And a good Christmas to one and all

I must say this was one of the best Christmas' we've had in a few years. Seriously. First, I am so proud and thankful that my kids are not struggling financially as bad as when we were homeless and later (or I am now). Not just because they can give great gifts but because they can do it. So the best gift is knowing I don't have to worry about my kids as much.

It was cloudy and rainy and very blustery two days before Christmas and everyone was saying it would likely rain. Nope, it cleared off like a miracle day it is and was gorgeous. White and grey puffy clouds against brilliant blue skies. 

Sunset Christmas Eve was gorgeous orange and flame colored clouds. I had to adjust the colors in my phone because it turned out too pink. This is real close to what it was.

I don't have pictures of our gifts but of the things that we got all of them were what we asked for and then some. Jon wanted a dvd set of Elvis movies with special cards in them, I wanted a potato ricer and a sweater knitting book I have missed since it's in storage. Amber also remembered my See's candy favorite nuts and chews and got me a huge box of them. Wellman pulled through with the videos and the potato ricer (no more using the old electric mixer for mashing potatoes!). Joint gift was a Jack and Sally Funko Pop dolls from Logan and I think the chocolates were also. 

It was wonderful really. I bought a small wheel of brie cheese for Amber because I remembered she liked it and they had crackers already to go with the Alouette cheese I had also requested when Amber asked what to do for food. Just told her cheese and crackers and there she got it. 

Feeling satisfied and happy this Christmas. Even my system is doing a bit better and not sure what to chalk it up to. Need to figure out what department I'm supposed to call to set up the colonoscopy because I don't remember what the doctor said if I don't get a call. Honestly was not expecting any calls with back to back holidays right now. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas Eve dinner was the pork roast cooked to perfection. Seriously knocked it out of the park other than the gravy. Just used a combination of herbs with salt, pepper and garlic slices, cooked it according to directions I found online. That was only about 5 lbs and we only ate half of it. I had a slice last night for my 'pill snack' and it was still juicy and delicious warmed in the microwave. I cut the meat off the bones today and chopped it up and cooked it with diced potatoes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I remember mom and dad using leftover beef roast like this and it turned out just fine using the pork. A bit on the dry side but still tasty. Green peppers, onion, and left over red peppers for veggies and just a little extra salt and pepper. All the seasoning was on the meat still and there's still one more slice of meat left with the bones in the fridge!

That is how you make a single purchase last for days. Leftovers of leftovers is the way to make your grocery dollars stretch. Speaking of that, we were once again approved for CalFresh BUT they took into account the COLA for social security and dropped our food money from 345 to 315. Right. At least we still have that to live on. I am forever thankful we at least have something.

This is the sweater book I got and am shopping for yarn now. I found a source for my favorite medium weight yarn that I made sweaters for Ava (now Logan) when they were little. It's on sale right now until the end of the year and of course I don't have enough money to get all the yarn I need. It will happen when it happens and not like I don't have other projects to work on.

I hope the coming year is gentle and free of any serious problems for everyone. May miracles happen to the joy of one and all.