Wassailing Wednesday Our Daily Dinner

Wassailing Wednesday

notyourmomma 9 years ago
Tis the season to wassail. Although I've never made a real wassail, it does sound delicious.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/wassail-recipe.html Wassail is spiced ale or mulled wine drunk during celebrations for Twelfth Night and Christmas Eve.

I'm up way too early for the little sleep I had overnight. I'm unable to stop kicking my legs and it was a restless evening.

Hoorah, the ninety year old man in Ft. Lauderdale arrested repeatedly for defying city code won an injunction against the city. I don't understand how an elderly man feeding the homeless on city property would be a prosecutable crime.

My grand niece, Avya, was enthralled with the training potty chair we have in our family room. It is handcrafted of wood with a book holder on one side and a toilet paper holder on the other. It has Olivia's name on the back of the seat. Olivia never actually used it as a training potty, but we kept it for the sentiment and the "funny" factor. Anyway, Avya took our resident teddy bear plopped it in the chair and then lifted him up, saying "are you done" and using the TP on the bear. She dropped the paper where it should go and then put the bear in the rocking chair and said, "Let's read a story....Once upon a time....." She is 3. It kept her entertained for hours on Thanksgiving day. I'm so glad that I kept some of the books that I read to my kids in the bookcase and in the pottychair bookrack.

We had a bit of serendipitous news before Thanksgiving. Now, I was adopted and then my adoptive parents gave birth to my sister Allison. Daddy never spoke of his family other than his love of his mother and sadness over his daddy's death in a fire. Our paternal grandmother (a few of grandma's recipes are on GR in her handwriting) died in 1969, Daddy died in 2008. So imagine my surprise when I get a phone call from an attorney in Maine asking if I'm a relative of Mr. X. "Yes, I am. I'm his daughter." Well apparently my paternal grandmother had some property left to her by her mother. It was swampland and not useable. Daddy had signed off any interest in 1969. In the intervening years, the unuseable land was drained and a railroad ran through it. The railway track was abandoned and a developer purchased the land and built homes. The survey was done incorrectly and a sliver of land remains in our family name. Now, one of the homeowners wants to sell her home and she can't get a clear title because our interest. We are signing quiet title for her so she can sell, all is well and good. But the fun part is that while researching the family tree to locate any heirs, the attorney has my dad's ancestry back to the 1860's. He was kind enough to send all the newspaper articles and the family history. All I can say, when Allison and I read the papers, we both said. "Well, that explains a lot." There was a bit of skeleton in the closet revealing stuff that cleared up many family mysteries.

Laurie, interesting about the camera in the Conservation area. I hope it is for the native wildlife and not the teenage kind. Keep us posted on the gas line. How many hours are you working thes days at Macy's?

Karen, good luck on your shopping expedition today. I do hope the leak is an old one and Wayne won't have major repair. (I reread Harry Potter all the time.) Ha, I missed the meatloaf memo. Maybe today.

Janet, did you figure out the smashed potatoes? I hope you are getting a bit of Christmas cheer falling today. I think I'm putting some on our menu today, but I don't know the entree. Talk about the cart before the horse.

Marie, are you in any danger of flooding, or is the heavy rain south of you? All morning our weatherman has reported mud slides in drought ravaged CA but not which area.

Michelle, sending you good wishes on the waiting and patience required. Not my strong suit, but I'm learning. So what did you get for dinner? I like the supper swap idea. How nice.

Michelle (TX) How did the school play meeting fare? I had to make chili after you mentioned it the other day. I couldn't get chili out of my mind. Thank goodness, I wasn't a victim of the one ingredient short fairy.

Hello to all. Give us a shout to let us know you are okay.
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MissouriFarmWife 9 years ago said:

Hi Tina! Nice post. Love all the intrigue and family background history. My Mom used to say that none of our ancestors hung in galleries but some might have hung on gallows. She had a strange sense of humor and my daughter has none. My mission in life is to teach the youngest GS about humor. LOL.

Silver Dollar City in Branson has wassail for sale in December. It was so cold last year when we went that wassail was the only thing keeping me warm. OF course it was the sanitized, nonalcoholic version, more of a spiced cider flavor to it, but it was hot and tasty and I loved it. I will Google Alton Brown's recipe. He has some fantastic information.

A.C. is eying poor Geezer thru the window. He has it in for both outdoor cats and is primed for action. My LR window has a huge area of cat prints on it and I have given up cleaning all the time.

Wayne just got up - why are we not sleeping soundly in bed!!! I dreamed weird things, like riding in a convertible with 2 women I didn't know, to FLA for a convention of some sort and at lunch we were served multicolor jello in impossible sculptures with spoons that were clear plastic and had bubble shaped spoons. It was a week long meeting but none of us had luggage with us. So weird.

