday        
    Between Naps On The Porch ~ Metamorphosis Monday
A Stroll Thru Life ~ Inspire Me Tuesday
Coastal Charm ~ Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Savvy Southern Style ~ Wow Us Wednesday
Ivy and Elephants ~ What's It Wednesday
No Minimalist Here ~ Open House Party Thursdays
Between Naps on the Porch - Tablescape Thursday
Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson ~ Share Your Cup Thursday
My Turn for Us ~ Freedom Fridays Blog Hop
Common Ground ~ Be Inspired Friday
The Thrifty Groove ~ Thrifty Things Friday

79 comments:

  1. Mary - oh my golly I got exhausted just reading your b usy holiday schedule- wow- you truly out did yoursekf!

    I like your sweets you mentioned- the ugly sweater cookies are hilarious.

    SO - do we get to see a glimpse of your winning "ugly sweater?"

    Happy New Year, my dear! : - )

    ReplyDelete
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    1. I borrowed a vest from a friend and then put all sorts of crazy stuff on it. It was wool so it was driving me crazy. I took it off as soon as the contest was over. Will have to see if anyone took a picture of me and post it.
      Thanks for stopping by, always enjoy hearing from you.
      Hugs,
      Mary

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  2. Hey Mary,
    Wow, you have had such a full and wonderful Christmas season this year. Your home looks beautiful and I really enjoyed catching up with you and your life. great blog post and pictures...
    and yes, like Michele said, we need to see your ugly sweater. :-)
    Happy New Year to you..hoping it's a tremendously good one for you..
    Love, Mona

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by Mona. I am still catching up from Christmas - way to much activities for me, but I loved every minute of it.
      Will have to see if someone took a pictures of me in my Ugly Sweater - it was a lot of fun.
      Have a wonderful 2016.
      Hugs,
      Mary

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  3. Oh my goodness, Mary, and I thought I was busy over the holidays! Sounds like you packed every merry moment into yours. I think that's wonderful! Christmas is even more special when we can spend it with family and good friends. I too would like to see your ugly sweater! I enjoyed reading your post and thank you for sharing. Have a beautiful day and Happy New Year!

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Sandi, yes it was a wonderful very busy time for me. I thought that I was working in a Bakery Shop LOL. I do love to bake and cook, but I cannot eat all of those wonderful treats, so they have to leave this house.
      It seems like everyone wants to see me in that Sweater. I borrowed it and gave it back, but I am sure there are some pictures floating around. When I find them will do a post.
      Have a wonderful 2016.
      Hugs,
      Mary

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  4. Mary,
    What a lovely share of your holidays. Gathering and sharing truly is what it should be all about and your Christmas was just that. I love the photo of your veranda and the striped black and white cushions add a stunning contrast to the outdoors, I'd love to spend an evening out there with you. I have a question - did your friend get news he can have a lung replacement? Next year I'm definitely going to make those ugly sweater cookies with my Grands. Now call me weird but I love all Christmas sweaters and have never seen an ugly one. I'd love to see a picture of the one you wore and won in.
    Wishing you a joyful New Year.
    xoxo,
    Vera

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  5. Thanks so much for stopping by Vera. Shane is waiting and they are still running tests on him. He is young, about 45 (I think) and has a blood problem on thinners, has COPD and has to have oxygen all the time. The doctors say about another 5 years to live, but with the lung transplant he would live longer if it takes. So, it is a bid decision for him to make.
    I really had a wonderful fun Christmas, but I am still tired. This week had something going on all week. Today, I am taking it easy LOL.
    I so enjoy your comments and reading your posts.
    Have a wonderful terrific 2016.
    Hugs,
    Mary
    PS will look for a picture of my Ugly Sweater and post it.

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  6. My goodness Mary, you need January to rest after all that entertaining. Everyone looks as though they have had the best time and you certainly fed them all so well. Your home looks so tastefully decorated for the festivities so they were all so lucky to spend time with you. We have had so much rain here and flooding in the north of the UK (hasn't got to us in the Midlands quite so much), so will blow some over to you. Have a very happy and restful 2016 xx

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thanks so much for visiting. I really had a wonderful fun time during the holidays with lots of memories made. Normally it's pretty low key, but this years lots of friends, parties and family. Which I love, but I am paying for it now. I did get all the decorations put away and enjoying our rain. I am hoping that we get enough that we are not restricted again on water usage.

