Here We Come A-Wassailing

Love and joy come to you,
And to you your wassail too;
And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year
And God send you a Happy New Year.

The old family Wassail recipe:

2 quarts Apple Cider
2 1/4 cups Pineapple Juice
2 cups Orange Juice
1 cup Lemon Juice
1/2 cup Sugar
1 Stick Cinnamon (3 inches)
1 teaspoon Whole Cloves
1 Orange

Combine the juices and sugar in a large pot and heat until boiling.
Slice the orange in half and stick the cloves into the rind. Place the orange halves clove side down into the juices. Drop in the Cinnamon stick and simmer. Can be served immediately or enhanced with other beverages (strictly for medicinal purposes).

The word Wassail comes from the Anglo-Saxon toast wæs þu hæl, "be thou hale" or be in good health. The word changed from Old Norse "ves heill" to "wes hal" and then to Wassail.

However you want to say it or drink it, Be thou in Good Health!

Another Chili Party Has Come and Gone

I don't know if we set a record for attendees, but there were less than four bowls left at the end of the night. This is the first time there was not enough left over to freeze. I guess I'll have to make more next year.

For all those that could not make it, we hope to see you here next year.

Fate of the Old Family Blog

For those of you holding out signing on to this new site, JotSpot is now part of Google. Just check out our old page.

Its Chili Time!

It is time once again for the Annual Chili Party and as always it will be on the Saturday before Christmas Eve. Everyone is invited to stop by and enjoy a bowl of Christmas Chili. Please call 409-866-6518 if you additional directions.

Winnie's List

Wish List, in no particular order:

Donation to Animals Asia to save the Moon Bears
https://www.animalsasia.org/donate/

Art Print – lounging dog from Coldwater Creek
http://www.coldwatercreek.com/Products/Product.aspx?productid=42943&ensembleid=48880

West Wing DVD -- any season

Porch Light
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100026808&N=10000003+527074+10042007

Music (use Amazon link on Kara’s Blog)
Jimmy LaFave Road Novel
Jimmy LaFave Trail
Jimmy LaFave Blue Nightfall
Jimmy LaFave Cimarron Manifesto
Jimmy LaFave Texoma

Cuisinart Electric Kettle

Happy shopping!!

All I Want for Christmas...past present & future

I went back & looked at the list I had on the old blog (I copied it before the blog went kaput)...not much has changed. I still have the same dishes, the same taste in music, and the same, basic needs.

But, what has changed is the fact that I am now looking to re build a house...which, of course will require A LOT of building materials and the like, some stuff I don't even know I'll need yet. This makes it incredibly difficult to create a wish list for the NEEDS of the project.

I do have some items of furniture selected for the house, even though the house is not exactly ready for furniture. It's not even ready for walls, yet! But, I will add the links to these little nuggets, just in case you wanted to start saving. The chairs, for example would be an EXCELLENT Christmas '09,'10,'11,& '12 + birthdays 32, 33, 34, & 35 + a housewarming gift, + a World's Greatest Nannie Day present!

So, here is My List...most of which you have already seen, some of which has been added just for fun! I will work diligently to get links to all of this and/or some sort of something on amazon. I don't promise links before Christmas. If I get a stocking full of IOUs I will be just as happy as if I unwrapped everything on the list. Trust me...storage space is at a premium right now, so a piece of paper that promises a gift will be MUCH easier to pack away!

$5-$10:Purple Argyle Socks (like the ones Ra was going to give me, but somehow never got around to*hint hint*)
$10-$15:CDs I would like to have include:
Any of the more recent stuff from Maroon 5, the Killers, Alicia Keys or Leona Lewis spring to mind. I'll put a complete list on my amazon wish list. Any of the new or old stuff from Eric Clapton (like unplugged, Slowhand, etc.) I have 24 Nights, Pilgrim, Money & Cigarettes, and Journeyman, but that's it on CD!), some James Taylor, some Carol King (I have Tapestry), some John Denver (especially one with "Grandma's Feather Bed" on it)

$15-$20: I would like a subscription to either SHAPE or Women's Health magazine. There is a set of resistance bands with handles (purple) & an 8lb. ball (coincidentally, also purple) at Target I've had my eye on.

DVDs I would like to have include
{still working on this part}

$20-$25:

$25-$30:Books I would like to have include:
The Two Georges by Larry Turtledove & Richard Dreyfus
365-No Repeats (cookbook by Rachael Ray)
{still working on this part...buy me something--not Sci Fi--and I'll try it!}

$30 and up:
New watch...cuff bracelet style with a square face and no clasp
{and much much more!}

One Price Fits All:Gift Certificates to the following stores:
**TARGET!!!!!**Bath and Body Works or Bath Junky**Dillard's**JC Penney's**Crate & Barrel **World Market**Pier 1**

Sets of dishes I currently collect:
Fiestaware--all colors, all pieces are welcomed (I have 6 complete settings, but I'm not sure which colors...I don't mind if they are duplicated, though) French Garden Fleurence from Villeroy & Boch (I ONLY have 2 complete settings of this stuff, so ANY of it would be most welcomed) Imperatrice Eugenie from Haviland (ok, technically not officially started, yet, but you can be the first!) 'Asian-inspired' Melamine set from Target...now discontinued (If you find some brown plastic cups at Target, though, those would be appreciated) Penguin Skate (Christmas) from Pfaltzgraff Etchings (Christmas) from Lenox*I would like to start collecting a plastic dinnerware for the Christmas season--shocker that I found some I like at Target! I also have a complete set (100 pieces) of some that are just solid purple--more like an eggplant color, so if I find something to use with these, I can make that set stretch.

Please realize that this is a work in progress. I promise to get the links up soon (possibly before my next birthday!)

It seems as though some "contributors" are a little aggrevated that the rest of us because some of the others couldn't figure out how to post because it is SO SIMPLE!! Well, just for future reference, you must be INVITED to be a contributor AND have a google sign-in. THEN and ONLY THEN does the magic icon appear "NEW POST" I am many things, no doubt, but computer-illiterate I am NOT!! I can usually navigate very well through the computer and especially the internet. But I must be equipped with the proper tools..i.e AN INVI-*******-TATION!!!! So thanks to wonderful BIG SIS... You shall all be truly blessed again with my opinion!!

Congratulations... I KNOW you have all missed my contribution!!

BTW- My sister posted a gift list with the ShaWheat wishes..

E

ShaWheat Gift Lists

Peetie sent this list to me a few days ago and I forgot to post it. Sorry!

Kade

All games listed have been verified on Bestbuy.com

PSP games

- Grand Theft Auto- Vice City Stories

- Midnight Club 3

- Star Wars Force Unleashed

- Need for Speed- Carbon

- Burnout Legends

(May I suggest 1 of these for the gift @ Granny's, the average price is about $25 for 1 game)

PS3 games

- Need for Speed Undercover

- Rainbow Six -- Vegas 2

- Uncharted

- Need for Speed - Prostreet

- MotorStorm-- Pacific Rift

- Haze

(These would be suggested for the BIG spenders, as the average price per game is $60.)

Randy

Tools requested: here are the links to the SPECIFIC item he personally selected from his FAVORITE magazine of all time!!

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200333636_200333636&issearch=2578900

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200334249_200334249&issearch=450447

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200305413_200305413&issearch=157792

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200365064_200365064&issearch=112046

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200365133_200365133&issearch=112024

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200322363_200322363&issearch=139272

AND for those of you that REEEAAALLLYYY REAALLLLYYY love him, you'll put your pennies together which will in turn save him subsequent laminectomy/discectomy surgeries & BUY HIM THIS:

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200336015_200336015&issearch=143863

Here is the link to the cologne he needs & wears

http://www.abercrombie.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10051_10901_272918_-1_12232

Erin

http://media.photobucket.com/image/fema%20trailer/cubm0m/FEMA%20Trailer/IM003123.jpg?o=66

The New Blog

I understand that this is different from the old blog, but it is definitely not complicated. Just click the new post button, type or paste, and hit the publish post button. I would be happy to show anyone that is interested how to do this at Granny's. That would mean you would have to be there.

Mr. Rutledge's List

Here is the Mister’s Christmas list if someone wants to see to it that it gets posted:



* The following are all from Midway, USA and he tells me that he has a gift list at that site as well
1. Pro Chrono Digital Chronograph (his was Iked) (it’s on sale for $89.99)
2. Hornaday or Redding Two-dye re-loading something or other (one of the dyes is full length re-sizer) for a Remington 223 caliber



* Pioneer XMP3 w/car kit; home kit; and headphones



* From the US Mint
1. 2008 Proof set (stock # P08) (he wants 4 of them)
2. 2008 US Mint Annual Dollar coin set (stock # XA2)
3. 2007 US Mint Annual Dollar coin set (stock # XA1)



* From Garry’s Gun Shop (Vidor) or Gander Mountain
1. large rifle magnum primers (WLRM or CCI250)
2. larger pistol primers (WLR)
3. small rifle primers (WSR)
4. small pistol primers (WSP)



* And last but certainly not least … a hearty contribution to help fund his next big game adventure

The Bear Hall Christmas List

Until Miz Rutledge can figure out The Crazy Interwebs, I have agreed to post this list for her.

wall crosses

James Avery cross charms

(it seems Hurricane Ike washed up a pack of vampires on Jennie Lane -- wouldn't want Fat Grams to fall victim)

Flag with pole that attaches to wall mount

Anything for bath: bubbles, salts, etc.
Gardeners hand cream
Tennis balls
Oak leaf hydrangea
Wall words for her dressing room: “Begin each day with a grateful heart.” [GAY]
The Griddler by Cuisinart G4

rice cooker--small (I do not know how small, but let's assume that 8 cups will do the trick)

Gift Lists for Granny and Paw Paw

Granny says she would like cash to keep the County Tax Collector from kicking them out of their house. I had suggested that we send them an electronic yodeling pickle, but Granny does not think they would be amused.

Paw Paw's List:

Gloves

warm hat ( smallest you can find )

DVD to CD recorder (VHS to DVD recorder?)

Slipover sweater ( his were in the hall closet at the Lake House and of course were lost )

Rain cap

golf muffins (no results on Amazon or Wikipedia) (according to Paw Paw these are worn on the hands to keep the warm)

I think this list may require some clarifications, but this is the list I received.

Snow Day!

Well this is what we get for causing global warming. Check out all the photos on the new slideshow. Send me your pictures and I will add them to the collection. By the way the last on-line order is going in today, so get those lists in fast.

Last Chance Gift

Ok I have saved the best for last. This is the gift that could lead to a wonderful career. You know what they say, teach someone to pay rent and they will have a place to stay, but teach them to collect rent and they can pay higher taxes. Another great feature of this game is the add on package of mini flamingos that are used as points in the game.

Redneck Christmas Gifts

Yes they even make gifts for the rednecks on your list. The object of the game is to have the most teeth at the end. You are allowed to purchase more during the game and I think they let everyone start with the same amount. This gift should be very entertaining, but I am afraid that some family members may have to be given a handicap to make it fair.

More Gifts

Perhaps I have not been clear about the Christmas gifts, so let me attempt to clarify:

1. Assume that I or someone I am responsible for has drawn your name.

2. I will not be giving money or gift cards even if that is all that you ask for.

3. I will be finishing my shopping this week and I will not be cruising the mall or hanging at Walmart.

4. If I don't get a wish list, the gifts you see here will be yours.

Happy Holidays

P.S. The items are in the basket and all I need to do is hit the fast check out button.

More Choices for Your Christmas Cheer

Yes folks its true that you too could have a chicken chucker of your very own! I just can't wait to see your excited faces on Christmas as you discover the excitement chucking a chicken up to 15 feet!

Alternative Gifts

Due to the overwhelming response to my last post, I have some bad news: The demand for singing Santa Flamingos far exceeds the supply! Now I truly want everyone to receive that special gift that really expresses the true meaning of Christmas. So I have been scouring the world for just the right gift for everyone on my list.
Post your lists or suffer the consequences!

Attention All Family Members That Want Christmas Presents

If you would like to receive a gift that is even remotely close to something you would desire, please post your list here or send it to someone that can. Maybe you really don't care if you get a singing flamingo in a Santa suit. Maybe that's what you really want, but if I don't see some lists very soon, then someone better be picking out a prominent spot for a lovely Christmas decoration. Availability is limited, so I'll have to order some soon.

Save big bucks

when you're shopping online. Before you check out from any site, go to RetailMeNot.com and search for a coupon code for that site. You can usually find a discount or a free shipping code for most places. That way you can spend EVEN MORE of your hard-earned money on ME.

Now hold on, because I just might blow your mind here. Did you know that you can look at two websites at the same time? You can! Let's say you want to check out that RetailMeNot.com without leaving this fine site. You can hit Control-T [that's the letter T] (hit the two buttons at the same time) and you will open a new tab. You can use that new tab to go to any site you want.

When you're ready to go back to the first site, you can do that without closing your new tab. You can click on the first site with your mouse, or you can hit the keys Control-Tab (at the same time) to switch back and forth.

Sounds complicated but it isn't. And it might help you compare things while you're shopping this season.

Make Ra Rich

Before you buy anything this fine holiday season, go to Amazon through this link and help make Ra rich.

Spam Warning Removed - Yeah!

It seems the humanoid overseers have determined that the autobots were wrong and this is not a spam blog.

Christmas Gift Ideas

This year, because I <3 my fam soooo much, I will be hand-crafting all of your yuletide gifts! I know how the homemade gifts always warm the cockles of your hearts and I am always happy to oblige. But due to budgetary constrictions, I have had to make some unfortunate cutbacks on the elf line. So, please submit all of your gift ideas as though they will be created out of contruction paper and Scotch tape. Happy Wishing!

THIS JUST IN!!

Great News! I just received word that OISD will be giving Christmas bonuses to all of the employees based on their years of service with the district! That means that I can now make your gifts out of construction paper and glue sticks! Oh! Happy Day!

Oh, and for those of you with movies or books on your list, you may have to take a voucher under the tree...I'll need time to check-out said movie and/or book and create a summary board for you before I return the movie and/or book. Thanks for your patience and understanding.

Just In Case You Have Not Heard

The old family blog site will disappear on Sunday November 30th. I posted the link to this new site, but I understand that some of you have not found it or don't remember where the new site is located. I have set the new site to send e-mails to the invited contributors when there are new posts. If you would prefer not to be notified, please let me know and I will promptly remove you from the notification list. Please feel free to forward the new site address to other interested parties:

http://noplaceliketexas.blogspot.com/

Any other interested parties may always elect to follow this blog.

Updated Slideshow

I have added pictures from the canoe trip that Joyce and I made on the Sabine River just below Toledo Bend Reservoir. The weather was absolutely perfect for this expedition.

The New Airforce One

This is just the beginning of real change you can believe in.

Gift List Updates

I have added a list of links for those that have Amazon Gift Lists. Let me know if you have a list that you would like posted here. Remember that Santa Claus is watching you!

All Good Things Must Come to an End

There is no sense in wishing the old site would continue at this point. We will just have to make the best of this new blog site for the family. I will be sending invitations to those that contributed to the old site and everyone else is free to post comments. The calendar will also be available to edit by those with posting priveledges here.

Welcome

Welcome to our new place! It may take a while to get everything put where it belongs and it will probably never be the same.