What makes it a yummy world? Glady’s Taber for one thing. You’re probably familiar with this quote — it’s my very favorite thing she ever wrote; I try to slip it in whenever I can. ♥ It’s perfect for the season, perfect for the new year and perfect for us, girlfriends. Because this is how we roll.
And now, for a quick happy dance around the tea cup.
XOXOXOXOXOXO
Oh yes, I’ve been very busy . . . I also had a delicious breakfast . . .
Do you like hot cereal? I love it. Especially McCann’s Steel-Cut Oats, my favorite kind of oatmeal — I top it with walnuts, blueberries and cinnamon (my dad will probably leap out of his seat to comment on this, he thinks he is the only person in the world who knows the correct way to make oatmeal :-)). But I have a “new” favorite right now . . . . I’ve fallen back in love with Cream of Rice. Have you tasted it? It’s been around forever. It’s faster to make than oatmeal, creamy and tummy warming on a cold morning like today, and it also works if you’re on a gluten free diet! I get it at our supermarket next to all the other hot cereals — sprinkle it with a little granola, and start off the day HAP-HAP-HAPPY. ♥ Seriously, it really works like that!
Sing out Louise!
♫ IT’S A YUM-YUMMY WORLD IN THE WINTER . . .♪
We’re having a party tonight, and guess what else? It’s supposed to snow here! I mean, do we have timing or what? Everyone will be so festive! Nothing like clunking into a party through the snow. So the kitchen is all warmed up, I’m making corn chowder this morning . . . if maybe you haven’t had a chance to try this soup yet, here’s the recipe, so easy and so good to feed a crowd, they love it! And by extension, YOU, darling girl that you are, nurturing thing. ♥
That’s all for today, just wanted to say hello! Off I go, I have desserts to make! Cozy Saturday holiday weekend wishes to you all! XOXO
♥ ♥ ♥
I remember having Cream of Rice when I was a child. You don’t hear much about it lately. But it was sure yummy. Since moving to the south, we enjoy Grits now 🙂 Hope your party goes well.
Thanks so much Jocelyn!
Thank you Susan for starting my morning off with a smile–loved the close up of Ho Ho Ho at just the right moment!
Have a good one Deborah!
One of my favorite Christmas songs and yes, it did make me smile as you were dancing around your kitchen. Also, loved the picture of baby kitty at the end. Just precious. Have a wonderful party tonight. So envious of your snow. I live in Ohio and all we have had is RAIN. Yuk!!!
Well, we’ll see, supposed to start off as rain and turn to snow! crossed fingers . . .
I live in Ohio (as you can see next to my name!), northeastern , & it’s been snowing lightly all day. Gotta love that first snowfall!
We haven’t gotten it yet, hoping for today!
I love that pewter jug with the roses in the photo- that looks gorgeous! Enjoy your party Susan. That song always makes me think of you and I’ve heard it a lot this Christmas season- it’s a fun song! And now off to make oatmeal for everyone….wonder where I got that idea from? 🙂
🙂
I imagine you have trouble keeping that white sofa free of cat hair….I have a black cat, you see, and it is a battle.
I love reading your blog. Makes me feel warm and fuzzy all over.
Mama Bear
Not yet, so far he hasn’t picked it out for his “special spot!” Let’s hope it stays that way!
That Saturday morning dance around the kitchen what just what I needed! Thank you! Have a wonderful party tonight, your guests are very fortunate people! I also woke to a (finally) dusting of snow, and it’s quite chilly too.
Jack looks about as contented as a kitty can possibly be!!
It’s rare when he holds so still. He is so wonderful!!
oh, I forgot to say-my hot cereals are Cream of Wheat, with some milk, and swirl some strawberry jam through it,…so delicious! Also, Hot Grape Nuts, made on brown sugar, milk, and cooked to a rich nutty delicious filling breakfast! So good!!!
I think that dancing around your kitchen in the morning is the BEST way to start a Saturday!! My nana used to make me cream of rice and/or wheat and would top it with a pat of butter, sugar and milk. I have not had it for AGES!!! Thanks for making me think of her this morning 🙂
I hope you get snow and have the most WONDERFUL party ever!!!!!!
Thank you — Have a wonderful day Debbie!
Thank you!!
I just went on with the laughter, looking at your video of your dancing around the kitchen !! So hilarious!
Because I had already been laughing, till my belly hurt….
the reason being: I discovered that the recipe book I made with my little hands( see here at my daughters blog):http://elisaboelle.over-blog.com/article-le-livre-rouge-so-british-des-biscuits-de-noel-collection-hiver-2011-91977813.html) had a mistake in a recipe, too much flour in the butter scotch squares.
As he was signing our christmas letters I asked him to mention my mistake… He looked at me with big eyes: “what, ten years later?out of the blue?”
:-)))))) What a laugh!
Another stupid thing I said being in heavy traffic last night:” let’s sneek out, this way, then that way… then we will sneek back in at the round about, infront of them all, no one will know we’ve been cheating!”
I suppose I am too much into writting books!!!!!!!! :-)))) So good to laugh!!!!!
The best medicine!
I am jealous that the Cape and Islands are getting snow, but Boston isn’t ;-( Nevermind though, tonight is cookie baking night anyway and many of your recipes are part of our annual tradition. Thanks for that. Isn’t it weird to think that you and your books and writing and illustrations have had such an important impact on so many….in such a grand way. It is also a thrill that I can share that with you. So many times things impact our lives in such a positive and delightful way and we are seldom able to express directly our appreciation to the creator. So……thank you , thank you, thank you and Merry Christmas. (BTW, I used up all the spots in my Christmas Memory book that a friend bought for me years ago and find that they cannot be purchased any longer 🙁 So I have made my own, and it is pathetic compared to yours. I hope you plan to do that again. I would never remember anything if I didn’t have my scrapbooks to thumb through.)
It hardly every happens that way . . . usually the other way around! Boston gets it and we don’t! You are very dear to say such nice things. I agree about scrapbooks, they remember everything!
Happy little kitten in a warm-toasty house. What a lucky little guy that you picked him to bring home. I see contentment on his face!
Treese/Colorado Cowgirl
He knocked over my Bird Tree this morning . . . he is very content now!
Good morning, Susan 🙂 sun shining here, cold, doing Christmas things and getting ready to make the drive up north tomorrow to spend Christmas with mom and sister and families. Thank you for the happy dance around your kitchen this morning ~ that’s how I feel today 🙂 and LOOK at him♥♥♥ Jack is such a QT!!! Have a wonderful time at your party tonight ~ sounds perfect!
Thanks Mari…have fun today!