      Have a great weekend.
      Mary

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  7. I wish you all the best in the New Year and I applaud your stamina and joie de vivre!
    I love your grandaughter's boots too!
    Your decorations are beautiful and you went all out..would have loved to see the prize winning sweater!:)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. I have to find a picture of me in that sweater. I borrowed it from a friend and pinned all the goofy things on it. There are a couple, but you cannot see the entire sweater. We sure looked crazy LOL. I am afraid that I did way to much and my stamina has taken a vacation. But, had lots of fun and really enjoyed nyself.

      Have a great weekend in your Winter Wonderland.

      Mary

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  8. Hello Mary and happy new year! Wow your house was decorated so pretty for Christmas! So happy you had a good time with family and friends. The holidays seem to come and go so fast! Take your time with getting your house back in order. Wishing you all the best. Julie

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    1. So glad that you liked my decorations. I really out did myself, 4 trees and 6 wreaths. Plus I decorated the patio in case we wanted to sit outside, but it was to cold. Next year it will really be scaled down. I didn't even post on all the dinners I went to, just to much for this old gal LOL

      Enjoy your weekend and Lili and Waldo send wolf's to Bosco.
      Hugs,
      Mary

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  9. Hi Mary i stopped by to see how you are doing and so glad i did as seeing all your pretties and festivities wad a real treat!! Oh wow your home just looked so bright and lovely!! And all those cakes and cookies!! Love seeing your dog beauties ad well..hope you do a post on them again soon ? Looks like you had a very busy and happy holiday season! That horse portrait was a great idea!

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  10. Replies
    1. Thanks so much for visiting, I always enjoy reading your comments.
      Yes, this year was way to busy for this old gal LOL. But, I did have lots of fun. The bad things was I am on a carb diet and making all those wonderful treats was killing me. However, I only put on 3 pounds and it's coming off, thank goodness as I have worked so hard.

      Will have to do a post on my babies, if I can get them to sit still long enough.
      Wishing you a wonderful 2016 and have a great weekend.

      Mary

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  11. Hi Mary, so excited to see your post in my inbox tonight. Love your home decorated for Christmas. You sure had a special month with family and friends. Your baked goods sound so good. The holiday seemed to slip by too fast this year. Love the pics of your family and the fur babies. The horse painting for your grand was incredible.
    Wishing you a wonderful new year filled with good health and happiness.
    Joy to you always my friend.
    Celeste xo

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    1. Thank you for stopping by Celestina, I always love to hear from you. Here's wishing you a blessed, and good 2016.

      I sure had to much fun this year LOL. I am paying for it now and still seeing friends and having luncheons.
      The dogs had a great time with Skittles - they got along really good.
      Hugs to you dear sweet friend.
      Mary

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  12. Oh wow Mary what a fun packed holiday you had. Every event sounded better than that next one. Love your cute grand and her horse pictures. That is the sweetest gift ever. So happy you had such a wonderful time. It does go way too fast. Hope the new year starts out great for you Mary. Enjoyed your post tonight. So pretty and fun.
    Kris

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for your sweet comments. Yes, I did have the best Christmas ever. Enjoyed my time with Kelly, as she is growing up way to fast. So far this year is good and I am praying that Terry will get good new soon. Hang in there Kris, I know things are going to work out for you and Terry.
      Hugs, dear friend,
      Mary

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  13. What a wonderful Christmas you had and your home looked just gorgeous. I'm not sure at all if I can do all that decorating anymore. At least I didn't spend all that much on decorating as I usually do. I used what I had with a few additions...but by the time it was all packed...I said "never again!" I wonder if I will keep my word.
    LOL I doubt it. Your bows on your tree were just gorgeous!!