Must go. It is off to shop and wear ourselves out. But not riding in a convertible and coming home - LOL. No need for suitcases. Crazy dream.

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chuckieb 9 years ago said:

Ooooo...how very nice! :) A nice BIG post before 8 a.m. :) Jim has just gone to fetch the paper from the end of the lane way, the pellet stove is going and I am eagerly anticipating my first cup of coffee.
I too have never wassailed Tina but always thought it sounded like a very genteel idea. :)
That is great to hear the Ft. Lauderdale man won an injunction against the city. We were hearing that story here as well and it just sounded preposterous! Like seriously?
LOL @ Avya's antics. Very cute.
What a great story about your Dad's family tree and all those newspaper articles. That's like coming across a treasure trove isn't it? Very nice.
Yep, I figured out the smashed potatoes. Just typed in that title in Pinterest and was inundated. :) Hadn't made them in awhile. They are so easy yet so flavourful. Love them! That salmon recipe I made last night too was AWESOME! I'll review it today. And indeed...we did get Christmas cheer dressed up as snowflakes over night. I think I'll push the tree decorating to the weekend. Maybe Sunday. This afternoon we need to run an errand for Jim. Plus I'd like to pop into Chapters and Walmart just to get final stocking stuffers so I can send two parcels off and I wouldn't mind stopping into Costco too. Saturday is the Farmer's Christmas Market which I'm very excited about.
Oh no on the mud slides in CA. They can't catch a break with weather sometimes eh!
Giggle on Michelle TX. Love it. Are you good with that Michelle? :)
Is that some sort of demon armadillo next to the wassail bowl? :)
Have a great day everyone!

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chuckieb 9 years ago said:

SP Karen! Have a fun trip! Nice on the wassail at Silver Dollar City. ROFL @ your dreams. That's excellent. You must have a great imagination! Also loved the galleries/gallows quote. :) Drive safe.

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notyourmomma 9 years ago said:

Love the galleries/gallows quote, too. It rings familiar. A sense of humor is crucial to deal with this family. LOL A.C. is being quite naughty these days. I've given up on the nose prints on the sliders.

The Armadillo is an art installation in our Boyd Hill Nature Park, our southern largest lake conservation area in St. Pete. The artist takes bits and pieces of scrap metal and turns it into a works of art. Usually fantasy animals or insects.

Janet, glad that you found a good smashed potato recipe. Pinterest is great.

I'm fading fast. I'm getting super tired. A nap might be in order.

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mommyluvs2cook 9 years ago said:

Morning! I've heard of wassail but never had it either. My goodness it sounds delicious, I pinned it :) Hooray for the 90 yr old man! That potty chair sound ADORABLE! Wish I had found something like that for Bri or Caiden, would have never even thought of looking for it! Avya sounds Cute :) That's neat on the family history! Glad you got to find out some of that stuff! The meeting on Monday went well. We figured out Bri's schedule and it will be pretty hectic but I think we can manage. No parts assigned yet. Not sure if the little kids even have parts considering their next meeting in 2 weeks is costume fitting. Have a good nap :)

Lol on the weird dreams Karen. I used to have a recurring dream of me flying around in my Memaws living room in a red convertible when I was younger. Also used to have a dream of being on skates and a cars coming and I'm trying to get up my sloped driveway and I just can't get up it. Those were when I was younger. I don't think I have dreams over and over like that anymore. I do have waiting table nightmares still sometimes lol, but I think that happens to anyone who has waited tables in their life.

Glad you enjoyed your salmon last night Janet! I'll go check out your IMI review in a bit :) Cool on the Christmas Market! Yes, Michelle TX works just fine with me! It can get confusing with 2 Michelle's huh? Lol!

Did not feel very well yesterday. My stomach was hurting and in knots. I'm much better today just a little tired and weak. Not sure what it was, but I'm just glad it's gone! Need to get everything done today that I couldn't get done yesterday. Going to the FM and need to get some major laundry done. Kiddos have gym class tonight so I will have dinner ready early, baked sausages (Habanero Green Chili Pork), chicken for the kids, veggies and sweet potatoes. Hope everyone has a great day!!

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NPMarie 9 years ago said:

Good morning:)

I have to get ready and go to Chico for a dental appt..It's raining like crazy so I need to allow more driving time..

Tina, no flooding here (so far) the flooding is in Southern California..

I'll try to check back in when I get home..have a wonderful day:)

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mommyluvs2cook 9 years ago said:

Good luck at the dentist Marie, be careful in that rain!!

