Last night as I laid in bed trying to fall asleep {on the 8 inches of mattress that Lucy allows me} I began to think about all the things on my to-do this for this weekend. It’s a long one, but luckily none of them involve going outside. Which is a good thing because when I woke up this morning, it was SEVEN degrees outside. 😉
I think the last time I left the house was on Tuesday.
To buy bakery treats. And it was quite the adventure let me tell you. Getting dressed these days can be rather time consuming. But thank goodness for long puffy coats, even if my husband thinks they look ridiculous. I don’t know about you, but I’m in the camp that believes anything that keeps you warm, is not ridiculous. I mean really, who cares if you look like the Stay Puft marshmallow man. Warm is warm in my book.
Speaking of warm, look how warm and cozy longtime One Hundred Dollars a Month reader Sandi and her girlfriends look. Sandi sent me an email yesterday to tell me that for over 30 years she and her girlfriends have been getting together for their birthdays and Christmas.
So when I posted about the afternoon Mrs. HB and I went to at The Olive Branch Tea Shop in Tacoma, Washington, back in November, that’s where they decided to go for their Christmas get together. They had a blast and Terry the owner, pictured above even stopped by to visit with them at their table.
How sweet was that? Sandi said they loved the ambiance, food, service, piano player, everything and that they plan to go back in the Spring for another birthday celebration.
Christmas, it’s next week! Are you ready? I plan on spending the weekend baking cookies and trying to talk my husband out of NOT cooking our Christmas day meal in his smoker. How about YOU? Do you have anything special planned for this weekend? Any parties to attend? Do tell.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone, stay warm.
~Mavis {and Sandi and her peeps too!}
Deborah says
My plan this week-end is to clean for Christmas, and take some items to a place that helps needy people. I do have a few gifts to make also. Last minute, I know.
Kathy says
Since I have to work most days next week, am Christmas dinner cooking this weekend so that things only have to be warmed up. Also making Christmas bread from scratch by hand. No bread machine for me! Maybe last minute cookie baking, if I’m not too tired. Merry Christmas from my family to yours!
Cathy says
Lunch with Girlfriends is the best , lovely picture
Sandi Fleury says
Thanks!! We had so much fun!! It was absolutely delightful!! I highly recommend!!
Linda says
Wishing you a wonderful Christmas Mavis.
Carolina Cooper says
Saturday is a full day for me. First off, book club at 10:30 am. This past month we read MODUC, the story of the greatest elephant who ever lived. I think you would like this uplifting true story, Mavis. Then it is off to the Wentworth Greenhouse Winter Farmer’s Market. I know you have been there, done that. Last but not least, attending a large party—food and fun first, then singing carols practice around a piano. And finally, the party of 40 or so people will be going out caroling around the hosts’ neighborhood at dusk. Then home to bake for coffee hour at church on Sunday, Whew! Sunday—doing as little as possible!!!
Mel says
I’m hoping to finally decorate for Christmas and do the cleaning that goes along with that. My broken finger has really set me back, but better late than never.
Jenny says
Still need to do shopping, Saturday will be all day wrestling for my boys, Sunday is family Christmas. Not enough days until Christmas!!
Mel says
Agreed. Thanksgiving came so late this year that it feels like a mad dash to Christmas.
Mable says
Another day of 37 below here. Luckily, there is no wind—I have lived through a wind chill of minus 85 and at those temperatures there is no staying warm even in the house. It has been the perfect time for Christmas cooking—great smells and warms the house! Merry Christmas to you, Mavis.
Diane says
Wow, Mable! Where do you live?
E in Upstate NY says
The spending Christmas with Maine son and wife schedule was changed, so not leaving until Monday. Sked change allowed me to join my Knitting Group buds for their annual Christmas sock and cookie exchange. What fun, but Wednesday is always my long day, and I’m still recovering today, Friday.
Am severely anemic and run out of energy quickly with a slow recovery time. Still learning to manage my “new normal.” Been sitting on the couch with lab robe over my legs with other son’s dog snuggled in.
Sunday son will pack my car for me for the Monday drive. Weather so far looks ok for the 7+hr trip.
Mavis Butterfield says
A sock and cookie exchange sounds like my kind of party!! 🙂
Frances Lengenfelder says
Happy Holidays to you and yours, Mavis from rainy Renton Washington, near rainy Gig Harbor Washington!
Lori SA says
Ha ha, I love the winter outfit. I’d rather be warm than fashionable too. When I lived on the Canadian prairie and walked to work, I used to wear a snowmobile suit (all in one) that had a furry hood that made into a tunnel over my face. I loved walking in any weather in this get-up because I felt like I was in my own cozy world.
Ellen in Clackamas says
My #2daughter and her family are coming tonight for the weekend. I’ve done a bit of baking but was missing an ingredient for my last batch so had to wait to do when they are here. . We are going to a musical Solstice program tomorrow then brunch for her birthday on Sunday. Now my car is in the emergency garage because the passenger window motor went out ..with my window down. Ugh
Sandi Fleury says
Thanks for recommending the Olive Branch Cafe and Tea House!! We had so much fun!! It was absolutely delightful and a lovely experience!! We will definitely be returning!! Thanks for sharing my pics!! Blessings, Mavis!!
Brianna says
We celebrated Christmas on the 13th. So I’m done with baking for the season, Christmas dinner, and anything Christmas. It is nice to celebrate early and just be ‘done’ with the holiday, I don’t get caught up in the last minute rush or stress. The hubby has a job where he frequently misses holidays and celebrations, so we just choose which are important and celebrate them when we choose. I will keep the tree up until Christmas day unless I get tired of cleaning up needles. The kids and I are reading Christmas books, we will hit a museum this weekend and maybe a movie and just do stuff where I don’t have to mingle with the Christmas crowd.
Linda Practical Parsimony says
I am planning to bake cookies or banana nut brad, pumpkin or other bread. The turkey is done. Another turkey will go in the oven the day after Christmas. I only need to bake sweet potatoes and make some Stovetop. Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and being old are wearing on me. But, I love all of Christmas.