Eggnog Pound Cake

Good Tuesday morning!

I've added a few more Christmas Tree Farm pics to the Gallery today. I had a feeling I wouldn't be out and about taking "new" pictures for the blog after my visit to the dentist so I saved a few from the weekend. Tomorrow, more recent pics... I hope.

CHRISTMAS EVERY DAY IN DECEMBER

Sometimes with all the hustle and bustle of this most special season, we miss opportunities to enjoy a little piece of Christmas each day leading up to the 25th. Things can get in the way... work, shopping, cleaning house, wrapping gifts, party after party, traveling, etc. For the next 25 days (beginning today, December 1), I'll be sharing one or two "doable" ideas for celebrating the holiday. Even if life gets extremely hectic, you can still enjoy and/or share a festive moment each and every day with your family!

DAY 1

1. Buy a chocolate Advent Calendar TODAY (if you don't already have one) for each child in the family. Hey! Buy one for the adults, too. I don't know a single person who wouldn't like to wake up and have a small piece of chocolate to start their day. It doesn't matter if you're five years-old or 50! Chocolate is chocolate, and I believe the world would be a better place if everyone started their day eating some before climbing out of bed! (You can usually find these at Wal-Mart AND Cracker Barrel.)

2. Read a different Christmas story EVERY night before bedtime to your little ones (secular, as well as spiritual). It takes only minutes, but it will be something they look forward to all day long. (I bet you will, too.)

Okay. Here are two little things you can do this very Tuesday. I'll be adding to the list until Christmas Eve. I'm pretty sure we'll all be doing festive things by then! Don't let a day of this wonderful time of the year pass without doing something "Christmasy."

Well, I must say having my bone scraped in preparation for a new crown was not as pleasant as it sounded. In fact, I do not recommend this procedure at all. The periodontist was extremely nice (I will recommend him if you are ever in need), and the women in the office were even nicer if that was possible.

The doctor himself gave me an IV and he did an EXCELLENT job. You see, I have no veins, so I usually judge a doctor's (or dentist's) office by their "blood taker" or "IV putter-inner." I have had to give several offices a big fat 0 out of 10 on their ability to perform this task, but my doctor got a 9. (The only way you could ever earn a 10 is if I felt nothing at all, and believe me, that hasn't happened yet!)

An hour later, I was awakened with Silly Puddy in my mouth (that's what they use in place of gauze, but they call it something more professional sounding... but basically it is Silly Puddy), stitches on both the inside and outside of my jaw, and a little pain. They told me I would have swelling and I would have bruising by Tuesday if not before. (A little something to look forward to!)

All in all, not my favorite way to spend a rainy November Monday, but I will survive. As long as I have Loritab, I WILL survive.

Mikie stayed with me until 2:00, and went to work until 5:00 when he left to watch Roxie play in her basketball game. I don't like missing "events" in any of the kids' lives, but last night wasn't a basketball kind of evening. And Josh was an excellent "nurse." He checked on me, fed me, fetched for me... I've trained him well. Some girl out there is going to be extremely lucky one day.

But enough about me. We have a special guest to meet today, and her name is (DRUM ROLL, PLEASE...) JOAN PATRICK! That's right. Joan is my Special Guest for the month of December, so we'll go ahead and get started with the interview.

Special Guest of the Month

1. Name three places in the United States you've never been, but have always wanted to go... and why?

Hawaii. I heard the scenery was beautiful.
Alaska. See Hawaii.
California. Beaches.

2. If your life was made into a movie, would it be considered (mainly) a comedy, drama, action/adventure or a romantic chick flick?

Comedy

3. Not counting the days you were saved, married, or the birth of your children, what are two of the most significant, life-altering days you can remember, and why?

The day my dad passed away.

The day I found out my other name was Doris. (That is what my future grandmother-in-law thought my name was, so the first time I met Dale's family they had "Welcome Doris" signs up all over the house).

4. What was your worst dating experience?

I had a blind date and as he pulled up to my apartment, I saw him throw a beer can in the back of his pick up. The date lasted 30 minutes.

5. How many siblings do you have, and where do you fall in the mix?

One, and I'm the baby.

6. Use five adjectives to describe you (good or bad)?

Sarcastic, optimistic, outstanding, humorous and talented.

7. In as few words as possible, what is the most important lesson you want your children to know before leaving your home?

That knowing Jesus as their Lord and Savior is THE most important decision they will ever make.

8. If you could have one physical attribute changed, what would it be?

Removal of ALL cellulite.

9. Dog lover or cat lover?

Call PETA... animal hater.

10. Breakfast, lunch or dinner... favorite meal?

FOOD! Just kidding... dinner.

And on that note, we'll continue getting to know Joan better tomorrow and talk about food a little more with our Tuesday recipe.

Eggnog Pound Cake

I found this one in the December issue of Southern Living. It sounded festive and easy... oh, and delicious.

You will need:

1 package pound cake mix
1 1/4 cups eggnog
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1. Preheat the oven at 350 degrees.

2. Mix all ingredients well. Pour into a 9" x 5" loaf pan.

3. Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 5 minutes, or until long wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.

Have a lovely Tuesday. Tomorrow, as promised, I will have a step-by-step description on how to begin your own Black Friday at the Wynfrey tradition. Wednesday Wisdom and the second half of our interview with Joan Patrick, Special Guest Extraordinaire, will be featured, too.

Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting and Throbbing Belinda