Good Morning, Susan! Thanks for the “Happy Dance Around The Tea Cup”! Just the thing to get me off this sofa and dancing around my own kitchen this morning! I’ve never tried Cream of Rice but have always loved Cream of Wheat – a real comfort food in my house! I’ll look for Cream of Rice at the market today! Well, Off to my kitchen! Have a wonderful day and enjoy your party! Happy Holidays! Mischelle
Same to you Mischelle!
:-), :-), :-), and many more! I loved your tea cup happy dance with music! Happy Saturday, happy party. Good choice, your corn chowder, on a snowy (maybe) night! What’s for dessert? Darling Jack, always keeps his mouse-tache trimmed, & he looks so spiffy in his tux! Cute little red chair, what is it about red? I painted our old high chair red, red shelf, etc, etc – I think it is such a HAPPY color, is that it, some people don’t neeeeed red, I neeeed red (sitting here in a red robe!). Thanks for the spin around the kitchen my dear, & happy Saturday to the rest of you wonderful GFs too! xo
Dessert is the caramel apple thing I’ve been working on . . . we’ll see how it comes out! Yes, I painted that little red chair in my driveway probably thirty years ago, and it seems like yesterday!
Gladys Taber was a treasure! Thanks for sharing that quote with us and to begin your morning with us dancing around the kitchen to the music. Cream of Wheat was a morning staple for me growing up–haven’t ever had cream of rice, it’s something new to try. 🙂 I’m off to the post office!
Have a great day!
You got that right at least 🙂 ……..first it was those Irish oats ….now these
Whatever oats …then Cream of Rice. What’s next, hot Ralston? You could do better with
Corn Meal Mush ……..anyway so as not to confuse anyone …it’s OK to be a plain old
Quaker Oates aficionado-WHEREIN- the preparation consists of simply boiling water
(with a little salt) adding the oats stiring the mix (4 or 5 stirs -no more) turn off the heat and
It’ s ready ! That way the oats retain their dignity and individualism , mixed with milk and sugar….completely avoiding the “dreaded slime- in- the- bowl breakfast !”
See girls? When my dad says WHEREIN, you can tell he means business! 🙂
Ha! Wherein – ! Ha! Love it! Keep the stirs to a minimum! We always had “mush” when I was a kid! Now, I venture your way Susan, sorry Jack, but I do hold the old mush ways near and dear!
“Dignity and individualism” – LOL!!
I know, he’s so funny!
Oh my goodness, your dad has struck a chord! Mush!!! My daddy was the maker of mush for breakfast in my own childhood and king of breakfasts generally, though he also was the bountiful procurer of rabbits, squirrels and catfish as well as other kinds of fish which he served up for dinners. I miss him a great deal, especially this time of year.
I have added a younger generation “lover of mush” to the world by tempting my thirty-something nephew to sample fried mush with real maple syrup, by the way. We must uphold the traditions! As for oatmeal, have you ever tried packing leftover oatmeal into a rectangular container and refrigerating it overnight to slice and lightly dust with flour and fry it up like fried mush? It is quite tasty.
The picture of Jack this morning tugged at my heart and almost brought tears to my eyes. I am pretty sure your darling black and white kitty baby will eventually be responsible for my getting into trouble for adopting another tux kitty. Oh what fun — a kitten and my sweet dachshund getting acquainted. Gray and gloomy here in OC (with winds). No talk of rain as yet but maybe it will surprise us.
Dottie
My dad would probably be appalled to hear it, but I really don’t know what mush is! What is it?
Cornmeal cooked to a consistency like Cream of Rice or Cream of Wheat and eaten with sugar, milk a bit of butter or mapel syrup in a bowl and when thickened a bit further it can be sliced and fried and eaten with syrup — that’s mush, Susan. Check your cornmeal bag or box and I’ll bet it has directions on it.
Oh, cornmeal becomes mush when cooked! I didn’t know that! Thanks Dottie!
hmmm, my Mom called oatmeal “mush”!
That’s what I thought, but then I was getting the idea that there was an actual thing called mush, and apparently there is!
Whoa! That dance around the kitchen was getting me a little seasick! Tee-hee! Always love to see your kitchen! HUm-m-m-m Cream of Wheats! I haven’t had that in years. I should get some! Otherwise, I’m a oatmeal girl. I know ALOT of people hate it, but you can do so much with it. I too need to bake. My daughter is having a little friends party today. I made peppermint playdough for the six kids that will be there, and packaged it up real cute, and I’ve made decorated sugar cookies – now on to the red velvet cupcakes! Enjoy your party Susan. I know you’re the hostess with the mostess!
Your party sounds darling! There’s Cream of Rice and there’s Cream of Wheat…they’re not the same, just fyi.
You have started my weekend with a smile! 🙂
Your home is beautiful and I love, love, love your kitchen, in particular. I think it reflects everything that you are: warm, welcoming, cozy, fun. Also, I agree, this is a perfect day for corn chowder. YUM!
Have a wonderful party! Jack looks like he is resting up before all the festivities begin. What a cutie!
Love the Gladys Taber quote! It’s so very true and something we should all keep in our hearts.
Marilyn (in Dallas)
Love hearing from you Marilyn!
I do love your Marshmallow World spin around the kitchen! And that Jack … Could he get any more precious? He looks like he’s had a hard morning of playing and is ready for a little rest.
Thank you for the yummy food ideas! Have a great party. I’ll think snow thoughts for MV. xoxo
Thanks Janie, yes, Jack allows me to moosh with him every so often!
p.s. I woke up to a little snow on the ground, and it’s snowing again as I write this! Beautiful!
Oh I hope that happens to us!
Thanks for warming up my morning, too. Love that little Jack.
Thanks for being here Lisa!
I need Jack. Please box him up and send him to me immediately. Thank you. 😉
Plan on it . 🙂
I love your house. I once visited the sister of a friend (many years ago) and when I looked at how creative it was all decorated, I said it looked like an artist lived there… I didn’t know her sister WAS an artist. 🙂
That’s how I feel about your house, another canvas for your creativity… and I get to “borrow” ideas. 🙂
My cat, Victoria, has been looking out the window at falling snow this morning. It’s an unusually rare sight this winter.
Cats looking out the window at snowfall is a pretty picture — your house must look like an artist lives there!
Hi Susan
Thanks for the cereal info, You know Susan its good to let go have some fun do a little dance and why not it just shows us we all have a little kid in us still,me too. “And then I came to the picture of “Jack the cat” and looked at his face, does he know how cute he is? aren’t cats great?
Have a good day Susan. PS. We have some snow this morning too it brings Christmas to life…
He is very modest for being the most beautiful boy on earth! 🙂 Have a wonderful day Kimi!
Have a happy party!! Lovelovelove your little kitty kat – give him a little squinch from me!
Will love to do that!
I’m making cream cheese cookies for a party tonite! Made cranberry orange bread yesterday. Busy bakers are we! Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Hi Susan! Thanks for putting a smile on my face this morning! We are supposed to get snow today too. Don’t care what all my Grinch-y friends say, Christmas snow is magical! Hope you get enough to make everything look “merry and bright”.
