Again, I find that I have been away for quite a while. I am moved into Idaho now with my fiancee--ack! (I'm engaged!) I know, I know...I said I'd never do it, but I did. I am playing "mommy" again, as he has a five year old little boy. This is quite a challenge, but its redeeming.

I am currently on a drive to change "our" lifestyle and find healthier recipes and ways of eating and cooking. I have decided that supermarket meat is a huge no-no, and organic foods are our best bet. I have fallen in love with quinoa, and just this evening made a lovely rice and endive recipe that I got off the internet (although I subbed black "emperor's" rice for the arborio). Nummy stuff. I'm enjoying cooking this way, which is really not normal for me.

I'm still in school, and (bragging) maintaining my 4.0!!! I'm amazed that I have that in me since I was such a poor student in my former life. Yep, It's never too late too learn!  And boy am I learning!

I miss coming in here all the time. Maybe now that we've got the DSL hooked up again (dial-up SUCKS!) I can be in here more often.

mmmm Biscotti, haven't made any for a long time!

Might have to do that!

Well the newest news from georgia (aside from a terrible winter storm that left a whole inch of non the ground) Is that my sister inlaw is due to be induced on the 20th so she doesn't spend christmas in the hospital.  If she makes it to the 20th that is, she is having braxton hicks contrations and is dialated to 3 inches so the baby could be here at any time.

Wow! If she is at 3 now? All she's gotta do is stay on her feet walking around room or something....  it shouldnt be long now at least from my memories   ......(heck by the time you read this baby prob already here!~) :roll:  

and be able to be home long before the big part of storm hits! Congrats by the way Auntie~

Had a Christmas party for the employees yesterday.  It was fun, ate way too much!  Get home and think that maybe I should start wrapping presents... realize I have a lot of shopping left to do!  I am usually done way before now and really hate shopping this time of year.  Too many people with busy minds gives one a headache!

Now all I have to do is figure out how to keep the 6 month old puppy from eating the presents under the tree.... open to suggestions on that one.  He eats everything!  He even ate a glass christmas tree ball.  

Just realized I missed the Solstice celebration at the UU I was planning on going to last night.  Too much food makes the mind sleepy

Nat

Well if you can "borrow" a play pen from someone? I just recently heard of placing either the tree--presents or both in it to keep it out of the way of puppies, toddlers or other predators..... �

I bet it would work great for to keep safe from puppies! Worth a shot or if you can find someone to lend one maybe put presents in laundry baskets on top of counter or table and use milk crates or something simular to raise tree up out of muzzel reach?

Good luch been long time since we had young-un's of any species round here...... � � �

Would that work with kittens?  We have 3 cats under the age of 1 and I have to chase them out of the tree constantly. (mom finally put it up)

Hey, Seamonster!  I'm so glad to hear of your happiness.  It's been a while.

I, for the first time in a very long time, am ready for Christmas.  Shopping all done, gifts wrapped and under the tree, kids are coming in, cooking, gathering and eating with friends and family!  

I want to wish everyone in the castle a wonderful holiday and a very happy and prosperous New Year!  

Blessings,
Amethystone

heads up, there is a lunar eclipse at about 1AM on the 21 Eastern time.  In otherwords later tonight.

Any one see the eclipse or the meteor shower last night?  We had cloudy weather all night so I missed both 8987((   Mom's dog had her puupies early this morning.  She had two boys and a girl.  And my brother's wife is in labor as we speak.   hmmmm, come to think of it it was also a full moon this morning, wasn't it?

My new nephew is here.  He was born at 6:35 PM our time.  He weighs 8 pounds and 11 ounces and was 21 inches long.  And My brother sent us a picture, he has very pretty skin for a newborn!  You know how often times they are all red and wrinkly?  He wasn't at all, he looked like a month old baby!

Congrats  Auntie Indigo!
Congrats to you too SM!

sorry In have been so lax here lately guys. Getting into the castle is quite the challenge for me lately it seems! Takes nearly five minutes to get the front page to load up to sign in, and it makes me do it everytime I try to get in here. It freezes my puter up alot so I get irritated!

not much going on in my world, but it seems everyone's lives are buzzing. So, if I don't make it back in. Happy Holly days, Happy new year, (and I'll shoot for happy hearts day, snd happy easter too! Just in case,   .)

tigger pounces and huggles all around!

Congrats to Indigo....
Babies and puppies Oh My! Sounds like you have your hands full. I hope you have a wonderful Yule/ Christmas  holiday season.
Blessings Always
Eeyoresgirl

MERRY CHRISTMAS ALL! And happy Yule and Solstice too! Puppies and baby? Lots of cuddling fun to be had!

And for the kitties and tree...?not much to be done for them other than a water bottle and maybe a playpen if it is a wooden one tho they soon get big enough to love the challenge of jumping over.... :roll:

I always keep a water spray bottle and only keep non breakables on the tree..and no icicles! Kitties love to eat the tinsel! (They never get any better no matter the age! Kitty or grown cat!)

Well, hope everyone has a wonderful time and a Happy New Year! Lots of love from the *Hutch*.....

we resorted to getting out one of the supersoakers, didn't really work.  I think they are designed to break at the end of summer just so you have to buy a new one each year.  I think the novelty of the tree wore off a little because I only have to chase a cat out of a tree a few times a day now.  Holidays were ok.  My mom decided to be a smart ass, while I was a work she cut a bunch of switches and tied them with gold tinsle and put them in my stocking with a bag of cold coals from the fire place.