I think I'm going to try out my new juicer this afternoon. Don't know what to try first! First I have to figure out how to work the darn thing lol.

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notyourmomma 9 years ago said:

Michelle, what kind of juicer did you get? I burned up the motor on a Nutribullet. I was gifted a Jack LaLane and it made warm juice with lots of pulp discards. I bought a juicing book. I love the beet, apple, celery, blueberry combo. (Bags of frozen fruit are great to have and some are cheaper than fresh). Sorry to hear your stomach was giving you fits yesterday. Do you think it could have been non-paleo goods? Habanero Green Chili Pork sausages sound delish! And yes, the potty chair is on display in the family room to Olivia's great chagrin. My gf neighbor had her handy hubby make it for Olivia's first birthday.

House next door is getting landscaping and mulch today. So nice. I've been house hunting for hours via internet. We can't move up north. Fred would be so lost to change his surroundings. He got lost driving to our bank the other day (after 25 years of banking there) and to move him to a cold climate, unfamiliar country area, unknown streets and back roads would be cruel. His frustration level would cause his such anxiety. I would spend my enitre time worried each time he walked out the door. At least in the same city, I have a chance he could remember his way around. He used to drive the clients all over this city and if he focuses he can figure out where he is. Why make his life miserable?

Still haven't figured out dinner.

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mommyluvs2cook 9 years ago said:

Tina, this looks to be the juicer:
http://www.brevilleusa.com/the-juice-fountain-plus-je98xl.html

My Dad got it for me for an early birthday present. It's good to know he actually listens when I mention something I like lol :) That or my sister told him (I'm thinking that's what it was). I'm loving the sound of the beet, celery, apple, blueberry combo! I wonder if frozen fruit can go in frozen or does it have to be thawed. I have a ton of strawberries, raspberries and blueberries in the freezer. I really need to pull the directions out lol. I even found a recipe to use the pulp in which I may give a try
http://bonzaiaphrodite.com/2011/10/recipe-raw-pulp-crackers/
Looks neat! I agree with you on not completely confusing the heck out of Fred and moving across the US. If we ever moved further away we would have to stay in the South. I don't think we would cut it in snow and freezing weather. But I don't see moving further away ever happening lol, but you never know!

Okay, off to the FM finally!

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chuckieb 9 years ago said:

Hurray! Got a call from "The Piggy Market" and the spreadable spicy sausage I was inquiring about yesterday arrived this morning! :) It's sooooooo good. Gonna swing by and grab some this aft.
Cool on the scrap metal artist Tina. Fun that the next door neighbour's are getting landscaping done. The whole place must look pretty spiffed up now!
Do take a pic of Bri for us in her costume Michelle. I have very boring dreams in comparison to you guys. I dream about regular real time problems just weird or I have recurring bear dreams where I can't get back in the house before it chases me down. :( I'd much prefer yours and Karen's fun dreams. :) Sorry to hear your stomach was giving you grief. Glad you're feeling better today. I'm worried about poor Joce too. :( Please throw a Habarnero Green Chili pork sausage my way! :) FUN FUN on the new juicer. Can't wait to hear what you do with it!
Good luck at the Dentist Marie. Drive safe!
I'm going to make
Chicken A La King
for dinner this evening.

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NPMarie 9 years ago said:

I'm back..whew..what a drive..so windy and stormy..so glad to be home:) Dinner will be Enchilada Casserole and a salad. I think I'll brew some coffee and relax a bit:)

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NPMarie 9 years ago said:

Ok, change of dinner plans..chicken & noodles for dinner, I'll make the Ench Casserole tomorrow:)

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chuckieb 9 years ago said:

I'm back too! :) It's starting to snow more out there. Chicken and noodles sounds great Marie! Sit yourself down and get that caffeine into you. :) Relax! :)
Had a good errand running. Very successful. So excited to pick up my sausage. I bought the whole 'sleeve' of it. Is that the correct term? The spreadable sausage is called Nduja
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%27Nduja
It's ah-mazing. Also got a book and some Jelly Belly Jelly beans for my SIL so I think I've got all of her stuff bought and now I can mail it off and I found a nice pr. of gloves for my Mom, a Terry's Chocolate Orange (one of our families traditional stocking stuffers and must-have's at Christmas) and a fun little pr. of slip on slipper socky things.
Don't have any mushrooms for my A la king. Argh. Think I'll use peas and asparagus chunks.