Looking forward to those flakes, the sky is getting white now . . .
Hi Susan,
I have been doing a happy dance around the house today too. Feathering my nest. It is quiet cold here. We get snow once every 20 years.LOL Dave is on a very low fiber diet so no oatmeal for him. He sure misses it. I use to fancy his up too. I agree with you about oatmeal. So Jack you are out numbered. LOL In the hospital they got him started on Cream of Rice. He now loves it.I am going to make him a bowl when he gets home from his 30 mile bike ride this morning for breakfast.I fancy it up with cinnamon,brown sugar ,butter and milk.
Enjoy your party and have a beautiful week end.
Elizabeth Q
Who wouldn’t like that after a bike ride in the cold! Yum!
Love that winter is a marshmellow world! Johnny Mathis–what a voice! Thanks for the twirl around your kitchen–so warm and cozy. Have a great party and I know your guests will enjoy the corn chowder-it’s delicious. My husband loves your recipe for it. He is a corn nut–in a nice way! ♥
The nicest way, I’m sure!
Good morning, Susan, and what a delightful dance around the teacup!
We have oatmeal, cream of wheat, and grits here, but have never tried cream of rice. Thanks for the suggestion. Also, one of our daughters is a fan of Ralston, and I order it for her on occasional Christmases. This is one of them.:-)
I think the picture of Jack is misleading. He looks really mellow, and that is probably out of character.:-)
Yum! Enjoy that corn chowder! And – dessert making! You’re a pro at that, I know!
xoxo
Very out of character! That probably lasted a half second!
Susan, I’ve been looking forward to having an opportunity to read your “Christmas Past” story all week. Our school district doesn’t get out until the 23rd so between all the work we need to do for our students’ progress (one of my small group of 3rd graders are beside themselves with joy, singing “jingle bells” when I walk them back to their larger class room – when I remind them we have to be quiet in the hallways so the first graders can learn, they hum instead – so adorable) and our own personal Christmas celebrations and preparations, it’s been so busy. I can’t tell you how much your story brought me Christmas love this morning as I finally sat down and enjoyed (immensely!) both chapters. My mom passed away a year ago, so of course I miss her terribly this time of year. However, reading your stories brought back so many loving memories that instead of feeling the loss, my heart and spirit are feeling so full because it reminded me of everything loving thing she did for me and the family at Christmas. And she never lost sight of what Christmas was all about either. Thank you for my tears of gratitude instead of loss today. Christmas joy that happened in the past should be remembered with joy now. Thank you so much for that reminder. By the way, I’m making that corn soup recipe this week. Looks too good! Will try the cream rice too.
That is wonderful to hear!!! You are so lucky to have had her . . . blessed. xoxo
Good Morning Susan,
I love your kitchen, and your kitchen dance. I have a galley kitchen, so my dance would be different…LOL!
Enjoy your party tonight. It would really be festive if it snows.
You gave me a great idea for supper tonight….corn chowder.
Thanks so much for providing us with your wonderful blogs. It’s a great way to start our days.
Jack is adorable, I can see in his eyes he is contemplating his next move.
You would need to do your dance a little more vertically! LOL: contemplating his next move … yes!
Hi Susan,
The very first thing I do in the morning is check your blog. Starts my day off on a happy note. Weather is great here in SLO county as you well know. Made your chili recipe last night for my party…..what a hit that was!!
Have a blessed day.
Glad to hear it! Say hello to the Happiest Town in America for me!
Party at our house tonight, too! And a very busy day before that. Love that Johnny Mathis Christmas cd. And the pic of Jack at the end is priceless.
He does that all the time! 🙂
Loved your video ! Awesome post ! We are going to a pot luck party tonight . Papa and I were baking for it last night ! Oh and our furbaby Miggy helped hehe ! Have a wonderful day !
Have fun tonight!
Good morning, Susan and everyone!
I am a little dizzy after that great spin around your kitchen… love how warm and cozy it is… but oatmeal will do just fine for me. I never have learned to enjoy Cream of Rice!
Give Jack a lot of extra cuddles when you have time as we all enjoy seeing pictures of him so much. How are things going between Jack and Girl Kitty?
I baked yesterday; have more to do today… made Heath Bar Coffee Cakes and a Rum Cake for our neighbors; have cranberry oatmeal cookies and jam thumbprints to do today, and we’ll see what else gets done. What are you making for your desserts?
We woke up here (north of Chicago) to a light dusting of snow… looks so very Christmasy out there. I so hope you get your snow, too, tonight. Have a great time at your party and enjoy!
I’ll have to give you the kitty and dessert lowdown later, as both are wanting my attention NOW xoxo Thanks Susan
You love Cream of Rice too! I thought I was the only over 50 something who did:-) Speaking of yummy – it’s wonderful with banana and honey (I put in a little protein powder too). I’ll be thinking of you tomorrow morning. Have fun at your party!
Thanks Anne!
Hey Susan – Loved the dance around the tea cup ! Sounds like you are going to have a perfect day. I am keeping the Gladys Taber quote on my screen ….my best friend from high school who was also my roommate in college was here for the night. Sad time for her, she is a recent widow and we were a fearsome foursome, so we are all sad….She came here for dinner and r&r as yesterday was his birthday. Long after my darling “current roommate” went to bed we stayed up talking and crying and laughing in front of the fire. This morning, tea and pumpkin muffins and she is packing to leave. I will share this with her as we commented yesterday on how important it is to believe and be positive. Thanks for the BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED reminder. Have a wonderful party…I hope it snows just enough to make it magic….but then you make it magic all the time !
Thanks Ann, all my best to you and your friend, how great that you have each other! xoxo
Jack is just the most special little boy kitty…and he looks content and seems to feel the love…
He gives as well as he receives so it’s a wonderful two-way street.
. Snow ….it might snow!!! We are having a party too and snow would just make it!!! Like the last scene in white Christmas !!! When they open the barn doors and it’s snowing and the sleigh is going by and then they all sing!!!!!!!!!! Oh ..I just love the holidays!!!! Have a wonderful party!! Merry almost!!
OH YES — but it didn’t happen here . . . we are watching the sky today!
Thank you for the wonderful video! It looks like you are in the Christmas mood! I’ve been meaning to write to you and tell you that I LOVE your stove. Many years ago, we moved and were in need of a stove. Someone had one for sale and we bought it. It was exactly like the one you have….the lid that folds down, the wonderful griddle in the middle, the double oven (ours had a broiler on one side and oven on the other). Well, when we moved into another house, it had built ins and so my wonderful stove got left behind…think we must have sold it. That was 30 yrs. ago, and I still pine for my stove and wished that I could have somehow saved it and still had it to use. What a wonderful piece of equipment it was and I loved to cook on it. Everytime I see your stove, I am sooooo jealous!!! They just don’t make them that way anymore, and if they do, they are out of my price range. Don’t ever get rid of it….it is a treasure!
