It Finally Feels Like Christmas

This morning I wanted to write a different post. The kind of post I share on Shell’s Pour Your Heart Out weekly sharing at Things I Can’t Say. That’s the kind of mood I was in.

Instead, I swallowed it. I got my Big Girl Panties on and mud kickin’ boots and boy howdy, did my outlook change!

As you’ve no doubt noticed, I’ve been on a writing vacation of sorts for a few days, and I intend to carry it on through the New Year. In the past four days, I’ve had a very productive business meeting (more on that in a few days!) with someone who I expect will become a very good friend and writing inspiration to me and Megan. I reconnected with the Second Family at the Bible Study’s potluck Christmas Party. Those are the moments I love… when the rest of the group leaves and Dot and I linger for another several hours. It’s been so long since I’ve had any time with them… it was the best Christmas gift they could have given us: the gift of their attentions.

As previously hinted, I restructured my Kickstarter campaign. I remade the video, and for only my second video-making foray, I’m rather proud of the results. I’m now offering better Backer Rewards. And I extended the end-date to February 1. It may seem lengthy, but with two weeks of holidays thrown at us just now, it will pass rather quickly.

I spent part of this afternoon wrapping the few presents for Mutti and Dot, and as we all ate lunch together, the winds ushered in dark clouds and the hint of precipitation. Even if it doesn’t rain, the winter gray makes it a better weekend. The wind is blowing through the fireplace and under the door… it feels quite like Little Women around here!

We’re cozied up with our tree lit, the wonderful scent of Yankee Candle’s Mountain Lodge burning on the hearth, and a stack of Christmas movies to be watched.

After a long, hard month… I’m taking time to relax and enjoy this moment.

And it finally feels like Christmas.

Be blessed, this week and always.

And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!

Sweeten my tea and share:

Recipe: Hobo Dinner

by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy

Who doesn’t love a good meat-and-potatoes dish? Here’s a great recipe my mom handed down. Quick, easy, delicious… and smells so good when cooking!

INGREDIENTS:

1 lb. ground beef, make into four patties
1 medium onion, sliced
2 or 3 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered/sliced thick
1 can Cream of Mushroom soup

In the center of a large square of heavy duty cooking foil, place hamburger patty. Top with onion slice, potato, and approx. 1/4 can of soup. Salt and pepper each layer to taste. Wrap tightly.

Repeat for patties 2 – 4.

Place on cookie sheet or in cake pan. Bake at 350 for 1 hour. Remove from oven. Be careful upon opening as packets will be very hot and steamy.

Sweeten my tea and share: