Santa and Drum Premium Jigsaw Puzzle

I usually do a lot of decorating for Christmas and that is except for this year. I am just not into it. We don't get invited to any parties so I don't have to worry about it, not even my sisters.We used to, but since my husband got sicker it all stopped. We do not miss Christmas service at our church though. That means more to us than anything. Happy shopping.

I am in the same boat as you are in. I love to celebrate this time of year and my husband doesn't like to go any where wirh me. So I go by myself also.

The market was nice. I bought an afghan for $6. The prices on this lady's stuff wouldn't even cover the cost of materials. I can't knit or crochet so I really appreciate it when I cna buy something hand made like that.

Sounds like you had fun pixi. Buying a handmade afghan for what paid is a steal. They are usually a lot more than that.

It was a steal. I woke up with a mask on my face. Now what should I do?

You're not alone. My husband is a bah-humbug on all holidays. His mother never made holidays special for him. I pick up the slack and have tried to establish holiday traditions for our family. And he doesn't think to say "thank you" either. It's one of those guy things, but that's still not an excuse for lack of attention and consideration.

A pleasant memory is when hubby was still with me and we attended Mass together; sure do miss those days.

I dread facing old age without my husband. On the other hand I'm not anxious to die first. I have never been alone for long. I used to think I'd be fine but spending a week in my mother's home while she slowly died in a care center showed me I was very wrong. I spend most of my time in solitary pursuits and so does my husband but we have meals together and watch TV at night together and go on drives and to Mass (although not now during the pandemic--we watch it together on TV). I don't have close friends nor am I a member of any club. I have one brother living near Phoenix so I guess I would sell the house and move to be near him and his wife but don't expect more than casual occasional visits. We weren't close growing up--he's 7 years younger.
The only happy ending would be if the parousia happened and we both went up together.
One can hope, I suppose.

That should have been 4 weeks. I spent 4 weeks, crying a good part of the time.

Santa is always trying to druming up business, as christmas is a very busy time and wants every one to enjoy what good gifts he brings to young and old alike, so merry xmas to you all, and a happy new year. god bless you all.

Deck the Halls!

My father each year would order a wreath and a fruit cake. We didn't really like it but he did.

My parents used to order one of those fruitcakes crammed with so much 'fruit' there was scarcely any cake. That was when I learned to loathe glace cherries and citron. I make my own "Christmas Cake" now - lots of lovely brown sugar, egg and flour cake with candied orange peel, golden raisins, chopped pecans and chopped walnuts, topped with a mild orange/sugar glaze.
If I use my homemade candied orange peel I save the syrup for waffles.

One of my favorite crafts is to make wreaths, for just about any occasion! This one tho, is one my friend gave me with a Mr & Mrs Teddy Bear soft dolls in the center, which makes the wreath look like a swing. They're all decked out in Christmas garb, as is the wreath. The only way I like fruit cake is with cream cheese on it.

Okay, trynfindit, add me to your mailing list, will ya? lol Try it with cream cheese, too! Yours sounds much better than the ones I've had. I think all yours needs is a cup of coffee to go with it!

It's delicious with a cup of coffee, or tea! I'll get the recipe; it's not long and very easy to make.

Christmas Cake
1 C pecan pieces, coarsely chopped
1/2 C walnut pieces, coarsely chopped
1 C golden raisins
1 C chopped, sugared dates (more, or less, can be added to suit your taste)
2 4oz containers, chopped orange peel, purchased or homemade.
1 C all purpose flour
1 1/2 teasp salt
4 lge eggs, at room temperature
1 C packed dark brown sugar (1/2 box + 2 Tblsp more)
1 teasp vanilla
finely grated zest from 1 orange (if homemade candied orange peel is used, omit grated zest)

ORANGE GLAZE: 1/4 C sugar
2 Tblsp orange juice

PREHEAT OVEN to 325*

In a large mixing bowl combine the fruits and nuts. Coat with about a fourth of the flour. (This keeps them from sinking in the batter during cooking.)

In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining flour and the rest of the ingredients; blend well at low speed of an electric mixer.

Stir in the fruit and nut mixture, mixing thoroughly.

Pour the batter into a greased 10-12 inch iron frying pan. (Use a light coating, bottom and sides, with Crisco or vegetable oil.) (Do not preheat the pan or the cake will overcook.)

Bake at 325* for about 30-35 minutes. (Cake should be a nice medium-brown color, slightly firm to the touch, and set in the center.)

Remove from oven to a wire rack to cool. When mostly cool run a narrow spatula around the sides and bottom edge of the cake. Flip the pan over and, if the cake doesn't come out, return the pan to right side up and run an off-set spatula (or similar) under the cake. Then flip the pan over again and the cake should come out. Turn cake right-side up and brush with orange glaze.

Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and orange juice. Heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar dissolves. (The mixture will thicken slightly during cooking.) Brush the glaze thoroughly over the fruitcake.

Allow the fruitcake to cool thoroughly and set up. Wrap in plastic wrap and store in a gallon-sized zip-lock bag.

I've never used waxed paper or parchment paper in the pan before adding the cake mixture. It might help when removing the cake from the pan.

If you don't have an iron frying pan I suppose a 9" cake pan would work.

Should read: Allow the fruitcake to cool thoroughly on a wire rack......

Your dads fruit cake sounds like my fathers fruit cake. This was one reason that we didn't like it either. I now order Dobosh Torte. One of my grandmothers used to have someone make a certain type of xmas cookie.

I've not started doing anything yet

Thanks for the cake recipe, trynfindit. I'm going to give it a try. It may be during the year, or next Christmas Season, but I'll do it. I've already got enough going for this Season, and once I get to this point, I don't add anything new...too much stress, then I don't enjoy myself. :)

Rahrah, I understand. It's a good treat any time of the year. And it's easy to make.