One down and one to go. Already lots of Christmas lights and holiday displays out and about. One of my favorite things about the holiday season for me is all the lights. But I do wish everyone would wait until after Thanksgiving is over.
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving weekend. We certainly had wonderful weather. It was great to see so many people out and about.
Traveling Neighbors
The traveling has slowed down a bit around here.
- Betty went back to Philadelphia for a reunion, it was the anniversary of founding of the church where Betty’s father was the pastor.
- Edy and I are headed to NYC, she is going to work and I’m going to play. NYC is a fun place to be this time of year.
- Helen is going to turn into a snowbird and head south for a couple of months.
- Linda and Dawson are going down for some Mexican sunshine.
- Luis and CJ will be heading back across the pond to their Spanish home. It was a joy to have them here for an extended period and are looking forward to their next visit.
December Birthdays
We wish our three December birthday ladies the happiest of birthdays. Bev and Judy and Shirleen will be celebrating their birthdays on Dec. 3rd and in style.
Book club was here at our house. We chatted about Educated. I think it was one of the most engaging discussion we have had about one of our books. We had a great turnout. It seems everyone enjoyed the book even if it was a bit difficult at times.
We are skipping Dec. because of the holidays and the fact that everyone is so busy with family and friends.
We will get back together again in Jan. Monday Jan 13th at Carole R. home. We will be discussing Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. Another engaging book that has been on the NY Times book list for many months
Soup Du Jour
Corn Chowder
Another easy simple cold weather soup
4-5 slices of bacon
One onion diced
2 cans corn
1 cream and 1 plain (drain only the plain can)
2 cups ½ & ½
1 T sugar
Salt and pepper
Sauté bacon until crisp, add onion and cook until soft. Drain the plain can of corn, add both to the onion & bacon. Add ½ & ½ and sugar
Heat through and serve
Tips Du Jour
Making sugar stick
Since is it the season everyone does lots of baking, I thought this time might come in handy.
This trick helps colored sugar fall off your decorated holiday cookies. Using a spray bottle (a plant mister works well), spritz the cookies with a light coat of water. Then sprinkle on the color sugar
Thumb print Cookies
While thumbprint cookies get their name from the digit that’s used to make the jam-filled cookies. You can use a clean rubber wine cork; it creates a perfect circle every time and keeps your hands clean.
Blending Natural Butters
For folks who like natural peanut butter (without sugar or other stabilizers) on their PB & J, as well as other nut butters and tahini, know that the butter often separates into a dense, solid mass beneath a layer of oil that has risen to the surface. Before spreading, the oil and solids must be re-blended. A spoon makes a mess of everything, but there is an easier way. Simply turn the sealed jar upside down and allow the oil to rise to the top. As the oil passes through the butter, the solids will absorb some of the oil and become soft enough to spread. Flip the jar right side up, and the butter is ready to use. Handy when you are making peanut butter cookies.
Book Nook
When Cheri and I went down to the book nook to set it up for the party today we noticed it was rather disheveled and messy. Several books were left strewn about on the coffee table. No one oversees keeping the book nook neat and tidy, it is everyone who lives in the building responsibility. If you are donating books to the library, please leave them stacked on the table or counter and a “book fairy” will put them away on the shelves. Thank you for your consideration.
Neighborhood News
Holiday Wreaths Wednesday, December 4, 6:30 – 8 pm Richmond Beach Library, 19601 21st Avenue NW Learn how to decorate a beautiful holiday wreath with easy to make bows and unusual items. This demonstration will show you how you can start with a simple Evergreen wreath and embellish it with everyday items to create a unique arrangement without breaking the bank.
Sense and Sensibility December 6,7,8,13,14,15, varying times Shoreline Community College Theater, 16101 Greenwood Avenue N A playful new adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel follows the fortunes (and misfortunes) of the Dashwood sisters—sensible Elinor and hypersensitive Marianne—after their father’s sudden death leaves them financially destitute and socially vulnerable. Set in gossipy late 18th-century England, with a fresh female voice, the play is full of humor, emotional depth, and bold theatricality. Tickets available online <https://sense.brownpapertickets.com/> .
Argosy Christmas Ship Visit Wednesday, December 11, 7:30 – 9 pm Richmond Beach Saltwater Park, 2021 NW 190th Street Treat yourself to a festive evening of outdoor celebration along Shoreline’s spectacular beachfront. Listen to local school choirs sing while waiting for the Argosy Christmas Ship to arrive. Enjoy simple refreshments and stay warm near the beach bonfire.
Solstice Stroll December 13-15 and 20 – 22, 4:30 – 8:30 pm Kruckeberg Botanic Garden, 20312 15th Avenue W Join us in bringing light and cheer to some of the darkest nights of the year. For two weekends in December, see the Kruckeberg Botanic Garden aglow with whimsical light displays. This is an evening event, rain or shine. Our on-site parking lot will be closed, but we have reserved the parking lot at the Richmond Beach Congregational Church and will provide a free shuttle service to and from the garden. There is no street parking directly adjacent to the garden. Thank you for being mindful of our neighbors and their driveways. Admission: FREE! (suggested donation of $10 encouraged).
Fun by the Fireside Sing-Along Show Saturday, December 14, 11:30 – 12:15 pm Shoreline Library, 345 NE 175th Street Family program, all ages welcome. Presented by Elephant Umbrella (Mike Gervais and Lisa Taylor). It’s cold outside but here’s your chance to pretend you’re enjoying some hot cocoa and cozying up to an imaginary fire while singing and dancing along to tunes about fall and winter
The Dickens Carolers Sunday, December 22, 2 – 3 pm Shoreline Library, 345 NE 175th Street Adorned in elegant Victorian dress, an a cappella quartet will sing your holiday favorites, both traditional and contemporary, in beautiful four-point harmony.
Holiday Event
Our Annual Holiday Party was a big hit, full of great neighbors, laughter and holiday spirit. Loads of wonderful food and great deserts. A couple of photos to remember the evening. FIY we found the mystery of the black material on the carpet. Helen’s shoes were shedding. At least it wasn’t something that would damage the carpet. Thanks everyone for all the wonderful food and help cleaning up after the event.
Jerry and I wish everyone the best Christmas ever. We feel so blessed to be a member of this fantastic group of neighbors. This isn’t just a group of people who happen to share living in a building, it is a family and we are happy to be here.