Metcalf Family Mews

It’s hard to believe this is the last day of the month, and the days are only going to fly by even more in the next month. Looking back over the month of November, what’s one thing you accomplished to make the next month less stressful, less crazy, more fun?

As we struggle with shopping lists and invitations, compounded by December’s bad weather, it is good to be reminded that there are people in our lives who are worth this aggravation, and people to whom we are worth the same. ~ Donald E. Westlake

Today is the 1st day of Advent – do you have a calendar (or two or three)? Do you have a different one each year, or do you use the same one for every Advent season? Tell us!

I used to make the traditional Advent wreath in years past, but have since given it up. Germantown Church still has their traditional Advent wreath lighting at the beginning of each service, along with their Carol’s and Candles ceremony, in which they decorate the church for the upcoming holiday season… Its a sight to behold. I hope everyone can make it this year.

Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts. ~ Janice Maeditere

Wow! The Thanksgiving holiday has come and gone, but the concept of giving thanks should stay with us all year long. What is one thing about this past Thanksgiving, or even the past year, that you’re thankful for? Given the circumstances of life, I’m thankful for my health and the dedication of my family. For this past month, I’m thankful for the chance to spend time with family and friends. What about you?

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FUN FACT: The song “Jingle Bells” was first written for Thanksgiving, but later became one of the most popular Christmas songs.

Title: Holiday Tips
Description:
(1) Candles–Stop candles from dripping by soaking them in a very salty solution for a few hours. Dry them thoroughly, then light your drip-free candles.
(2) Candles–To keep dripping wax from running all over your candlesticks, refrigerate or freeze candles for several hours before lighting them, they will also burn longer.
(3) Miniature Village–To create a winter landscape for your miniature village, buy quilt batting. Cut it to fit your display area, then arrange your village on this fresh layer of “snow”.
You can also add a small mirror in the snow to create a pond.
(4) Make your own Christmas tree snow–
    2/3 cup liquid starch
    2 cups soap flakes
    2 to 4 tablespoons water
    blue food coloring
Mix together the liquid starch & soap flakes in a bowl. Add the water & beat with a rotary egg beater until mixture becomes thick & stiff. Add the food coloring a drop at a time, while beating, until the snow becomes an icy-white color. Paint this on your Christmas tree branches. For a sparkling touch, sprinkle some glitter on the “snow” while it’s still wet.
(5) Bows–If you buy or recycle bows that are a little squashed, A hand-held hair dryer set on high heat can perk them up and make them useable again.
(6) Wrapping Paper–Tired of trying to keep wrapping paper stored neatly. Are the ends always unrolling? Take an empty wrapping paper tube & slit it lengthwise. Slide it on top of a new roll, leaving the edge of paper hanging slightly through the slit. Not only will your paper stay neatly rolled, it will make wrapping your next gift a snap.
(7) Pies–Make your pies shine. Beat an egg white & brush it over the crust before baking, & your pie will shine like a star.
(8) Eggs–If your eggs crack during boiling, add a splash of vinegar to the water to seal the crack & save the egg. To prevent them from cracking add a couple of tablespoons of vinegar to your water before you boil, will also make the eggs peel more easily.
(9) Sugar–Has your bag of brown sugar turned into an unusable mound of rock candy?Place a slice of apple in the bag & reseal it. In no time,your sugar will be soft.

The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree:  the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.  ~ Burton Hillis

Have a Happy Thanksgiving

God is still the reason to be thankful!

There’s a miracle of friendship that
dwells within the heart,
And you don’t know how it happens
or where it gets its start.
But the happiness it brings you
always gives a special lift
Any you realize that friendship
Is Gods most perfect gift.” -Anon

INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cup fresh puréed pumpkin
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
2 Tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

DIRECTIONS
Combine all of the above ingredients in a crockpot on low setting. Stir every hour or so. Let it cook overnight, until thick. Put in Mason canning jelly-glasses/jars and process in a Bain-marie (hot water bath).

Use as you would apple butter.

Recipe can be frozen.

Yield: abt 2 cups

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Happy Thanksgiving Eve

I received some wonderful comments on the blog today.  I would like to personally thank each one of you for your continued support.  It’s so nice to get well wishes from friends and family at the Holidays, well any day really.

What I took away from it was… Journal. “Remember to ask lots of questions, listen to those around you and take lots of notes. Pictures are worth more than a thousand words, but only if you know who’s in them. Make each moment special. Write it down. Keep it safe.” ~ me!

Enjoy your Family and friends, be sure to record every minute of it, because our memories may fade over time, but shared documents are there to remind us.

Happy Thanksgiving everybody!

Sincerely,
Sheila Jean Adkins Metcalf and Family