Merry Christmas to you and yours,
Sue K
Don’t worry. It’s the exact stove my mom had in her kitchen when we were growing up . . . the same kind, not the same stove! When I finally found out all the things in life that would make me happy, this stove was right near the top of the list. You could check into it . . . Google “Stove Heaven” — in LA.
I can only say we make Oatmeal cookies –but we don-t make Cream of Rice cookies
Well, yes, then that definitely settles it! 🙂
Cute little “Jack” certainly looks like he is having a cozy morning. Kisses to furry faces. Merry 1st Christmas, Jack. Love, Kathy
His first Christmas . . .! How wonderful.
Wow, I could almost smell your kitchen ( cinnamon, butter and coffee) from here!
That’s very good! One of these days they’ll probably include smells on blogs!
Your post was so much fun to read. I love hot breakfast…and I’ve had McCann’s steel cut oats in the past. THey’re tasty…and the can is vintage cool 🙂 🙂
Your kitty cat is super sweet 😉 🙂
It hasn’t snowed here on the coast. It probably won’t…but sometimes we do get hail. Right now, it’s sunny and cold 🙂 🙂
Love and hugs from the ocean shores of California, Heather 🙂
Say hello to California to me! xoxo
So fun…You always make me smile and realize that even the little things in life are sometimes the best! We need to cherish it all; afterall, life is full of so many little moments that add joy to our days! Thank you for helping us recognize that! =)
ps…You always capture the sweetest kitty moments with Jack!!!
That’s pretty easy since he is the sweetest thing in the world. He’s never not adorable! He’s all stretched out on the back of the sofa right now, in front of a window, and asleep. And STILL, he’s adorable. I have a thing for him. 🙂 Talk about little things!!! So blessed!
Susan,
You are such a darling! Love your blog for the past few days. Can’t wait to get your “Christmas Story” book to put with my collection. So many memories. I have had such fun with you this Christmas. First, I just love Gladys Taber and enjoy reading her books, quotes – thanks to you. 🙂 I just finished reading “A Redbird Christmas” Fannie Flagg (Saw it in one of your book stacks 🙂 (so good) – thanks to you. 🙂 I found “Bishops Wife” at Shopko on sale and can’t wait to watch it with my family – thanks to you 🙂 We have McCanns Steel Cut oatmeal, grits, Cream of Wheat but have never had Cream of Rice. I will check it out – thanks to you 🙂 I hum or sing “The Best Things in Life are Free” all the time…I have enjoyed your movies, your books, your recipes, your stories, your sharing your Christmas and “YOU” with all of us, my holidays are a little brighter thanks to you! 🙂 Have a great day!
That made me get tears in my eyes. Thank you Glenda, my cup runneth over (again!).
Hi Susan,
After your happy dance I just had to do one also! Soups on but there is no cute kitty on my couch.
We are shopping, baking, cleaning, wrapping and waiting for snow today.
Have a wonderful party.
Pam
xoxo Thanks Pam!
I loved the spin around your kitchen this morning….WE cleaned the house to Christmas Music with me dancing around the room with my Swifter Wand dusting and singing with patient Jim trying to move around me with the vacuum…I’m sure sighing; but, appreciating my enthusiam for my work!!! HA I’m planning on baking “Angel Pillow” cookies made with peach preserves this afternoon; I already have 1 batch of fudge made. p.s. our plans were changed to watch The Bishop’s Wife until NOW!!! will let you know my comments later. I hope everyone enjoys their Parties tonight; and for the rest of us may we all enjoy the Peace and Beauty of this Season……HAVE FUN!!!!
Want to hear what you thought Deborah!
Your corn chowder is just the BEST!!! Perfect for a snowy winter’s night. I also love the Cranberry Apple Crisp recipe you recently shared. The second time I made it I chopped walnuts to add to the crisp topping — yum!
Very good!!
It’s lightly snowing here, too! Just doesn’t seem like Christmas until it does!
We love cream of WHEAT and here’s what we put on ours: bananas, coconut, brown sugar, and surround it with graham crackers! Terribly fattening, I know, but such a treat!! Would these work with your cream of rice? I don’t think I’ve ever tried it……..
Have a fun day and enjoy your party tonight! We’re having onion soup tonight!
Cream of Rice is like baby food, that may not sound good, but it really is… it has such a delicate flavor . . . I like it with chopped apple, but I think you could really put anything on it!!
Oh that Jack! That may be the cutest picture of him yet–I say “may be.” His eyes are very mischevious.
Loved dancing around your kitchen. I’d love to have a shelf like the one you have with the mugs on it. Shoot. I’d love to have your kitchen. 😉
Merry Christmas party.
I drew that shelf on a piece of paper, with the little wooden hearts in the corner. I measured the glasses and mugs so the spaces would be just right, and gave it to this guy I know who builds things and he made it for me. One glass deep, takes up no real space. Happy Sunday Linda!
How perfect! Custom-made. I’m going back and look at it again. I missed the hearts. Love hearts.
Oh sigh! Just finished my Christmas cards this a.m. (using the SB Christmas address book, thank you very much). Packages mailed, cards done, now it is time to do the tea cup dance! Yes, Gladys Tabor. Faith!
Loved checking out your kitchen and please take this in the vain in which it is meant! I LOVE that you do not seem to have granite counter tops and stainless appliances in your kitchen. I could just sit right in there and have a cup of tea, too! Charming and inviting place, I say. And your star rug..will have to view that again to pick up on other things.
Have a lovely, snowy Christmas-y party, Susan. WHEREIN! precious.
I know, my dad is something. No, no granite counter tops, I don’t seem to have a modern bone in my body and they always struck me as too hard and shiny, I was afraid if I dropped something on them it would shatter into a million pieces. Have a wonderful day Rosemary, that’s for remembrance. xoxo
Susan we have had rain all day here in the heart of England! This morning started off with a wonderful frost (hoarefrost I think they call it, so pretty!) It was freezing but the sun was shining and i planned to go out into town but then the rain came…
And so my daughter Madi and I ended up making your “Annie Hall” cookies from your Christmas book and we ended up having a wonderful afternoon! The boys loved the cookies too! Enjoy your party Susan! xxxx
I wish I was there so much sometimes, I miss England the way I missed New England, without ever having been here I missed it. I’ve been to England and it’s imprinted on my heart . . . I am homesick! Thanks for writing Nina, have a wonderful day!
I feel the same about New England Susan! I haven’t been back for a couple of years and I miss it so much! Aren’t we a pair! lol
I know, bloom where you’re planted, but the heart wants what the heart wants. xoxo
Hap-hap-happy weekend to you, Susan, and to your daddy, Jack, too! (Now we know where Jack the kitty cat got his name!) My personal favorite cereal is steel cut oats (but they do take forever to make — I’ve tried all kinds of alternatives, from microwaving to oven baking ’em — They’re just meant to be done stove top!). Last night, one of our kitties and I cozied up in a chair with Christmas on the CD player, a cuppa tea, the twinkling tree and your Christmas book. Talk about hap-hap-happy! (Hubby was downstairs, grading final exams and watching Lord of the Rings :o) Hope you’ll enjoy your evening’s meal, festivities and friends tonight!
Sounds like you had the perfect evening!
Good Morning Susan, I’m throwing a holiday party tonight as well. I’m sure both our parties will be huge successes, knowing you and I are both highly organized. All I have left to do is run the vacuum, soak in a bubbly tub, make sure that my husband has performed his task ( having a stocked bar, plenty of ice ) then putting on my new holiday sweater with my dear Grandma’s Weis Christmas Tree pin that she wore throughout Christmas as I was growing up. She knew how I loved the pin and made sure to pass it on to me before she died. Every time you write about your Grandma I know exactly how you feel in your heart. I’m sure they’ll both be watching over us tonight, overseeing our hostessing skills and all that we learned from such great ladies. Have a wonderful evening Susan!
I love that thought!!!
Happy Saturday! Always such a pleasure to hear from you! Your kitchen looks so warm and inviting…I could almost smell the breakfast and corn chowder a cookin. I hope we get at least a flurry tonight and make it really feel like Christmas is upon us. I’m cleaning out my pantry today and making a list and checking it twice on all the things I need to replenish for my holiday baking. Bob is out finishing the decorating (I keep adding more stuff!) much to his dismay, but I’ll make him a nice spiced cider (with rum) when he comes in.
Have a wonderful time tonight and keep on dancing around that kitchen!
That cider should more than make up for it! 🙂 I am doing NOTHING today. Not even in my studio, I’m in front of the TV in the wood room with my computer and Jack and an old movie, watching the windows for signs of snowflakes! Have a wonderful Sunday!
I enjoyed your dance around the teacup. What a great way to start a day! I also enjoyed watching “The Bishop’s Wife” on TCM last night! I had never heard of it until reading about it on your blog. Thanks for sharing ! We’re off to a party at a friend’s tonight. Have a great time at your party. It would be pure bliss to be a guest there!
So glad you liked The Bishop’s Wife! Hope you had fun!
ok, that has got to be the cutest kitten in the whole world. He has a christmas tree on his nose. you’re so lucky! Merry Christmas:)
He does! Never noticed that. I don’t need anything else for Christmas, he has been so wonderful!
I used to have two sweet little dogs that would howl when they heard sirens. They looked so cute sitting up in their beds next to each other trying to outdo one other. I would look at them and say “Sing out Louise!” Your entry today made me think of them both with such good memories! Thank you.
Interesting that the movie about Gypsy Rose Lee — where I first heard “Sing out Louise,” was on TV yesterday afternoon while we were cooking and that was after I’d done that post!
What a happy post:) love it! Your warm inviting home makes us all feel so welcome. Hmmmm was that cream of wheat i used to have (with brown sugar and a pat of butter)? Love a hot cereal when it’s cold outside.
We have had many wonderful pets, cats included, but that Jack has to be the CUTEST little bug ever! A big smooch to him from me and a GIANT Christmas hug to you.
Actually it was Cream of Rice, really different than Cream of Wheat — which is good too, but much heavier of course than the rice. Jack is the cutest, I have to agree with you, I’m in awe of his cuteness!
Your home looks cosy indeed, but then it always does – year round. Love the Gladys quote — such a good antidote to all the gloom and doom that some folks seem to love talking about — I don’t get it, do you?
Anyhoo,I love McCann’s steel cut oats too, but they take sooooo long to cook (I’m lazy in the morning), so I tried putting them in my little slow cooker at night and they’re ready in the morning — found a recipe for this online somewhere a few years ago — sorry I don’t remember where. Have you tried it? Oh, and I’ve used a plug in light timer thingy to turn my slow cooker on about 3:00 a.m — seems to work best of all.
Have a most wonderfully fun time at your party!
Merry Christmas!
Georganne
You know what’s really delicious? Regular Quaker oats, uncooked in a bowl. Before bed, cover it with milk and in the morning it will have soaked it all up, but retained it’s shape, and nutty flavor. Yummy!
Oh I’m going to try this ASAP — sounds so good! I remember eating uncooked oats right of the Quaker Oats box when I was a kid — guess I pretty much like oats any kind of a way ;).
Quick suggestion for you, Susan, and all the girlfriends of our “vintage”; now that you’ve discovered Pandora radio, add a new station for “Perry Como holiday” and you’ll get ALL the fabulous Christmas music from him as well as Andy Williams, Johnny Mathis, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby etc., like a soundtrack of our childhood. I’m listening to it now while cleaning house for company. Puts a smile on my face and a spring in my step! DEE-LIGHT-FUL :))
Thanks for the info!
I remember Cream of Rice! I’m a Cream of Wheat girl myself. Never tried it with granola, what a good idea. I just showed my husband the picture of Jack and tried to explain ‘blog’ to him. He just doesn’t get it. Maybe it’s a ‘girl thing’.
Hahaha, Joe doesn’t get it, but he’s learning to like it!
Especially when we tell him how handsome & dashing he is with and without his wonderful hat, and we love a guy who cooks, and can make anything, and buys kitty toys, and on and on and on, and loves you!!!!!
Yes, the reward system we have going here is working like a charm! 🙂
:-), 🙂
Good Afternoon~
We finally got a dusting of snow this morning before I went to “Ring the Bell”! Nothing like a little snow to put you in the spirit!
Also, I want to squish that little kitty of yours! Give Girl a squish too!
Happy Saturday Gilfriends!
Lynn~
Happily squishing everyone for you!
that cat is too cute. and i dont even like cats.