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    1. So good to hear from you Mona. Thanks for your comments, so glad that you stopped by. We never got to the Mission Inn, did we. Maybe next year things won't be so busy. I am not going to decorate as much as I did this year, but I got on a roll and just kept going. I know that I am slowing down and I hate.
      Take care dear friend and we will have to get together soon.
      Hugs,
      Mary

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  14. I was exhausted after reading everything you did too. I don't have the stamina like I used too, so you go girl. Your certainly had a wonderful Christmas and your home looked lovely.

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    1. Thank so much for stopping by Cathy, I am still exhausted LOL. Was sure a wonderful Christmas. Wishing you much happines and good things for 2016.
      Hugs,
      Mary

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  15. Your house looks so pretty! You had lots of fun!

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    1. Thanks so much Pom Pom for stopping by. Wishing you a great 2016 with much happiness.
      Mary

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  16. Sounds like you had a wonderfully "full" holiday season! Your home looks lovely all decked out. I'm tired just reading about everything you did! Happy New Year, Mary!

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by Amy. Yes, it was a great Holiday Season. Wishing you a wonderful 2016.
      Mary

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  17. You definitely are a busy lady, Mary! It sounds like you truly enjoyed your Holiday season and had plenty of goodies and good friends to share them with! What a blessings to spend so much time with special people! Blessings for a joy filled and peaceful 2016, Cindy

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    1. Wishing you a wonderful 2016. Thanks so much for stopping by. Yes, I was a very busy lady, but I enjoyed every minute, Now I am resting up.
      Mary

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  18. O, Mary...I so enjoyed this post. You have a beautiful family...and a beautiful home...I am LOVING your red sofa...love it !
    My grands and I did the Walmart Sweater cookies, too, and we had sooo much fun.I did a post on it...so fun.
    hugs...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for stopping by BJ. had so much fun decorating those Sweater cookies. Kelly had a ball and I had the little girl from across the street and she loved it.
      They were really quite good. Are Albertson's Grocery store always has Sugar Cookies undecorated - 1 doz per box, so I got some of them also - it was a lot of fun with the girls. Sounds like you had a great Christmas also.
      Enjoy your weekend
      Mary

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  19. Hi Mary and Happy New Year! Oh, my! What a busy Christmas you've had but it sounds like it was just wonderful! Your home looks so pretty all decorated up and I know you were the most fabulous hostess. How nice to have been getting together for 10 years with your co workers. Glad all of the pups had fun too! Your little grand dog is adorable. Thank you so much for popping in to see me and here's to another year of blogging with you.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by Shelia. Yes, I had a very busy Holiday, but loved every minute of it. Made lots of memories. The dogs had fun with Skittles, she is a sweetie and I hated to see her leave.
      Take care of yourself Shelia and don't over do.
      Hugs dear friend,
      Mary

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  20. Happy New Year!
    I know what you mean-
    where did Christmas go?
    I finally finished putting things away.

    Laura

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by Laura. Christmas came and went to fast this year, but I did have a great time making lots of memories.
      Have a wonderful week.
      Mary

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  21. Mary, your home looks so cozy and welcoming with all the Christmas decorations. You DID go all out! I love the Santas! It's nice that you get together with your friends for Christmas dinners, and it sounds like you are such a wonderful host. My best friend used to live in Riverside, and it was an older home too, but very kept up and nice. How fun that you and your granddaughter made sugar cookies together, and it's funny that you made them in ugly sweater designs hahaha. And you won the UGLY SWEATER PRIZE! Your outside patio looks so nice, Mary, with the warm fire glowing. I can see why you love your home so much. I've always loved your red couch.... and your Christmas tree, your Santas, and your china hutch all decorated look beautiful.