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laurieg 9 years ago said:

Lol I haven't waited tables in a few years and I still have that dream! Also dreams that I'm in school and not prepared for test or homework. Hello I'm 45!
Run around today Rachel had dentist apt today too. She wanted to go by Panera and get something for the boyfriend because he is sick (sweet) so we had Panara for dinner. I have a meeting at work tonight. I'm taking over a property as property mgr and their annual meeting is tonight so I'm just there to be introduced but I'll get paid.
Working at macys Friday and sat, then it will be about 20-25 hours the next few weeks.
Got in touch with town selectman. He is actually a friend and frank is going to call him tonight.

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mbelisle 9 years ago said:

Another super busy day with a meeting to go to in half an hour so this will be quick. Richard made pork loin stuffed with apples and onions done in Jack Daniels and topped with brie cheese. He had asparagus and new potatoes with it and it was awesome.
Cool family history story Tina. I am adopted too and 9 years ago found my birth family. Every little story and piece of history and background I learn about them intrigues me because, as you said, it explains so much!
Tonight. unfortunately, will be sandwiches - I brought home some of the leftovers from the workshop we had catered today at work so the girls are now picking through them to identify the meats and breads. The caterer is a retired school principal who started doing catering after he retired and he makes amazing stuff. He also had curried carrot soup and italian wedding soup and salad for today's meal but only the sandwiches made it home.
Have to run now but hopefully life will calm down starting tomorrow (wishful thinking, it never does) especially since it is my night to cook.
Have a great evening,
Michelle B.

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chuckieb 9 years ago said:

Yum on Panera Laurie. That is sweet of Rachel to think of her boyfriend. :) So you're going to have a third job? Does the position of Property manager entail a lot of work? Kimmer does that doesn't she? Getting in touch with the Town Selectman re: the pipeline?
Oh my goodness on Richard's supper Michelle. Lucky you guys! NOM on curried carrot soup and italian wedding soup. I'm a soup monster.

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laurieg 9 years ago said:

No I am a property manager at my day job but I'm taking over another property because the company got another huge condo complex so I am getting two of the smaller ones and my co-worker will get the big one.

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MissouriFarmWife 9 years ago said:

We are back from shopping and just have a few things to buy to finish for the year.
Bass Pro had LEM grinders on sale - $445 on sale for 399. We didn’t think the next two bigger sizes were needed since we are not going to hunt elephants or grizzly berar, but we bought the one on sale and the 3 year warranty (which we usually don’t but with the current record on grinders.....), plus a few misc. stuff to go with.

Bought gloves, obligatory socks (oldest is out, his mom insisted), a warm throw (their house is COLD), for the oldest GS, hunting gloves, a throw, and will find camo pants, for the middle GS, and got a hunting t-shirt for the youngest (his other presents are coming from Amazon.com), found 2 angels for our daughter to add to her stuff, a Christmas vase for our sun room, shirt and muck boots for Wayne, a book he needed, and a bunch of odds and ends that leapt into our basket at Bass Pro. We hit Marshall’s, Ross’s, Barnes and Noble, Bass Pro, TJ Maxx, and a gift store in Rogersville.

Ate out at the Rte. 66 Diner - it was almost 8 P.M. and it was that or Waffle House. Took some pictures of the diner - pix of Marilyn Monroe and James Dean, red and white booths, chrome and red bar stools, white and black mini-tile floors, lots of chrome, retro 1950’s look. The juke box only had old classic rock and country. Food was great. American fries, chicken fried steak, easy over eggs, rye toast. Had an O.J. and after supper a nice cup of coffee. Very relaxing but I sure don’t want to do anything, like putting away a ton of sacks of Christmas presents.

Mel just leaped up on the armoire by Wayne’s chair and proceeded to bat his hearing aids. Wayne grabbed them and put them away where they should have been in the first place. These are quite expensive and there is no way the little monster is going to use them as a kitty toy. He is taking lessons from A.C. He is flitting from lap to lap, has to leap over three large sacks of stuff to reach my chair, then trots across my lap, blocking the computer screen. He is vying for the psycho kitty title held by Milo and A.C.

Gas today was $2.27 per gallon at Sams. The news said MO was least expensive in the nation. It runs 2.49 to 2.55 around us.

Tina, I think nose prints and smeared paw-rubbing prints are SOP for cat/dog occupied homes. A.C. is the worse. Mel toned down from his manic kitten-hood but A.C. seems to be a slow learner. He can’t jump too high because he is weighed down by his rotund, spacious circumference.

Marie - glad you are not in the mudslide area! We had a couple of drought years here and it was really bad for the water tables. Even our lower pond went totally dry.

Michelle TX - enjoy the new juicer. I don't know if I would use one enough to justify it.

Janet, enjoy the snow.

Michelle B. - sandwiches are cool for supper.

Laurie - hope your hours at Macy’s are worthwhile.

Hi to everyone else.

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