LOL! I didn’t used to like cats, then I stayed in a house with a girl who had a cat. Her cat knew I didn’t like it, and slept with me every night! But what really changed my mind was when the gophers in California were eating all my roses. I went and got me a gopher killer poofy yellow cat I named Pooh. And fell, unexpectedly, head over heels in love and that was it for me for the rest of my life. Be careful Tamar….:-)
thats amazing. i thought people were just born “animal people” or not. But it is funny because I had dogs growing up that I liked but, all of my adult life, I have just not liked being around animals – especially cats (which I am allergic to – really). If I see a sweet looking animal get hurt, it tears me up, but I just dont want to be around them. I think it’s just the whole pooh, slobber, sniffing and claws thing. Like….I want you to be happy…just stay you and your teeth and your claws away from me please and please, please don’t pooh or lick anything while I am looking at you! This is risky buisness telling all this on a blog full of animal lovers. Anyway, the strange part is that animals ADORE me. If there is 50 animal lovers in a room and me, the animal is going to wrap itself around my leg and love on me for dear life. Of course, the owner is looking at me like…”I know you are just in heaven right now, isnt this just wonderful ?” I am 41 and just had my 4th and final child, Kate. She is so sweet and I just cant explain it, anyway…when she was a few days old, this little Datsun showed up on my doorstep. I refused to feed him or talk in a sweet voice. He WOULD NOT go away. He stayed at the top step and scratched. This is the part that got me: Whenever I would SILENTLY creep to the door (top half glass), and SILENTLY pull the curtain back with the tip of one finger and Peek with one eyeball to see if he was still there..his little head would INSTANTLY snap up and look at me with his tail INSTANLY wagging. How in the world did he know that I was there? The look on his face was EXACTLY the look on Kate’s face when she made eye contact with me. That right there was what melted my heart. He was like Kate. An innocent little thing that was just ready to be loved. My husband John who finds my destain for animals and there adoration for me very amusing, watched me go to the door about 10 times and said “That’s going to be the one that finally gets you and you are going to keep him” I said “that is never going to happen.” That dog, took turns with us neighbors. He would stick to each one of us like glue for about 3 days and then move on to the next neigbor. I was just so relieved because ALL my neighbors are animal people and good people so, I just knew that one of them would fall head over heels with this little dog and keep him. about a week later he was just gone. My next door neighbor told me that the lady on the other side of her ( who lets her dogs freely roam and poop all over the neighborhood every day – she is the only one like that) called Animal Control and they came and got him because he was digging up her flowers. WHAT???? OMG!! PEOPLE!! How could she DO THAT to that sweety head? For three days I worried about that dog and called a freind who used to have a Datsun. I told her how worried I was about him becoming a little ash pile and how I could not stop thinking about that little Kate-Doggie. I knew that if she didnt agree to go get him – I would. She called and found out that a family adopted him. Whew! That was close. But what in the world is wrong with me? What is HAPPENING to me – Tamar, Thee animal dis-liker? As soon as you started blogging about Jack I thought “that really is a cute cat” But when I saw that last picture I thought “that little guy really is just TOO CUTE – like a little boy” Then I thought….EXCUSE ME? This can’t be happening. I am just NOT going to look at animals anymore. Really.
My best girlfriend wouldn’t let an animal in her house if you paid her. So that’s just the way it is, my mom let us have dogs growing up, but she wouldn’t have one either. It’s just the way it is, some of us do and some of us don’t. I laughed so hard at the Dachshund waiting outside your door! Somehow animals always glom onto the people that wish they wouldn’t!! A kitty is so much easier than a dog btw. Show them the cat box ONCE, and you are done house training. If you get one, we will be your support group. He has to sleep with you though, and I’m sure that knowledge will save you from making any mistakes. 🙂
🙂
Hope you have a great party tonight, all iced with newly fallen snow…the things Christmas Cards are made of! I plan to bake a little tonight. Finished wrapping gifts last night as I watched The Bishop’s Wife. Love the season…heart warming things everywhere you look, as long as you take time to look.
That’s for sure!
hello Susan, its around noon here, and i remember cream of rice, loved it with either maple syrup or apples and cinnamon in it. awwwww jack looks so contented there, just like my cats which by the way are all curled up by the woodstove in their basket and snoozing. they had fun this morning…raced around the tree, climbed up the tree and tried to jump out at me this morning from the tree. i think they believe that tree is for their sole amusement. well its been cold and icy here, not enough to freeze the pond just down the road from us, but by christmas we are expecting snow…a white christmas. have a wonderful party and a fun weekend Susan. merry christmas Susan and merry christmas everyone!!!!! hugs….. 🙂
I have been so lucky. I almost think Jack is afraid of the tree, he doesn’t pay it any attention at all. I was so scared he would make mincemeat of it! Merry Christmas Pat!
Have never tried cream of rice. Hmmm! I do love a nice steaming bowl of maple or apple-cinnamon oatmeal once in awhile – sometimes even for a snack in the middle of the afternoon. Yum!
I love the little dance around the teacup. Very “Susan!” 🙂
Hope it really does snow for you guys! We woke up to a beautiful coating of white over the world this morning (actually, to be quite literal, we woke up to a happy 5-yr-old throwing our bedroom door open and shouting “IT’S SNOWING!!”)
Head scratches and nose kisses to cozy baby Jack and Girl Kitty!!
So cute Wendy, that’s the way to find out it’s snowing!
Hi !!! Susan I love your post and I like your corn chowder recipe but I,m one those people with lactose intolerant and I,m looking forward for the lactose intolerant recipe
Have fun Tonight !!! Here in Chicago il it’s snowing 🙂
Lucky! We didn’t get any snow here after all, but there’s still today!
Susan, we too are going to a Christmas party, and will be singing Christmas carols. !st, a friend is bring chicken ‘n rice soup. I picked up a salad at a favorite deli. My husband and I have been busy like Santa’s elves to tidy up the house. I love to see the house straight, with the pretty Christmas decorations here and there. I loved your blog today….always do. You do a tremendous job of encouraging me! Thanks, sister!
Jane Alexander
P.S. My 41 year old daughter had her hair cut to give to “Locks of Love” today. I’m so proud of her. What a gift she has given.
You should be proud, that’s a wonderful gift!!!
Hi Susan,
I love your kitchen, but where do you bake? I couldn’t see a dedicated spot for that.
Thank you for your generous sharing and optimistic outlook.
You mean where is the stove? Or where do I roll out dough? I have a wooden kitchen table, I roll out dough there. There isn’t really anything dedicated in my kitchen, there’s not a lot of counter space, so we do it all wherever we can squeeze ourselves in. You should see when Joe and I cook at the same time! Yesterday he had the food processor going on top of the washing machine in the pantry while I made two desserts in the kitchen. My mom always said, where there’s a will there’s a way. And we’re used to it, so it’s OK.
Hi Susan
I just love cream of rice its one of my favorite things for breakfast. I have never had steet cut oats, I will have to try it, I do love oatmeal though. I like to make it with milk though not water.
Jack looks so adorable. Have fun with your party. loved the song
deezie
Thanks Deezie!
I made your corn chowder about a month ago and it was sooooo good! Enjoy your party!
Thanks Brenda! So nice to hear!
Yum! Yum! And more Yum! Cream of wheat has always been a favorite of mine, I may have to try the Cream rice!
We are having a dinner party next week. I was originally going to make pasta BUT…… this corn chowder may take its place!
Look at how cuddly and cozy cute little Jack looks!