    I hope the new year is being good to you so far, Mary. Have a nice weekend relaxing, as you had so much activities going on at the end of the year.

    love, ~Sheri

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by Sheri. Yes, 2016 is being good to me so far. I simply do love Christmas. Next year only 2 Christmas trees and I am going to size down all my decorations.
      Not only did we make Ugly Christmas Sweater cookies, but 3 doz each of sugar, peanut butter, bacon salty, and white chocolate, cranberry cookies, plus 2 cakes and 4 lbs of fudge. I gave away all of it as gifts and it seemed well received. But, that was a lot of baking.
      Wishing you a wonderful, healthy 2016 and a great week.
      Hugs,
      Mary

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  22. You had one whirlwind of a holiday season...and it sounded like so much fun!!! Your decorations where so pretty, I can see why the house feels so nakeeeeed!
    Best ~ Mickie.

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    1. Thanks so much for Mickie, for stopping by. Yes, Christmas was wonderful with so many great memories. Now to get used to the house being bare LOL.
      Have a great week.
      Mary

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  23. I love seeing photos of your decorations. Your house is beautiful and oh, your celebrations looked totally delicious! I can tell you had plenty of fun over the holiday and if this is the last year in your home you certainly did it right! Now, onward to the new year. I wish the best to your friend and hope all will be well.

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by Jeanie. I think I may have the answer to staying in my home longer. Not saying much until I know for sure, but could be good news.
      Have a terrific week.
      Mary

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  24. So glad to hear you had a great Christmas, Mary! What a thoughtful gift to give your granddaughter a painting of her horse! I know she will treasure it:) Your decorations are so pretty, and I am drooling over all of the yummy sounding treats! Hard to believe we are already into the 2nd week in January! I was so happy to see your post, I've missed you!! Have a very happy and healthy 2016!!

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by Donna. Glad that you enjoyed my post. Shaun said that Kelly hung her picture of Bell over her bed with all of her blue ribbons around the picture. At her age its hard to know what to get them. But, of course they always love money and clothes. I feel that a gift card is so impersonal, but that the way I am going from now on.

      Hopefully we are all off to a good start for 2016. What are your plans? Are you still going to sell and more? Hopefully everything will work out the way you want it to.
      Hugs to sweet Katie - Waldo and Lili are enjoying our cooler weather.
      Hugs sweet friend,
      Mary

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  25. You had a super busy Christmas and took such loving care of so many people. I know that you brightened many hearts.
    Wanted to stop by and wish you a very Happy New Year!
    Jemma

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by Jemma. Yes, I did have a wonderful holiday and if the good Lord see fits to have me still here, I will do some more entertaining. I love doing that, but as we get older it's hard.
      Wishing you a blessed 2016.
      Mary

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  26. I love all the red decor for Christmas in your home. So many cute dogs, and I did not know one could lease a horse :) I wish you a happy new year ahead. xoxo Su

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  27. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. Yes, they live in Los Gatos, CA and you can lease a horse. That includes boarding, feed, Vet's, etc. and Kelly gets 2 riding lessons per week. She is always up there grooming and taking care of Bell. Was a little upset that her Mom and Dad didn't buy her a horse, but that is way to expensive and I am sure as she gets older she will be into other things.
    Wishing you a Very Happy New Year.
    Mary

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  28. Well, this just looks like a ton of fun, and you are certainly calling my name with the fudge. Is this her baked fudge? I've not made fudge in decades, but my dad likes it and I'd like to make him some for Valentine's Day.

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    1. Pattie, it is so easy, 1 14 ounce can of Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk and 3 cups of good semi=sweet chocolate chips (I like Ghirardelli chocolate chips). I use a 8 x 8 square cake pan with foil on bottom and lightly spray. Then put the above in a double boiler pan and as soon as the chips melt pour into your foil lined greased pan, smooth out and put into refrigerator for about 1 hr (you want this to set) take out of the pan and foil and use a knife and cut. I put the walnut in with the rest of the chips and milk, but you can put what ever you want. It is soooooo
      good. The best and it is so easy. Let me know what you think. I got the Pioneer Woman's new cook book as a present to my self, but you can get it on line.
      My granddaughter liked it very much and not a lot of stirring - she liked that.
      Thanks for stopping by and have a great week.
      Mary

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  29. Looks like you had a great Christmas! It takes me a long time to put away all the decorations too!

