Lots happened in 2019. I'm shaking my head that we managed to come out unscathed. LOL. But we do count our blessings. Mr R and I have both come through surgeries with terrific results. We completely remodeled the master bathroom and I totally love it. Mr R and our son installed a new kitchen sink including an instant hot water dispenser and water filters all around.
Then came fall, and now it's winter. Brrrr.
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| View from our front door. |
Right now the wind is blowing hard and while it's not terribly cold (39 degrees), that wind chills you down to the bones. So what does this mean? Chili weather!!! And I got a new Instant Pot Max just in time to save the day. Okay, so I already had four Instant Pots. Who's counting. And anyway, it was on sale.
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| Lentil chili in my new Instant Pot Max |
For Christmas, my son, his wife, and my granddaughter visited from Seattle and I can't even tell you how much fun that was. But preparation was in order, because my granddaughter loves to cook and she really loves to decorate. Since they had limited time here, I decided to make the gingerbread cookies in advance so they'd be cooled and ready for her.
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Left: my son-in-law rolling out the dough.
Right: That is NOT a dog turd. It's gingerbread dough. |
And here she is decorating.
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| All set up and ready to decorate! |
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| Granddaughter and her Christmas cookies. |
The holidays are all about friends and family. We had a blast at Roberta Whittemore's Christmas party. Lots of my friends from Silver City were there.
But more and more, it seems people have allergies that prevent them from partaking in all the wonderful Christmas goodies. My daughter Mercedes hunted down a recipe and made sugar-free grain-free dairy-free cream puffs. Believe me, they were a hit. Talk about delicious.
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| A fun Christmas party! |
I was really sorry to see the holidays end, for I truly do love to get together with everyone--I only wish some of my crazy Texas friends would've been here, too. You know who you are. And a few from Ohio. And Arizona. And Missouri. Okay, all over the US. Oh wait, and Canada. And Australia. You know what? With the internet, we have friends everywhere! Now if that isn't a gift, I don't know what is.
For 2020, I fully intend to lose weight (like an entire person), get back to writing on a regular schedule, at least as regular as I ever get, and be serious about improving my health. As for the house, I'd really like to get the kitchen remodeled and the appliances all replaced. It would be super nice if all the boxes of books flew into the bookcases, in alphabetical order, of course. We're still moving in. Yes, it's been over a year and we're not even close to being unpacked, especially the shop. So that's an ongoing project.
By the end of the year, I intend to get another Honey Beaulieu book out and also a few novellas in the Hearts of Owyhee series. And grow some awesome tomatoes. Maybe watch a few movies in Mr R's theater. I'll definitely be reading more books from the talented ladies at Smart Girls Read Romance.
The holidays are all about friends and family. We had a blast at Roberta Whittemore's Christmas party. Lots of my friends from Silver City were there. 
We got an instant pot so we can be prepared for your visit. Now if we can learn to use it we'll be all set. LOL Wishing you and yours a happy and healthy new year.
ReplyDeleteI'll send my recipe for lentil chili. It's so easy to make and really delicious--my version of fast food. LOL
DeleteIt's yummy.
ReplyDeleteHad fun making the cream puffs.
This time the cream puffs turned out better. I think the practice run was beneficial.
DeleteSounds like a great Christmas. I got an Insta Pot, so I'll be asking you and Mercedes for hints! Oh, and your clarification about the gingerbread dough made me snort.
ReplyDeleteDid you get an Instant Pot or another brand? We have lots of advice. If we don't know, we just make something up.
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ReplyDeleteWe got a Ninja Air Fryer for Christmas that toasts, cooks, bakes, air fries, grills, and does ballet dancing. I have no earthly idea how to run it. My genius husband must be by side if I don't want to burn my toast. Besides writing, I think I'll be reading Air Fryer directions this year. Great post, Jacquie. Happy New Year! PS: Had to remove first comment for misspelling. Ugh
ReplyDeleteWatch YouTube videos! I have an advantage because I grew up cooking with a stovetop pressure cooker. And also remember that an air fryer is nothing more than a mini convection oven. So once you get the pressure cooking down, you'll be fine with the rest of the functions. I have five Instant Pots and a GoWise air fryer. Not to say I collect kitchen gadgets or anything.
DeleteI have an Instant pot, but I don't use it as much as I could. My Crock Pot is my old standby. Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteHi, Joan! I only use my crock pot once a year--for turkey dressing. The rest of the time I use one of my Instant Pots. I've never had the patience for slow cooking. LOL. Maybe I should put up a tutorial for next month's post.
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