The original recipe is in my Autumn Book, i use a little less milk, and it goes around a scoop of garlic mashed potatoes!
Oh what a wonderful post!*snow* what fun! I saw it was headed your way…so pray you get it! Ours has melted and none forecasted before Christmas! sad… Sure would love to be there tonight…that corn chowder sounds so delicious…yumm! And dessert..I know whatever you’re making I’ll be amazing! smile…
Love..love..love that cute little Jack! Have fun tonight!
Blessing,
xoxo Gert
Thanks Gert . . . it was just beautiful, all the people we love in candlelight, firelight — but no snow yet, just a tease! xoxo Thanks for writing!
Your kitchen is so pretty! And mmmm, Cream of Rice! It’s especially nice when your tummy is feeling a bit sensitive, since it’s so mild and easy to digest. I think I’ll have some for my breakfast tomorrow 🙂
Yes after 500 cookies and a chocolate pie, it can be just the right thing 🙂
Aw, look at Jack looking all cute!
I’ve spent my afternoon making cookies/candy. I NEVER make a more than one recipe of cookies at a time. My back hurts. And I haven’t made the oatmeal ones yet. Or the sugar cookies – but the dough is made.) I made macaroons, choc. peppermint chip, peppermint patties (I think I need to get a dipping fork), and ‘poop’. LOL That’s what it looks like – I covered peppermint mini marshmallows in chocolate. Very easy – just melt some chocolate and mix in mini marshmallows to coat the drop a spoonful onto a cookie sheet and pop in the freezer to firm up the chocolate. I just made them to eat but if you want to give some away, you could even attach the ‘reindeer poop’ poem.
You’ve been very busy!
Having a wonderful, cozy gathering with friends is just so appealing – loving your aromas and view of the Ho Ho Ho mug. Hoping the snow comes to complete the wonderment for you. Definitely will try the Cream of Rice and sending your and Joe Warmest wishes – Judy C in NC
Now I am wanting corn chowder – tomorrow I will be cooking me some.
xoxo — good girl, you will love it!
Your kitchen dance is wonderful! And so is Jack, who quite obviously now “believes” and has a lot of faith that he owns the house he is living in and that you are there primarily to serve him and to throw parties for him! lol. I hope you have a LOT of fun at your gathering tonight and I hope it snows for you too!
He does believe all that, and he’s right!
Okay…I have to just say this about your kitchen dance….I laughed out loud because I could just picture you with your camera and going all around your tea….it was precious! You are such a joy!
Awww, thank you Diane!
I too am a fan of Cream of Rice, on of my Mom’s breakfast choices for us. By-the-way, I am in love with Jack, or as I like to refer to him, Jacques. He is soooo adorable. I love that face. Such a sweetie. I hope all is well and goes well tonight. Oh and thank you for the receipe.
Was looking at him this morning and the name Prince Rupert came to mind! That mustache! He is the best thing in the world. Makes me laugh all the time!
A handsome kitty with a most distinquished mustache. So sweet.
He’s a little doll!
So, this is what snorting oatmeal dust and fumes does to you??? 🙂 I can see the 8 yr. old near hysteria is trying to pop out of you. Does Joe have to tie you down to a porch rail or something for the actual week of Christmas? I do love your sheer love for life…you life, other’s lives, our lives. I always feel so included and blessed. Thank you. I pray that at some point this week, hopefully on Christmas Eve, you are able to slip out at night and find that brightest star in the crisp, winter night, hear the angel choirs and know that source of all the Love that just fizzes out of you! Have a truly Blessed Christmas. Love, Stacey
That’s IT! I was out this morning, it’s still dark, to look for snow, and instead I found a sky full of stars and 28 degrees. Said my morning prayers (just two words “thank you”) and came in to watch Baby Boom . It’s a yum-yummy world in the winter . . . 🙂 Have a wonderful day Stacey!
I have never tried Cream of Rice…but love Oatmeal and Cream of Wheat. My new favorite is Bob’s Red Mill Hot Cereal-also known as wheat farina. It seems to be a finer grain than regular cream of wheat, and it cooks up really fast. I usually add sugar and a pat of butter to make it oh-so-yummy. That’s what I had for breakfast this morning.
Enjoy your party!
Sounds delicious.
Jack looks like a positively content King of the Castle; he’s so darned cute. Enjoy your party and your snow. It looked and felt like snow here near Foxboro, but you will be the ones to get it this time around. Merry Christmas Susan and Joe, Jack and Girl Kitty and thank you for being so accessible to all your fans. I love reading your blog and commenting.
I love you commenting! No snow yet this morning, I just peeked outside and saw a star! Still dark, but the weather report says maybe today.
Susan, We had Cream of Wheat this morning, seems like great minds think alike ;). Delish. I love hot cereals, talk about comfort food in the morning. Doesn’t that mean you can have comfort food all day??? Love being your “dance partner” this morning, so fun and we didn’t even step on each other’s toes!!! Hope your party was a delight, sure it was. Merry, merry to you. Hugs, Jeanette
Thank you Jeanette . . . and btw . . . there are two cereals, there’s cream of wheat, but there’s also cream of rice . . . just fyi — it’s the rice one I was talking about, in case you haven’t tried it.
I haven’t yet, but will definitely get some. My Mom used to make Farina, that’s a blast from the past, wonder how many people recollect that?!? I’m sure I’ll like cream of rice, though. I need to make some granola first. What a texture treat for the palate! And, will add to cream of wheat too. Happy Sunday to yoooouuuuuu!!! Did it snow??? Stick??? Inquiring minds are wondering…
No, it didn’t snow! But they are saying maybe today, it’s cold, and the sky is flat grey, it looks like snow. fingers crossed. So cozy here this morning. Jack asleep next to me, old movie on TV!
Thanks for the Saturday on the Vineyard! Never had cream of rice, have to try it. Jack looks so cozy! Have a happy happy day!
xoxoxo
I’ve never heard of Cream of Rice, but I DO love Cream of Wheat! With a little butter and sugar, and when the butter is all melted I pour on just enough milk so that it gathers all along the edge of the bowl. Yummy! I LOVE the cute photo of Jack! Doesn’t he look handsome with his paws folded!!
I always want to pet the tops! I’m looking at him right now, across from me, on his blanket.
I always think of myself as a morning person, but dancing before breakfast?!?……you, sweet Susan, are a Morning person with a capital M! Does Joe have any inkling of the shinanigans that go on while he’s still snoozing?
Sure hope the snow arrived for your party. I’ve ordered some, too, but no delivery……must be on back order.
Thanks for the inspiration from Gladys to continue to believe in the best of human kind…and by believing we see the best and do the best and so the world is a better place. I believe that a full, happy heart spreads goodness. You certainly help fill my heart with happiness. Thank you.
As always, DonnaRay
No snow!!! I just peeked outside and saw a star — it’s 28 degrees. Everything perfect except no precipitation!