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  30. Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment.
    I know what you mean, I am still finding decorations. Kept on tub that I have been putting things in and I probably won't be able to find them come next Christmas.
    Have a great week.
    Mary

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  31. Mary, your Christmas decorations look beautiful, and I'm right there with you about feeling like the house looks naked. You had a busy Christmas. I love the ugly sweater cookies. What fun! The painting of her horse was such a thoughtful idea for a gift. I'm sure she will treasure it. You asked about our grandson. He is doing great. It still shocks me to see how normal and healthy he is. I never expected to receive such a beautiful miracle. Thank you for checking on him.

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  32. Thanks so much for stopping by Laurie. I am so glad to hear that your grandson is doing great.
    Kelly loved her painting and has all her blue ribbons around the painting that is at the head of the bed. They are hard to buy for at that age.
    The Ugly Sweater contest was a lot of fun and the cookies were fun to decorate.

    Have a great week Laurie.
    Mary

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  33. Your house was absolutely lovey for Christmas, sparkling everywhere and it looks like it was a good spot to stop for a cookie as well ;) Have a great new year!

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  34. Thanks so much for stopping by Magali. So glad that you enjoyed my Christmas decorations.
    Have a wonderful weekend.
    Mary

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  35. Hi Mary! I'm waiting for another post with cute dogs and January doings! No pressure! LOL!

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  36. Oh my gosh! I am kicking myself for missing this post! I am very BAD! And you are always so good in visiting me. I'll get better now that we are marooned inside with frigid temps (5 degrees right now).

    It looks like you had a very busy but lovely Christmas!! I enjoyed the chance to see more of your beautiful home and your Christmas decorations were absolutely gorgeous. The perfect backdrop for your parties. And partying you did--you have an abundance of friends. Thats wonderful. And all the baking. I'm going to look up the fudge recipe. I love the ugly sweater cookies, I'll have to make those next year. Congrats on winning the contest!! :)

    Family time is great over the holidays, your son is handsome and I enjoyed seeing pictures of Kelly opening her gifts. You really had her pegged with the painting of the horse and the boots.

    I hope the rain in your area (or at least where it was treacherous) has ended. I saw very frightening pictures on the news and in Texas as well. We have been going back and forth in temps and right now are in a deep freeze that will last till Wednesday. I have so many doctor appointments coming up. This week is completely filled, the audiologist, my annual gyn, and a specialist for my arm. The pain is really bad and I just want to know if I have to live with this. I also made an appointment at this clinic with the orthopedic physician as I've been having terrible pain in my lower back. I've had a few episodes over the years that healed up in a few day, no rhyme or reason it seems as to how it starts. This episode has gone on since early December. it hurts so even sit. :(

    I hope things have slowed down a bit for you, you really are a busy lady. Oh, I wanted to say I LOVE your outdoor dining area. I would totally live out there. And it was great seeing the pups...they are so pretty!

    Love to you and Happy New Year!

    Jane x

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a great comment.
      Yes, i really had a terrific Christmas this year. I enjoyed every minute of it. But, it took a little time to rest up. thought that I would never get the decorations put away. kinda of a let down after all the parties and fun. LOL

      I am glad you are going to see about your arm. It shouldn't still hurt you. Good luck with the back. I have always had back problems, but if I do my exercises for the back it is much better.

      Try that Fudge recipe, it's by the Pioneer Woman. I got the cook book at Walmart for $20.00 and it has great recipes in it.

      We have had very little rain here in So CA. It has been up in Northern CA.

      Take care of yourself and stay warm and cozy.
      Hugs,
      Mary

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  37. Happy New Year, sweet Mary!

    WOW! You've been one busy baking bee! Your cakes look so pretty and I'm sure are just as scrumptious! How lovely to have all your gatherings during the most wonderful time of the year! Your tree is adorable, as are all the festive decorations, which must have been a lot of work, but are enjoyed by so many people, it must be worth it.

    Glad you are getting some rain. The weather has been crazy world wide, hasn't it? Tomorrow we are expecting freezing temps, which I'm not looking forward to!

    Wishing you a cozy, restful week!

