Wow.  I just checked my last post and it was almost two weeks ago!  You’d think that while I was on vacation I would have more time to do this kind of stuff.  But I was so busy!  I had to go back to work to get some rest.  LOL

Christmas was wonderful.  Everyone was very pleased with their gifts, dinner was nice if not elaborate, and the day was very enjoyable. 

My husband gave me a Bissell SpotBot carpet spot cleaner.  It’s awesome.  It cleans the carpet spot all by itself.    You just put the water and cleaner solution in it and put the machine over the spot.  Then you turn it on and it cleans the stain automatically.  Nice!  He also bought me some clothes and a spa package with a massage, manicure, and pedicure.  I can’t wait to take advantage of that. 

I gave him a new leaf blower and a drill among other things.  My son got his long awaited XBox 360.  He also got Guitar Hero II for the Playstation.  He loves that.  It’s a pretty cool game.  My daughter got some shoes and a sweater and Visa gift card so she could buy more clothes. 

The most important thing was that we were all together and healthy.  It seems like only last year when the kids were going to bed early because Santa Claus was coming.  I can’t believe how much they’ve grown.

Nita

Today is Friday and the last day I have to work until after Christmas!  Yay!  I’m on vacation all next week.  It’s a good thing, though.  I need it.  After being sick last week, I’m so far behind on Christmas stuff and even regular everyday chores, I would never get caught up if I didn’t have some time off. 

The fudge was a big hit yesterday.  Everybody loved it.  But with that recipe, I really couldn’t go wrong. 

I’m starting my list of everything I need to do while I’m off next week.  It’s pretty long already.  I haven’t sent out the Christmas cards yet.  Then there’s cookies and Chex Mix.  I haven’t wrapped a single gift yet…

Like I said.  It’s a good thing I’m off next week!

Nita 

It’s that time of year again when we do our holiday baking and candy making.  Every year I make fudge to bring to work for all my credit union members.  That means enough fudge for 300+ people. 

But it’s not really that difficult.  I found the easiest recipe and it turns out perfect every time!  Check it out:

Festive Fudge

3 cups (18 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips
(or milk-chocolate chips)

1 (14-ounce) can EAGLE BRAND®
Sweetened Condensed Milk (NOT evaporated milk)

Dash salt

1/2 to 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

In heavy saucepan, over low heat, melt chocolate chips with EAGLE BRAND® and salt. Remove from heat; stir in nuts (optional) and vanilla. Spread evenly into wax paper lined 8- or 9-inch square pan.

Chill 2 hours or until firm. Turn fudge onto cutting board, peel off paper and cut into squares. Store leftovers covered in refrigerator.

I always make some with nuts and some without.  And I make peanut butter fudge by substituting peanut butter chips for the chocolate chips. 

For another twist you can add miniature marshmallows: 

Proceed as above but omit nuts and add 2 tablespoons butter to mixture; fold in 2 cups miniature marshmallows.

Now if only I could figure out a way to make ALL of the holiday baking and chores this easy!

Nita 

Well, almost.  The past week and a half has been pretty rough.  I caught some kind of bug.  I thought at first it was just a bad cold.  After 5 days of suffering, I finally decided it was time to see the doctor. 

Apparently, there’s a really tough virus going around that has many of the same symptoms of the flu and sets up in the lungs.  I had bronchitis from it.  I’m still not over it.  The doctor said it was taking most patients at least two weeks to get over it.    But I am feeling a little better– at least enough to get back to work.  Of course, after work I go home and lie down.  This virus is an energy leech.  I’m totally drained. 

Fortunately, I’m otherwise fairly healthy.  My doctor said that people who have asthma or other breathing problems are usually getting pneumonia from it.  She fussed at me for waiting so long to come in.  I thought it was just a really bad chest cold. 

But hopefully I’ll be back to normal for the holidays.  I’m grateful for that and the fact that the rest of family didn’t get it. 

Nita