Love your kitchen. Love a good, hot breakfast. Love your sharing…
xo!
Loved your little dancy-dance around the kitchen to Marshmallow World….you’re so cute! Am having a fun weekend talking Susan Branch “love” with my sister-in-law who is visiting for the weekend and ALSO loves you! In fact, she gave me some SB Christmas gift tags which are oh-so-cute! And I, in turn, “sacrificed” to her one of my precious copies of “Christmas Joy!” Hope you’ve had a wonderful party with that scrumptious Corn Chowder….must-make-soon! xoxo…kp
Say hi to the sis! xoxo
She’s thrilled you said hi! See….it’s all joy you bring to our lives!! Love you! xoxo…kp
Love it that you two can be together!
I am ALWAYS dancing around my kitchen…. another kindred spirit who enjoys life. Now, pass those marshmallows.
LOL
:-)!
Wow – cream of rice makes you dance – how cool is that! We eat oatmeal every morning (thick cut), but now I’m going to have to see about the dancing hot cereal.
Thought of you tonight because PBS had an Andy Williams special on, a ‘best of Andy Williams’ Christmas shows’ with lots of his brothers and the Osmond brothers. We used to watch that show when we were kids, and I’m guessing you might have, too. So wonderful to see those shows again!
They are heartwarming!
How about some grits with butter for breakfast too? Good & warm & creamy? Have fun at your party. We are still working the Christmas light display in our town’s park each night. Tonight was Santa’s last night to be there beside the roaring fireplace, with Mrs. Claus of course, and 39 very cold kids came to sit on his lap and whisper their dreams in his ear. Light dusting of snow but very cold. The dark pond wasn’t frozen but reflected all the light displays with crisp clarity in the cold weather onto the glass like surface. There was a fire in a burn barrel for the volunteers to warm up their hands only when they got a break so it wasn’t too bad. After the lights were turned off, (music too) and barriers in place, the fire beside Santa’s chair was burning into a small pile of embers in the fireplace and all the volunteers hurried back into their cold cars in the empty parking lot, we got to lock up and leave. In 15 minutes flat we were heading to the local pub to toast Santa’s last night for 2011. We could sure have used a steaming bowl of corn chowder tonight! Maybe for tomorrow or Tuesday nights? Guess I’d better thaw out some frozen butter’n sugar and see it there’s any bacon left in the fridge. Nighters, Jack!
Sounds like a perfect way to enjoy the Christmas season!
Hi Susan…I grew up loving Malt O Meal. It was my hot breakfast of choice. It has been so long, I forgot how my mother made it for me. Might have to try it again. Also another thing that is yummy is to use apple juice instead of water when cooking your oatmeal, then topping it with a handful of toasted pecans and pumpkin pie spice. Heaven for breakfast! By the way, Jack has THE most adorable face. He could charm his way out of anything…too sweet! Cheers!
There were trips upstairs last night, during our Christmas party, for Jack viewings! Too much excitement for him to be downstairs, but he was a popular attraction!
Wow, another blast from the past. I had never even heard of Cream of Rice when I was younger, but I was given it to eat while in the hospital after I delivered my first child back in 1966. I looked at it and couldn’t imagine what it was. Being very hungry I couldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth so I decided to try it. I thought it was DELICIOUS! I started telling all my friends about this “new” breakfast cereal they had at the hospital. I was shocked that I was the only one who had never heard of it. I still love it now. However, hubby is the hot cereal cook around our house. He makes the best oatmeal I have ever tasted. So we eat a lot more of the oatmeal now.
If someone else is doing the cooking, we just say thank you! I love it when Joe cooks.
I sometimes have either Cream of Wheat or Malt-o-Meal instead of my usual oatmeal or oat bran for a nice change. Brings back happy childhood memories 🙂
I’ve made your corn chowder many times and we love it. Hmmm….methinks it’s time to make it again…
Nice to hear Melissa, have a wonderful day!
Hope you had a great time with your party guests! I spent the day baking cookies. A few of my friends and I make big batches of our favorites and then we swap them. It provides a good variety without having to do all the baking ourselves.
Loved reading about Cream of Rice. I think I have a Cream of Rice phobia. It was the first thing I made by myself as a child. Wanted to treat my parents to breakfast in bed one morning, so I got up early and filled a pot with water (never read the directions). The water boiled and I added the cereal. It looked too thin to me…not at all like my mom’s, so I kept adding, and adding, and adding more to the pot. By the time I took it to my parents, it was about the consistency of cement! I was so proud, but they could barely remove the spoons, and I remember my mom soaked that pot for days. Not only did the cereal look like cement, it also dried like cement! That was the first, and LAST time I ever made the stuff! Guess I never got over that “wonderful” memory! Yours looks yummy, so I might give it another try. It’s been more than 40 years since I mixed that batch of cement. Perhaps my ability to follow directions has improved by now! LOL!!!
As always, your posts bring back so many memories! Have a wonderful Sunday!
~xoxo~
By the time you said “cement” I was thinking “like a rock” :-)! You were very sweet to try and make your parents breakfast in bed!!! Happy Sunday Pamela Jo!
please… what did I say wrong? My comment is still awaiting moderation and I wrote it yesterday… many other have appeared since!
🙁
Oh, I’m getting there, I had a party last night, was cooking all day, and didn’t get to read comments — this morning I woke up to 263 comments . . . so I have to read them all and it takes a bit of time . . . you’ll see it soon!
oh!
I know that dealing with only 10-20 comments is hard enough!
But many many, appeared after mine, even minutes after… that’s the reason I really wondered!
so I suppose it got forgotten on the way!
🙂 As long as you didn’t decide not to put it up because of it’s content…!!! 🙂
Here we have sun and we finished our lunch!
I know, they don’t seem to come to me in order! I do not feel like the all powerful Oz behind this curtain, because this blog has a mind of its own! 🙂 Have a great day!
there are so many wonderful writers on this blog! It’s a pleasure to read along! Thanks!
Good week!
This post made me smile! I hope you had a wonderful party and have a happy Sunday!
Mary
We did thank you, and our first flakes of snow have just started falling!
Cream of Rice??? Haven’t tried it, but our family fav is Cream of Wheat. Cooking it longer than you need to, insures a creamier taste. Topped with cinnamon and honey…hmmm…and your belly thanks you all day. I also do the same with Wheatena. My family arrives on the 23rd. My niece, Meredith, has already put in her request. She’s a fab cook and baker, but she says, I only make Cream of Wheat the way she loves it and remembers it as a little girl. Oh, by the way, just to make sure it turns out perfectly, blow a morning kiss on it just before serving.
Susan, sure was a fun yummy party! Didn’t you know? I was with you in spirit.
Hugs!
Marie
I did know Marie! xoxo