NOT ALONE for Christmas

12/30/2023

We are almost into the new year, 2024. I hope that everyone here is doing well. I will not post much here until November 2024 when we go into another Christmas season.
Take good care of your selves

12/28/2023

Sometimes life gets crazy. I just finished a business project.
2 hours ago, I was driving to an appointment. I haven't driven since breaking my wrist on Oct 23. My car died just as i was entering an intersection. 3 men pushed my car to the side of the street. I am very thankful for their assistance. Hubby came around and the car would not restart. We may have flooded the car so left it and will return shortly to try again.
I hope everyone here is doing well! Please share - what is going on in your life? Venting can help or maybe someone will make a helpful suggestion.

12/19/2023

12/17/2023

Well hubby decided it would be good to share an online service however when he opened the program his Christmas present was still open on the site. Oh well- no surprise for him on Christmas morning!

12/10/2023

Simple and aromatic!

Here's an idea for a Christmas decoration that will perfume your home: oranges decorated with cloves! Not only do they...

11/13/2023

Unique Ideas for Christmastime.

Despite feeling the season's crunch, one thing for sure to avoid is overspending and digging a debt hole. These five things can help you budget for seasonal shopping, and it helps stave off a holiday debt hangover.

12/24/2022

Here are a couple of ideas for you to try this year if you have the supplies needed:
1) Potpourri or room freshener - Fill a small pot halfway with water, add some or all of the following and heat until it almost boils, then reduce the heat to a simmer so the steam fills the room: whole cloves, cinnamon (whole or ground), 1 or 2 star of anise, citrus peel, tea if you have some smelly stuff you don't want to drink, other aromatic herbs and spices. Start with a smaller amount and add if you want more aroma. I have to restrict the amount of the anise because I find it overwhelms the other scents.
2) Make pomanders: take 1 or more pieces of citrus fruit, poke small holes with a bamboo skewer or fine knife. Fill the holes with whole cloves. Make lines and swirls around the fruit. Put the fruit on a central table where the delightful aroma will fill the room.

from the site below: These oranges decorated with cloves are also called pomanders or pommes d'ambre in French. This is a traditional Christmas decoration dating back to the Middle Ages. The scent of oranges and cloves were used to ward off evil spirits and to stay healthy. Today, this tradition has been somewhat lost.

Here's an idea for a Christmas decoration that will perfume your home: oranges decorated with cloves! Not only do they...

11/23/2022

As we launch into another Christmas season, it is time to consider how YOU feel about this time of year.
What are your memories?
How are you approaching this Christmas?
Grab paper and a pen and make some notes about Christmas Past, Present and Future.
My mom hated Christmas time - as a mom of 5 it meant more work. She didn't know how to make life easier and more enjoyable for her Self. As the youngest member, I felt her grief.
These days, if we don't get what we want, I think that most of us do what we can to improve the situation.
However, the first step is awareness.

Grab paper and a pen and make some notes about Christmas Past, Present and Future. Please share here if you want to.

12/25/2021

Fantastic meeting- every member attended.

Goldstream Toastmasers send warm Christmas greetings to all. May everyone stay healthy and safe during the holiday season.

12/23/2021

Enjoy!

12/23/2021

How are you celebrating this holiday season? Is it a celebration or just finding a way to fill in the hours? Can you make it special?
I use this time of the year to reflect on the past year and set my intentions for the coming year. What went well and why or how? What could have been better?
What do I want to do in 2022 and how am i going to accomplish my intentions?
Plus DL and I are starting to plan our garden. We have to prepare a seed order and find some manure to feed the gardens.
Post and tell us what you are doing with your time.
I hope that you will join me on Friday Dec 24/21 at 4pm PST for my rendition of "How the Grinch stole Christmas."😜 🤪

08/21/2021

People are fabulous!

06/14/2021

6 months and 11 days to another Christmas! Is it too early to start planning? We don't have to be 'alone' at Christmas, or anytime, unless we want to be.
It is possible to be alone without feeling lonely. If you want to have people in your life, look for opportunities.
I have my adult Toastmasters group and run a youth Toastmasters/Gavel club for ages 8 to 17.
Some volunteer positions require a regular commitment and other opportunities are for the short term. I did a single day once. For Meals on Wheels, I washed dishes, then prepared 100 salads, and helped to serve dinner. I met wonderful people and had fun.🌹🌹
I encourage you to find ways to enjoy your life. Please share here. What brought you to this site?
I receive notices occasionally that people are visiting this site. What are YOU looking for?🌹🌹

01/03/2021

I received a request for the dip and salad dressing that I used:
The dip is a thick creamy dressing that I buy, called Feta Dill.
The Kale/Carrot salad is tossed with a Thai Ginger dressing. It can be purchased. I make it with olive oil, rice wine vinegar, a bit of toasted sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, black pepper, pinch of sugar.
If you missed the video, this platter has crackers, orange segments, moroccan sun dried olives, sliced cooked sausage, halved mini honey garlic sausage, kale salad, broccoli, celery, radishes, carrots and sliced pickles.
There are so many foods which can be used. Remember to separate the colours for contrast and combine foods which go together like crackers and a spread like hummus. 🌹

12/23/2020

Antipasto platter- an easy meal or appetizer platter

12/22/2020

How are you- really. Are you alone this year? What are you doing to make this Christmas special?
Please share you pictures and stories.

12/20/2020

On Wednesday Dec 23 I will be live to present how to put together a platter which is called antipasto, charcuterie or 'something to munch on'. If you want to make your own at the same time, you will need: a platter or big plate, sliced meats and cheeses, crackers, pickles/olives, little bowls and anything else you have which may work.