    Hugs,
    Poppy

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Poppy. Sorry to be so tardy, but my computer had a virus and had to go in for repair. Had to dig out the laptop.
      So glad that you liked my Christmas decorations. I did have a lot of fun, but took me time to recover LOL.
      Not much rain in So CA, but hopefully the Jet Stream will drop down and then we will get some.
      Stay warm and cozy.
      Hugs dear Poppy,
      Mary

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  38. Hello from Bangkok Mary! I've been catching up on reading blogs and love reading yours. What a beautiful cozy Christmas you had. Love all the decorations, tables settings to ugly sweater cookies. I never thought of those cutters. I'm glad you're getting the rain as you know California needs it. More cosy days:)
    I would love to see you if I'm around Orange County. Cheers!

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    1. Have a great vacation and thanks for stopping by. Sorry to be so tardy, but my computer got a virus.
      Mary

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  39. Mary, Nel doesn't talk of much rain in So Cal either. It's pouring today, but you know sometimes it doesn't last too long. I hope you get some rain coming your way, Mary.

    love, ~Sheri

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  40. Unfortunately, we have not had much rain. It is mostly up in Northern CA.
    Have a great weekend.
    Mary

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  41. Oh Mary, what a beautiful family. Sorry I missed you lovely holiday post. Your home seems to be the place to gather and I can see why. You have a gorgeous home that looks very inviting and full of yummy treats.

    And that puppy is adorable.

    Thanks for always supporting me Mary. Your comments always make me smile.

    Janet

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  42. Sweet Mary, how are you? Thank you so much for popping in to see me and you'll never know how much I appreciate your prayers. God is certainly hearing them and working. Blessings to you, sweet friend.
    Shelia ;)

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  43. So great that you had a most wonderful holiday filled with friends and your beautiful family. I loved seeing the pics of Kelly and Shaun. Your home was so beautifully decorated and I am sure all those who were in your gracious home for the Holidays were just thrilled. Happy New Year Mary!

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  44. Hey Mary, just thinking about you this morning. .hope you are well..
    Love, Mona

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  45. Hey Mary, just thinking about you this morning. .hope you are well..
    Love, Mona

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  46. So happy your Christmas with family and friends was so nice. Your decorations look so very nice. Christmas is a season for me to just get through, I love Thanksgiving and New Years, Christmas not so much.Thanks for your visit and kind words.

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  47. Mary, I commented on this post back awhile ago but just wanted to give a quick thanks for your visiting Marmelade Gypsy and your kind words! Happy weekend!

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  48. Hi Mary, stopping by to say hello and visit this sweet post again. Thank you for stopping by today and your kind comment. I hope you get to this area sometime and if you do, please let me know. Have a wonderful weekend my friend. Hugs!!

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  49. Hi Mary, stopping by to say hello and visit this sweet post again. Thank you for stopping by today and your kind comment. I hope you get to this area sometime and if you do, please let me know. Have a wonderful weekend my friend. Hugs!!

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  50. I am just getting around to reading your post. I think your Christmas decorations were outstanding! Your red sofa is fantastic. I would love to have a red cover for mine.

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  51. Mary, I so enjoyed your Christmas photos. Your decorations were gorgeous! Loved seeing pictures of the pups--and the little Westie is so adorable. Have a great rest of the week.

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  52. Mary, I can't believe I'm so late in visiting you. Shame on me!! I don't think I have ever seen so many rooms in your home before, and it is truly beautiful. So warm and colorful and bright, just like you. Your Christmas decorations were so pretty and the Ugly Christmas Sweater cookies must have been such fun to make with your pretty granddaughter. I bet she really loved the pony picture. Sounds like you didn't lack for good stuff to eat over the holidays, or good friends either. Waldo and Lili are so special and that little Skittles is just darling. What a face.. It was so nice seeing all you have been up to and I think you really did it up right..Happy Week to you..xxo Judy

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  53. I smile every time I see your china hutch, it sure is pretty.

    Can you believe my rose bushes? I hope they start to bloom soon. They are so bare, but I think the roots are strong by now.

    Happy Valentine's Day, dear Mary.

    love, ~Sheri

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