Tuesday, December 21

Santa Claus is Coming......

whether you're ready or not. I hope you are!

I'm ready, except for buying two fresh turkey breasts, which I'll do tomorrow.  We are duplicating our Thanksgiving meal on Christmas Eve this year, since it was so yummy. Everyone outdid themselves, and we hope to do it again. We always have our family gathering on Christmas Eve, so that our children and theirs can go back to their homes and celebrate Christmas morning, and the arrival of Santa.

Eight of our neighborhood women gathered here in my home Monday night to practice singing carols, and afterward, we walked across the street to sing for our friends and their visiting son and granddaughter. Our dear neighbor Kerstin has been almost completely housebound for over a year now, and will have to have surgery again in 2011. We caroled for her last year when she was in a rehab hospital, but luckily, this year she is at home. I thought I would accompany them on the organ. Since I had not played in over three years, I decided a practice session was in order. Boy, am I ever rusty. I used to play decently and my hands flew over the keys, but the old fingers have forgotten more than they ever knew. After playing for several hours, I reached a point where I thought I could do it justice.  I was not called upon to demonstrate that. The ladies knew the songs well enough that they didn't require music to lead them. I suppose that practicing wasn't really wasted time, but now  I sort of wish I hadn't bothered. I had made mulled cider; orange slices studded with cloves and a long piece of cinnamon steeped in apple cider for several hours. It was very good - but a bit sweet for my taste. Next time I think I'll look for unsweetened cider, or mix it with unsweetened  orange juice.

Dinner was good tonight: London broil with Darby sauce, mashed potatoes and a new broccoli recipe. I say "new", but I think I've had that recipe for at least 15 years and never made it until tonight. I had to substitute chopped regular onions for green onions, but it turned out well anyway. It's called "millionaire's broccoli"  - I have no idea why. Let me know if you want the recipe.

13 comments:

srp said...

I still have at least two potica breads to make and some last minute sewing to do for a couple of things... I think early morning will have to suffice. I also have some more wrapping and various little things. I also want to go up to Williamsburg to look at the wreaths... Hmm. I guess I had better get to bed.

Rhyleysgranny said...

Your talents just never stop do they? You are very clever playing the organ. I have a friend who plays the organ in church. Since she retired from her own jobe she got a part time one playing the organ in a funeral parlour LOL. I have guests staying over Christmas. Everything done for Christmas day and meals done for the three nights before. All I have to do is wrap some pressies. I hope you have a very happy Christmas x

joared said...

Keep up your organ practice so you'll be ready for New Year's tunes! Carols great and really appreciated by folks in Rehab. A group of school children came through the facility where I had been called in to do a couple swallowing evaluations. People who were able came to doors of their rooms, others could easily hear them. Later, more active residents gathered in the large party room and were sung to there. Expect those in Assisted Living and Independent Living have had the pleasure of this group or others.

Sounds like you have everything under control for the coming Santa day.

Tabor said...

It all sounds just lovely.

Arkansas Patti said...

How nice of you all to sing for your housebound neighbor. That has to lift her spirits. Giving is so much better than getting.
I would like that recipe.

Grannymar said...

I too would love the recipe!

Enjoy the family time this Christmas.

Granny Annie said...

I only I had the energy to "do it your way". It all sounds so wonderful.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and yours Judy. Thank you for your inspiration in past years and for making my year 2010 better through your blog. I look forward to moving into 2011 with you in the lead.

Tracy said...

I hope you got your shopping done this morning and your manicure taken care of. We went to Crabtree and it was a mess with no parking and hoards of people everywhere; not my idea of a pleasant shopping trip! But it was a trip my son wanted to make.
Your meal sounds delicious; we are having our traditional Lucky and Lucy Lobster and shrimp cocktail.
Enjoy your evening!

kenju said...

OOps - It is billionaire's broccoli. The recipe will post later.

OldLady Of The Hills said...

Sorry I haven't been around--been sick and hardly on the Net for almost a week...I'm better, but not 100% yet....

I love that you practiced Judy. Just reading that kind of inspired me to sit down at the Piano....!
What a sweet thing to do, my dear...Caroling for your dear neighbor! So in the "Spirit" of the Season.

Greta said...

You're an ambitious woman, Kenju!And a thoughtful one, too. Enjoy the holidays with your family, friends, and neighbors who are lucky to have you in their lives.

Pat said...

What a great neighbour you are. No surprise there:)

LL Cool Joe said...

My mother in law plays the organ and keyboard, and bass guitar. She's 75 and she still sounds good!

Your practice wasn't a waste of time at all.